SB Nation - Brandon Hogan

Mountaineer Morning Links: Wednesday (1/30/13) Edition

WVUIE97 — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:27:23 -0000

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 Dogfish Head American Beauty IPA in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.

What You May Have Missed:

Gold and Blue Now: Wednesday, Jan. 30 - WV MetroNews
Big 12 expansion, Harbaugh family memories, and the WVU women win at No. 19 Oklahoma State.

WVU players set for Steak and Burger Dinner - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
At least 13 members of the West Virginia University football program are scheduled to be here tonight when the Boys and Girls Club of Parkersburg conducts its annual Steak & Burger Dinner at the Grand Pointe Conference Center.

Rifle Steady at No. 1 - WVU Athletics
The WVU rifle team is ranked No. 1 for the eighth straight week.

Baseball Preview: Unprecedented Challenges - BGN
The stage is set. What West Virginia’s baseball team does with it remains to be seen.

Brandon Hogan works out with the Chicago Bears - WVU Pros
Brandon Hogan worked out for the Bears, setting up a possible reunion with J.T. Thomas.

News of Note:

WVU Upsets No. 19 Oklahoma State - WVU Athletics
Junior guard Christal Caldwell used a career-best five 3-pointers to guide the West Virginia University women’s basketball team to a 67-61 Big 12 road win over No. 19/19 Oklahoma State, Tuesday.

West Virginia snaps losing streak, upsets No. 19 Oklahoma State 67-61 - Daily Athenaeum
After failing to do so in two consecutive losses, the West Virginia women’s basketball team held on to a halftime lead and cashed in a 67-61 victory on the road at No. 19 Oklahoma State Tuesday night.

Harris: Senior Bowl snub won't hurt Smith - Pittsburgh Tribune Review
In hindsight, Smith took a big-time gamble — call it a leap in faith — and ended up winning the lottery.

WVU lucky to cash in on Big 12 check when it did - Daily Athenaeum
It was just less than a year ago that West Virginia settled a multimillion-dollar lawsuit and finally reached an agreement to exit the Big East Conference and join the Big 12 Conference in nearly all sports effective last July.

Kansas game mixed bag for WVU - Times West Virginian
West Virginia’s basketball team has a split personality.

HERTZEL COLUMN: Murray shows up in defeat - Times West Virginian
“I don’t want to leave like this, so I’m not leaving, I guess.”

WVU Tries Growing from Losses - WVillustrated
Mountaineers using their showing against ranked opponents to push forward down final stretch of regular season.

Jayhawks impressed with Coliseum atmosphere - Daily Athenaeum
A crowd of 12,402 – the largest of the season – striped the arena with blue and gold and helped energize the Mountaineers on both ends of the floor.

Charleston Daily Mail Articles

Charleston Gazette Articles

Recruiting:

Ohio Lineman Joins WVU Commitment List - WVillustrated
The WVU football staff continued its recent recruiting success in the Buckeye State on Tuesday afternoon when Grant Lingafelter (Chagrin Falls, Ohio / Chagrin Falls) switched his verbal commitment from Miami (Ohio) to the Mountaineers following a weekend visit to Morgantown.

3-star lineman flips to WVU - WV MetroNews
Recruiting analysts weigh in on Grant Lingafelter, who had been committed to Miami (Ohio) for two months.

Mixed reports on WVU - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
The news coming out of Morgantown this was weekend mixed, especially if you are a fan of the Mountaineer football team.

Around the League (and Beyond):

Big 12 may consider conference alliance instead of expansion - Burnt Orange Nation

Big 12 working on preferred bowl lineup, schedules - SI.com/AP

Hoiberg Vows To Lift "Gallagher-Iba Curse" - Wide Right & Natty Lite

Mono-dramatic: Jayhawks sloppy in new jerseys - Lawrence Journal World

Tournament Tuesday (Jan. 29) - Bring On The Cats

Fitz's climb to 1,000 over, but Sooner senior seeking even higher ground - Crimson And Cream Machine

Eddie Sutton still a big part of Tony Allen's life - Oklahoman

Forbes: Big 12 Annual Payout To Equal $26 Million Per Team - Frogs O' War

From Baylor to the NBA, Quincy Acy and Ekpe Udoh remain united - Our Daily Bears

Texas Tech basketball program to hold reception for former players - Lubbock Avalanche Journal

Texas legislation would force Texas, Texas A&M to resume rivalry - Burnt Orange Nation

Tennessee athletic department mired in $200 million debt - Sporting News

What's On Tap:

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Baylor Bears - ESPN
7 pm tonight from the Ferrell Center on ESPNU

Texas Longhorns vs. (18) Kansas State Wildcats - Preview - ESPN
8 pm tonight from Bramlage Coliseum on ESPN2/3

Iowa State Cyclones vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys - ESPN
8 pm tonight from Gallagher-Iba Arena on Comcast Sports Net California

Video of Interest:

Sophomore forward Kevin Noreen talks about how he came to WVU and what he enjoys about being a West Virginia University Mountaineer.

