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 Firestone Walker Brewing Company's Stickee Monkee Ale.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Thursday, June 5 - WV MetroNews
Elijah Macon discusses his Far East basketball trip. We also hear from Phil Steele as he breaks down West Virginia’s chances against Alabama in the season opener.
Gee says ‘everyone won’ after ‘Tattoogate’ - Charleston Gazette
Now, according to the Plain-Dealer, Gee uncorked more comments that may lead him to hot water. Speaking to the newspaper from the desk he maintains at Ohio State as president emeritus,
On Target - BGN
Like many of his West Virginia rifle teammates, Mike Anti has forged a very successful career after starring for the Mountaineers on the range. His latest achievement, a WVU Hall of Fame selection, has left him honored to join the group that has made the program the best in West Virginia history.
Furfari: Jerry West talks about son Jonnie, coaching change - Register-Herald
Jerry West talked about youngest son Jonnie and the hiring of Steve Kerr as the Golden State Warriors newest head coach recently.
News of Note:
Big 12 stats to improve: Defense - ESPN
West Virginia Key stat in 2013: The Mountaineers’ defense was horrible on third down.
WVU Quarterback Competition Alive and Well as Summer Approaches - WVillustrated
Competition brings out the best in people. That’s something WVU Head Football Coach Dana Holgorsen firmly believes as summer workouts loom right around the corner.
Dave Hickman: New rule makes for more accessible summer - Charleston Gazette
West Virginia’s incoming football recruits have started to trickle onto campus and, unlike those that came before them, they’ll have more to do than just settle into housing and learn what tortures Mike Joseph has planned for them for the next couple of months.
Back from Far East trip, Macon working toward long-delayed WVU debut - WV MetroNews
The power forward hopes his yearlong layoff as a partial qualifier allowed him time to acclimate to college and improve his game.
Baseball
MLB Draft Begins Thursday - WVU Athletics
Record number of Mountaineers could be taken.
WVU BASEBALL: Heralded recruiting class could take a hit in MLB Draft - Charleston Daily Mail
The players WVU hoped to use to replace the players the Mountaineers expected to lose might need to be replaced themselves.
2014 MLB Draft: WVU Baseball Preview - WVUPros
While all eyes will be on the first round, there’s quite a few Mountaineer related story lines fans of the Gold and Blue should keep an eye on, especially in the later rounds.
WVU’s Fleming faces major (league) dilemma - Times West Virginian
A case can be made for junior second baseman Billy Fleming as West Virginia University’s best player last season on a team that was heavy in talent.
Pro News:
WVU Pros Summer Preview: Will Johnson - WVUPros
Will Johnson has been the best viable option for the Pittsburgh Steelers at fullback in the past few seasons. He doens’t run the ball often but he blocks and catches passes out of the backfield. Will his role increase this season?
Around the League (and Beyond):
The Immortal Flame: The Official ODB 2014 Hype Video - Our Daily Bears
Lindy's names Lazard top Big 12 newcomer - Cyclone Fanatic
It's bow tie time for Kansas football - Lawrence Journal World
2014 College Football Rankings: #20 Kansas State - AthlonSports.com
Creighton, Tulsa highlight Sooners non-conference basketball schedule - Oklahoman (autoplay)
MILE POSTS FOR A SEASON: Key games for Oklahoma State in 2014 - Cowboys Ride For Free
TCU Basketball Adds 7'1" Canadian Link Kabadyundi - Frogs O' War
Pitching should be at forefront for Tech-Charleston Super Regional - Lubbock Avalanche Journal
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
WVU's Countdown to Kickoff: Day 86 Bob Dunlevy - WVUPros
Bob Dunlevy was one of the biggest names to come through West Virginia in the early 1960′s.
Video of Interest:
Short video highlighting Nick Kwiatkoski linebacker for the 2014 WVU Football team. Nick will be a junior in 2014.
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is the #2 sexiest woman of 2014 (according to FHM). CLICK HERE for today's animated gif gallery of Michelle Keegan.