Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions.
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Football:
Mountaineers Land on ESPN's Preseason All-Big 12 Team | WV Illustrated
Three Mountaineers represent West Virginia University on ESPN's All-Big 12 Conference Preseason Team, which was announced Monday morning.
Five big questions: West Virginia Mountaineers | ESPN
It’s only been a few weeks, but the landscape has changed as Big 12 teams have hit the field for preseason camps this August. True freshmen are emerging, the picture is coming into focus for position battles across the conference, and plenty of questions are being answered.
WVU Return Game Awaits Proof In Action | BlueGoldNews
West Virginia has put an enormous amount of time into identifying and honing its punt and kick return options, but perhaps moreso than any other aspect of the game, it's almost impossible to judge the results until an actual game takes place.
Difficult October stretch not only test for West Virginia Mountaineers | ESPN
Another year, another big opportunity for Dana Holgorsen and West Virginia. As TCU cruised to a 12-1 record in its third season in the Big 12 a year ago, it was natural to take a sideways glance at West Virginia and wonder if/when it would be the Mountaineers' turn. The time might have arrived.
WVU's depth reminiscent of the past | The Exponent Telegram
Dana Holgorsen has lavished praise upon the depth this 2015 football team presents, a luxury item that he claims he had not experienced in the past.
WVU season ticket sales slightly down again | Charleston Gazette-Mail
WVU football fans might be buying their team as a Big 12 surprise this season. The problem for the school, though, is they’re not buying many tickets to see their team.
West Virginia Athletics:
Lyons Update on Capital Improvement Projects | WVU Athletics
Several key capital improvement projects have been identified.
WVU holds first intrasquad scrimmage | The Daily Athenaeum
After beginning fall practice last week, the West Virginia University men’s golf team held an intrasquad scrimmage to test their mettle against one another. The Mountaineer Cup, as it was so aptly named, was held at The Pines Country Club in Morgantown.
Williams Happy to be Home | WVU Athletics
As the West Virginia University golf team is less than two weeks from beginning its first season in more than 30 years, the squad will be led by a group of transfers that includes sophomore Chris Williams.
Head coach Nikki Izzo-Brown readies for 20th season at WVU | The Daily Athenaeum
Nobody could’ve expected Izzo-Brown to still be wearing the gold and blue 20 years after being named the women's soccer program's inaugural head coach. Very few programs across the country are fortunate enough to maintain the same coach for 20 years, much less as the first and only coach in program history.
Nia Gordon Named WVU Athlete of the Week | WVU Athletics
Following a game-winning performance in her first collegiate contest, West Virginia University women’s soccer freshman Nia Gordon has been named the WVU Student-Athlete of the Week.
Stephenson brings offensive potential to WVU | The Daily Athenaeum
On Sunday, freshman midfielder Tucker Stephenson scored in the 36th minute to lead the West Virginia University men’s soccer team to a 1-0 win against Loyola University. The goal was his first as a Mountaineer but it also led fans to ask, "Who is Tucker Stephenson?"
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Around The Big 12:
Something Rotten in Texas: Baylor, Art Briles, and Sam Ukwuachu | Grantland
Not to be indelicate about it, but the past 12 years have featured quite the run of malfeasance at the Baylor University athletic department.
Oklahoma Sooners name Baker Mayfield as starting QB over incumbent Trevor Knight | FOX Sports
No. 19 Oklahoma has named Baker Mayfield the starting quarterback over last year's starter, Trevor Knight.
Five things to know about Oklahoma Sooners QB Baker Mayfield | ESPN
The longtime favorite in Oklahoma's quarterback battle has apparently won the job and is set to be named the starter. Here are five things to know about Baker Mayfield.
Kansas Jayhawks pick Montell Cozart to start at QB | FOX Sports
Montell Cozart will be under center for new Kansas coach David Beaty when the Jayhawks begin their season Sept. 5 against South Dakota State.
Kansas State Wildcats back to running roots with personnel turnover | FOX Sports
The approach taken by Kansas State's offense a couple of years ago was simple: The Wildcats were going to run it right at their opponents, daring them to make a stop. With plenty of questions at quarterback this season, and a plethora of talented running backs on the roster, Kansas State is poised to get back to its running roots.
Around The NCAA:
USC Trojans ban locker room alcohol; Steve Sarkisian reportedly encouraged culture of drinking | Pacific Takes
The fallout from Steve Sarkisian's Saturday night seven-shot bender continues, as a new policy has been laid down.
STEVE SARKISIAN'S NIGHT OUT: A BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES | Every Day Should Be Saturday
45 TEQUILAS? YES, BUT SO MUCH MORE.
FSU's Dalvin Cook found not guilty of misdemeanor assault | Sporting News
Florida State running back Dalvin Cook has been acquitted of a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from a June incident in which he was accused of punching a woman in the face.
Pat Narduzzi claims Ohio State stole Michigan State's defensive scheme | Sporting News
The college football season hasn't even started, but former Michigan State defensive coordinator has Pat Narduzzi already has fired shots at Ohio State.
Conferences should be worried about future TV deals | Charleston Gazette-Mail
What the Big 12 offered West Virginia four years ago was help in fighting two battles. The first was against finances. College sports is a spend-to-win business, and cash didn’t flow to members in the Big East like it does in the Big 12. The other was against attendance.
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Injuries: Geno Smith cleared for light jogging, throwing | NFL.com
Geno Smith is back at practice with the New York Jets. Smith was on the field in a red non-contact jersey on Monday, less than two weeks after he suffered a broken jaw as a result of a punch from former teammate IK Enemkpali.
Arizona Cardinals rookie Shaq Riddick returns to practice | ESPN
After missing three weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring injury, Cardinals rookie linebacker Shaq Riddick returned to practice Monday.
WVUPros in NFL Preseason Week 2 action | Blue Gold Sports
Week 2 of the NFL Preseason saw JT Thomas play against his former team, Don Barclay protect Aaron Rodgers' blind side, one WVUPro score his first career touchdown and much more.
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In honor of Madden '16 being released today, and in case you somehow missed this amazing trailer for the game...
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Today's Miss Throwdown is a Portuguese model and was named Sports Illustrated's Rookie of the Year for her swimsuit edition photoshoot. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Sara Sampaio.