Video of (Dis)Interest:

Hump Day Video of the Week:

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is a gorgeous American actress. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Gabrielle Union.

Panthers season in Review: Roster Comings and Goings

Jaxon — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 18:24:19 -0000

Panther roster transactions from July 24th through the end of 2012:

Transaction Date	Transaction Details	Comments
7/24/2012	Acquired WR Louis Murphy in trade	The former 4th round pick was worth the 6th or 7th we gave up for him in my view. He will be good depth next season as he and Cam continue to meld.
7/26/2012	Waived RB Armond Smith	Don't worry, he'll be back
7/27/2012	Free agent signing LB David Nixon	He doesn't last
7/30/2012	Released DE Jyles Tucker	Tucker was the smallest DE I've ever seen; Left to either put on weight or retire
8/2/2012	Free agent signing CB Nate Ness	Ness wouldn't last long
8/2/2012	Released T Jeff Otah	The nightmare finally ended
8/8/2012	Waived/injury settlement WR Hubert Anyiam	Who?
8/8/2012	Free agent signing G Justin Wells	Wells ended up getting a shot at playing time though it was less than impressive
8/10/2012	Free agent signing G Andre Ramsey	In for his cup of tea
8/10/2012	Waived/injured T Lee Ziemba	A formter 7th round pick by the Panthers, Ziema got hurt at the worst possible time
8/11/2012	Injured reserve T Lee Ziemba	I currently do not see Ziemba on the IR list
8/13/2012	Extension signing RB Jonathan Stewart	J-Stew gets paid!
8/15/2012	Waived G Andre Ramsey	We hardly knew you Andre
8/15/2012	Free agent signing RB Armond Smith	Smith would continue to impress and remains on the roster as the #3 tailback
8/18/2012	Free agent signing C Scott Mruczkowski	Brought in after 2nd preseason game
8/18/2012	Waived/injured CB Nate Ness	The injury bug bites
8/20/2012	Injured reserve CB Nate Ness	Ness remains on the roster; at 6'1" 190 lbs he has good size for a CB; 3rd year out of UofAZ
8/22/2012	Released C Scott Mruczkowski	Didn't make it a week
8/27/2012	Waived WR Darvin Adams	A 2011 UDFA from Auburn, some thought this kid might stick; currently playing for the Virgina Destroyers of the AFL
8/27/2012	Waived G Roger Allen	A 3rd player from Missouri Western, I thought Allen looked pretty good at TC; he's currently on the Bucs roster
8/27/2012	Waived WR Michael Avila	UDFA just didn't stand out
8/27/2012	Waived WR Brenton Bersin	Former Wofford player had nice size
8/27/2012	Waived G Will Blackwell	1st cut down continues; Blackwell just not athletic enough
8/27/2012	Physically unable to perform WR David Gettis	We thought he would be back by now
8/27/2012	Released P Nick Harris	Harris kicked well and eventually landed in Detroit
8/27/2012	Injured reserve CB Brandon Hogan	So much promise and potential
8/27/2012	Released K Olindo Mare	When you need the game tied and kick sails wide...That's O-Mare!
8/27/2012	Waived DE Eric Norwood	Former Gamecock just could not make much of an impact with his few chances; currently with VA Destroyers
8/27/2012	Waived RB Lyndon Rowells	Did not impress
8/27/2012	Waived TE Greg Smith	We thought he had a shot but it was not to be
8/27/2012	Waived RB Josh Vaughan	Played petty well but we were too deep at RB; Now with the Falcons
8/27/2012	Waived/injury settlement WR Rico Wallace	Got hurt, wasn't going to make team anyway
8/31/2012	Waived WR Seyi Ajirotutu	Played the entire 2011 season for us with spotty production at best; I thought he went to the Dolphins but is back with SD actually
8/31/2012	Waived G Bryant Browning	I thought he looked good in TC; makes the PS
8/31/2012	Waived WR Lamont Bryant	He makes the PS and remains on the roster
8/31/2012	Waived/injured CB Darius Butler	We had high hopes for Butler; now with the Colts whom we saw play this past w/e; got toasted
8/31/2012	Waived DT Nate Chandler	He later makes the PS and then gets elevated to the 53
8/31/2012	Waived TE Joe Jon Finley	I thought his size would keep him around
8/31/2012	Waived WR Jared Green	Makes PS but was recently signed by Dallas
8/31/2012	Acquired S Colin Jones in trade	Jones played ST all season except when injured
8/31/2012	Suspended DT Andre Neblett	1st four games he was sidelined; We wondered if he would stick or get cut
8/31/2012	Waived S Jonathan Nelson	Nelson would return later
8/31/2012	Waived LB David Nixon	Nixon returns later too
8/31/2012	Waived DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo	Now with the Lions
8/31/2012	Waived/injured RB Tauren Poole	RB looked pretty good but injury was bad timing
8/31/2012	Waived S Jordan Pugh	A bit of a surprise; The former 6th round pick in 2010 Pugh played two seasons but is now with the Redskins
8/31/2012	Waived T Matt Reynolds	Played well during TC but it wasn't enough
8/31/2012	Waived TE Nelson Rosario	Rosario returns later
8/31/2012	Waived RB Armond Smith	Returns later
8/31/2012	Released S Reggie Smith	The veteran FA played pretty well so I was surprised by this cut
8/31/2012	Waived CB R.J. Stanford	Also a 2010 Panther draft pick (7th rd) Stanford is now with Miami
8/31/2012	Waived DE Ryan Van Bergen	The former Wolverine is a free agent
8/31/2012	Waived G Justin Wells	Wells doesn't show in the wiki so I'm not sure what happened to him
8/31/2012	Waived LB Jason Williams	Williams makes it back to the roster
8/31/2012	Waived G Zack Williams	Williams makes it back to the roster
8/31/2012	Waived LB Kion Wilson	Camp body only
9/1/2012	Practice squad signing G Bryant Browning	Only temporary
