SB Nation - Joe Lefeged

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Friday (11/20/09) Edition

WVUIE97 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:54:25 -0000

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's best place for links, information and fun. We're brought to you today by Old Jubilation Ale. That makes 23 red and gold beer logo/labels in a row.

Hopefully things will pick up on Monday (and they should). Until then, here's today's articles and entertainment to help sate you for the weekend. With that in mind, have a great weekend and see you on Monday. Keep the tips, suggestions and requests coming. The fun starts after the jump...

What You May Have Missed:

Gold and Blue Report for Friday - WVMETRONEWS.COM

Thursday Notebook - MSNsportsNET.Com

WVU hoops heating up, Ollie and a fan survey - Charleston Gazette
Vingle's Notebook

News of Note (FB):

Colin Dunlap's West Virginia football chat transcript - PPG

WVU ranked No. 1...in Big East's rudest fans - Charleston Gazette
If they would pay attention to the banner/article below....it's the nation, not just the Big East.

Holliday helped change Pitt recruit's mind - Charleston Daily Mail

Nearly a Panther, Sands thriving as Mountaineer - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column

Who's got balance in the Big East? - ESPN

Lyons Knows Pittsburgh - WVIllustrated.com

Senior Jack Crow has stuck it out with WVU, despite limited playing time - WVIllustrated.com

News of Note (BB):

WVU's Butler in very rare company - Charleston Daily Mail
Bogaczyk's notebook

New Look Student Section - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Video link inside.

Prahalis leads No. 3 Ohio State past West Virginia - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register (AP)

Smoking Start - Scout.com
Big East basketball is 30-0 to start the season

Recruiting:

Tennessee Vols sign PF Tobias Harris, No. 7 in ESPNU 100 - ESPN
He didn't announce until yesterday, but the binding paperwork was signed on Wed.

On the Recruiting Trail: Nov. 19 - EerSports

Around the League (and Beyond):

George Mason Patriots vs. Villanova Wildcats - ESPN
Nova survives 69-68

The Scoop & Wes Show: Syracuse 95, Cal 73 - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician

Big East picks, Week 12 - ESPN

Cincinnati quarterback Zach Collaros admits he ignored order - Cincinnati Enquirer

Louisville quarterback Froman trying to get in sync - Courier-Journal

Notebook: DB Reed learns lessons vs. Irish - PPG

Big East Conference fine with noon kickoff - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Syracuse and Rutgers Playing for More than Just a Win - Protect R Turf

The Great Debate - Protect R Turf
Even the Rutgers bloggers aren't sure if they deserve to be a Top 25 team

Strong safety Joe Lefeged made big impact at Carrier Dome last time Rutgers visited Syracuse - Star Ledger

USF's Hermann out indefinitely - Tampa Tribune

USF studying Web site report alleging NCAA violations - Tampa Tribune

Of Course He’s Not Claiming A Conspiracy - Pitt Blather
PItt blogger takes on Joe Starkey's article and the replay fiasco.

Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman sidesteps football audit questions - ESPN

SI Poll Results:

The picture leads to the national results article. Click on this link (sentence) for the Big East results.

image via SI.com

Videos of (Dis)Interest:

Here's an interesting version of the Statue of Liberty play (no sound).

Most people know how to shotgun a beer with a can, #1 in this video shows you how to...with a bottle.

This Week in Bodypainting:

This week's edition is semi NSFW.

via neyrot.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is another California girl and a finalist to be the next Victoria's Secret model. Here's Jamie Lee Darley.

via coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Old Jubilation image via www.bruguru.com

Maryland-Rutgers Gameday Guide

Ben Broman — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:38:13 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

3 months ago: Maryland running back Da'Rel Scott (23) rushes against James Madison defensive tackle Ronnell Brown, second from right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Browse more photos »

What: Maryland and Rutgers battle in a game that will likely decide the course of both teams' season.

Where: Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium, College Park

When: 3:30

Where to Watch: Fire up the ol' PC - ESPN360 only for this one.

