Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions. We're being brought to you today by Bowser Brewing Company's Winifred Red Raider Ale, in preparation for this week's opponent.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold & Blue Now: Friday, Oct. 10 - WV MetroNews
David Frost of Athlon Sports breaks down the Big 12 basketball preseason poll in which the Mountaineers were picked sixth. We also hear from from Aaron Dickens with RedRaiderSports.com as he previews Saturday’s football game in Lubbock.
Luck: A Changing Landscape - WVU Athletics
Sixteen, 18, 65, 5, 40, 27, 75. No, this is neither a complicated play call for Clint Trickett nor is it some arcane mathematical formula from the Middle Ages, but these numbers do have some real significance in the world of college athletics and let me explain why.
No. 14 Women's Soccer Ready for No. 15 Texas Tech - WVU Athletics
Friday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m., at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.
Mountaineers set for Texas Tech at home tonight - Daily Athenaeum
In 2013, the only conference game the West Virginia women’s soccer team lost was against Texas Tech. Even though the Mountaineers went on to claim the Big 12 title, the Red Raiders blemished their perfect conference record.
MAC play begins for West Virginia Saturday at home - Daily Athenaeum
It’s time to separate the men from the boys: MAC play opens tomorrow for West Virginia.
Mountaineers continue home play Saturday against TCU - Daily Athenaeum
The West Virginia University volleyball team will continue home play in a match against the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs this weekend.
WVU Picked Sixth in Big 12 Preseason Poll - WVU Athletics
The poll was conducted by the league's head coaches
Women’s Basketball Completes First Practice - WVU Athletics
Head women's basketball coach Mike Carey spoke to the media Thursday.
Carey seeks toughness as practice starts - Exponent Telegram
"Ratings at this time of year are based on last year," Carey said.
Bria Holmes - Preseason Interview - WVU Athletics
Junior guard Bria Holmes spoke Thursday about her anticipation for the start of the 2014-15 season.
News of Note:
Mountaineer Insider Podcast - WVU Athletics
This week's inside look at West Virginia University sports, featuring offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and Chris Level from the Texas Tech Radio Network previewing Saturday's game against the Red Raiders in Lubbock.
Countdown to Kickoff - WVU Athletics
WVU plays at Texas Tech at noon ET at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Better-equipped West Virginia heads to Texas Tech - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
West Virginia hoping to avoid a repeat of its last trip to Lubbock, Texas.
Trickett, Mountaineers prepared for the wind at Texas Tech - Charleston Daily Mail
"You play with it," Trickett said. "You’ve got to know when it’s with you and when it’s against you, but you’re still playing ball."
Wind will not be a factor come Saturday - Daily Athenaeum
Contrary to popular belief, West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen said the wind didn’t affect the outcome of the Mountaineers’ 49-14 loss to Texas Tech in Lubbock two years ago.
Game Preview: Texas Tech - WVSports.com
West Virginia (3-2, 1-1) will hit the road to face an opponent in Texas Tech (2-3, 0-2) that has plenty of ties to head coach Dana Holgorsen.
Five Questions: Texas Tech - BGN
Texas Tech insider Jarret Johnson of RaiderPower.com, has the best coverage of the Red Raiders on the planet. He joins us to answer five questions about this year's team and West Virginia's visit to Lubbock on Saturday.
Some Fireworks, But WVU Offense Wants More - EerSports
"I feel that it’s probably one of my worst games I’ve played, I mean like I said, ‘we just come to work this week, and work on the things I need to work on,’ " Alford said.
Offensive line looks fine despite much turnover from 2013 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"The less we're noticed, most of the time, the better it is," offensive line coach Ron Crook said Tuesday.
O-Line Philosophy, Consistency Improves WVU Run Game - WVillustrated
Offensive line coach Ron Crook came to Morgantown to help Dana Holgorsen's offense evolve. The changes are really taking effect in his second year with West Virginia.
Holgorsen believes in running more than you think - Exponent Telegram
"When I went to Houston, me and Sumlin got together and wanted to run the ball more with more up-tempo. Keep in mind, Kevin was at Oklahoma and had just gotten throttled by West Virginia. That was a lot of up-tempo run game, which is what (former WVU coach) Rich (Rodriguez) did with some movement.
WVU still looking for breakout performance in running game - Register Herald: College Sports
West Virginia wants to run the football this season. Head coach Dana Holgorsen has mentioned that almost as many times this year as he’s referred to "all three sides of the ball."
WVU tailback trying to come out of his Shell - Exponent Telegram
Mountaineers' leading rusher hopeful to produce more big plays
Campus Connection: A Shell Game - WVU Athletics
Shell emerging as WVU's top runner.
Big 12 players in Week 7 spotlight - ESPN
West Virginia CB Daryl Worley
WVU's White something to talk about - Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Tops in the nation with 153 receiving yards per game, the fifth-year senior has surprised and amused teammates as a lively trash-talker during games, a marked contrast to his typically mellow persona.
Davis Webb’s interceptions, Kingsbury’s searching signify Texas Tech’s struggles - WV MetroNews
Sophomore quarterback and sophomore coach try to prevent Red Raiders from freefall.