9/1/2012	Practice squad signing WR Lamont Bryant	Just offered a futures contract for 2013
9/1/2012	Injured reserve CB Darius Butler	He gets an injury settlement and then goes to the Colts
9/1/2012	Practice squad signing DT Nate Chandler	Chandler later makes the roster and sees action late in the season
9/1/2012	Practice squad signing WR Jared Green	Just got stolen off the PS by the Cowboys
9/1/2012	Injured reserve RB Tauren Poole	Poole is still on the roster; he has some potential as a #3 RB
9/1/2012	Practice squad signing TE Nelson Rosario	Just offered a futures contract for 2013
9/1/2012	Practice squad signing RB Armond Smith	Currently on the roster
9/1/2012	Practice squad signing G Zack Williams
9/2/2012	Waived from injured reserve/injury settlement CB Darius Butler	Now with Colts
9/2/2012	Free agent signing DT Dwan Edwards	Best pick-up of the season
9/2/2012	Waived DT Terrell McClain	The Dancing Bear couldn't make an impact
9/2/2012	Practice squad signing CB Ron Parker	A temporary move
10/1/2012	Reinstated DT Andre Neblett	Neblett survived and remains on the roster
10/6/2012	Free agent signing CB Ron Parker	Makes the roster but not for long
10/6/2012	Injured reserve G Mike Pollak	The first of several key injuries
10/8/2012	Waived CB Ron Parker	So is he leaving or not?
10/10/2012	Practice squad signing CB Ron Parker	He's back
10/11/2012	Free agent signing C Thomas Austin	OL depth was needed and Austin took advantage
10/11/2012	Injured reserve C Ryan Kalil	Ohhhhh Nooooooes! This one hurts
10/16/2012	Terminated G Bryant Browning from practice squad	They liked Ray D better
10/16/2012	Practice squad signing G Ray Dominguez	Spent 2011 with Green Bay
10/17/2012	Practice squad signing LB Jerry Franklin	Who?
10/17/2012	Injured reserve LB Kenny Onatolu	Key Special teams plater
10/17/2012	Free agent signing CB Ron Parker	Parker doesn't stay on the roster long
10/22/2012	Injured reserve CB Chris Gamble	Suck...
10/23/2012	Waiver claim LB Doug Hogue	Who? I don't remember this guy a bit
10/24/2012	Injured reserve LB Jon Beason	Double suck...
10/24/2012	Free agent signing CB James Dockery	Best transaction that went under the radar
10/26/2012	Free agent signing DT Nate Chandler	Another FA that gets snaps at the end of the season
10/26/2012	Waived DT Frank Kearse	He'll be back
10/29/2012	Waived from injured reserve CB Brandon Hogan	Talk about a bust of a draft pick...I'm not sure he ever got 100% healthy
10/30/2012	Practice squad signing DT Frank Kearse	Kearse is back
11/2/2012	Waived C Thomas Austin	He'll be back
11/2/2012	Free agent signing G Zack Williams	They must see something in this former 6th round pick
11/5/2012	Waived CB Ron Parker	Not the last we will see of Parker
11/5/2012	Waiver claim LB Jason Williams	Another nice special teams pick up
11/6/2012	Practice squad signing C Thomas Austin	He's back!
11/6/2012	Terminated LB Jerry Franklin from practice squad	Just a body
11/6/2012	Activated WR David Gettis from physically unable to perform	We waited for this for so long
11/6/2012	Injured reserve WR Kealoha Pilares	Just when he was starting to get a chance to shine
11/7/2012	Practice squad signing CB Ron Parker	Parker is back again, but nfl (not for long)
11/14/2012	Free agent signing OL Jeremy Bridges	At the time we thought this was huge
11/14/2012	Injured reserve DE Thomas Keiser	And another one bites the dust
11/20/2012	Waived K Justin Medlock	I was blind-sided by this but it truned out to be a good move
11/21/2012	Free agent signing K Graham Gano	Gano ended up hitting 9 of 11 FGs after replacing Justin Medlock
11/27/2012	Injured reserve DT Ron Edwards	Ouch! Now that one is going to hurt bad right?
11/28/2012	Practice squad signing CB Nick Hixson	No impact transaction
11/28/2012	Free agent signing DT Frank Kearse	The Kearse is back
12/4/2012	Free agent signing DE Mario Addison	I recall seeing this guy on the field and thinking 'Who is that?'
12/4/2012	Practice squad signing G Dominic Alford	No impact transaction
12/4/2012	Injured reserve DE Antwan Applewhite	And another one bites the dust
12/4/2012	Free agent signing C Thomas Austin	Austin impressed in his short time on the field
12/4/2012	Waived OL Jeremy Bridges	Wow...Bridges must have come in out of shape
12/4/2012	Practice squad signing CB Kendric Burney	We loved him in the preseason
12/4/2012	Injured reserve S Sherrod Martin	Just when Martin was back to playing at a high level
12/4/2012	Free agent signing RB Armond Smith	Smith played well in his few chances
12/6/2012	Practice squad signing S Anderson Russell	No impact transaction
12/11/2012	Practice squad signing CB Kamaal McIlwain	No impact transaction
12/11/2012	Injured reserve S Haruki Nakamura	No impact transaction (lol...we maybe a positive impact)
12/11/2012	Free agent signing S Anderson Russell	Never saw the field that I know of
12/11/2012	Waived from injured reserve T Lee Ziemba	Former 7th round Auburn player has some potential; now with the Colts
12/18/2012	Free agent signing G Hayworth Hicks	No impact transaction
12/18/2012	Injured reserve G Zack Williams	Two leg injuries in 2 years; hard to imagine he can make it back
12/26/2012	Injured reserve G Amini Silatolu	Damn, just when the rookie was playing well
12/31/2012	Future signing WR Lamont Bryant	I absolutely love his size
12/31/2012	Future signing CB Nick Hixson	He must have shown something
12/31/2012	Future signing TE Nelson Rosario	When I see TE and Rosario together you know what I'm thinking

