ESPN Declares Big 12 Conference's Playoff Hopes All But Doomed

Welcome, By-Godders, to The Shotgun/Throwdown: WVU's best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions.

Football:

WVU quarterback Skyler Howard shares strong connection with receivers | Charleston Gazette-Mail
There are times when Skyler Howard just knows. An offensive tackle surrenders his corner. An offensive guard lets a defender through a gap. A cornerback or a safety surprises everyone and comes untouched on a blitz. Whatever the trigger, West Virginia’s quarterback knows he’s in trouble and knows it’s time to flee.

West Virginia Athletics:

No. 1 WVU Falls to No. 9 Georgetown | WVU Athletics
For the first time in more than two years, the No. 1-ranked West Virginia University women’s soccer team lost at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium, as the Mountaineers suffered a 1-0 double-overtime defeat to No. 9 Georgetown in their home nonconference finale Sunday afternoon.

Shutout Streak Continues With 3-0 Win | WVU Athletics
The No. 23 West Virginia University men’s soccer team scored early and late and held its opponent scoreless for the fifth consecutive match to beat George Mason 3-0 on Saturday night at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.

Mountaineer commits off to fast starts | Charleston Gazette-Mail
During the bye week, West Virginia coaches hit the road, checking out some top targets, as well as many of their commits — players who will suit up for them in Morgantown for the next four to five years. Just as the Mountaineers have started off with some big wins and big plays, the future of the program has done the same, led by the show-stopping Tevin Bush out of Louisiana.

Around The Big 12:

After dismal first three weeks, Big 12's playoff hopes all but doomed | ESPN
The Big 12's playoff hopes had already been dimmed by dismal nonconference showings heading into the weekend. Then the flagship schools fell flat.

Big 12 Week 3 Power Rankings: A new No. 1 after Texas falls | ESPN
After its beatdown of Rice, Baylor is looking strong as it moves on to a big-time home game against Oklahoma State.

Big 12 Week 3 bowl projections: League in trouble for playoff spot | ESPN
With only two unbeaten teams left and a lack of quality nonconference wins, the Big 12 is in trouble when it comes to putting a team in the playoff.

Big 12 Week 3 helmet stickers: Prolific pairs at OSU, Tech share honors | ESPN
It was a tough week for the Big 12, but a couple QB-WR combos at Oklahoma State and Texas Tech still provided some entertaining performances.

Around The NCAA:

Notre Dame's Playoff jig is up, and more fun Week 3 college football awards | SBNation
Let's wrap up Week 3 with some fun awards for the best (and best-ish) of the weekend!

Updated bowl projections: Hard not to have Louisville in the College Football Playoff! | SBNation
Hey, let's predict how all these dozens of bowls will look three months from now!

Gus Malzahn soars to the top of the SEC West's hot seat rankings | SBNation
Could Auburn *again* fire a head coach who led them to a national title game?

OU's excitement survived a 90-minute storm delay. It didn’t survive 16 minutes of Ohio State. | SBNation
The Buckeyes are extremely young, so let’s try and see what could go wrong down the line. But they’re as scary as ever.

Today's Miss Throwdown is Playboy's Miss August 2015. CLICK HERE for Dominique Jane's Instagram.