Vingle’s matchups - Charleston Gazette
WVU won’t get tangled in this Webb again.
Texas Tech’s Kingsbury fits Holgorsen’s mold - Charleston Gazette
Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury is the son of a coach, just like West Virginia QB Clint Trickett.
Secrets Are Few Among Coaches - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register
Holgorsen to face ex-protege Saturday
Holgorsen, Kingsbury bring offensive firepower, history into matchup - Daily Athenaeum
Holgorsen said there are similarities between Trickett and Kingsbury, and not all of them have to do with on-field performance.
Hickman: Kingsbury well aware of WVU’s weapons - Charleston Gazette
Kliff Kingsbury is well aware of what the problems are with his Texas Tech football team these days, whether it be a leaky defense, a penchant for committing penalties or offensive inconsistency.
Stretch of road games key for WVU’s season - Bluefield Daily Telegraph
West Virginia enters a difficult stretch with three of its next five games on the road, and it starts against a slumping Texas Tech team that the Mountaineers have yet to figure out.
WVU trying to climb Big 12 conference ladder - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Last trip to Lubbock culminated in a 49-14 loss; fall in rankings
Recruiting:
Highlights: Esa Ahmad - Scout
West Virginia landed a versatile forward in Esa Ahmad. Here are highlights of Ahmad at the NBPA Top 100 Camp.
Pro News:
Wk 6 Can't-Miss Play: Mr. McPerfect recovers his own kick - NFL Videos (autoplay)
Indianapolis Colts kicker Pat McAfee recovers his own onside kick in the first quarter of "Thursday Night Football" against the Houston Texans.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Big 12 Week 7 Preview and Predictions - AthlonSports.com
Baylor vs. TCU Advanced Stats Preview - Our Daily Bears
2014 Game VI: Iowa State vs Toledo Preview - Wide Right & Natty Lite
Oklahoma State Preview - Rock Chalk Talk
Kansas State Defense Continues to Improve - Salina Post
OU vs. UT | What To Expect From The Sooners' Offense - Crimson And Cream Machine
Notebook: Cowboys keep things simple on offense - Oklahoman (autoplay)
One More Time: Why This Game is Special - Barking Carnival
TCU vs. Baylor and 3 big questions that could ultimately decide the Big 12 - SBNation.com
Air Raid Playbook: Fake WR Screen - Viva The Matadors
College GameDay Kickoff: Week 7 - ESPN
What's On Tap:
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders - ESPN
Noon Saturday from Jones AT&T Stadium on FOX Sports 1. Mountaineers are giving 5.5.
Texas Longhorns vs. (11) Oklahoma Sooners - Preview - ESPN
Noon Saturday from the Cotton Bowl on ABC/ESPN3. Land Thieves are giving 14.5.
Toledo Rockets vs. Iowa State Cyclones - ESPN
3:30 pm Saturday from the Jack on Cyclones TV. Clones are giving 3.
(9) TCU Horned Frogs vs. (5) Baylor Bears - Preview - ESPN
3:30 pm from McLane on ABC/ESPN2. Bears are giving 8.
(16) Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Kansas Jayhawks - Preview - ESPN
4 pm Saturday from Memorial Stadium on FOX Sports 1. Pokes are giving 20.5.
Week 7 College Football TV Schedule - The Smoking Musket
Here's how to watch all of the college football in week 7.
Video of Interest:
The WVU Rifle Team starts the defense of their 16th National Championship this weekend as TCU visits the range. We feature Amanda Hill from the women's soccer team and Julie Ogden from the swim team.
Tailgate Recipe of the Week:
Tyler's Texas Chili
Ingredients
3 dried ancho peppers, stemmed and seeded
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons sweet paprika
2 tablespoons whole coriander
1 tablespoon cumin seed
1 tablespoon chili powder
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 onions, chopped
3 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 cloves garlic, chopped
1 canned chipotle chile, chopped
1/2 jalapeno pepper, chopped
2 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes, hand crushed
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons masa harina
Grated queso fresco, for garnish
Cilantro leaves, for garnish
Lime wedges, for garnishDirections
In a small dry skillet over low heat add the ancho peppers, oregano, paprika, coriander, cumin, and chili powder. Cook until they begin to smell, about 2 minutes. Put the spices into a spice mill or food processor and grind until they are powdered. Set aside.
Heat a large heavy bottomed casserole over medium heat; add 3 tablespoons olive oil and the onions. Cook until the onions are soft and beginning to caramelize, about 10 minutes. Pat the beef dry and season it with salt and pepper. Add it to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until it has browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of the toasted spice mix, the garlic, chipotle, jalapeno, tomatoes, cinnamon stick, and sugar. Season with salt and stir well. Add some hot water until the meat is just covered with liquid. Return to the boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1 1/2 hours. Remove the meat and shred it with a fork. Return it to the pot, stir in the masa harina, and cook for another 10 minutes, uncovered, to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with the queso fresco, cilantro, and lime for garnish.
Reprinted from FoodNetwork.com
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is one of THE Brazilian bombshells and best known for her work as a VS Angel. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Adriana Lima.