Mountaineer Morning Links: Tuesday (10/30/12) Edition

WVUIE97 — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:38:27 -0000

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 Hurricane Reef Pale Ale for Hurricane Sandy that has affected so many of us.

What You May Have Missed:

Gold & Blue Now: Tuesday - WVMETRONEWS.COM
The Mountaineers also have to deal with Hurricane Sandy moving through the area as they prepare for TCU. Sophomore basketball transfer Volodymyr Gerun will have to wait six games before he can see the floor for WVU. Another transfer big man, Aaric Murray, settles into his new role.

NCAA College Football Power Rankings Week 9 - ESPN
#24

Big 12 bowl projections: Week 10 - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
Remember the Alamo

Smith Semifinalist for Maxwell Award - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Smith was among 16 semifinalists selected Monday for the Maxwell Award, which honors the college football player of the year.

Brault Named Athlete of the Week - WVU Athletics
VSR: 10.29.12

Women’s Soccer Lands Seven on All-Big 12 Teams - WVU Athletics
Coach Nikki Izzo-Brown and senior Bry McCarthy each won Big 12 major awards.

Panthers Waive Brandon Hogan - WVU Pros
The team placed Hogan on injured reserve before the start of the season after he could not get his knee to remain healthy.

News of Note:

WVU redemption efforts in full swing - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Dana Holgorsen said he felt a sense of urgency from his players during the last week as West Virginia went back to basics.

After Off Week, WVU Back To Work - BGN
With a weekend off now a thing of the past for West Virginia players and coaches, the Mountaineers returned to Morgantown on Sunday and started preparations for this week’s game against TCU.

WVU must improve defense - Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Seven games into his second season at WVU, Holgorsen is still trying to figure out what makes his defense — ranked last against the pass at No. 120 in the FBS — tick.

HERTZEL COLUMN: WVU’s defense needs to dig down deep - Times West Virginian
In truth, it has created a tremendous embarrassment for a school that used to rely heavily upon its defensive work

Big 12 new kids to square off - Charleston Gazette
For the Horned Frogs, though, facing a new opponent is a bit different, even though it's their first season in the Big 12.

New kids on the block - Register-Herald
West Virginia hosts fellow Big 12 newcomer TCU on Saturday

TCU younger than expected - Charleston Gazette
It started when TCU's campus was the target of a wide-ranging drug bust in February that involved four of Patterson's football players. It continued through more normal football attrition factors like injuries.

Mountaineers, Horned Frogs going deep into roster - Charleston Daily Mail
The Horned Frogs and Texas have both played an FBS-high 16 true freshmen.

TCU battered heading into WVU contest - Times West Virginian
“We are a tired team,” Coach Gary Patterson admitted, speaking on the weekly Big 12 coaches conference call. “We didn’t practice yesterday.”

Status unknown for TCU quarterback - Charleston Daily Mail
Big 12 football notebook

Pivotal Week for TCU-West Virginia - WVMETRONEWS.COM
No. 23 WVU's blistering 5-0 start is long forgotten as the Mountaineers reel from back-to-back losses in which they were outscored 104-28. The situation appears even more dire for TCU (5-3, 2-3), which began the season in the AP top 25 but may have a hard time becoming bowl-eligible.

