Georgia Southern's video hits the mark, move to FBS questioned

Written by Tom Perry on .

Georgia Southern knows how to make an announcement.

The above video is part of a comprehensive way in which the Stateboro, Ga., university announced it would make the jump from FCS to FBS in 2014. That's when the storied program will become a member of the Sun Belt Conference.

I know programs like Marshall and Western Kentucky have made the transition with varied levels of success, but I've never been a huge proponent of doing this. Marshall used to win national championships, now the Herd is a mid-level member of Conference USA.

The Eagles have won 10 Southern Conference titles and a record six FCS national championships since 1985. It won't surprise anyone if Georgia Southern is competitive in its new conference, but playing for NCAA hardware will officially end in 2014.

Georgia Southern is not alone in the move either. Appalachian State, another successful FCS program, is also making the leap. Of course, most college football fans remember the Mountaineers well as they pulled off possibly the biggest upset in history.

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Good news or bad news for Tavon Austin?

Written by Tom Perry on .

tavon-austin

On Monday, West Virginia Illustrated reported that WVU receiver Tavon Austin has been invited by the NFL to attend the opening night of the draft on April 25.

It would seem this is great news as WVU quarterback Geno Smith is almost guaranteed to go in the first round, and by inviting Austin, someone feels he will be a first rounder also. That would mean for the first time in school history that two Mountaineers are selected in the first round.

But if you have ever watched the first round of the draft there is always a player who sits around all day (or night) waiting for their name to be called. There was Aaron Rodgers. There was Thurman Thomas. Could it be the NFL is looking for another dramatic story on the first night?

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10 Most Likely BCS Championship Matchups in 2014

Written by Tom Perry on .

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It probably didn't take Nick Saban long to start thinking about a third consecutive BCS Championship.

If Alabama does pull off the legacy-defining accomplishment, the Crimson Tide will also claim the final BCS crown.

Starting with the 2014 season, the 125 Division I football teams will try to win a national championship through a Final Four playoff.

But before we switch to this new system, it's time to do a little predicting. Here are the 10 most likely BCS Championship Game matchups for next season.

Ohio State vs. Georgia

Any team Urban Meyer coaches has a chance to play for the title. Just look at his track record.

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Geno Smith solidifies first-round with Pro Day

Written by Tom Perry on .


Not every NFL team is looking to draft a franchise quarterback in the 2013 draft, but those that are had to be impressed with what the saw from West Virginia's Geno Smith at Thursday's Pro Day in Morgantown.

He completed 60-of-64 passes and displayed the zip, accuracy and footwork that is needed to succeed at the highest level.

With 29 of 39 NFL teams represented, including Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, Smith rose to the occasion. He also impressed ESPN's Ron Jaworski and the NFL Network's Mike Mayock.

The draft begins on Thursday, April 25 and will run until Saturday, April 27. While Smith looks like a lock to go to either the Arizona Cardinals or Minnesota Vikings, WVU teammate Tavon Austin is also expected to go in the first round. Receiver Stedman Bailey is likely a second- or third-round pick and the rest of the Mountaineers eligible for the draft are late rounders or free-agent signings.

 

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Humbled Pat White hopes for another shot

Written by Tom Perry on .

WVU Football, WVU Basketball, News - Mountaineer Sports

 

Pat White, West Virginia's former superstar quarterback, was very humble while speaking with the media Thursday. He was given a chance to show he can still play football for the NFL scouts who wanted to watch him after WVU's Pro Day in Morgantown.

He says he'll be back in a uniform this season. We wish him luck.

One more reason to hate Virginia Tech

Written by Tom Perry on .

Like I needed another reason to despise everything Virginia Tech, but then the Hokies go and make a Harlem Shake video. And can someone tell what the hell is Frank Beamer doing?

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Live Feed: WVU NSD coverage

Written by Tom Perry on .


It has been a good day for WVU recruiting.

 

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Heather Cox must be a WVU fan

Written by Tom Perry on .

 

Heather Cox was trying to interview Stanford coach David Shaw following a Rose Bowl victory, when she was denied by bowl officials.

Her frustration boiled over and you can hear her saying, "Are you kidding me?"

Hey Heather, that's how every West Virginia fan felt this season and even more so after the New Era Pinstripe Bowl.

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New Era Pinstripe Bowl Preview 2012

Written by Tom Perry on .

ryan-nassib

Syracuse Orange vs. West Virginia Mountaineers
Dec. 29, 3:15 p.m., ESPN
Yankee Stadium (Bronx, N.Y.)
Line: WVU -3.5

For those of you not aware of the West Virginia-Syracuse rivalry, the two used to play for the Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy when both programs were part of the Big East. The Orange have said they won’t put the trophy on the line for this game.

Syracuse has won the last two meeting between the two programs and the Orange are probably just as excited to face their old nemesis again after seeing WVU’s defense play. Of course, Geno Smith would like to get one more shot at Syracuse before his collegiate career ends.

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Pinstripe Bowl: Getting to Know Syracuse

Written by Tom Perry on .

 

WVU fans are well aware of the Syracuse football program and what to expect in the Dec. 29 Pinstripe Bowl. But it's still a good idea to learn as much as we can before the showdown in NYC.

 

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