SB Nation - Jarrett Brown

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Friday (12/4/09) Rutgers Pre-Game Edition

WVUIE97 — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:00:27 -0000

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's best place for sports links, information and entertainment. Today we're being brought to you by Mickey's.

I'm about to hit the road to that hole called New Jersey. If anyone else is heading over, be safe and take plenty of money for tolls. There's plenty inside to occupy you for a while. Have a great weekend. The tips, suggestions and requests are always welcome. Let's GOOOOOOOOO...

Tailgate Recipe of the Week:

Herky's Famous Fire Sticks

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs. sirloin steak
3 beef bouillon cubes
1 tablespoon water
3 heaping teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (regular salt works as well)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

The night before:

Cut the steak into 1/2 inch cubes. In large bowl, crumble bouillion cubes into water and stir until a thick paste is formed. Stir in cayenne pepper, black pepper and salt. Add the meat and toss thoroughly to coat. Skewer meat onto wooden skewers, place in plastic container or gallon sized freezer bags and place in cooler.

At the game:
Heat the grill, brush some oil on the fire sticks, brush remaining oil on the grill using paper towel and tongs. Place sticks on grill and and cook 2-3 minutes per side.

Courtesy of Tailgating.com

Video of Interest:

Video of (Dis)Interest:

Here's the Rutgers recruiting video from the 80's.

Aids Awareness Gallery of the Week:

In order to raise awareness and because Rutgers wears red...

via coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is a gorgeous actress who's had roles on House and The O.C. I present the lovely, Olivia Wilde.

via img.photobucket.com

Mickey's image via www.united-nations-of-beer.com

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Thursday (12/3/09) Edition

WVUIE97 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:12:04 -0000

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's best place for sports links, information and entertainment. Today we're being brought to you by Ursus, in honor of today's Miss Throwdown. Even when I'm not trying, the red & gold label pops up.

This is eerie. There's plenty of news and such about this game, but it just feels quiet and that gives me an uneasy feeling (hopefully it's just this head cold I'm fighting). I'm heading up to NJ tomorrow. Anybody else going to the game? The tipline is open, as always. Let's get going...

What You May Have Missed:

Gold and Blue Report for Thursday - WVMETRONEWS.COM

Preview: WVU - Rutgers - BlueGoldNews.com

Game Preview: Rutgers - WVIllustrated.com

Lots of uncertainty in Big East bowl picture - ESPN

Big East picks, Week 14 - ESPN

Obituary: Serafino Dante 'Foge' Fazio / Head football coach at Pitt for 4 years in '80s - PPG
RIP Foge

News of Note (FB):

West Virginia's Jarrett Brown laughs at idea Rutgers sees him as a villain - Star Ledger

Life unchanged for WVU's Bitancurt - Charleston Daily Mail

Bitancurt earns place in WVU football history - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column

Trying to make sense out of WVU bowl picture - Charleston Gazette

'06 Rutgers game gave hint of Brown's future - Charleston Gazette

Jarrett Brown will face the team he got his first start against Saturday - WVIllustrated.com

Revamped Rutgers is gunning for WVU - Charleston Daily Mail

Final Plunge - WVMETRONEWS.COM

Clarke making impact on offense - Times West Virginian

Savage has already earned Mountaineers' respect - Register-Herald

WVU’s defense intact - Parkersburg News and Sentinel

WVU hoping to end its woes on the road - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

WVU seeking second win away from home Saturday at Rutgers - Inter-Mountain

News of Note (BB):

Men's Basketball: BIG EAST Games Now On Sale - MSNsportsNET.Com

Jay Takes Your Questions - MSNsportsNET.Com

West Virginia Shuts Down Radford - MSNsportsNET.Com
The women improve their mark to 6-1.

WVU women sloppy in win - Times West Virginian

Recruiting:

On the Recruiting Trail: Dec. 2 - EerSports

Around the League (and Beyond):

BIG EAST Slate: Week 14 - WVIllustrated.com

Rutgers fullback Jack Corcoran hopes to make most of a quiet ending to his career - Star Ledger

Expect a shootout between Pitt and Cincinnati - PPG

Brian Kelly: Pittsburgh's weather, field won't affect Bearcats - Cincinnati Enquirer

NOOOOOO!!! - With Leather
"Cincinnati's Brian Kelly to be next head coach at Notre Dame, according to report."

