Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions. We're being brought to you today by Blue Moon's Full Moon Winter Ale.
What You May Have Missed:
Wrestling Tops ASU at Va. Duals - WVU Athletics
The Mountaineers topped Arizona State, 21-20, for the second time this week.
Limited Coliseum Parking Tuesday - WVU Athletics
Parking will be limited at the WVU Coliseum on weekday games.
Bob Bowlsby says Big 12 will continue to discuss how it crowns conference champion - ESPN
Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said the conference will continue to discuss how it crowns a conference champion, look into the importance of a 13th game, and also consider requiring a Power 5 conference opponent in nonconference schedules.
News of Note:
Embracing identity is next step for WVU - Charleston Daily Mail
“When you don’t shoot it very well, which we don’t, you have to compensate in other ways,” he said after the Mountaineers had their seven-game win streak snapped in front of 12,076 fans.
Holton, Williams go opposite directions for West Virginia - Charleston Daily Mail
They stand side by side in the West Virginia frontcourt, but Devin Williams and Jonathan Holton are staring in opposite directions.
Huggins doesn’t want loss to linger - Charleston Gazette
“We’ve got another one Tuesday,’’ said point guard Juwan Staten, who had 23 points in the loss to Iowa State. “We need to go out and impose our will on Oklahoma. We can’t let this carry over to that one.’’
‘Passing’ grade for WVU Saturday — not too good - Exponent Telegram
Perhaps the most overlooked skill in basketball today is the ability to pass.
Mountaineers have to take fewer shots from outside - Daily Athenaeum
Regardless of whether the problem was passing, shooting or Devin Williams’ goggle malfunction in the first half, West Virginia has to put this one behind them and get ready for the next one.
WVU looks to keep moving forward after loss - BGN
Playing in a conference like the Big 12, even the slightest blip in the radar can lead to a much larger problem if a team struggles to keep its confidence following a close loss.
FURFARI: WVU men host OU after losing second winnable home game - Times West Virginian
The West Virginia University men’s basketball team blew another winnable game in last Saturday’s 74-72 loss to Iowa State at the WVU Coliseum.
Football
Wicks, Lorello Applaud Tall's Return to WVU - WVillustrated
Former WVU safeties Eric Wicks and Mike Lorello talk about their memories of playing for Bruce Tall and what his return means to the Mountaineers program.
Season report card: West Virginia Mountaineers - ESPN
West Virginia closed out its season with four losses in its final five games, but there's still plenty to like about how the Mountaineers fared in '14
Trickett departs, 2015 quarterback battle begins - Daily Athenaeum
With the departure of former quarterback Clint Trickett, who passed for over 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2014, West Virginia will once again host a quarterback battle heading into 2015.
2015 WVU Pros College Football All-Star Game Preview - WVUPros
Several players from this year’s WVU football team will be representing the school in one of four different All-Star games taking place this month.
Recruiting:
Inman Signs with the Mountaineers - WVU Athletics
The WVU baseball team has announced the signing of Marques Inman
Pro News:
Seahawks LB Bruce Irvin ‘supposed to be in jail or dead’ - News Tribune
He’s escaped from a dead-end life.
How Seahawks’ Bruce Irvin changed from timid to tremendous this season - Seattle Times
In his third NFL season, Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin is excelling at two key roles in Seattle’s defense and putting his checkered past behind him.
Linebacker Terence Garvin re-signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers - WVUPros
Linebacker Terence Garvin, who played from 2009 to 2012 with the West Virginia Mountaineers, was re-signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers for a one-year contract
Good offseason could put Will Clarke in position for more playing time - WVUPros
First-year defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said that finding pass-rushers in the offseason will likely be top priority and that Clarke could be part of that change… but in a good way.
WVUPros on the Hardwood Report: Winter break for several - WVUPros
With Christmas and the New Year's holidays, many of your favorite Mountaineers of the past returned to our hemisphere for winter break.
Former Mountaineer Gansey making basketball a career - Register Herald
When Mike Gansey was on the hardwood, it was easy to see just how much he loved the game of basketball.
Around the League (and Beyond):
3 takeaways: No. 21 Baylor overcomes horrid shooting to slip past TCU - Dallas Morning News
Notebook: Nader responds to benching with huge night - Ames Tribune
Kansas Enjoys Blowout over Texas Tech - Rock Chalk Talk
Bill Snyder Elected to College Football Hall of Fame - KSTATESPORTS.COM
Phil Forte says don't overlook Anthony Hickey - Oklahoman (autoplay)
TCU wideout Cameron Echols-Luper moving to defense - Dallas Morning News
Texas Tech's struggle at free-throw line a growing problem - Lubbock Avalanche Journal
What's On Tap:
Baseball Season Tickets on Sale - WVU Athletics
Season tickets for the 2015 West Virginia baseball season will go on sale to the general public on Monday, Jan. 12, at the Mountaineer Ticket Office.
(2) Oregon Ducks vs. (4) Ohio State Buckeyes - Preview - ESPN
National Championship Game, 8:30 pm tonight from JerryWorld on ESPN/ESPN3.
Video of Interest:
Video of (Dis)Interest:
I hate Pepsi, but this is cool
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is a lovely singer/model. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Natalia Barulich.