In a Nutshell

Rutgers' Offense vs. Maryland's Defense - Rutgers is led by talented true freshman quarterback Tom Savage, who took over for Domenic Natale in the third quarter of the Scarlet Knights' blowout loss to Cincinnati. Savage, however, was injured against FAU, and is a game-time decision. If he's not in, Natale, who has interception issues, will start, much to the Terps' delight. Regardless, RU is a running team, featuring Joe Martinek and Jourdan Brooks in the backfield. Maryland's defensive line will have to come up big to stop the powerful ground attack.

Maryland's Offense vs. Rutgers Defense - The Scarlet Knights' defense hasn't done too well this year, after being picked apart by Cincinnati and not putting away FIU. Led by middle linebacker and leading tackler Ryan D'Imperio, they've said they're now playing with a chip on their shoulders after not showing up in the first game. They tend to be more vulnerable through the air; Tony Pike and Rusty Smith both had big days in their games. Hopefully, Maryland will try to air it out more than usual; Chris Turner, Torrey Smith, and Adrian Cannon should all have big days.

Players to Watch

Tom Savage, QB, Rutgers - As mentioned above, Savage is one of the leaders of the offense. Natale looked downright terrible against Cincinnati, so if Savage doesn't take the field, Maryland has a much better shot at winning this one.

Joe Lefeged, S, Rutgers - By now, you've probably heard the name. Lefeged, a Germantown native, is the guy who put Jordan Steffy out of commission two years ago with a helmet-to-helmet hit Ralph thought was malicious. He's now a starter and one of the better players on the Scarlet Knights' defense.

Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland - I almost feel like this is cheating - Torrey Smith could be a player to watch every single week. But it's especially true this week, as James Franklin is realizing his potential and Rutgers' pass defense isn't a strength. Could be a breakout game for the NCAA leader in all-purpose yardage.

Alex Wujciak, LB, Maryland - Wujciak is playing against his home state, and his performance will be vital. Rutgers will look to run a lot against the Terps, and usually up the middle - in other words, right at Wujciak. That's what he eats up; he might not be great at pursuit, but he's the best Terps LB against the run. I'd probably be surprised if he doesn't have a double-digit tackle day.

Gameday Reading

Questions about age getting old for Terps - Washington Times
"We've played in three games," quarterback Chris Turner said. "That's plenty of experience as far as I'm concerned. It's time to just start playing like a mature team and start winning football games. The whole young thing is not an excuse anymore."

Beware of hungry, hungry Terps - Daily Targum
"It’s easy to push Maryland aside as a joke of a football team despite playing in a BCS conference.

"That’s a mistake.

"As badly as this team has played — and it’s been really poor — it still has the three biggest tools needed to win games against better opponents. It will not be more apparent for the Terrapins than this weekend against Rutgers."

There's a lot at stake for Terps - The Capital
'"I wouldn't say it's now or never, but we want to win every game we can and that needs to start now," wide receiver Torrey Smith said. "Being a young team, it would definitely be a confidence-booster (to win)."'

Desperate Times - The Diamondback
'"We need this win for a lot of reasons," Terp wide receiver Torrey Smith said. "For ourselves as far as confidence goes, for our fans to not jump off the bandwagon. The biggest thing for us that we need to do is just fix our mistakes."

'"We’ve been facing some hard luck. Sometimes you’ve got to change your luck and make your luck," Friedgen said. "I think this team really needs to have a coming out."

'"I think for both teams, for us and Rutgers, it’s a game to see really where we’re at, to see really where we’re going to go from here," Terp quarterback Chris Turner said. "I think on paper we’re pretty evenly matched, and we’ll just have to see what happens."'

Loss of Carroll has been tough on Terps -- Sun
'But Nolan Carroll's loss has been felt since, and in a variety of ways.

"That's my roommate. I was upset," starting safety Terrell Skinner said when asked this week about Carroll's season-ending tibia fracture, which occurred when a teammate kicked him while making a tackle. Wide receiver and kick returner Torrey Smith pointed to his eyes when asked about Carroll several days ago. He said he had decided to wear eye-black strips on game days bearing his friend's name.'

