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 Anchor Brewing's Bigleaf Maple Autumn Red.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold and Blue Now: Monday, Nov. 4 - WV MetroNews
Garrett Cullen recaps the weekend that was for West Virginia while getting ready for tonight’s exhibition contest versus Fairmont State as we hear from WVU guard Eron Harris.
Sources: Oliver Luck begins interview process for Texas AD job; decision likely to come next weekend - Dallas Morning News
Luck, the West Virginia athletic director, remains at the top of the list to replace DeLoss Dodds. Two other athletic directors -- Arizona State’s Steve Patterson and Arkansas’ Jeff Long – are also scheduled to interview with the eight-member advisory committee.
No. 1 Rifle Continues to Roll - WVU Athletics
The No. 1-ranked West Virginia University rifle team closed out its fall home season at the WVU Rifle Range with a 4690-4605 victory over No. 16 Akron
Mountaineers end losing skid, beat Texas Tech 3-2 - Daily Athenaeum
Saturday’s win against the Red Raiders marks the first time in WVU volleyball history a Big 12 opponent has been swept by the Mountaineers.
West Virginia beats Buffalo 2-1 on road - Daily Athenaeum
The Mountaineers needed a victory to keep their postseason hopes alive. WVU came through and returned to Morgantown owning a 2-1 win.
West Virginia finishes second overall at Big 12 Championships meet - Daily Athenaeum
The West Virginia cross country team took second-place at the Big 12 Championships Saturday in Waco, Texas, on the Cottonwood Golf Course. The Mountaineers finished with a team score of 104.
Krysta - Cheerleader of the Week - Photos - SI.com
Meet WVU's Krysta, who loves Jake Owen, never gets sick of watching 'Friends', and wishes she could have dinner with Queen Elizabeth I.
News of Note:
Football
Answering the Call - BGN
There were plenty of times over the course of the last week or so when West Virginia could have made the decision to just pack it in and quit.
Sims Breathes Life Into Ground Game - WVU Athletics
Sims's 154-yard effort the best of the season.
Sims delivered again in victory - Charleston Gazette
if WVU does have a chance of putting together back-to-back wins, it is becoming fairly apparent that the best way to do that might be to use running back Charles Sims more.
Sims’ running game finally clicks for Mountaineers - Times West Virginian
Some games for Sims were solid as he became WVU’s top rusher and second-leading receiver, but until the TCU game he hadn’t been able to show all that he did best.
Defense scrapped plan, then dominated TCU - Charleston Daily Mail
In the moment, West Virginia's defense probably couldn't have envisioned a worse situation than trailing TCU 17-3 in Saturday's second quarter. In retrospect, it was probably best thing to happen.
HERTZEL COLUMN: WVU D-line salvaged win over TCU - Times West Virginian
“We didn’t give up,” is the way senior nose guard Shaq Rowell put it.
Doug Rigg Out Two Weeks After Another Concussion - WVillustrated
Senior linebacker says he hopes to return for regular season finale against Iowa State.
Clay Makes Mark with First TD in Win - WVillustrated
Sophomore finds the end zone before getting swarmed by teammates at key point in game.
West Virginia victory a month in the making - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Finished, outlasted, survived -- take your pick.
WVU win came at a good time - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
No, it wasn't pretty. But, it was a win and it puts the program one game closer to playing in the postseason for a 12th consecutive year.
'Eer to Ear: WVU Snaps Losing Streak at TCU - WVillustrated
Highlights and reaction from WVU's 30-27 overtime victory on Saturday at TCU.
TCU Award Winners Announced - WVU Athletics
Coaching staff reveals TCU awards.
Monday morning stock report - WV MetroNews
Allan Taylor offers unit-by unit analysis of West Virginia after its 30-27 overtime win at TCU.
Finally, the opposing team gave one away - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Monday Morning Quarterback
Updated 2013 bowl projections, Week 10: Table set before huge Week 11 - SBNation.com
Heart of Dallas
Big 12 football bowl projections: Week 10 - ESPN
Pinstripe *Ugh
Basketball
New Hope For Mountaineers In Year Two - Big 12 Conference
This year's team returns three starters and Huggins is hoping that a year of experience in the Big 12 plus some newcomers up front will push WVU up the standings.
Huggins' holdovers, new cast debut tonight - Charleston Daily Mail
Overhauled roster gets ready for new season
Mountaineers host Fairmont State for exhibition tonight - Charleston Gazette
tonight's exhibition game is far more about West Virginia playing its first public game with a rebuilt roster after finishing last season 13-19.
New identity for WVU basketball - Daily Athenaeum
Fortunately, West Virginia may actually have the personnel to turn what’s been one of its more glaring weaknesses over the last two years into a potential weapon this season.
Huggins: Staten Becoming a Leader - WVU Athletics
Juwan Staten has done everything asked of him in the preseason.
Pro News:
Tavon Austin Learning the Ropes in Rookie Season - WVillustrated
Former WVU speedster still looking to make his impact in the NFL, increase role with the Rams.
Bruce Irvin says position change to linebacker saved his career - Washington Post
The Seattle Seahawks made the decision this offseason to move 2012 first-round pick Bruce Irvin from defensive end to linebacker after a productive rookie season as a situational pass rusher.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Baylor vs. Oklahoma Odds: Bears 14-point favorite over Sooners - Our Daily Bears
ISU still searching for answers on offense - Ames Tribune
Right now, Jayhawks are their own worst enemy - Lawrence Journal World
Wildcat report - Wichita Eagle
Sooners' two strategies vs. Baylor? Keep up or keep away - Oklahoman
Oklahoma State Myth Busters: Texas Tech Edition - Cowboys Ride For Free
All Chris Whaley does is score touchdowns - Burnt Orange Nation
Three years after Rose Bowl win, TCU headed in wrong direction - Dallas-Fort Worth Star-Telegram
OSU's pass defense thwarts effort by Webb - Lubbock Avalanche Journal
College GameDay Final: Week 10 - ESPN
College Football Overtime - Stewart Mandel - SI.com
What's On Tap:
West Virginia, Fairmont meet in exhibition tonight - Register-Herald
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m., and all tickets are $10. ROOT Sports will televise the action.
Career Forum Set for Monday Evening - WVU Athletics
at Milan Puskar Stadium’s Touchdown Terrace at 7 p.m.
Video of Interest:
Highlights of WVU's overtime victory against TCU.
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is another Brazilian model (I seriously need to plan a trip down there some day soon). CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Isabeli Fontana. CLICK HERE for a bonus gallery.