ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

Happy Friday.

Since some asked: Restaurants from my Bay Area trip, all in Oakland and within walking distance of the downtown Marriott: LeCheval, Breads of India, B restaurant, Tamarindo and Levende East.

That's Vietnamese, Indian, Mexican and new-American/Continental. No complaints from any of them. Lots of diverse flavors -- like the Bay Area itself. Good bar conversation at LeCheval and Levende East, where I got some free legal advice and met a fellow Spider and fan of Pappy Van Winkle.

And I wrote one of my stories from the I-House on the Cal campus. Made me feel very college-y.

Jay from Vancouver, Wash., writes: I want to ask a question that often rages between Beaver and Duck fans. Which program is more nationally relevant, gets more national exposure or recognition in your mind?

Ted Miller: Both programs are super-awesome!

It seems to me both schools conform to their general image.

Oregon gets more attention because of its flashy facilities and unusual uniforms. The Ducks also play hot-cold.

Oregon State is less flashy. The Beavers also play cold-hot.

Oregon State has beaten USC twice in recent years and has finished ranked in the top-25 three consecutive seasons. The Beavers are perennially underestimated, but haven't helped themselves by starting the season slowly, more often than not with an early blowout nonconference loss -- see Louisville, Boise State, Cincinnati and Penn State.

The Ducks, meanwhile, will start the nonconference schedule strong -- see wins over Wisconsin, Oklahoma (sort of) and Michigan -- but tend to hit a late-season lull -- see 2004, 2006 and 2007.

A slow start often keeps the Beavers from getting wider acclaim -- unless they then beat USC.

Oregon often climbs the polls early, but then that lull knocks them askew.

Of course, the Ducks broke that mold by surging late last year, winning four in a row the end the season.

But in the end we can all agree that both programs are just... super-awesome!

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Mike from Los Angeles writes: Here's a significant Juco transfer that won the Heisman: OJ Simpson. He went to City College of San Francisco before transferring to USC. That's right, the exact school Jeremiah Masoli went to before transferring.

Ted Miller: Got lots of notes like this one about this person based on the mailbag from March 24. This person has been redacted from the memory of the Pac-10 blog. As far as the Pac-10 blog is concerned, he does not exist.

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Aaron from Eugene, Ore., writes: "When Washington again rises, it will be interesting to see who the Ducks decide they hate they most: Huskies or Beavers."

That's easy. UW. UO/OSU is a heated rivalry, but there is a modicum of respect there. I like to see OSU win other games and then get crushed by the Ducks. Kinda like your little brother who thinks he's tough before you stick his head in the toilet. On one level, you're proud that he tried to stand up to you, but infuriated that he had the audacity to try. On the other hand, watching UW lose every game this season was one of the most satisfying events this Duck has ever witnessed. Your question should have been ternary, though. Who do the Ducks hate the most? The huskies, the beavs, or whoever Neuweasel is coaching.

Ted Miller: I'd agree with you only Oregon State fans will then pounce.

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Kenny from Corvallis, Ore., writes: Yes I am a Beaver fan. And yes, I hate the Ducks. But I honestly have to ask, why so much love for this team this year? Granted, Jeremiah Masoli and LGB are as talented at their positions as almost anyone in the conference. But every where else they have question marks, ESPECIALLY on defense. Oregon State had similar question marks last year, and were picked to finish 6th in the conference.

Ted Miller: Similar question marks?

You mention Masoli and Blount. Who were their counterparts last year at Oregon State?

Recall that in Lyle Moevao and Sean Canfield combined for 21 interceptions and 11 touchdowns in 2007. And the tailback spot was a complete mystery. Further, the entire front seven had to be replaced.

The Ducks lost three starters on the O-line, but the guys coming back all have playing experience.

The Ducks only real issue is on the defensive line, with only one starter back (and the issue became more urgent with the departure of projected starting tackle Tonio Celotto).

In terms of preseason projections, the 2009 Ducks have WAY fewer questions compared to the 2008 Beavers.

Of course, as many of you Beavers fans point out, a preseason projection and a nickel means you've got about four cents.

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James from Berkeley writes: What kind of year do you think jahvid best will have to have to win the Heisman.

Ted Miller: If Jahvid Best stays healthy, he should produce 2,500 yards of total offense.

And if that happens, and California is ranked in the top-10, he'll get invited to New York. Where he'll likely watch Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford or Colt McCoy win the Heisman.

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Todd from Mission Viejo writes: I was curious. If you could accept a full-scholarship on behalf of your newborn to any Pac-10 school, which school would you choose?

Ted Miller: Okay hotshot... don't think I don't see a trick question.

And how could I possibly answer this without a "Mentor/Trainer not Street Agent/Handler"?

I wouldn't accept any scholarship because I'd want my son to make the decision that was best for him. End of story.

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Cameron from Berkeley writes: Dear Mr. Miller, I would like to remind you that you've left me off your list of top 30 players in the Pac-10. I can only assume this is a glaring oversight, and if you could do it all over again, you would. I see that many of your picks have been based on future NFL projections. Well, I have it on good authority that my draft stock will skyrocket once more scouts realize how the 3 DLs in Cal's 3-4 make it seem like a we're playing a 5-4. I am also the fastest lineman on the team, despite being over 285 pounds. You, however, don't need to take my word for all of this. I will use the field of play to air out my grievances. Everson "I'm Offsides" Griffen? REALLY? Thank you in advance for yo
ur All Pac-10 selection for 2009. Violently yours, Cameron Jordan Incredible Defensive End California Golden Bears

Ted Miller: Cameron, I felt ill leaving you off, if that helps. And there are a couple of other guys who got clipped that made me feel the same.

By the way, why do you call yourself "Joe" in your email address?