Mardy Gilyard overcame great odds to lead Cincinnati Bearcats - SI.com
"Two years after being homeless, Gilyard has Cincy on brink"

Sources Say Edsall Has NOT Been Contacted By Notre Dame - Hartford Courant

And Mayes Makes 22 - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician
22 players have left the program this year...wow

Syracuse football outlook: Majority of starters will be back for 2010 season - syracuse.com

Charlie Strong may be top choice to coach Louisville football - Courier-Journal

USF's Leavitt suddenly dean of state coaches - Tampa Tribune

Nebraska can make mess of BCS - Cincinnati Enquirer
I think I can honestly say for the first time....Go Huskers!!! Make a mess out of this!!!!

Gator Bowl can select Florida State for Bobby Bowden sendoff - SI.com

What's On Tap:

Oregon State Beavers vs. Oregon Ducks Preview - ESPN
Tonight is the Civil War/War of the Roses for the Pac-10 berth in the Rose Bowl at 9 pm on ESPN. Oregon is favored by 10.5. And here's this week's betting assistance:

Video of Interest:

This video is making the rounds and I'm pretty sure for the wrong reason. Based on the old "Freeze" play we used to run at WVU when Trickett was here, my guess is this one lineman is the only one who did what he was supposed to do.

Video of (Dis)Interest:

Gift Suggestion Gallery of the Week:

Here's my Christmas wish list. If anyone wants to get me any of these, I promise not to return or re-gift.

via coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is also on my Christmas wish list. Please welcome Romanian beauty, Madalina Diana Ghenea.

via babes.flabber.nl

Ursus image via www.brandsoftheworld.com

WVU vs. Cincinnati: Grades and Recap

5th Year Senior — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:00:43 -0000

by David Kohl - AP

Feed the hot hand. Feed the hot hand. Feed the hot hand.

View full size photo »

While it appeared we improved in some areas, we lost the game and at the end of the day, that is all that matters. This was not a moral victory and we can and should do better. I certainly expect better. I am very disappointed in this coaching staff and some of the players performances on Friday night.

All that being said, there is no way in hell that Bill Stewart should be fired at the end of the season. Dave Johnson on the other hand is (hopefully) already on the way out [ed. -- this is on my Christmas list]. If anyone knows a good Realtor, he will be needing help very soon.

With that said, on to the grades...

Jarrett Brown and Ryan Clarke: A JB was under constant pressure the entire game, but kept his cool and delivered some big plays. He kept a lot of busted plays alive with his feet and delivered the ball when he got a couple seconds to throw. Unfortunately, that wasn't too often. He seems to be (finally) fully recovered from the concussion and ready to lead this team to potential wins over Pitt and Rutgers to finish the season.

While the Cincy D bottled up Noel Devine, Ryan Clarke lowered his head and ran for some tough yards Friday night. His emergence this season has helped to fix the huge problem we had on third and short a year ago. Does he remind anyone else of Robert Waker? If he does, shouldn't the new Robert Walker get the ball more?

Offensive Line: F They were a huge concern coming into the season and seem to have negatively surpassed those (lack of) expectations recently. Early in the season, JB's ability to escape pressure and Noel's ability to make people miss masked the fact that our O-Line thinks it is illegal to block. They are just not giving us a chance to win games, plain and simple. Dave Johnson has not earned the right to keep his job.

Defense: C+ The middle of the field was open all game and I am really surprised Brian Kelly did not exploit it play after play. I don't know if it is the scheme or lack of field presence, but our LB's never seem to get enough depth when playing zone coverage over the middle.

Casteel, how can you continue to call blitzes up the middle when they are running to the outside on every play? In years past, we saw more blitzes from our spur and bandit positions which brought pressure off the corner and would've been perfect to get a stop against the run.

Special Teams: C- It would've moved up to a damn B, despite the terrible kick-off team, if HCBS would've let Tyler Bitancurt make that field goal.