Wearing the Jersey: Josh Jenkins - WVU Athletics
This week's Wearing the Jersey profiles Mountaineer senior offensive lineman Josh Jenkins of Parkersburg.

Hoops:

Gerun to Miss First Six Games - WVU Athletics
Freshman to return against Virginia Tech on Dec. 8.

Kilicli Trying To Help Suspended Gerun - WVillustrated
Deniz Kilicli received a 20 game suspension as a freshman. Gerun is suspended for six games. Kilicli is trying to help Gerun get through this difficult time when he is not allowed to play.

Video: Basketball Interviews 10/29 - BGN
Murray, Huggs & Rutledge

WVU Men's Basketball Interviews - WVillustrated
Huggs, Turk, Murray and Rutledge

Around the League (and Beyond):

WR Reese questionable for Kansas game after collision - Waco Tribune

Jake Knott: The Definition Of "ALL IN" - Wide Right & Natty Lite

In defense of a much-improved defense - Lawrence Journal-World

No. 3 Kansas State hoping perfection is enough - Wichita Eagle

Notre Dame | Film Study | First Half - Crimson And Cream Machine

Cowboys less than a week away from finding out how good it plays defense - Oklahoman (autoplay video)

Mack Brown's Texas Tech Press Conference - Burnt Orange Nation

Patterson says TCU was tired but didn't quit against Oklahoma State - Dallas-Fort Star Telegram

Texas Longhorns vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders | Preview, Television, Game Time & Big 12 Round Up - Viva The Matadors

On The Mark: Week 10 - ESPN

What's On Tap:

Big 12 Soccer Championship Field Set - WVU Athletics
With its Big 12 Conference regular season title secured, the No. 14 West Virginia women’s soccer team has earned the No. 1 seed at the 2012 Big 12 Soccer Championship on Oct. 31 and Nov. 2 and 4.

Video of Interest:

Huggs presser from yesterday

Video of (Dis)Interest:

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is a former Playmate of the Year. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Sara Jean Underwood in sexy Halloween costumes.

Carolina Panthers waive Brandon Hogan

James Dator — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 21:39:05 -0000

The Carolina Panthers announced this afternoon that they have elected to waive cornerback Brandon Hogan who was on injured reserve.

This decision is a slightly strange one, given that Hogan was not counting against the 53 man roster, nor was he eating into the Panthers cap space-- so file this one firmly as 'more behind the scenes we don't know'.

Selected in the forth round of the 2011 draft, Hogan was once thought to be the Panthers future at cornerback. A talented but troubled prospect, he had an air of poor-man's Janoris Jenkins, the infinitely talented CB taken by the St. Louis Rams, despite a host of off field issues.

Brandon Hogan was never able to become healthy over his two years in Carolina. Taken with a leap of faith that an ACL injury would repair post-draft, he appeared in just three games in 2011, registering two tackles. Many scouts saw him as a second round talent, so again-- this is a very curious decision.

Given Hogan was on IR this plays no role in deciding if there will be a replacement, but it appears Ron Rivera and Brandon Beane are laying the groundwork for 2013, even with the possibility neither will be with the organization next year.

DE-FOREST. DE-FENSE. DE-PRESSING!

Mountaineer Chuck — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 17:00:49 -0000

Ironically, it was Lubbock, Texas' own Buddy Holly who penned and sang the song "That'll be the day." I never, ever thought I would see the day when West Virginia University football would be a national defensive laughing stock. Well, my friends, that day is here.

How can WVU’s defense be that bad? 676 yards surrendered to Texas Tech? Bob Hertzel pointed in his Sunday column that our school’s football team had never in its history had a defense that gave up 600 yards in a game. Now we’ve done it twice in one season. So, how does WVU’s defense go from giving up 348 yards per game in 2011 to giving up 496 per game this season? Only time will tell if if DeForest & Co. can pull this defense out of a flat spin before Goose breaks his neck when trying to eject.

Here’s my analysis from the top down:

Coaching: Not only is the 3-4 scheme new to a group of WVU players who had previously been operating in a 3-3-5 stack defense, but it is new to DeForest as a first time defensive coordinator. Almost everyone (except, it seems, Dana Holgorsen) struggles in his or her first year on any job. But that is even more so when you’re in your first year on the job as a first time coordinator. I have to believe that Joe DeForest has been feeling a bit in over his head this fall, and when the critics start writing about how bad you are (his defense is being maligned on every sports network and website), it’s got to shake your confidence. All this to say, the coaches (and the D.C. in particular) are operating under a lot of pressure and its having a net effect on play calling, making them tentative and risk averse.

Line Strength & Experience: Last year we had a defensive line that really got a push off the ball. Julian Miller and Bruce Irvin were in their final years of eligibility, stronger than most linemen are in their first years in college, and full of confidence. Our current defensive line is full of lots of potential but not a lot of power, and hence is causing very little trouble for opposing quarterbacks. It is amazing how a great defensive line can make an average defensive backfield look good. In the absence of a good defensive line, a secondary is going to show its true colors.

