After the College Football Playoff championship, most of us move on to hoops, etc., oblivious to the news of football teams not located near us. It's like we put the sport and other teams in a closet and don't bring them out until, oh, August.
Today, though, let's make an exception - and check in with WVU's Big 12 opponents.
Why, did you know that...
... Iowa State quarterback Joel Lanning not only lost his job, but is now a starting linebacker?
It's true. Here's the deal: ISU has a former four-star QB and ex-Mr. Football in South Carolina, Jacob Park, who initially went to Georgia. Park washed out there and went to junior college, but hit Ames and has flourished, replacing Lanning during last season.
Now Lanning is at middle linebacker, where he ended spring with a bang - intercepting Park and returning the ball for a score.
...Texas might not miss running back D'Onta Foreman all that much?
Yes, Foreman led the nation in rushing yards per game last season at 184.4. But he had been splitting time with Chris Warren, who suffered a knee injury and had to sit the Longhorns' final eight games of last season.
Now, powerful Warren is back at 258 pounds - and losing weight - in an attempt to help QB Shane Buechele or highly touted early enrollee Sam Ehlinger. Oh, and remember, Tom Herman is now on the job as coach.
...Oklahoma's defense is moving to a 4-3 alignment?
The Stoops brothers feel the Sooners will be able to get more pressure on the Big 12's pass-happy teams that way. That's why the team isn't that concerned outside linebacker Kapri Doucet (a former Lackawanna College standout, by the way) is transferring out of Norman.
...Baylor coach Matt Rhule is trying to land ex-Tennessee running back Jalen Hurd?
Indeed, Hurd has been visiting places like Cal, Ohio State and Louisville, in addition to Waco. If Hurd lands there it wouldn't be a surprise considering Rhule's recent track record.
With the sexual assault scandal clouding the school, Rhule still was able to land what Rivals.com ranked the No. 34 recruiting class for 2017. Freshman QB Charlie Brewer was within the class and is now battling Zach Smith and Arizona transfer Anu Solomon.
...Kansas is killing it in regard to the 2018 recruiting class?
Yes, Kansas. Check out the rankings. As of Monday afternoon, the heretofore hapless Jayhawks were No. 12 according to Rivals - sandwiched between Oklahoma and Wisconsin. Coach David Beaty is orchestrating the effort after installing Doug Meacham as offensive coordinator and the Air Raid offense. Ex-Washington State QB Peyton Bender is battling Carter Stanley for the starting job.
...Texas Tech traveled around the Lone Star State this spring?
Coach Kliff Kingsbury took the Red Raiders to Midland and Frisco for scrimmages. Frisco was an important stop, Kingsbury said, for exposure in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Nic Shimonek appears set to take over for departed QB Pat Mahomes.
...TCU has been seriously struggling this spring with its offense?
The Horned Frogs have a new play-caller in coach Sonny Cumbie, but suffered five turnovers and scored just one touchdown in its spring finale. Quarterbacks Kenny Hill and Shawn Robinson threw two interceptions apiece.
...Oklahoma State will have the services this season of former five-star LSU wideout recruit Tyron Johnson?
The story of late for OSU is standout basketball player Jeffrey Carroll will be returning, but expect Johnson to be a nice target for QB Mason Rudolph this season.
And finally...
...Kansas State coach Bill Snyder is battling throat cancer?
Indeed, the 77-year old Snyder has been receiving out-patient treatments, but is now on the sidelines and is expected to coach the Wildcats in 2017-18.
K-State's Purple-White game is April 22.
Here's wishing the coach well.