Coaching: D Why not let him attempt that field goal? Is it easier to make a field goal or recover an onside kick? HCBS tried to exhibit the killer instinct that many were calling for after the USF game. Unfortunately, he exhibited it before the opponent was even close to stunned. It was like trying an uppercut in Punch Out before your opponent was wobbling. You just don't do it.

Replay Official: F With the angle of the camera, the fact that the ball appeared to be moving when Pead began to stretch it out and the reaction of Cincy players, that call could not be overturned by a sober person. Not one Cincy player signaled touchdown including Pead. With all the grades being so poor, the last thing we needed was the officials to screw us, and screw us they did.

* * * * * * * *

So what do you think? Are the grades too low? Too high? Do Bill Stewart's struggles put more of a microscope on every decision he makes? Let us know in the comments.

Discussing The High (And Low) Points Of West Virginia's 24-21 Loss At Cincinnati

Dr. Charley West — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:37:45 -0000

More photos » by David Kohl - AP

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There are a lot of things that happened last night, some good, some of course bad.

Here are Saturday's talking points:

The touchdown reversal was clearly the incorrect call. If it had been ruled a touchdown on the field, then we're talking a completely different story. But it wasn't. It was ruled a fumble, and there is absolutely nothing that could be considered indisputable about that video evidence. By definition, indisputable means beyond doubt. I would love to have the replay official look me and the rest of West Virginia fans in the eye and tell me that there wasn't a shadow of a doubt on that call. It simply was an incorrect call.

The soon-to-be-infamous fourth and eight call from the 25. With over five minutes left and plenty of timeouts, West Virginia could have very easily kicked a manageable field goal and kept themselves in the game with anything short of a touchdown. Instead, the call is made to go for it, a call that fails miserably, and Cincinnati is able to take a two possession lead with just a field goal. Here is Stewart's reaction to that call:

"I was going for the win," coach Bill Stewart said. "It was going to be tough to stop them. We really hadn't stopped them all night. I couldn't go for the field goal. I figured the game would go to the end."

Against USF, we couldn't stop them so we punted from their 33 yard line on a fourth and short. Last night, we couldn't stop them so we went for it on fourth and long. I fail to see how any of this makes sense.
Ryan Clarke carried the ball with great success. He also only carried it five times. I have been the #1 fan of giving Noel Devine more carries, and last night it happened. Only problem was that it didn't work, as he averaged a measly 3.5 yards per carry. On a night when our offensive line couldn't block the air in front of them, it was time to feed Clarke more often. If our running backs are going to get hit in the backfield, might as well have the big guy there to bounce off those hits.
Speaking of the offensive line, the Dave Johnson era should end. The quicker the better.
Jarrett Brown put on his best performance of the season last night. He rarely made mistakes (outside of the fumble, which didn't hurt us), he threw the ball with conviction, and he kept us in the game with both his arm and legs. It's just a shame he's nearly always running for his life. Did I mention the Dave Johnson era should end?
Another era that should end? The Bill Stewart as special teams coordinator era. It has been disastrous, certainly since he took over as head coach. The way I see it, he has enough on his plate (if not too much). Hand the reigns to someone more competent able talented ... OK, just someone else.
Sometime between now and next year, we must find a defensive backfield that is able to cover the pass. Whether it's lockdown corners, safeties, or dropping linebackers (hell, drop Chris Nield if we have to), we simply can't expect to win while giving up pass plays as we have this season.

What are your thoughts? Happy that we came this close to knocking off the 5th ranked team in the country? Mad that we're at a point where we're happy with moral victories? Did you throw a shoe?

Let us know in the comments...

Oh Yes, It's Upset Time: Previewing West Virginia @ Cincinnati

Dr. Charley West — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:50:57 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Gentner - AP

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West Virginia, at 7-2 overall and 3-1 in conference, needs to earn a dose of respect. Wins over Liberty, East Carolina, Colorado, Syracuse, Marshall, UConn, and Louisville have not quite done the trick. Even ranked #25 in the BCS, the Mountaineers need that defining game to transform this season from lackluster to electric. They get their chance Friday night.

