Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's nationally recognized best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions. We're being brought to you today by Coors, for tomorrow's tailgate.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold & Blue Now: Friday - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Coach Dana Holgorsen previews Saturday's matchup. TCU coach Gary Patterson gives his thoughts on joining the Big 12 Conference with West Virginia. Former WVU quarterback Kevin White (1981-84) looks back on leading the Mountaineers to victory in the program's only previous meeting against the Horned Frogs.
WVU's Geno Smith Named Finalist for the Unitas Golden Arm Award - WVillustrated
West Virginia University senior quarterback Geno Smith has been named one of 10 finalists from across the nation for the 2012 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, as announced by the organization today
Men's Basketball: United Bank Ticket Offer - WVU Athletics
United Bank is providing a special $10 ticket for Tuesday's game.
In tough Big 12 can anyone dethrone Kansas? - Rob Dauster - SI.com
Big 12 Primer
Mon Boulevard Parking Update - WVU Athletics
Parking will continue to be allowed, as in the past, on certain sections of the East and West side of the boulevard.
WVU in danger of missing tournament - Daily Athenaeum
After two critical consecutive losses, the West Virginia men’s soccer team is now in serious danger of not being selected for the 2012 NCAA tournament.
News of Note:
Week 10: TCU at West Virginia - College Football News
Week 10 Fearless Predictions
New Kids on the Big 12 Block to meet Saturday - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
WVU, TCU both left Big East during the summer
Having Fun Again - WVU Athletics
WVU players say they need to get back to having fun on the field again.
Learning from losses is key for rest of the season - Charleston Daily Mail
The previous two games, the painful moments and headlines each produced? Learn from it and then dispatch it.
West Virginia QB Smith adjusting attitude after defeats - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Still has faith in Mountaineers despite consecutive blowouts
HERTZEL COLUMN: Air attack looking to get off ground - Times West Virginian
“We just have to stay the course,” said Dawson as he began the week’s preparation for Saturday’s 3 p.m. meeting with TCU at Milan Puskar Stadium.
How important is game against TCU Saturday? - Register-Herald
When WVU takes the field at Milan Puskar Stadium Saturday, it’s facing a must-win situation.
Can Geno recapture the magic? - Charleston Gazette
Smith hopes to pull WVU out of its 2-game rut
Pressure's on Mountaineer corners - Charleston Gazette
While the pass defense problems are certainly a group effort, it is that small group of cornerbacks who are front and center.
WVU coach ignores former nose tackle’s rap on defense - Register-Herald
Chris Nield, a former outstanding West Virginia University nose tackle, was quoted in public print this week that he thinks the Mountaineers’ defensive unit lacks pride.
This time the odds seem right for WVU - Charleston Gazette
You probably know the Horned Frogs are hampered by injuries.
WVU looks to force mistakes from Boykin - Daily Athenaeum
Since Boykin’s takeover, TCU has won just one game.
Patterson: WVU, TCU In Same Position - WVMETRONEWS.COM
TCU head football coach Gary Patterson was a guest on Thursday’s MetroNews Statewide Sportsline as his team preps for Saturday’s game against West Virginia and quarterback Geno Smith.
New kids on block have had rocky start in Big 12 - Charleston Daily Mail
TCU and West Virginia, bullies and frontrunners in their previous leagues, haven't continued their domination on the Big 12 Conference playground.
TCU led by strong, steady defense - Times West Virginian
See, defense is TCU’s game.
TCU defense can confuse, deceive - Charleston Daily Mail
The Horned Frogs, who come to Mountaineer Field for a 3 p.m. game on Fox, succeed on defense with a mix of man-to-man and zone coverage.
Opposing view: TCU writer Stefan Stevenson - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Today we're joined by Stefan Stevenson of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, for whom he covers TCU.
Recruiting:
WVU Takes Juco Focus - WVMETRONEWS.COM
With West Virginia capable of signing 28 players for the class of 2013, coach Dana Holgorsen said as many as 10 recruits might come from the junior college ranks.
Around the League (and Beyond):
What to watch for in the Big 12: Week 10 - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
Keys to the Game: TCU @ West Virginia - Frogs O' War
Under Briles, Baylor's gambles usually pay off - Waco Tribune
Iowa State vs Oklahoma Preview - Wide Right & Natty Lite
Dave Campo making great strides with KU football defense - Lawrence Journal-World
How OSU helped key K-State's title chase - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
Josh Stewart has become the Cowboys' go-to man at receiver - Oklahoman (autoplay video)
Where Would The Sooners Turn If Damien Williams Can't Go Saturday? - Crimson And Cream Machine
Mack Brown's Involvement With Defense Bad Sign For Manny Diaz - Burnt Orange Nation
Taking Notes | Texas Longhorns vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders - Viva The Matadors
College GameDay Kickoff: Week 10 preview - ESPN
What's On Tap:
New feature this week!
These links take you to StatMilk statistical breakdowns of each game instead of the ESPN.com previews.
TCU Horned Frogs vs. #21 West Virginia Mountaineers
3 pm ET Saturday from Milan Puskar Stadium on Fox. Frogs are getting 6.
#12 Oklahoma Sooners vs. Iowa St. Cyclones
Noon ET Saturday from Jack Trice on ABC/ESPN3. Land Thieves are giving 12.5.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Baylor Bears
3:30 pm ET Saturday from Floyd Casey on FSN affiliates. Bears are giving 16.5.
#23 Texas Longhorns vs. #18 Texas Tech Red Raiders
3;:30 pm ET from Jones AT&T on ABC/ESPN2. Raiders are giving 7.
#24 Oklahoma St. Cowboys vs. #2 Kansas St. Wildcats
8 pm ET Saturday from Bill Snyder Family Stadium on ABC. Pokes are getting 8.5.
College Football TV Schedule
Complete TV listings for this week's games (times listed inside are CT)
Video of Interest:
Willie D against TCU in 1984:
Tailgate Recipe of the Week:
Cajun Fried Frog Legs
Ingredients
16 frog legs skinned and clean
1 cup canola or peanut oil
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp black pepper
dash of white pepper (optional)
season all to taste; flour for dusting
Directions
Rinse frog legs well and pat dry. Sprinkle Season-All on the frog legs to taste. In a separate glass bowl mix the egg and milk.
In another bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, black and white pepper.
Take the seasoned frog legs and lightly coat with plain flour; helps the egg stick to the leg. Coat with egg mixture then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture until the leg is fully coated. Fry until golden brown in the oil that has been heated in a skillet. Drain on paper towel and serve with onion hush puppies.
Recipe reprinted from Real Cajun Recipes
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Rough cut of a Spencer Hall joint:
Miss Throwdown:
We're calling in one of the big guns to help get WVU off the schneid. Today's Miss Throwdown held the long time honor as "The Pledge" in the magical finale our old Hump Day posts. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of the enchanting Miss Bar Refaeli. 1:03, trust me.