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 Prairie Artisan Ales x Evil Twin's Bible Belt.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Thursday, June 12 - WV MetroNews
Jed Drenning discusses his expectations for Clint Trickett during the upcoming 2014 season. Drenning also focuses in on the two players he feels will have the greatest impact this year.
Getting to Know the Title Contenders - WVU Athletics
Get to know more about WVU's 2014 NCAA Title contenders
Martinelli Paves Way for In-State Women’s Track Stars to Succeed - WVillustrated
Sarah Martinelli began as a walk-on, and is now competing for a National Championship in her senior year as part of the WVU Women's Track and Field team.
Bring on the Podcast with David Smith - Bring On The Cats
Our friend from the Smoking Musket returns to address several West Virginia stereo types, explain why Holgo's not very popular in West Virginia these days and help us pick Big 12 mascot Capture the Flag teams in this long, rambling podcast.
News of Note:
The Big 12 and Big East could've merged. Here's how that would've looked - SBNation.com
A Baylor vs. UCF postseason game? Where have we seen that before?
Dave Hickman: Luck recalls merger that wasn’t - Charleston Gazette
Cleaning out a crowded notebook and a cluttered mind while wondering how many people have suggested to Bob Huggins that when he begins rehab from hip replacement surgery, his players can probably recommend the location of a good treadmill
Luck divulges old plan to marry left-behinds from Big 12, Big East - WV MetroNews
Yet the league also is lean and mean with regard to revenue, with a higher per-school take than the 14-team SEC. While that is expected to change once the SEC Network launches this summer, Luck said Big 12 ADs are so satisfied with payouts and "expansion is one thing we’re not talking about." Well, at least not publicly.
BYU wants to join Big 12 but conference has $221 million revenue, says no thanks we are perfect at 10 - FOX Sports on MSN
according to an ESPN report, with record revenue and a conference schedule which is "absolutely great," the conference has no intentions of adding BYU — or any other school for that matter.
Big 12 ultimate road trip: Week 13 - ESPN
Kansas State at West Virginia
Baseball
Top WVU pitching recruit reportedly signs with Rays - WV MetroNews
One of West Virginia’s top pitching recruits, McLennan (Texas) Community College left-hander Greg Maisto, reportedly won’t make it to campus after choosing to sign with the Tampa Bay Rays.
American Legion Baseball Rules Set to Change - WVU Athletics
For the last 29 years Mountaineer fans have seen Morgantown Post 2 American Legion baseball being played at Hawley Field. Many local WVU players have participated, but that will come to an end because of a new American Legion policy.
Soccer
WVU SOCCER: Canadian pipeline kind to Izzo-Brown, Mountaineers - Charleston Daily Mail
Just to be clear, Nikki Izzo-Brown hasn’t lost her mind from one too many headers on the soccer pitch. West Virginia’s women’s soccer coach is eager to go on the record with a statement she truly believes.
Recruiting:
2015 Commit "Chugs" Excited for WVU QB Competition - WVillustrated
Chris Chugunov committed to the Mountaineers this week and now he's looking forward to competition at his position and in the Big 12.
Pro News:
WVUPros Summer Preview: Geno Smith - WVUPros
Smith is locked in to a position battle with Michael Vick. It seems as if Smith will be the starter in 2014, but the battle is alive and well.
Nichols Gives Insight On His Future Coaching Career - EerSports
Former WVU basketball player Darris Nichols is looking to become a head coach at a major Division One instituation.
A Silent Assassin - BGN
There’s always been a nuanced maturity in Marc Bulger, a sort of calm, decision-making confidence that was infectious to many around him.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Baylor to Bears fans: Game-day parking is adequate, but plan ahead - Waco Tribune
Iowa State's Morrissey has his career on a healthy course - Des Moines Register
Kansas coach Bill Self gets a handle on a more versatile Jayhawk backcourt - Kansas City Star
Kansas State sells out Thursday night game against Auburn 3 months before kickoff - AL.com
Oklahoma football: Natrell Curtis will land at junior college instead of OU - Oklahoman
OSU football: Cowboys in distress mode at linebacker - Oklahoman
Getting to Know UC Irvine - Burnt Orange Nation
Omaha-bound Frogs meet familiar faces in College World Series - TCU 360
Texas Tech and Their Road to Omaha - Viva The Matadors
Baseball Weekly Notes Package - Big 12 Conference
College Football Mailbag - Stewart Mandel - SI.com
What's On Tap:
Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game Tickets on Sale - WVU Athletics
Tickets for West Virginia’s appearance in the 2014 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game are now on sale through the Mountaineer Ticket Office
BT Entertainment Presents WVU ATLANTA KICKOFF
On Saturday, August 30th, our Mountaineers will square off against the Alabama Crimson Tide at The Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. There are many game and game related activities throughout downtown Atlanta on that day.
WVU's Countdown to Kickoff: Day 79 Greg Isdaner - WVUPros
We are under 80 days in our countdown until the Mountaineers start the season against Alabama as part of the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff. As we get into the 70′s, we find many of the hogmollies up front. Today, No. 79 is represented by Greg Isdaner.
Video of Interest:
WVU Youth Soccer Academy Experience
Video of (Dis)Interest:
This...is...AWESOME
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is . CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Sarah Stephens.