ESPN

THE PULSE

  (5:12 PM)

Welcome to THE PULSE on ESPNEWS! We've got a full lineup of guests coming at you on Saturday. Nick Markakis, Shaquille O'Neal, Greg Biffle, Cheryl Ford, Joe Schad are just a few of the big names you'll see on the show. So get your thoughts together, send us some good questions and comments and maybe you'll see your questions and comments on the air! It all starts Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.

THE PULSE

  (11:48 AM)

Pulsites! We'll also be talking a lot of college and pro football. Who is your preseason No. 1? Who's going to win the BCS title game? And did you catch the NFL preseason action Friday night? We'll be talking about all this during THE PULSE! Send in some good comments and you might get on the air!

THE PULSE

  (12:29 PM)

Did anyone catch Matt Leinart in a Cardinals uniform last night? What did you think? How about Randy Moss and his two touchdown catches? Anyone think the Bears are in for a quarterback controversy? Sound off on last night's NFL preseason action and your comments might make it on TV!

THE PULSE

  (1:00 PM)

Welcome to The Pulse!

THE PULSE

  (1:01 PM)

What's going on today?

Ryan (Auburn,MA)

Hey pulse,this is my first time!

THE PULSE

  (1:01 PM)

Welcome!

mitchel-houston

woooohooooo pulse!!!!

Brian (Grafton, WI)

Aw, man, Dari's last Pulse for a while? Gotta go out with a bang!

David (Sartell)

How about those pesty Twins all u guys said they were done when Liriano went on the DL and bam here they are a half game up on the fading Chi Sox

Travis (Indiana State)

How is going to step in while Dari is gone?

THE PULSE

  (1:04 PM)

Tune in next Saturday and find out!

Ryan (Auburn,MA)

Thursdays the start of college football,i'm pumped for BCs season this year.

THE PULSE

  (1:04 PM)

Anyone watch any of these NFL games last night? Let us know what you thought and we'll try to get some of your comments on air.

Travis (Indiana State)

If you would have told me in May that it would be the Twins, Tigers, Yanks, and White Sox who were going to make it to the post season I would have laughed...Shows what I know.

carlos (vallejo)

what is wrong with steve smith from carolina i havent seen him play a game yet

THE PULSE

  (1:09 PM)

Ohio State coach Jim Tressel is up next.

Drew (Tennessee)

He has a bad hamstring

Brian (Grafton, WI)

Don't you mean "The Ohio State?"

Patrick (Englewood, OH)

The Buckeyes will be singing Carmen Ohio after the National Championship game on January 8, 2007!

Andres (Weston,FL)

Im getting tired of the Lakers-Heat Christmas day matchup. Since its for marketing reasons, it should be an NBA finals rematch. What do u think?

Donovon (Boca Raton FL)

Jim Tressel needs Defense in a big way. Dont let us down coach!

Dylan (Clay, WV)

Too bad it will be the state south-east of Ohio winning the national championship. Steve Slaton is gonna tear up the competition this year. Lets go Mountaineers!!

Brian (Grafton, WI)

Jim Tressel has increased sweater vest sales in the state of Ohio by 350%

mitchel-houston

Or they will be saying "wait til next year" after Sept. 9 at Texas.

Paul (New Hampshire)

Does WVU have a legit shot at the BCS title game?

Brian (Grafton, WI)

The Horseshoe is going to become just another Ginn joint this year.

Travis (Indiana State)

The NBA, much more then other sports, is best off financially when its biggest markets are doing well. Thus the reason the NBA is so dead set on getting the Knicks to be at least an average team.

Chris (Buffalo, NY)

I'd agree if I cared about the NBA

Adam (New Hamshire)

The Buckeyes success this year will count firmly on thier offense and how Coach Tressel can handle not falling back on the defensive side of the ball and trusting the offense.

Ross Sweitzer (SALINE, MI)

Give em' hell Jim! GO BUCKS!! BEAT TEXAS AND MIandH#G@N

Travis (Indiana State)

It's surprising to see all the college football analysts so high on Ohio State this season given that they've lost most of their defense to the NFL and they only have ten returning starters from last years squad.

Adam (New Hamshire)

The Buckeyes may have lost 9 of 11 on defense and have the pressure of being #1 but everyone forget's one thing...they still have Jim Tressel and as long as he's there the Buckeyes will be ok.

Ryan (Auburn,MA)

I hope a mid major team like TCU goes 12-0 and crashes the BCS party,so we can finally get a playoff system please.

mitchel-houston

Tell em' Travis!

THE PULSE

  (1:20 PM)

Rudy Tomjanovich is up next to talk some Team USA basketball.

THE PULSE

  (1:20 PM)

And keep telling us your thoughts on last night's NFL preseason action. We'll keep bringing you the highlights, so your comments might make the air!

Ian (Seattle, WA)

Even if they did lose 9 out of 11, Jim Tressel will always have a defense that is competitive and gives you a chance to win. The man knows what he needs when he recruits. Remember, a lot of the starters this year were highly recruited guys coming back from injurys, it should be exciting so see what Tressel and Co. can do with these guys.

Drew (Tennessee)

That is true Travis. However, they are so high on OSU, because they return most offensive starters, and have two Heisman hopefuls on that squad. And year in and year out, no matter how many defensive players they lose, they always have a top notch defense.

Greg (Colorado)

Dari i saw you on sportscenter and i dont now why they dont have you on more. Congrats

Greg (Colorado)

Steve thanks for giving Melo some love not a lot of people on ESPN will do that.

mitchel-houston

Rudy! Rudy! Rudy! I wonder if he's gonna say "Don't ever underestimate the heart of a champion."

Drew (Tennessee)

Dwight Howard is going to be a stud. The next Tim Duncan.