Secondary Speed & Intelligence: I’ve been given strict orders not to call out any individual players in these columns, but now I don’t have to because Sean McDonough did it for me. Two years ago we had one of the great defensive backfields in WVU history; it ranked 11^th nationally and featuring current NFL players Robert Sands, Brandon Hogan and Keith Tandy. These guys were not only gifted but really smart, too. Only true freshman safety Karl Joseph has Grade A talent, but he is young and still learning. The other guys seem to lack the skills and wherewithal to get the job done, at least without significant help.

Our defensive "Achilles Heel" is a relatively new phenomenon in Mountaineer football history. We used to have a defense that was known as a "bend but not break" scheme. Now we have one that is like an old pair of underwear featuring an elastic band that has been stretched beyond repair. And it is simply depressing.

NFC South Opponent Preview: Carolina Panthers

Thomas Hukel — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:00:12 -0000

If you caught my last post about the Falcons, you know that I believe they will be the Saints' biggest competition for the division title this season. And after doing some research on the Panthers, I haven't changed my viewpoint.

I'm not sure, but I think the Panthers scouts look for the most difficult names to spell on college rosters and recruit them. It's ridiculous how many players they have with difficult names and spell-checking won't help. I'm going to wade through this as best as I can.

Join me after the jump to enjoy the Carolina Panthers' spelling bee...errr, I mean preview.

Offense

Unless you've been in a coma for the last year and a half, you've heard the name Cam Newton. He is the Panthers starting quarterback and most valuable player. In his first year in the NFL, he broke several notable records such as most passing yards for a rookie quarterback and the most rushing yards and touchdowns in a season for any quarterback. His record-setting season did not translate into the Panthers having a winning season record, however.

While Cam Newton put up impressive numbers, his team floundered through the season until the final six games. Four of their six wins came at the end of the season which was way too little, way too late. A large part of that was a lack of defense. Last year their defense ranked near the bottom of the NFL food chain and allowed nearly 27 points per game. This year they are hoping Cam Newton will improve from having a full offseason, training camps, OTAs, and preseason. They are also hoping they have enough upgrades on the defense to stop some of their opponents.

The rest of the offense will still showcase Steve Smith as the number one receiver and have Brandon LaFell as the number two receiver. Their 3rd receiver slot on the depth chart was supposed to be filled by David Gettis, but he was placed on the PUP list recently. There are five more wide receiver candidates competing for a place on the roster: Louis Murphy, Joe Adams, Kealoha Pilares, and Seyi Ajirotutu, and Armanti Edwards. You can see what the Panthers fanbase is saying about these guys right here.

The Panthers plan to keep three tight ends, it seems. Greg Olsen sufficiently fills the starting role. The other two will probably be Gary Barnidge and Ben Hartsock.

The backfield will probably consist of three running backs and a fullback. We already know what Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams bring to the table, especially combined with their highly mobile quarterback. The final spot at RB will more than likely be filled by Tauren Poole while Mike Tolbert is locked in as the starting fullback. The Panthers rushing attack last season was quite effective if you factor in Cam Newton's rushing yards and touchdowns, but will he rely on his legs as much as his arm this season?

Defense

Last season the Panthers' defense was terrible. It's a major reason they didn't win more games last year and they have tried to upgrade certain positions this offseason. The biggest upgrade is Luke Kuechly at outside linebacker. He was a highly-touted draft choice by Carolina and so far, he comes as advertised. Other than that, I'm a little lost trying to find major and even minor upgrades at other positions.

I'm pretty certain the other two starting linebackers will be Jon Beason and James Anderson. Beason is solid as a middle linebacker although he's returning from an injury that kept him sidelined most of last season. Anderson recorded almost 200 total tackles last season which could be attributed to the loss of Beason.

Their secondary will probably be the deepest area on the roster. I'd expect their cornerbacks to be Captain Munnerlyn (my favorite NFL name ever!), Chris Gamble, R.J. Stanford, and Darius Butler. They also have Brandon Hogan and Josh Norman on the current roster but I'm not sure if they're camp fodder or not.

As for the safeties, Charles Godfrey and Haruki Nakamura are penciled in as starters. Nakamura was brought in to compete with Sherrod Martin and has apparently taken the starting slot from him.

So my overall take on the Carolina Panthers is that they will be more competitive this season but not much more compared to last season. I know there's a lot of hype surrounding Cam Newton's improvement, but the hype has to translate into wins. Even though the defense has some upgrades, I don't see the consistency you get with a playoff caliber team. They are on their way to being a more complete team, but it will take some time for the team to develop its identity.

Poll

Where do you rank the Carolina Panthers in the NFC South?