Cincinnati is 9-0 and looking to start a season unbeaten in ten for the first time in school history. They are ranked #5 in the country, territory that is usually reserved in the Big East for WVU. Even when their Heisman candidate QB Tony Pike went down with injury, superstar backup Zach Collaros kept the machine running, maybe even more successfully than Pike himself. It will be Collaros who starts for the Bearcats Friday, with Pike expected to at least play for the first time in a month (he is slated to start next weekend against Illinois).

So how can West Virginia win? Glad you asked.

First, the offensive line needs to show up. Notably absent for most of the season, the Mountaineers' offensive line will actually have to block an opposing player on Friday for the visitors to have any chance. With Jarrett Brown, Noel Devine, Tavon Austin, and Jock Sanders all potentially able to line up in the backfield, the Bearcats will have a task containing that group -- but only if the offensive line gives them a chance. Too often this season, both Brown and Devine have been forced into decisions that are not ideal (Devine turns two yard losses into 30 yard gains in his sleep, but let's not make it tougher on him, OK? OK.)

This will be made all the tougher as, even as a team known for their offense, Cincinnati boasts a very good defense. Giving up 45 points to UConn will provide the Mountaineers some inspiration, but this is a Bearcat defensive unit that only allows 16.4 points per game. They are most susceptible to the pass, which will put Brown's decision making in the spotlight. If Brown can manage a game intelligently, which is something this team has sorely lacked most of this season, the Mountaineers have a chance. If he's sharp, avoids sacks and turnovers, and lets his wheels loose, watch out. On the other hand, if he's careless with the ball, Cincinnati will eat him alive (I don't know what a Bearcat eats, considering it's a stupid name for a mascot and I didn't want to waste any more time on Wikipedia, but it will be Brown Friday night).

On the other side of the ball, Cincinnati is the only team in the conference to surpass WVU with playmakers. Names like Pike, Collaros, Mardy Gilyard, Isaiah Pead, Armon Binns, and Jacob Ramsey are all game-changers. West Virginia's defense did a good job of doing more bending than breaking last week against Louisville, but Cincinnati is not Louisville. The front three of Chris Nield, Scooter Berry, and emerging Julian Miller must slow-down the vaunted Bearcat attack, which is averaging a tidy 40 points per outing. If they can get pressure on the quarterback, then cornerbacks Brandon Hogan and Keith Tandy (gasp!) will not be forced into less than pleasurable coverage situations.

On the outside, it doesn't look like West Virginia has much of a chance. And maybe they don't. Nearly double-digit underdogs, on the road, against a fired-up night crowd in cozy Nippert Stadium is not generally a recipe for victory. But even as the battle looks uphill, remember that WVU still has one of the most playmaker-laden teams in all of college football. At any moment, the game can be broken open. We all know the talent is there -- there's very little doubting that. But we haven't seen 60 minutes of talent yet. Will we Friday? Who knows.

But if the Mountaineers can finally string together a complete effort, anything is possible, even a top 10 upset.

WVU vs. Louisville: Grades and Recap

5th Year Senior — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:16:28 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Gentner - AP

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Oh happy day, oh happy day, oh happy day, when WVU won again!

The game was a lot closer than it should have been but we came out with a win. We did not look sexy, or even beer goggles attractive, but I will take that W any way she will give it to me.

The team has been flat since the second half of the Syracuse game, but what is the main problem? Is it the O-Line or is it the Offensive Coordinator's play calling? Is it the QB or is the O-Line not giving him enough time? Is it a lack of pressure or a bad secondary? It is 100% obvious to us all, that we need to improve in many areas to score some big victories the next 3 weeks.

The fact that we got the W does not change the grading system. I pass out the grades after the jump...

Offensive Line: D This group has either regressed or not improved since the beginning of the season. On almost every play, it seems that at least one of these guys misses a block or gets in the running backs way. Are they confused on the play call or are the just that bad? I remember one or two plays where Devine and Jock had somewhat of a hole until an O-lineman closed it for the D. With the athletes we have running the ball, they do not need much room to break one. We need this group to step up big over the next few weeks in order to win.

