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 Heileman's Old Style beer.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold & Blue Now: Aug. 21 - WV MetroNews
TCU Play-by-Play Brian Estridge explains the vital keys to the Horned Frogs young and talented offensive. Also, John Hoover, from Tulsa Sports World, breaks down both the Oklahoma and Oklahoma State football programs.
Izzo-Brown one of a kind for WVU - Exponent Telegram
The whistle dangles around Nikki Izzo-Brown’s neck, as much a part of her anatomy as the nose on her face and the fingers on her hands. She’s dressed in a t-shirt and shorts, the sun kept off her face by a baseball cap.
Women's Soccer Blog: Crowder Up for Challenge - WVU Athletics
Senior Jess Crowder is ready to lead the Mountaineers this weekend.
Volleyball to Host Gold-Blue Scrimmage, Clinic - WVU Athletics
The West Virginia University volleyball team will warm up for its regular season opener this Saturday when the Mountaineers square off against each other in the annual Gold-Blue Scrimmage at 4 p.m. at the WVU Coliseum.
FURFARI COLUMN: West, Akers are still the best of friends - Times West Virginian
What basketball legend Jerry West remembers as something of a shocking start at the tender age of 17 soon turned into his longtime friendship with West Virginia University teammate Willie Akers.
News of Note:
Variables of Kiffin, QB make Alabama offense a mystery - Charleston Daily Mail
WVU has only a degree of certainty about what the Crimson Tide will bring with them to the Georgia Dome.
DL Preview: New coaches bring new energy - BGN
When the Mountaineers brought in Tom Bradley to come in to coach the defensive line alongside former Miramar High School head coach Damon Cogdell, it gave the WVU defensive line a ton of much-needed energy heading into the season.
Alabama’s Cooper hopes for big rebound - Charleston Gazette/AP
Amari Cooper isn’t ready to declare his Alabama career a success just yet.
Hickman: Calicchio grows into his role on WVU line - Charleston Gazette
When Dana Holgorsen refers to Mike Calicchio as a giant of a man, he hits the nail pretty much on the head.
Redshirt senior QB Clint Trickett looks to rebound in his second season with WVU - Daily Athenaeum
After being named the starter in June, Trickett has the opportunity to lead his own team without the worries of fighting for a starting position.
Freshman QB William Crest Continuing Uphill Climb to Stardom - WVillustrated
Freshman quarterback William Crest may not take too many snaps in 2014, but will see the field in other positions as the season plays out.
Position battle update: West Virginia RBs - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
Here's where the battle stands:
Karl Joseph ready for leadership role - Daily Athenaeum
“Karl’s a quiet leader. When he does say something, people listen,” DeForest said.
Riddick hopes to help WVU defense - Daily Athenaeum
After spending his first three seasons at Gardner Webb, defensive end Shaquille Riddick has transferred to West Virginia.
Chestnut Running With the Big Dogs - WVU Athletics
Junior DB's health has been restored.
Chestnut ready to make impact for Mountaineers - Register Herald: College Sports
Ishmael Banks’ loss may become Terrell Chestnut’s gain.
Chestnut could find himself in starting lineup - Inter-Mountain
Banks’ academic status creates opening at cornerback for WVU
WVU's Dana Holgorsen featured in Wall Street Journal's look at AP Top 25 records - WVUPros
The Wall Street Journal looked at how coaches from the Power Five conferences, like West Virginia's Dana Holgorsen, and Notre Dame have done against competition ranked in Top 25.
Thompson Named to Earl Campbell Watch List - WVU Athletics
the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria: born in Texas and/or graduated from a Texas High School and/or played at a Texas-based junior college or four year college.
Recruiting:
And Angus makes 85 - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza
That’s big. It’s Dontae Angus-big. Try as they might, the Mountaineers couldn’t get to that number in Dana’s first three seasons, and for some of the seasons before that.
Pro News:
Ellis Lankster's stock rising with the Jets - WVUPros
Like many NFL players Ellis Lankster’s path to the NFL has taken many twists and turns.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Baylor RB Jefferson back at practice - Waco Tribune
Camp Unit Preview: Offensive Line - Wide Right & Natty Lite
Kansas Preview: Another New Hope At Quarterback - Big 12 Conference
Position battle update: Kansas State RBs - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
Oklahoma Sooners Football | 5 Keys To A Successful 2014 Season - Crimson And Cream Machine
Cowboys trying to piece together offensive line - Oklahoman
Texas Longhorns Offensive Starters & Position Battles - Barking Carnival
TCU’s up-tempo fall camp has hit all the right notes - Dallas-Fort Worth Star Telegram
How Texas Tech’s Offense Will Help the Defense - Viva The Matadors
Blueprint for a rebuild: Six head coaches on how to restore a college football program - SBNation.com
Six head coaches at different stages of their careers explain how to restore a college football program.
What's On Tap:
Single Game Parking Passes Available - WVU Athletics
Parking passes in the Burgundy, Green, Gold, Purple and White Lots can be purchased in advance at WVUGAME.com or by calling 1-800-WVU GAME.
Single game tickets for the 2014 WVU football season are on sale now! Go to WVUGAME.COM or call 1-800-WVU GAME
Football Game Promotions Announced - WVU Athletics
Stripe the Stadium, Gold Rush and Family Day Promotions
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 alumni group plans to welcome Mountaineer faithful to Atlanta - WV MetroNews
Events are scheduled around the Chik-fil-A Kickoff Game between WVU and Alabama on Aug. 30 at the Georgia Dome.
WVU’s Countdown to Kickoff: Day 9 Major Harris - WVUPros
Continuing on with our 100 day countdown to WVU’s season opener against the Alabama Crimson Tide, we have reached day 9, the number once worn by WVU quarterback, Major Harris.
Video of Interest:
Be sure to get your tickets for the 2014-15 WVU Basketball season! Visit WVUGAME.com or call 1-800-WVU GAME.
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is a lovely South African. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Bailey Nortje.