The Shotgun/Throwdown (8/7/25): WVU gameday costs down from 2024, still above national average

Welcome to The Shotgun/Throwdown, your daily West Virginia sports roundup (that we didnt already talk about in another article) with some sophomoric humor and daily distractions thrown in for good measure.

And if theres something we missed, be sure to talk about it in the comments.Morgantown gamedays will cost you more than The Grove or the ColiseumAccording to Oddspedias 2025 College Football Gameday Cost Index, West Virginia ranks 40th nationally with an average cost of $202 for two people to attend a game at Milan Puskar Stadium.

That includes $150 for tickets, $20 for parking, and relatively modest concession prices highlighted by one of the cheapest hot dogs in the country.While us WVU fans arent paying top-dollar like those at Colorado ($302) or Alabama ($295), the Mountaineers still rank in the top half nationally and ahead of programs like USC, Ole Miss, and Miami when it comes to total gameday spending.Nationally, gameday expenses rose an average of 2.7% year over year, according to the report.

That increase was largely driven by rising concession and parking prices, even as average ticket costs actually dipped slightly.

The average parking fee alone jumped 18.7% in 2025.The report also notes that with schools now allowed to share up to $20.5 million annually with athletes, financial pressure is mounting on all but the sports top revenue programs meaning these rising costs might not be slowing down anytime soon.The jobs won by doing the dirty workTheres a certain theme emerging at fall camp, and it has less to do with highlight plays and more to do with mindset.

Whether its the unproven but crowded wide receiver room or the battle-tested veterans anchoring the linebacker corps, three things are being drilled every day: go full speed, know your job, and finish every play.Receivers coach Ryan Garrett, who followed Rich Rodriguez from Jacksonville State, isnt just trying to sort out the depth chart hes trying to figure out whos actually going to block, finish plays, and give a damn when the ball isnt coming their way.

With 15 wideouts fighting for snaps, effort isnt optional.On the other side of the ball, veteran linebackers Chase Wilson and Reid Carrico are navigating Zac Alleys complex, ever-evolving defensive scheme the fourth different system Carrico has learned in college.

Both guys are smart, experienced, and taking on a ton of responsibility in a defense that demands constant communication.

Their ability to keep up and keep everyone else in the right spot is going to matter a lot.Mountaineer RoundupA hearing is scheduled for August 19 in the eligibility case involving four WVU playersJimmori Robinson, Justin Harrington, Jeffrey Weimer, and Tye Edwardswho are challenging the NCAAs decision to count their junior college playing time against their eligibility.

For now, theyre barred from fall camp practices but allowed in team facilities.

The hearing will be held before U.S.

District Judge John P.

Bailey, the same judge who granted RaeQuan Battle a temporary restraining order in 2023, allowing him to play at WVU.WVU shared a batch of fan stories this week, and theyre a reminder that fall Saturdays in Morgantown hit different.

Theres the guy who hasnt left a game early in 50 years except for a lightning storm.

A mom buying season tickets to share WVU with her kids after moving back to West Virginia.

And a fan returning for the first time since losing family in 2015.

Its a good look at what WVU football still means to a lot of people.Rich Rod says tight end is the toughest position in his offense outside of quarterback and considering how much is on their plate, it makes sense.

Theyre expected to block like linemen, run routes like receivers, and line up all over the field.

Its a big ask, but the kind of versatility that could unlock a lot for this offense.WVU receiver Cam Vaughn was named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List on Wednesday.

The redshirt sophomore led Jacksonville State with 803 yards and five touchdowns last season and has taken reps at all three receiver spots so far in fall camp.

Coach Rod says he still hasnt come close to reaching his ceiling.MOUNTAINEERS IN THE PROSAlek Manoah is set to make a rehab start this evening for the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats as he works his way back to the Blue Jays.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM ET.

Fans can stream it live via the Bally Sports app or on MiLB.com.

Manoah hasnt pitched in the majors since undergoing elbow surgery, but his return is now officially underway.AROUND THE LEAGUE (AND BEYOND)Texas Tech softball ace NiJaree Canady is staying in Lubbock and its not hard to see why.

The All-American is reportedly pulling in over $1 million through NIL, just re-upped with the Matador Club, and is now one of the first Venmo brand ambassadors as part of its new Big 12 partnership.

Shes also coming off one of the most dominant seasons in college softball history and helped bring in four top-10 transfers as Tech loads up for another title run.A retired Miami police officer and former Heat team security staffer has been charged with stealing more than 400 pieces of team memorabilia including a game-worn LeBron James jersey from Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finals that later sold for $1.7 million.

Authorities found over 300 jerseys during a raid in April.

The items were reportedly intended for a future team museum.Brock Lesnars return at SummerSlam is drawing backlash due to his inclusion in Janel Grants sex trafficking lawsuit against WWE and Vince McMahon.

Company officials have largely avoided addressing the controversy publicly, though Paul Heyman pushed back more directly this week, telling critics to get over it and insisting fans were thrilled to see Lesnar return.

SB Nations James Dator took the opposite stance in a strongly worded opinion piece, calling the move absolutely disgusting and arguing that Triple H is proving to be no different from McMahon when it comes to accountability.VIDEO(S) OF INTERESTHave any tips, suggestions or requests for what you want to see in The Shotgun/Throwdown? Drop it in the comments or holler at us on social media.Well be back for more tomorrow.FOLLOW USTwitter: @smokingmusketBluesky: @smokingmusket.bsky.socialFacebook: The Smoking Musket.

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