Jarrett Brown and WR's: C JB kept many plays alive by avoiding the rush and scrambling out of the pocket. He also threw the ball right on the money to Jock to give him the best chance to get into the endzone on the bubble screen. WAIT WHAT, we scored on the bubble screen, that play never works, OMG. However, JB missed a few open men and seemed timid to take a hit for a few extra yards.

Our WR's dropped a few balls and could not get off bumps on the outside to get open. However, they stepped up and made some catches and blocks when we needed them the most.

Defense: B- They stepped up during crunch time of the fourth quarter and on most third downs. They only allowed Louisville to convert on 5 of 17 opportunities on third down. While this unit gave up way too many yards on the ground, they kept them out of the endzone and that is what won us the game

On Louisville's final series we saw the true heart and toughness of this defense. Julian Miller was dead on his feet but gave everything he had to get pressure on Stein. With Chris Neild out the D-Line got the pressure we have been looking for all season. The secondary also played well after a horrible game against USF. Note: The grade started at C- but looking at the stats, I felt they deserved better.

Special Teams: B HCBS changed personnel on kick-offs and it paid off. WAIT WHAT, HCBS is too loyal to switch any players out because he does not want to hurt their feelings and he is just an idiot. The 25314 called for this a couple weeks ago and it looks like Lider was finally outperformed in practice.

Coaching: C- Even though Koz placed the ball perfectly on the punt, I feel like HCBS made the wrong decision to punt on 4th and short. We needed to be more agressive against this team. Otherwise, I liked his intensity on the sidelines and calls on special teams.

Mullen had a conservative game plan that was predictable after the first series. Dave Johnson needs to get in someones face when they miss an assignment. These two need to improve the most before Friday's game at Cincy. Let's see a UNC game rather than another Louisville game.

Fans: D I knew it was a bad sign when I saw at least 15 - 20 guys keep their hats on during the playing of our national anthem. I was one of 5 people in my section clapping when the team came out in the second half, very sad. A lot of the crowd was leaving before the game was even over. Students, what students? I will give the couple in front of me props this game, they at least made it through one series after halftime, it was a record.

The game was not fun to watch but we got the W and I am ready for Cincy. I hope our team is too.

Sunday Conversation: Jarrett Brown Or Our Fans, Which Is Worse?

Dr. Charley West — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:45:12 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Gentner - AP

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The title is a little misleading, because none of us really hate Jarrett Brown, but I at least needed to get your attention.

In what's becoming a weekly tradition now, 5th Year Senior and I traded e-mails this afternoon, discussing everything from this past week's game with Louisville to the YMCA guy (hint: I'm not a fan). So, sit back, grab a beer, and get ready to get unfortunately taken into the mind of 5th Year Senior. Yikes.

5th Year Senior:

Should Jarrett Brown still be our starter?

Charley West:

Yes, I think he should continue to be the starter for the short-term, but not because of much he's done positively.

With our porous offensive line, sticking anyone back there is nearly a death wish. Thankfully, Brown has the tools to escape most of the time. Of course, when he does escape, he's still not a very good QB, but at least he avoids a sack. Those are the positives.

The negatives? Well, there are a lot of them, to the loose grip on the football to the less than 100 yards passing this past weekend. While we control our own destiny, I favor Brown. If and when that ends, I say we go ahead and get started on the future. And that means starting Smith.

5th Year Senior:

This is a short conversation because I agree with you.

Charley West:

Well then, let's try and change the subject, shall we?

5th Year Senior:

What was worse Saturday, the team or the fans?

Charley West:

There's no one answer to that question, unfortunately. Both sucked.

I have absolutely no clue what the students are doing. It was a 70 degree day in November and the student section looked, at best, 75% full. And it was only that full for the second quarter. What the hell better did they have to do?

And honestly, I am going to give the paying fans a bit of a pass, because a lot of the energy of a football crowd comes from the students. And when they're not there or not interested, it's tough to get anything going cheer wise. Something needs to change, and fast.

5th Year Senior:

The fans sucked more yesterday and that is saying something considering what we saw on the field

I am not getting mad about the constant complaining because it was justified yesterday. I am talking about the total lack of noise from anyone. Idiots around me complained about the fans being dead and then did not cheer themselves. That shit pisses me off and just shows people complain even if they are part of the problem.

