Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's nationally recognized best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions. We're being brought to you today by Uinta Brewing Co.'s Yard Sale Winter Lager.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Tuesday, Feb. 18 - WV MetroNews
New WVU assistant football coach Damon Cogdell is featured in this edition of Gold and Blue Now plus Bob Huggins talks about being on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament.
10-second snap rule isn't about player safety - Charleston Gazette
It addresses a problem that doesn't exist in order to serve another agenda.
WVU’s Fields finds success on and off the court - Daily Athenaeum
For West Virginia women’s basketball forward Averee Fields, basketball is in her genes.
WVU Great Analyzing Women's Games - WVU Athletics
Former great Meg Bulger analyzing WVU games.
McBeam Named Athlete of the Week - WVU Athletics
Varsity Sports Report
Hammond restores winning tradition - Daily Athenaeum
Many people recognize WVU rifle for its championship pedigree, which is fair, considering WVU rifle leads the nation with 15 national championships under its belt and has produced 30 Olympians throughout the years.
WVU baseball finds early adversity - Daily Athenaeum
"The first time we were on the field this spring was (against Louisville)," said WVU head coach Randy Mazey. "Because of that, we’re learning as we go these first 10 games."
Men’s Soccer to Hold Tryouts - WVU Athletics
Friday, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m., at the Caperton Indoor Practice Facility
News of Note:
Bob Huggins Big 12 Teleconference - WVU Athletics (autoplay)
Huggs takes questions on his weekly teleconference.
Week off allows West Virginia to regroup after loss at Texas - Charleston Daily Mail
"I'm mad we lost," WVU guard Eron Harris said. "I really am mad we lost, but I know what issues we have to take care of and I know we have time to take care of those issues. All I want us to think of is going game by game, not this game.
A Break from the Routine - BGN
Over the course of a college basketball season, teams tend to get into a routine.
Huggins Gives Life Lessons Following Loss - WVillustrated
Juwan Staten recalls the locker room talk after his Mountaineers dropped their 11th game of the season.
HERTZEL COLUMN: WVU needs five players who can play together - Times West Virginian
There is reality at work here with West Virginia University’s Mountaineers, and, while coach Bob Huggins realizes it, he’s not so sure that his team fully grasps the meaning of it.
Huggins honest with his team about NCAA chances - Register-Herald
Three days ago, West Virginia was listed as one of the last four teams in the NCAA Tournament by ESPN "Bracketologist" Joe Lunardi. On Monday, following Saturday’s loss at Texas, the Mountaineers were listed among the first four out.
Bracketology - ESPN
First Four Out
WVU still can make big dance - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
The resume building continues for veteran head coach Bobby Huggins and his West Virginia University basketball team as the Mountaineers enter the final five games of the regular season.
Size could potentially affect WVU - Daily Athenaeum
While the Longhorns possess a size many teams in college basketball envy, WVU’s weakness was exposed in its interior.
Staten Finalist for Bob Cousy Award - WVU Athletics
Award given to the nation's top point guard.
Browne brings experience to WVU - Daily Athenaeum
Less than a year ago, Browne started games at point guard for West Virginia. Two years ago as a true freshman, he played about 25 minutes per game. Flash forward to now – the Puerto Rico native isn’t the most valuable player, but he is OK with that.
Furfari: Lack of telecast a shock - Martinsburg Journal
Yes, he gets some jabs in about moving to the Big 12 (shocker), but finishes with some nice reporting on Huggs' post-game interview
Recruiting:
Cogdell touts Sunshine State ties in recruiting, preps for first spring practice - WV MetroNews
Returning to his alma mater, Damon Cogdell praises life in the Big 12 and the pursuit of five-star recruits
Pro News:
Coal Burning Stove: AFL gives players chance to prove themselves - WVU Pros
This season, you may get to see more of some of your favorite Mountaineers on the field in an AFL game.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Baylor triumphs over a Smart-less Oklahoma State 70-64 at home - Our Daily Bears
Sometimes-nimble Georges Niang at heart of Cyclones' success - Des Moines Register
Jamari Traylor learns from punishment - Lawrence Journal World
Lawrence giving Cats big minutes - Manhattan Mercury
OU basketball: Every Big 12 victory enhances OU's tournament chances - Oklahoman (autoplay)
OSU basketball: Empty seats don't help Cowboys' journey through rough waters - Oklahoman (autoplay)
Texas visit "exceeded" expectations of former USC QB Max Wittek - Burnt Orange Nation
Big 12 notes: Texas Tech players rally behind Tubby Smith - Dallas-Fort Worth Star Telegram
What's On Tap:
(19) Texas Longhorns vs. (17) Iowa State Cyclones - Preview - ESPN
7 pm tonight from Hilton on ESPN2/3
(8) Kansas Jayhawks vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders - Preview - ESPN
8 pm tonight from United Spirit Arena on MSG+, MASN, Altitude alternate & ESPN3
Video of Interest:
Junior Kevin Noreen talks about his role with the Mountaineer team and how he never tires or the game of basketball.
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is best known for her work in SI's Swimsuit issue. She's sadly not in this year's 50th Anniversary edition, released today. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Alyssa Miller.
