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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
Strong fan bases fuel budding rivalry between WVU and Texas
West Virginia has been missing a natural rival in football since joining the Big 12. Is Texas becoming WVU’s biggest rival in football?
Brown on youthful Texas defense: “They’re really talented”
West Virginia is facing its toughest opponent of the season so far when #11 Texas comes to Morgantown. The Longhorns have an experienced offense, and while their defense is not as experienced, it is just as talented.
What to expect from VanDarius Cowan in his West Virginia debut
VanDarius Cowan will get to play in his first game for West Virginia this weekend. Cowan transferred to WVU from Alabama last summer, but had to sit out a year due to NCAA transfer rules before waiting another four games due to an NCAA-mandated suspension that carried over from his time with the Crimson Tide.
Brown, Donahue offer thoughts on California pay-for-play law
This week the nexus of the college sports universe is California, where Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that will allow California student-athletes to profit off of their name, image and likeness beginning in 2023. West Virginia football coach Neal Brown said the legislation is not on his radar with Texas looming this week.
West Virginia Athletics
West Virginia travels to Waco and Austin to start Big 12 play
The West Virginia women’s soccer team started Big 12 play with a win over Iowa State. Now the Mountaineers are on the road to face Baylor and Texas. WVU will face Baylor tonight, and the match will be on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. The Mountaineers will play the Longhorns on Sunday, and that match will be on the Longhorn Network.
Thrasher Named a Finalist for NCAA Woman of the Year
Former West Virginia rifle standout Ginny Thrasher has been selected as one of nine finalists for the 2019 Woman of the Year Award. Thrasher is the first Mountaineer to be selected as a finalist for the award.
The West Virginia rowing team will be competing in four races this fall. The two varsity races are the Yinzer Cup, hosted by Robert Morris, and the Head of the Schuylkill, in Philadelphia.
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Around the Big 12
Best case scenarios for every Big 12 team
After the first few games, Big 12 members are gaining an understanding about where their teams are this season. What are the best case scenarios for the Big 12 teams this year?
Big 12 remains ‘very enthusiastic’ about ESPN+ despite K-State/OSU streaming problems
West Virginia fans are not alone with their frustrations about ESPN+. Kansas State and Oklahoma State fans experienced technical difficulties in the stream of the game between their two teams, but that is not decreasing the Big 12’s enthusiasm about ESPN+.
Big 12 team and defensive rankings: Conference defenses among best in FBS
A few Big 12 teams are putting up tremendous numbers nationally on defense this season. Check out which teams in the conference have defensive strengths.
What needs to happen for Texas to make a Big 12 title run?
#11 Texas won its first conference game and now the Longhorns are heading to Morgantown to face West Virginia. What does Texas need to do to make it to the Big 12 Championship?
Around the NCAA
The Bottom 10: Rutgers returns, the Hokies fall flat and a new No. 1
This week’s Bottom 10 is here! This week’s notable newcomer is Virginia Tech, who did not help itself with its underwhelming pushup robot. Luckily fans only had to see the robot twice during the Hokies’ loss to Duke.
College football awards tracker: Who’s leading through September
Here’s a look at some of the top contenders for several of the major national individual awards.
California’s running low on big dudes, but why?
If this is truly a long-term trend, it could help explain some of the Pac-12’s struggles on the field.
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Juan Soto and the glory of wild card baseball
The twists and turns of an elimination playoff game are what makes them the most dramatic stories in sports.
Each AFC South team’s chances of winning the mediocre 4-way division race
Every team in the AFC South is tied with a 2-2 record. The Houston Texans are the favorite for now, but not by much.
Donovan Mitchell can be the superstar the Jazz need by becoming more ruthless
For the Utah Jazz to be the best in the West, Donovan Mitchell needs to take his game to another level. Can he do it?
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Welcome Home, Mountaineers.#HailWV | #TrustTheClimb | #Homecoming pic.twitter.com/zWLkvDw6Yq
— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) October 3, 2019
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