Welcome to another midweek mailbag! Some quibbles with my way too early 2011 preseason rankings, and more playoff talk. So let us get right to the questions.

Michael in New York writes: Will teams like Boise St., TCU and Nevada ever get the respect and more importantly, opportunity, to prove their mettle? They consistently beat teams from the AQ conferences, during both the regular season and bowls. Finally time for a playoff, no?!

Andrea Adelson writes: Well they do get the one scrap thrown to them when they get into a BCS game, but I am not sure how much more respect they are going to get even with all the BCS wins. TCU definitely got major props with the No. 2 finish in both polls, same for Boise State finishing in the top 10. What was a little disheartening was Nevada not making it into the top 10 despite the 13-1 record and win over Boise State. It still shows that you get grudging respect when you have been on the national scene for more than a year. As for a playoff, we can keep on wishing. BCS chief Bill Hancock says we are more likely to go back to the old bowl days because there is no groundswell for a playoff among the folks in charge.

Kevin in Rockledge, Fla., writes: I am a huge UCF fan and I was wondering where UCF stands with the Big East. Do you think Villanova will take the spot over us? I would really appreciate some insight.

Adelson writes: All quiet on the Big East front for now, Kevin. I had a chance to speak with UCF president John Hitt for an upcoming story on UCF and he said there were keeping all options open. I think if Villanova wants to jump to FBS, that would be the first preference of the Big East simply so it does not have to add another team to all its other sports. But the success of UCF this season has got to help -- especially on the basketball court. Donnie Jones has done a better job than anyone could have imagined in Year 1. If the Big East can make way for TCU hoops, it can make way for UCF hoops with Jones in charge. Villanova says it will make its decision by April, so stay tuned.

Stonz in Cincinnati writes: Who do you think will turn out to be a better quarterback in the NFL: Cam Newton, Terrelle Pryor, Tony Pike or Tim Tebow if they all stay healthy?

Adelson writes: Cam Newton. He has a build like Ben Roethlisberger and a better arm than people think.

Zach in Fort Worth writes: In regards to your "Early 2011 non-AQ rankings"...when it comes to TCU...How can you name off the four players coming back...but leave Tank Carder off that list? He will be a preseason All-American.

Adelson writes: Easy. I went to double-check his year and thought he was a senior. Goof! Will not happen again.

David Peterson in Fort Worth writes: Who is BYU set to play next year? You mentioned (3-2) in their first five. Are they playing TCU?

Adelson writes: Probably should have mentioned the opponents, huh? TCU is not on the schedule. These are the first five games for BYU: at Ole Miss; at Texas; Utah; UCF; Utah State. BYU also plays Oregon State, San Jose State, Idaho State, Louisiana Tech, Idaho, New Mexico State and Hawaii.

Dan in Rockford, Ill., writes: Early 2011 non-AQ power rankings and no Northern Illinois? Hawaii? Air Force? SMU? Come on.

Bob in Huntley, Ill., writes: No NIU? They return entire offense except running back and fullback and they have shown they are deep at running back and look to sign Jamal Womble. Defense returns lots, though backfield will be a question. Still they will be very strong and have a good schedule.

Adelson writes: It's early, guys! I have questions about the backfield and some of the big losses on defense, including Alex Kube and Jake Coffman. I reserve the right to change these in August!