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 Pabst Blue Ribbon, in preparation for today's USMNT World Cup game vs. Belgium.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Tuesday, July 1 - WV MetroNews
Shannon Dawson discusses the improvement in Rushel Shell’s game since he arrived on campus. We also hear from senior Dreamius Smith as he talks about the competition from the running back room this summer.
New Branding for The Big 12 - WVU Athletics
Conference changes logo today.
A Long, Strange Trip - WVU Athletics
Some creative, "out-of-the-box" thinking by West Virginia University Director of Athletics Oliver Luck and then-president Jim Clements helped the Mountaineers make a safe landing in the Big 12 Conference in the summer of 2012.
Three in Camp for Canada U-20 Team - WVU Athletics
Sophomores Kadeisha Buchanan (defender) and Ashley Lawrence (midfielder), along with freshman Amandine Pierre-Louis (forward), traveled to the team’s base last week and will continue to train until July 9.
Spurgeon Earns Gold in Junior Air Rifle - WVU Athletics
WVU junior Garrett Spurgeon won three medals at the USA Championships.
News of Note:
West Virginia Searching for Answers After Rocky Start in Big 12 - AthlonSports.com
The same factors that held the Mountaineers back — they have lost 14 of their last 20 games since that resounding 5–0 start to 2012 — can actually set them free.
Schedule analysis: West Virginia Mountaineers - ESPN
With the 2014 season arriving in the not-too-distant future, it's time for us to break down every Big 12 team’s complete schedule.
Dave Hickman: Selecting Trickett right move - Charleston Gazette
"The rules being the way they are this year, if they’d been that way last year, he probably would have been the starter from Day One,’’ offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson said. "But last year when he came in, we couldn’t work with him.’’
Video: What to expect from Clint Trickett - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
Clint Trickett has been named the starting quarterback at West Virginia. Brandon Chatmon discusses some reasons to believe Trickett may perform better than expected.
Coaches at ease with decision to name Trickett starter - PPG
WVU notebook
14 for '14: Biggest hitters in college football - NFL.com
#1 FS Karl Joseph, West Virginia
West Virginia Focused on Self, Not 'Bama - EerSports
"We know who they are and what we have to bring, but we’re not worried about them right now," said safety KJ Dillon. "We’re worried about ourselves and making sure we do better than what we did last year.
The Air Raid Chronicles: Part 1 The Origins - WVSports.com
Belhaven University Head Coach Hal Mumme, Washington State Head Coach Mike Leach, Colorado School of Mines Head Coach Bob Stitt and West Virginia Offensive Coordinator Shannon Dawson weigh in on moments in the past, plus the simplicities and intricacies that impact the WVU air raid offense today.
WVU kicker says he can make field goal from 60 yards - Times West Virginian
Josh Lambert, who’s from Garland, Texas, believes he’s capable of kicking a field goal from 60 yards for West Virginia University.
Recruiting:
Big 12 recruiting scorecard - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
Here’s the latest in recruiting from around the Big 12
Pro News:
Joe Alexander discusses summer plans, health - WVUPros
Joe Alexander opens up about his plans for the immediate future.
Mountaineers In The Pros: June 30 - WVU Athletics
Get the latest news on former West Virginia players in professional baseball with today's Mountaineers in the Pros update.
Mountaineer Diamond Review: WVU’s Ryan McBroom excelling for Vancouver Canadians - WVUPros
You’ll find no typical rookie growing pains among the latest West Virginia Mountaineers draft class of to become WVUPros in professional baseball, as their recent play on the diamond this past week has shown up their veteran counterparts.
Around the League (and Beyond):
An interview with Art Briles, who's already two steps ahead of you - SBNation.com
If WRNL Wrote Phil Steele's ISU Preview - Wide Right & Natty Lite
Ben Heeney the face of KU football - Lawrence Journal World
Bill Snyder’s Wildcats lining up early commitments - Wichita Eagle
How TCU's defense works, and how it stops up-tempo offenses - SBNation.com
Texas Tech Ranked 8th in Final National Poll - Texas Tech University Official Athletic Site
What's On Tap:
Season Tickets On Sale Tuesday - WVU Athletics
West Virginia University will place remaining 2014 football season tickets on sale beginning Tuesday, June 24, at 9 a.m.
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
WVU’s Countdown to Kickoff: Day 60 Gene Corum - WVUPros
Continuing on with our 100 day countdown to WVU’s season opener against the Alabama Crimson Tide, we have reached day 60, the number once worn by WVU Hall of Fame guard, Gene Corum.
World Cup
Belgium vs. United States - ESPN FC
4 pm ET from Salvador, Brazil, on ESPN & ESPN3
2014 WORLD CUP: Schedule and Standings - Cowboys Ride For Free
Complete schedule, standings, results, and highlights of the 2014 World Cup, updated daily.
Video of Interest:
Quarterback Clint Trickett discusses receiving the starting nod from head coach Dana Holgorsen.
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is an all American girl. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Kate Upton.