You can cheer, as I did, and walk out of the game with no voice even if others are not cheering. Your "job as a fan" is to cheer on your team and 90 percent of the fans failed yesterday.

The loudest cheer of the game was for a fat ass dancing to YMCA.

Charley West:

The YMCA guy is a complete embarrassment, no two ways about it. Anytime a morbidly obese person is featured on the video board, do you think West Virginia's image is going to be improved? Nah, I didn't think so either.

When an athletic department is 100% fine with guy performing and actually encourages it, you know there's a problem with the athletic department. Charley West for Athletic Director!

5th Year Senior:

Don't send me emails saying I hate fat people. I love fat people. If you don't believe me, just ask Betty from last night about how much I love fat people.

Anywho, to the people that are sure to respond, "The team should give us something to cheer about." Shut the fuck up. We got our reputation of being a tough place to play during some pretty damn mediocre years. Stand up and cheer. It is not that hard, especially if you want absolute perfection on every play from the players.

And on that note, the conversation ended, as it probably should have.

WVU at USF Recap: No Guts, No Glory

5th Year Senior — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:55:36 -0000

More photos » by Chris O'Meara - AP

South Florida wide receiver Carlton Mitchell burns West Virginia defensive back Keith Tandy after Jim Leavitt had the guts to go for it on fourth down. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

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No guts, no glory. I have no clue who originially coined that phrase but it is a sadly appropriate description of last night's ~~game~~ beat-down. Jim Leavitt had guts to go for it multiple times, while Bill Stewart forgot his balls in Morgantown. HCBS, I have defended your decisions most of the time but what the hell were you thinking last night?

It was our chance to show a national TV audience that we were a contender in the Big East but we fell flat on our face and got a mud hole stomped in our ass. The team played liked a bunch of Pop Warner kids that wanted the game to be over quickly so they could go to Chuck-E Cheese after the game.

The one positive to remember from last night is that we still control our own destiny in the Big East. IF we win out, we represent the Big East in a BCS bowl game. After seeing this team's play last night, it is a big IF.

Here are my grades for the ~~game~~ beat-down...

Offensive Line: F This unit was so bad that Josh Jenkins and Don Barclay had more tackles on the night than Reed Williams. I saw one maybe two plays where our O-Line was able move the Bulls line backwards. We got beat on the edge, up the middle and could not disguise a screen. We held on a numbe of plays and got away with it. the performance was terrible.

Jarrett Brown: D He tucked the ball away and rushed for two TD's but his decision making while throwing was horrible. Noel Devine was open as a check down reciever the entire game and had one ball thrown his way. JB missed open recievers over the middle time after time. After his interception, he was scared to thow the ball and it showed. I hate to say this BUT if we lose one more game it is time for the Geno Smith era to begin.

Defensive Line: C+ This unit actually performed decently last night. They got penetration on the run to slow Plancher down but then some of LB's constantly would miss the tackle. We still need to get pressure on the QB but that is more the LB's job than the D-Line in the 3-3-5 scheme.

Line Backers: D The only bright spot was JT Thomas. Lazear missed tackle after tackle. At least they didn't let USF's TE catch 12 balls over the middle.

Defensive Backs: 2% Robert Sands is a stud. The rest of you guys are bums. Keith Tandy, thanks for playing but it is time for you do the right thing. Simply poke yourself in the eye so you are not healthy for the remainder of the season.

Special Teams: B Kickoff coverage was good for a change. Koz punted well, even though his average will go down because HCBS had him punting from the 33 yard line. Our returners gave us good field position all night but Mullen spoiled it.

Coaching: F HCBS, what in the hell were you thinking? I agree with our first punt inside our 40 because at that point in the game it was fine to play field position. The second time, however, was one of the worst calls in Mountaineer history. Mullen, did you throw out the game plan after the first series? We moved it right down the field the same way Pitt and Cincy did. Then you did not call those plays again. WTF. I seriously hope you watch film and think, "I'm an idiot."

I am still shaking my head at what happened last night. We performed like many of the critics said we would all season. But let me be clear, so far, all you critics have only been right once. You are 1-7 on the season in your predictions for this team. By your standards you suck and should be fired from making predictions.