First

43 votes

Second

75 votes

Third

142 votes

Fourth

11 votes

Flipping burgers so the Falcons can serve them

24 votes

295 votes | Poll has closed

Change to IR Could Potentially Shake Up Panthers Cuts

James Dator — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 21:27:17 -0000

The NFL are gifted at taking a seemingly simply concept, changing things up at the last minute, and muddying the water. Such is the case today as the NFL and NFLPA agreed today to make a few small moves today, the biggest of which is the decision to allow teams to designate one player that will be on IR for all intents and purposes. However, they must hit IR during the season; can return to practice after six weeks, and play in a game after eight weeks. This is a well thought out move that helps mitigate injuries to critical players, and should increase parity.

On the surface it looks like the Panthers have no stake in the move; after all, the likes of Brandon Hogan, Nate Ness, and Lee Ziemba were all placed on IR this preseason. Like all things though, there'e more to it– as the rule was just instated, teams are allowed to revert a player back from IR to the roster, then place them on IR after the cut down to 53. Theoretically the Panthers could do this will Brandon Hogan, but will they?

More after the jump

Truthfully it's hard to know. At this point Brandon Hogan has been unable to get healthy in over a year, so what will 8 more weeks do? That being said, the option is there, and the potential is there for the Panthers to go undermanned at CB, perhaps keeping an extra safety as a swing DB in the hopes Hogan can be ready by mid-season.

We'll know tomorrow, but you hear that Hogan had been made active then you'll know what's happening.

Panthers Depth Chart Review Post 1st Cut Down

Jaxon — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:01:03 -0000

As we discussed on Cat Scratch radio last night the Panthers depth chart on Panthers.com did have a few changes in light of the 1st roster cut down to 75. Here's a summary of the changes and/or position battles that remain undecided going into the final preseason game and roster cut down to 53.

Starting with the offense:

WR - I see four WR spots not counting Joe Adams and Keoloha Pilares who will make the roster as special teamers. The first three go to Smitty, LaFell and newcomer Louis Murphy even though the depth chart lists Seyi Ajirotutu ahead of Murphy. I see the fourth and final spot being a battle between the inconsistent Tutu and the unproven Armanti Edwards. Edwards has played well during camp and in his limited action while 'Tutu' has shown some stone hands way too often. Yet it might still be Tutu's size and blocking ability that wins out. My thought it Edwards gets the nod.

OL - The Panthers must decide of they need 8 or 9 offensive linemen and the answer to that question will help decide the position question after this one. If they go with 9 then that is one less spot in the backfield which I will go to in a minute. The first question is who will be #8 that backs up the guard position? Right now the depth chart list Hangartner as the back-up center meaning their is no pressure to go with a G/C guy, though I think that is the way they might go. If Piggy can back-up center then that may allow jumbo guard Bryant Browning to be the guy, who is a nice addition at the goal line. Otherwise it will probably by G/C Mike Pollack. Other outside options include Jeff Byers or Zack Williams.

If the Panthers decide to keep 9 OL then it might impact Rickie Brockel's spot which I will discuss, after the jump...

TE - I have no reason to assume the Panthers won't keep their three TE's in Olsen, Hartsock and Barnidge. I also assume they will keep three RBs and Mike Tolbert. If the Panthers only keep 8 OL then leaves a spot for versatile special teamer Richie Brockel to make the 53. The kid is a gamer so my money is on him.

DB - With Brandon Hogan out of the picture its a little easier to predict which way this one goes. The depth chart shows Josh Thomas ahead of Darius Butler and I don't think that is some motivational ploy at Butler. I'm thinking the Panthers keep 10 DBs, 5 CBs and 5 S with Butler and Jonathan Nelson being the odd guys out. The CBs would be Gamble, Munnerlyn, Norman, Thomas and Stanford. The safeties would be Godfrey, Hakamura, Martin, Smith & Pugh

Thoughts?

The Shotgun/Throwdown: Tuesday (8/28/12) Edition

WVUIE97 — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:28:44 -0000

T-Minus 4 Days

Today, we have plenty of predictions to go through: bowls, conference winners, big games, etc. Geno's Heisman candidacy is also discussed at length, as well as Garrison's ongoing health status and availability. Both coaches for Saturday's game were highly complimentary of each others' team yesterday and Oliver Luck stopped by Sportsline last night. Caleb gets us up to date on Mountaineers in the NFL and we also have the usual Big 12 roundup and much, much more...

What You May Have Missed:

As Luck Would Have It ... - WVMETRONEWS.COM
Oliver Luck, West Virginia's director of athletics and emissary of etiquette, was a studio guest Monday night on "Sportsline with Tony Caridi."

Video: 2012 Heisman Trophy preview - College Football Nation Blog - ESPN
Todd Blackledge, Kirk Herbstreit and Scott Van Pelt looks at some dark horses and favorites for the 2012 Heisman.

Holliday Says Geno Smith Should Win Heisman - WVillustrated
Marshall Head Coach 'Doc' Holliday had plenty of compliments for WVU Quarterback Geno Smith, whom he recruited to WVU when he was an assistant there.

Harris: WVU’s Smith for Heisman? Not so fast - Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Holgorsen made the decision after meeting with members of WVU’s sports communications staff not to go overboard with Smith’s Heisman candidacy.