Scouting Report: Rutgers at Maryland - Press of Atlantic City
Susan Lulgjuraj's pick: Rutgers 30, Maryland 27 (Season record 3-0)

Rutgers' best-case scenario: Quarterback Tom Savage will show no residual effects from the hit he took in last week's game.

Rutgers' worst-case scenario: Losing to a team whose only win is against a Football Championship Subdivision team (formerly Division I-AA).

A Look Ahead to Maryland-Rutgers

Ben Broman — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:39:44 -0000

After looking at Rutgers in some semblance of depth, I think it's safe to say this is one of the few games left you can safely say is a toss-up for Maryland. The Scarlet Knights aren't nearly as good as a lot of people ranked them to be before the season. They were killed by Cincinnati nearly as bad as Maryland was killed by Cal, and, after handling Howard 45-7, had some trouble late against FAU; they would ultimately get the win, 23-15.

No, Rutgers isn't top 25-worthy. But that resume is still better than Maryland's. Unlike most other teams remaining on Maryland's schedule, however, it's not significantly better, meaning this game is actually winnable.

Actually, this game is a must-win for both teams. Maryland needs something positive to cling to, a turning point that can right the season after an awful start. Rutgers needs the win to re-assert themselves against a major opponent after the ugly Cincy loss. Emotions should be running high for both teams on Saturday, and both should have a sense of urgency.

As for the actual team, here's what to expect from the Scarlet Knights

Offense

Coming into the year, fifth-year senior Dominic Natale was the starter at QB. Then they saw him play, and that changed fast. After two quarters against Cincy, he was promptly benched in favor of talented true freshman Tom Savage. Savage fared much better; he actually, y'know, scored. He was also impressive against Howard and FIU - granted, it's Howard and FIU, but the kid can play and looks like the future at QB for the Scarlet Knights.

There is reason for hope, though: he was injured late in the game last week, and may not be ready to go at 3:30. If he's not, we'll see a combination of running QB Jabu Lovelace and the aforementioned Natale. If either of those two see the field as starter, the Terps' chances at winning have to increase by at least 15%.

Rutgers has a variety of weapons on the ground, from bruising sophomore running back Joe Martinek to the to Germantown native Jourdan Brooks to talented true freshman De'Antwan Williams. Their running game is so strong they say they expect at least 200 yards rushing every game. While they haven't hit that mark yet, they've gotten close every time (averaging 192 a game) and Maryland is, on average, allowing just over 200 yards per game. This will easily be the biggest problem for Maryland to deal on Saturday.

To make matters worse, Rutgers has a pretty experienced offensive line. Though the results they've put up have been less than spectacular so far, they're capable of being very good, and what better time to break out than against Maryland's weak defensive line?

A good thing about Rutgers' offense is that they're relatively simply compared to JMU or MTSU, which were both spread teams that relied on the option to some degree. That's not an issue Don Brown has to worry about here.

Defense

Rutgers biggest weakness is their defense. After the blowout against Cincinnati, they were criticized for missing tackles, getting beaten deep, and not putting pressure on the QB. They did little to remedy this against Howard. Actually, before last week, they were last in defense in the Big East. I haven't checked the stats recently, so I don't know how much that improved, but it's still pretty telling. While they did look good against FIU, it's FIU, so it's hardly indicative of any real improvement.

They do have some good players - Joe Lefeged, the guy who put Jordan Steffy out of commission last time, returns, and they're also led by senior end George Johnson and tackling leader at linebacker Ryan D'Imperio. As a whole, though, they're not that impressive.

Cincinnati tore them up through the air, and Maryland should look to do the same. Turner is accurate in big games and there are too many big-time WRs for the Terps not to rely on what Rutgers has been least effective in stopping.

Prediction: Maryland keeps it close on the strength of two passing TDs, but Rutgers finds moving the ball on the ground too easy against Maryland's defense, which sees an influx of younger players in an attempt to light a fire. 31-24.

