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 Blowing Rock Mountain Spring Ale.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Tuesday, April 14 - WV MetroNews
West Virginia athletics director Shane Lyons discusses his first few months on the job.
Shane Lyons optimistic new ADs can relaunch ‘The Backyard Brawl’ - WV MetroNews
But even with more amicable leadership, the next West Virginia-Pitt football game might not take place until 2022.
Rudnick Joins Volleyball Staff - WVU Athletics
Former Liberty volleyball standout and assistant coach Rebecca Rudnick has joined the staff of the West Virginia University volleyball team, as announced by coach Reed Sunahara on Friday.
Wearing the Jersey: Carolina Lewis - WVU Athletics
This week's Wearing the Jersey features tennis standout Carolina Lewis
Huth Named Athlete of the Week - WVU Athletics
Varsity Sports Report
Life-changing experience for WVU runner - Times West Virginian
With advances in the medical field, the future of neurology in North Central West Virginia may already be available to those suffering from brain disorders.
Six sports items that could be of interest to you - Times West Virginian
Stringing together some odds and ends about sports that may interest you:
Fan Shirt 2015 - West Virginia University
Vote once daily until April 23 for a chance to win the winning design.
News of Note:
Football
Position changes, at long last - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza
This depth chart that was issued at the start of the spring hadn’t changed much, save the Jacky Marcellus shift from inside receiver to running back and Yodny Cajuste’s ascension at left tackle, where he looked really good Saturday.
Marcellus adds to WVU’s RB depth - Charleston Gazette
By all rights, Jacky Marcellus shouldn’t figure all that heavily into West Virginia’s plans for 2015. He’s now at a position, though, where all bets are off.
WVU QB Crest bouncing back from injury - Dominion Post
It was a disappointing, frustrating time for the entire Crest family, but Vernon and Beverly didn’t have to look hard to find a silver lining.
West Virginia Mountaineers' Daikiel Shorts bumps to outside receiver - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
"We’re just adding him to the equation to see if that’s an answer, and I think it will be."
Gibson expecting more from improved defense - Beckley Register-Herald
Good enough just isn’t going to cut it for West Virginia University defensive coordinator Tony Gibson any longer.
Offensive line utilizing spring practices - Daily Athenaeum
As West Virginia wrapped up its ninth spring practice this past weekend inside Milan Puskar Stadium, the Mountaineers’ offensive line continues to be a work in progress.
WVU Spring Football Notebook - BGN
West Virginia completed its second open spring football practice session over the weekend under flawless sunny skies in Morgantown. While Daikiel Shorts' performance at receiver was a highlight of the afternoon, there were a number of other items of import on display.
WVU Spring Practice: Offense & Placekick - BGN
We've taken a look at defensive drills and player interviews from Saturday's open practice session in Morgantown. Now, here are some glimpses of the "other two sides of the ball," including the quarterbacks and some solid tutelage from offensive line coach Ron Crook.
WVSports.com TV: Football Interviews - WVSports.com
Shell, Gibson, Myers, Preston & Rumph
Steelers host WR, TE, G on pre-draft visits - 247Sports
Also in town was guard Quinton Spain of West Virginia
WVU Profits from Liberty Bowl - WVSports.com
In total expenses came to $1,616,511 giving West Virginia a profit greater than $300,000 from the game.
Baseball
Baseball Hosts Penn State on "Dollar Day" - WVU Athletics
The West Virginia University baseball team will host Penn State on Tuesday, April 14, for a 6 p.m. non-conference game at Monongalia County Ballpark.
WVU continues homestand tonight against Penn State Nittany Lions - Daily Athenaeum
With the pageantry of the Monongalia County Ballpark’s grand opening behind them, the West Virginia University baseball team will settle into a long homestand at 6 p.m. Tuesday night when they take on the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Opening weekend ends, now it’s time to play ball - Daily Athenaeum
“Like I’ve said, we have no home field advantage here, so we’ve got to get different guys out there as soon as we can. If Tucker (Cascadden) ever has to come in for (Taylor) Munden and play shortstop, at least he’s stood out there for nine innings,” Mazey said.
Good news, everybody - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza
The debut series at work-in-progress/only-going-to-get better Monongalia County Ballpark was a swinging success.
Huth Earns Big 12 Newcomer of the Week - WVU Athletics
Max Brown (Kansas State) and Preston Morrison (TCU), along with Tyler Wolfe (Kansas State) and KC Huth (West Virginia) have been tabbed Big 12 baseball weekly award winners for games played April 6-13.
Hoops
WVU's Williams set to transfer from hoops team - Times West Virginian
West Virginia University men’s basketball junior BillyDee Williams plans to transfer to another school, coach Bob Huggins announced Monday.
Huggins announces junior forward BillyDee Williams is transferring - WV MetroNews
Slowed by a preseason eye injury, Williams appeared in only 18 games and averaged 1.2 points.
Recruiting:
WVU Offers Five-Star Back - EerSports
West Virginia has offered St. Joseph's (PA) all-purpose back D'Andre Swift, per 247Sports' Ryan Bartow.
Big 12 recruiting scorecard - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
Here's what is new in Big 12 recruiting this week.
Pro News:
LOOK: Bruce Irvin meets Seahawks fans in Florida, makes one kid's day - CBSSports.com
The former West Virginia standout, who makes his offseason home in Orlando, also invited any and all Mountaineer fans to his impromptu luncheon.
Can EJ Manuel or Geno Smith be a reliable starter? - FOX Sports
They’ve thrown a combined 41 touchdown passes and 46 interceptions while averaging 6.7 yards per pass attempt, and 186.2 yards per game. They’ve also both completed less than 60.0 percent of their passes (58.6 for Manuel, and 57.5 for Smith).
Around the League (and Beyond):
Men's Basketball Preseason Predictions Revisited - Our Daily Bears
2015 Iowa State Spring Football Game Recap - Wide Right & Natty Lite
2015 Spring Football - Linebackers - Rock Chalk Talk
Kansas State looks to secondary as backbone of its defense - Kansas City Star
Texas QB competition all about the competition - Burnt Orange Nation
Bouma released from Texas Tech after DWI - Lubbock Avalanche Journal
What's On Tap:
Baseball Time Change for Sunday’s OU Game - WVU Athletics
The West Virginia University baseball game against Oklahoma on Sunday, April 19, at Monongalia County Ballpark, has been moved to 11 a.m., due to Oklahoma’s travel schedule.
Video of Interest:
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is a Mexican television personality. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Jimena Sanchez.