The Wiz of Odds

West Virginia

Yes, West Virginia seems like an odd fit for the Big 12. Its nearest league rival is Iowa State, and Ames is an 870-mile drive. The trek to Lubbock is 1,470 miles. Certainly not fan-friendly, but it's part of the new reality of college sports. The Mountaineers open Big 12 play Sept. 29 by playing host to Baylor. The first league trip is Oct. 6 to Austin to play Texas, followed the next week with the journey to Lubbock to take on Texas Tech.

Thanks to Joe.

Bill Stewart: 1952-2012

John Woolard is a veteran journalist and sports radio talk show host based in Los Angeles. He spent much of his childhood in West Virginia and is a contributor to West Virginia Illustrated. He wrote this column on the late Bill Stewart.

They say Bill Stewart died of a heart attack on Monday, but I find that hard to believe.

From my observation, Bill Stewart had one of the biggest and strongest hearts around. It's hard to imagine it failing.

*****

Bill Stewart put his heart into all he did — in his personal life and professionally as a football coach — which is why the Mountaineer Nation is in mourning.

On a personal level he was by all accounts I have heard a soft-hearted, genuinely good man who showed kindness and care without motive, one who would be among the first to offer support or solace.

'Tis the Season: Naughty or Nice and the NCAA

A promotional flier for a "Naughty or Nice" Christmas party at a Fort Myers bar/restaurant has caught the attention of NCAA investigators after four current college players were listed as hosts of the Dec. 23 event.

Brothers Sammy Watkins (Clemson) and Jaylen Watkins (Florida), Brodrick Jenkins (West Virginia) and Spencer Boyd (South Florida) had their names on the flier, which was posted Monday on the Twitter account of Marcus Price, a former Fort Myers High basketball player who is known as DJ LowKey. Price, who will perform at the event, said the flier was being reworked to remove the names of the players.

"We don't want them to get in any trouble," he said.

Dana Holgorsen and Jenn Brown Share Gatorade Bath

West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen and ESPN's Jenn Brown get drenched in Gatorade moments after the Mountaineers defeated South Florida, 30-27.

Nice work by the West Virginia state trooper. Keep an eye on the left of the screen at the eight second mark.

West Virginia Is No Match for Louisiana State

Wiz correspondent Greg Laughlin's second game on Saturday took place in Morgantown, where West Virginia took on Louisiana State. The Mountaineer fans were at their best but the team couldn't pull the upset as the Tigers rolled to a 47-21 victory.

There are more photos after the jump and you can view Greg's full gallery by clicking here.

West Virginia

Dana Holgorsen was brought in as West Virginia's offensive coordinator in the off-season with the understanding that he would replace Bill Stewart as coach in 2012. The plan unraveled after allegations of in-fighting and attempted sabotage on the part of Stewart, who resigned under pressure in early June. Louisiana State rolls into Morgantown on Sept. 24.

Click the image to enlarge. Thanks to Joe.