You may now come out of hiding and bash on HCBS and this team. But remember, you have been wrong more this season than you have been right.

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Friday (10/30/09), USF Gameday Edition

WVUIE97 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:10:01 -0000

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, brought to you today by the King of Beers (their words, not mine), Budweiser. That makes eight.

Good Morning Neverland!!! It's Game Day and as usual, there's an extra spring in my step because of it (doesn't hurt that VPI lost their third game last night as well). Like the coaches with the team, I feel it's my duty to get you into Game Day Focus and I've gathered lots to hopefully accomplish that. Have a safe and Happy Halloween weekend. Enjoy the game, and, as always, your tips and requests are greatly appreciated. So without further adieu...

What You May Have Missed:

Scouting Report: South Florida - WVMETRONEWS.COM

Top Ten For WVU - MSNsportsNET.Com
But you already knew that.

Bits and Bytes: WVU - USF - BlueGoldNews.com

Big East picks, Week 9 - ESPN
Let's hope his streak stays alive as well.

Video: West Virginia-South Florida preview - ESPN
BE football blogger Brian Bennett has a video preview for us. I can't embed it (plus there's already enough videos below).

USF's Head Coach Jim Leavitt - WVIllustrated.com
Video interview

Friday Q&A: West Virginia quarterback Jarrett Brown - ESPN

Halloween in the Big East - ESPN

Football: Williams Named Campbell Finalist - MSNsportsNET.Com

Butler, Ebanks Make Watch List - MSNsportsNET.Com

College GameDay Kickoff: Week 9 preview - ESPN

News of Note:

Bulls try to escape their own horror film - ESPN

A Complete Runner - MSNsportsNET.Com

Dangerous Road Trip - WVMETRONEWS.COM

WVU visits South Florida tonight - Times West Virginian

WVU facing South Florida - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Brown should feel right at home - Charleston Gazette

WVU right at home in Florida - Times West Virginian
Hertzel Column. Same title, different article than the one from Parkersburg yesterday.

Mounties' Sunshine Staters Look Forward to Homecoming - EerSports.com

WV’s Devine eyes homecoming against South Florida - Martinsburg Journal (AP)

Devine a concern for South Florida - Bluefield Daily Telegraph

Second half has been good to Mountaineers - Charleston Daily Mail

WVU will attack Bulls defense - Charleston Daily Mail

Has West Virginia’s Offense Caught up to USF’s Defense? - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register

WVU wins on paper against USF - Charleston Daily Mail

Mountaineers Adjusting On the Fly - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register

Stewart has faith in Kozlowski’s punting - Inter-Mountain

Penalties have put Bulls in a quandary - Tampa Tribune

WVU's White gone, but Brown is a challenge for Bulls - Tampa Tribune

It’s USF Week: Let’s Meet the WVU Line - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register

Capers learning to shine as WVU's right tackle - Charleston Daily Mail

West Virginia enjoys weeknight games - PPG

News not all good for WVU's Huggins - Charleston Gazette
Vingle's notebook

Recruiting:

Rogers already puts offenses in chaos - Charleston Daily Mail

Robert Johnson - WVIllustrated.com

NCAA approves rules changes on basketball recruiting - ESPN

What's On Tap:

West Virginia Mountaineers vs. South Florida Bulls, October 30 2009 - ESPN
8 pm tonight on ESPN2. Current line has us by 3.

Men's Basketball: Open Scrimmage on Saturday - MSNsportsNET.Com
WVU Coliseum on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. Admission is free.

Men's Soccer: WVU to Conclude Regular Season - MSNsportsNET.Com
Saturday, Oct. 31, at Seton Hall. Kickoff at Owen T. Carroll Field is set for 7 p.m.

Around the League (and Beyond):

Four positions later, Rutgers sophomore Eric LeGrand may have found a home at tackle - Star Ledger

SU must play keep-away with Bearcats - syracuse.com

Two of the best square off - Cincinnati Enquirer
"When the University of Cincinnati’s offense is not on the field Saturday, you can expect to find Mardy Gilyard watching Syracuse wide receiver Mike Williams when he has the chance." In other news, Pike ruled out for this week.

