The Shotgun/Throwdown: West Virginia Needs To Improve Its Run Game This Offseason

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

Football

Brown’s Top Offseason Priority – Fix WVU’s Ground Game

It’s no secret that West Virginia’s offense struggled to run the ball this season. Fixing that problem will likely be at the top of Neal Brown’s “to do” list this offseason.

Lyons: Pleased with Brown’s first year, but too early to talk extension

West Virginia athletic director Shane Lyons is pleased with Neal Brown’s progress in his first year as the Mountaineers head football coach, but also said that circumstances make it far too early to talk about a contract extension for Brown.

WVU AD Shane Lyons suggests changes may come to redshirt rule

Since 2018, college football players have been allowed to play in up to four games while keeping a redshirt for that season. West Virginia athletic director Shane Lyons says the NCAA Division I Football oversight committee is going to reevaluate the rule.

Colton McKivitz named Big 12 Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year, Darius Stills named All-Conference First Team

Five Mountaineers received Big 12 Conference honors this season. Colton McKivitz headlined the list by being named the Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year.

West Virginia Athletics

WVU, No. 10 Pitt Brawl In Home Opener

The West Virginia wrestling team opens its home slate with the 65th edition of the Backyard Brawl against #10 Pitt tonight. The Panthers hold a 36-27-2 lead in the all-time series, with the teams splitting the last two matches.

Evans, Lynch Earn Big 12 Honors

Senior outside hitter Katelyn Evans and junior middle blocker Briana Lynch of the West Virginia volleyball team earned a pair of Big 12 postseason awards. Both Mountaineers made the All-Big 12 Second Team.

Several Mountaineers to Compete at U.S. Open

Twenty members of the West Virginia men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams are set to compete at USA Swimming’s 2019 Toyota U.S. Open Championships this week. The event will be broadcast on NBC.

Dixon Named Big 12 Swimmer of the Week

Junior David Dixon of the West Virginia men’s swimming and diving team has been named the Big 12 Men’s Swimmer of the Week.

Mountaineers in the Pros: Week 13

In Week 13 of the NFL season, former Mountianeers Nick Kwiatkoski and Kyzir White recorded pass breakups. Bruce Irvin stood out by getting to the quarterback for the second straight week and forcing a fumble for the Carolina Panthers’ defense.

Mountaineers in the NFL: Week 13

Here are the former Mountaineers who had the biggest impact for their NFL teams over the weekend.

Around the Big 12

2019 All-Big 12 Football Awards Announced

Chuba Hubbard of Oklahoma State player was named the 2019 Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Year, while Defensive Player of the Year went to Baylor’s James Lynch. The conference Offensive Newcomer of the Year was Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts, and the Special Teams Player of the Year award went to Kansas State’s Joshua Youngblood.

Volleyball All-Big 12 Awards Announced

The Big 12 Conference Player of the Year was Yossiana Pressley of Baylor, and her teammate Hannah Lockin joined her as conference Setter of the Year. Libero of the Year went to Oklahoma’s Keyton Kinley, and Freshman of the Year was Skylar Fields of Texas. Baylor coach Ryan McGuyre earned the Coach of the Year award.

Around the NCAA

Let’s talk fun ways to replace conference title games with Playoff games

The best way to expand the Playoff is to let it absorb something else college football went a long time without.

Replace conference title games with FLEX GAMES

Two teams in your conference can play a 13th game against each other. Spend it more wisely.

NFL Panic Index 2019: The 49ers suddenly face some must-win games

The San Francisco 49ers might not get homefield advantage in the playoffs, the New England Patriots probably regret trading a tight end to the Seattle Seahawks, and what is wrong with the Philadelphia Eagles?

What Ron Rivera’s firing means for Cam Newton and the Panthers’ future

Firing head coach Ron Rivera was just step one in the Carolina Panthers’ reboot.

---

Have any tips, suggestions or requests for what you want to see in The Shotgun/Throwdown? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or contact us on social media.

Follow us!
Twitter: @smokingmusket
Facebook: The Smoking Musket