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Thursday (9/24/09) Edition

WVUIE97 — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:03:08 -0000

Welcome By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, your daily dump for links and entertainment around WVU. Today we're sponsored by the Italian brew Forst.

Daily dump sounds too biological, don't you think? I warned you it was gonna be a slow news week. Today's WYMHM and NoN sections reflect that. We've got a little caption contest for you today. Send in your tips, requests, etc. as always. See you on the other side:

What You May Have Missed:

Coach Stewart Show - WVMETRONEWS.COM
The Coach talks about bringing back the old cheer. Let's get it going just before the team enters the field. Spread the word.

Sideline Spirit - AthlonSports.com
Here's your chance to vote for one of our cheerleaders.

St. John's names the Thunderbird as first sports mascot in nearly 10 years - NY Daily News
I have no words for this:

via assets.nydailynews.com

News of Note:

Starks likes to dish it out, too - The Charleston Gazette
He likes to hit people.

WVU quarterback likes the 'long handoff' - Charleston Daily Mail
...and no, he's not necessarily talking about the $%&*# middle screen.

WVU remains committed to passing game - The Times West Virginian

Stewart coaches like a parent - The Times West Virginian
Hertzel's column

Coach Stewart and his men looked to put Auburn game in rear view - wvillustrated.com

Mountaineers to spend off week ‘polishing’ - TheInterMountain.com

Around the League (and Beyond):

Cincinnati loses linebacker Curtis Young for up to six weeks - ESPN
Starting linebacker Curtis Young is expected to miss up to six weeks for No. 17 Cincinnati after having surgery on his right knee.

Successful season makes new facilities even more important - Cincinnati Enquirer
"Let’s suppose that UC goes on to win all 12 of its games, wins the Big East and lands in another BCS bowl game, maybe even in the national championship game." - I'd say somebody's getting a bit ahead of themselves. There's a lot of football to play this year...

Is Cincinnati the best team in Ohio? - ESPN
It's a bold question, but I would have to say yes. Not that I've been asked, mind you.

Grothe sprained shoulder on series before knee injury - Tampa Tribune
He wouldn't have played this week anyway.

USF football hoping to join the club - Tampa Tribune
"Sooner or later, there is going to be a new member of the state's marquee football programs."

Rutgers safety Joe Lefeged returning home, two years after controversial hit against Maryland - Star Ledger

Maryland's inexperience costing team as Rutgers prepares to visit - Star Ledger

Red zone too often dead zone for U of L - The Courier-Journal
Only five TDs on 14 trips inside 20.

SHAMARKO: The Legend Begins - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician

Pitt's Stull spreading the wealth - PPG

2009 Big East Fearless Picks: Week 4 - Scout.com

KU sports teams’ apparent feud spurs 2nd brawl - KUsports.com
BB and FB teams brawl each other. I've never heard of anything like this before.

Miami's Randy Shannon brings real life experience to program - SI.com

College Football Hall of Fame moving to Atlanta - ESPN
The mayor of South Bend, Ind., says the College Football Hall of Fame is moving from his city to Atlanta.

Mandel's Mailbag - SI.com

Recruiting:

Storm Coming to Morgantown? - eersports.com
RB re-opened his recruitment after LSU reportedly kept recruiting more tailbacks.

What's on Tap:

Mississippi Rebels vs. South Carolina Gamecocks - ESPN
Ole Miss goes on the road to face the Ole Ball Coach tonight on ESPN. Ole Miss is favored by 4.

Men's Basketball: Coaches vs. Cancer Dinner - MSNsportsNET.Com
It's at the Waterfront Place Hotel on Friday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m. and all proceeds are going to a very good cause. Please, support it if you are able.

Picture of the Day:

I think we need a caption contest for this one. Winner gets to pick a Miss Throwdown! Post your best ones in the comments below:

via joesportsfan.com

Video of the (Dis)Interest:

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Riverdance Dog...

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is an American beauty with African and Italian heritage. Meet Leila Arcieri.

via www.iballer.com

Forst image via www.bontadeltirolo.jp