Will Stein could be U of L’s starting QB - Courier-Journal

Pitt's line key to successful offense - PPG

Stull Stories: Redemption and Booing - Pitt Blather

Cheerleader of the Week: Cincinnati's Kayli - SI.com
I'm not one to usually hype a conference rival school....but she's cute (full gallery linked from the questionnaire).

Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant banned for rest of season - SI.com (AP)

Tailgate Recipe of the Week:

Whenever I get the chance to spend some time in Florida, I try to at least get some kind of alligator dish. So....

Okefenokee Fried Alligator

Ingredients

1 (1 lb) package alligator meat

meat tenderizer

garlic powder

black pepper

1 dash cayenne pepper

cooking oil

flour

salt

Directions

After thawing sprinkle with meat tenderizer.

Let stand for 20 minutes.

Season to taste with garlic powder and black pepper.

Coat well with flour.

Heat cooking to 350 degrees.

Cook until golden brown.

Do not over cook.

It should be tender, moist and have the color consistency of golden fried chicken when properly cooked.

Serve with your favorite sauce.

Courtesy of RecipeZaar

Video(s) of Interest:

Since it's USF tonight in Tampa, here's Pat White's highlights from the USF game his freshman year:

And 15 more of his more impressive touchdown runs:

Video of (Dis)Interest:

This week at BCS Headquarters:

Halloween Gallery of the Week:

With Halloween tomorrow, where better to celebrate than at Hef's place? A big thanks to Coed Magazine for making this section easy this week.

via coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is one of the most gorgeous women in the world today. Damn you, Justin Timberlake. Join me as we pay homage to Miss Jessica Biel. BONUS LINK: The only minute or so ever worth watching of Ellen.

via cm1.theinsider.com

Budweiser images via prhchamberonline.com and hoboken411.com

WVU vs. UConn: Grades and Thoughts

5th Year Senior — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:00:36 -0000

by Michael Switzer - AP

View full size photo »

Miserable. Frustrating. What the hell is going on out there? Get your head out of your ass. These were all things said by yours truly during Saturday's game against UConn. I pulled my hair out and simply could not watch this performance at times.

If we perform like this any more down the stretch, we will get beat multiple times. It is prettier than you think because we won, but these are the worst grades of the season.

O-Line: C- There were only a few pass plays in which JB did not have someone in his face or bearing down on his backside. Devine had no room to run in the first half and made a lot of his own plays in the second half. This unit was getting manhandled at times, but came up with some big blocks late in the game.

Jarrett Brown: C- Again, there were flashes of brilliance, but he could not put a full game together. He looked absolutely terrible most of the game and turned the ball over. However, he stepped up to make a few key throws in the second half to keep drives alive and move the ball.

He ran out of bounds on a couple plays where a slide would've netted him at least 2-3 more yards. He also appeared to slow down and not run into hits when they were unavoidable.To me, it showed that he played scared on Saturday. While it is understandable, I hope that he gets over this real quick and becomes the JB of old this Friday against USF.

Noel Devine: A+++++++++++++++++ He was bottled up and frustrated in the first half, but kept plugging along and broke runs when we needed him the most. One more year, Mr. Devine, one more year.

Defense: C- I would like to give them a D but they did enough in the fourth quarter to win. They intercepted a pass which would've ended the game but Richardson gave it back on the fumble. They finally secured the win with another INT.

Glover took some horrible angles on UConn's two biggest plays. I have no clue what he was thinking on either of those plays. [ed. Nate Sowers looked to spend the better part of the game on his ass.]

We still have trouble timing our blitzes and getting consistent pressure on the QB. It is also impossible for us to cover anyone on a crossing pattern. [ed. Theriously.] Getting into the toughest part of WVU's schedule, these could be huge problems. Obvi.

Kick-off coverage: D They did not give up a TD, so it was not a total failure. We have too many guys outside the numbers and not enough in the middle. This is great if the kick is really high and we have at least one guy get off a block, but if they are held up and the returner can get toward the middle, we are in deep shit.

Kick Returns: A Tavon Austin is so close to breaking every return, it is scary.

Scott Kozlowski: B+ One poor punt but he is just booming the ball and helping flip field position.