Silva Named Athlete of the Week - WVUsports.com
Varsity Sports Report

Mountaineers Top Hatters - WVUsports.com
The No. 9 West Virginia University men’s soccer team used a first-half goal from freshman Jamie Merriam en route to a 1-0 victory over Stetson on Monday afternoon at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium in the final match of the WVU Nike Classic.

On The Mark: Week 1 - ESPN
An ignorant slut no more (for the time being, at least)

2012 College Football Bowl Projections: LSU, Oregon To Meet Again - SBNation.com
Sweet as Sugar

Big 12 bowl projections: Week 1 - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
Cotton here

NCAA College Football BCS Bowl Projections - Preseason - ESPN
Fiesta and BWW here

Experts pick 2012 college football conference winners, title game - ESPN
Only Schlabach and Nowkhah have us picked

Big 12 power rankings: Week 1 - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
#2

2012 Big 12 preseason predictions - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
You aren't going to like #6, but there's not much argument (other than the coaching situation)

Panthers Place Brandon Hogan On IR - WVU Pros
The team feels Hogan can be a starter for them based upon what they have seen when he practices and his play in the last three games last season.

Mortty Ivy Waived By the Steelers - WVU Pros
Ivy confirmed to SteelersDepot that he was waived due to a hamstring injury he suffered during the Steelers game on Saturday night

Mountaineers on NFL Rosters After the First Round of Cuts - WVU Pros
Here is a list of Mountaineers currently on NFL rosters.

News of Note:

Time for Coal Bowl to go away - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Truer words have not been printed of late

Holgorsen Undecided About Playing Garrison - WVillustrated
Holgorsen is unsure if Garrison will play this week. He also discussed the opener against Marshall in his first Big 12 teleconference of the season.

No decision made yet on Garrison redshirt - Charleston Gazette
Less than a week before the season begins, Dana Holgorsen still isn't sure how many running backs he will have at his disposal - not just for Saturday's opener against Marshall, but for the entire season.

WVU football: Garrison back on the shelf - Charleston Daily Mail
Running back Dustin Garrison had a setback last week in his recovery from December's ACL tear and isn't certain for Saturday's season-opener or beyond.

Alston Will Carry the Load - Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register/AP
Senior tailback is WVU’s bruiser

Smith sets a lofty standard for himself - Charleston Gazette
"Coach Holgorsen has gotten to know me and he knows that I hold myself to a higher standard than anybody else possibly can.

Casazza column: Stick/draw could be WVU’s new calling card - Charleston Daily Mail
What is unusual about WVU's package play is that it can be a pass or a run.

State of Preparation - BGN
Dana Holgorsen spent the last week studying film from every game Marshall played in the 2011 season. He came away with one lasting impression: the Thundering Herd played harder against West Virginia than against any other opponent it faced all season.

Holliday notes WVU’s preseason hype - Times West Virginian
By the time you got through listening to Holliday talk about WVU, you wondered if his Thundering Herd would show up Saturday, although Holliday dismissed any talk about that.

‘Expecting their best’ - Register-Herald
Holgorsen likens Friends of Coal Bowl to Houston’s 2009 upset of OSU

Special teams predicted to make impact in 2012 - Daily Athenaeum
The West Virginia Mountaineers enter the Big 12 with a high-powered, name-brand offense, accompanied by new schematics on defense. But one constant is the personnel on Mountaineer special teams.

Nehlen says Mountaineers could have a ‘great year’ - Register-Herald
Mickey's Notebook

Veteran Miller Back in the Fold - WVUsports.com
Pat Miller is one of four upperclassmen in West Virginia's secondary this fall.

Around the League (and Beyond):

College Football Schedule 2012: 25 Games That Will Decide The National Title - SBNation.com
#22 & #4

Teams discuss what it takes to win Big XII - Times West Virginian

Dawn For New Big 12 - BGN/AP

The Contenders For The Big 12 Crown And Their Flaws - Cowboys Ride For Free

Baylor RB, WRs, TE, OL on preseason watch lists for national awards - Baylor Proud

Football: Klein, Knott to anchor defense one last time - Ames Tribune

Crist’s one last chance to put it all together - Kansas City Star

Season projection: K-State - Kansas City Star

Sooners Release Updated Depth Chart For UTEP Game - Crimson And Cream Machine

Managing OSU's various uniforms, gear a time-consuming task - Tulsa World

No. 8: Texas - Pre-Snap Read
I do believe this is the last of the Big 12 entries

TCU's youngsters are a cause for concern - Dallas-Fort Worth Star Telegram

Five players Texas Tech is counting on in 2012 - Lubbock Avalanche Journal

Penn State trustee: 'Child gone wild' NCAA has 'lost its moral compass' - CBSSports.com
Pot meet Kettle

Video of Interest:

Video of (Dis)Interest:

Miss Throwdown:

Today's Miss Throwdown is yet another breathtaking Brazilian. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Gianne Albertoni (gallery much better than the video).