Jaymin (Fremont)

Howards gonna be better than Tim Duncan-believe it

Trevor (Wisconsin)

The bears defense looked really crappy against the cardinals last night. usually the bears have a great defense

Travis (Indiana State)

Dwight Howard will do for the Orlando Magic what Tim Duncan has been able to do with the Spurs. The eastern conference needs to be put on notice that Dwight is coming and they better take notice!

Donovan (Toledo)

Ohio State is the most overrated team by far this year. NO WAY they compete for a national championship with that defense.

Tim (Chicago)

If the U.S. does not win the World Championship and the Olympics then the era of U.S. domination in baskeetball is gone never to return.

Brian (Grafton, WI)

I don't know why anyone's down on the US. They'll roll to the title this time and show their dominance.

Kevin (Ohio)

Ohio State has got the national championship locked up this year!

Donovan (Toledo)

OSU will get crushed by Texas. Not beat, CRUSHED.

Travis (Indiana State)

The U.S. domination in basketball is and has been over for quite some time. The competitive balance of basketball is now at a global level and is only going to get better every year.

Kevin (Ohio)

Texas doesn't have a QB, they dont stand a chance

victor alexandria,la

past usa teams have won the olympic basketball tittle and we need someone to step up and take charge.

Steve Bunin

  (1:30 PM)

WADDUP pulsites -- Rudy T rocks. But let's get serious, let's feed our egos -- it's Dari's last day on the Pulse. Who's got the better suit/shirt/tie combo today - him or me?

Phil (Miami)

dwight howard will be great........but hes still int the same divison as d-wade and the heat

Tim (Chicago)

With the resources, talent, and tradition of basketbal in the United States, there is no excuse for not dominating the game on the global stage.

Brian (Grafton, WI)

Global basketball talent is better, but no individual country is at the Americans' level yet. As long as the US has their eyes on the ball, no team can beat them.

mitchel-houston

Steve!!!! Steve is the man!!

Travis (Indiana State)

Texas got knocked out of BCS contention the moment Vice Young said, "I'm going to the NFL."

Travis (Indiana State)

It's Dari's last day so I gotta give it to him. Sorry Steve...

mitchel-houston

Don't be giving Dari any sympathy votes just because it's his last day.

Tim (Chicago)

Per usual, Steve Bunin's tie is better.

Donovan (Toledo)

I could QB Texas through THE (pretentious) Ohio State's defense. Doesn't matter who wins out Texas' QB battle. OSU = NO Defense this year. They'll get it together by the Michigan game, but that'll be 2 losses too late.

Ryan (Auburn,MA)

I vote for you steve. you rock.

THE PULSE

  (1:35 PM)

More NFL highlights. Look for us to get some of your comments on TV!

Jen (Norman,OK)

I vote for Dari today.

Brian (Grafton, WI)

Gotta give the tie vote over to Dari. Steve's doesn't stand out enough. Meanwhile, Dari's rocking it like it's the last shirt and tie he'll wear.

THE PULSE

  (1:36 PM)

Good comments guys! You were just on TV.

Brian (Grafton, WI)

Dari carrying the Oklahoma vote!

THE PULSE

  (1:37 PM)

Good one Brian!

Travis (Indiana State)

The question is not who has the better suit; the question is who was the better ESPN Softball player?

Brian (Grafton, WI)

Hahahahaha, awesome!

Tim (Chicago)

Seasn Salisbury is great on our local Chicago sports talk radio!

Dustin (Ikes Fork, WV)

Vince Young = Akili Smith

Travis (Indiana State)

Salisbury seems like the type of guy who you could have a beer with and talk sports all day long and it would never get boring.

victor alexandria,la

reggie bush needs to win not to lose.playing dallas is not a good time in december yes.

Patrick (Englewood, OH)

Sean Salisbury is better in The Benchwarmers than he is on ESPN, and he's very good on ESPN.

Tim (Chicago)

Salisbury is just very honest, knowledgeable, and fair on his radio show.

THE PULSE

  (1:47 PM)

We're going to have more NFL highlights at the top of the hour. Anyone have any thoughts on last night's game?

Flad (Beaverton, OR)

What? No Little League World Series? Let's hear it for those boys from Beaverton, OR!

Shan (New York, NY )

Anybody listen to Scott Ferrall? He has a pretty cool sports show.

Luke (Baltimore MD)

How come I can't make the message board!!!! - oh wait...yay!!!!

Shah (New Jersey)

Its true. If the U.S. doesnt win than their dominance is gone. I think Argentina or Spain would be considered the top team.

Donovan (Toledo)

Vince Young was and STILL IS way overrated. As are all QB's that can run. He had some good games against ok competition ... and A great game against great competition, but EVERY non-DL in the NFL is going to be as fast as he is.

mitchel-houston

I can't wait til the Denver Broncos win the Super Bowl this year.

Travis (Indiana State)

The Heard with Collin Cowheard is the single best radio show there is!

Travis (Indiana State)

Well said Donovan. Vice Young will make some Sportscenter highlight reels but none of which will occur in the postseason.

Dustin (Ikes Fork, WV)

Vince is no where near fast enough to play the way he does, and he doesn't have great footwork.

Patrick (Englewood, OH)

Mike and Mike in the Morning is the best show on ESPN Radio!

Paul (Gainesville)

Florida State will surpise some people this year. I see a maximum 2 loss season but probably just one. Word.

Dustin (Ikes Fork, WV)

I loved Lee Corso's pick for the national title game on Gameday this morning..Cal vs. WVU...That's what it's going to be..WVU 45, Cal 35

mitchel-houston

I saw that FSU plays 8 of 12 games at home this year.

Flad (Beaverton, OR)

No way Cal makes the NC game. Tedford isn't as great as most think he is. They don't even have a QB!

Trevor (Raleigh, NC)

The rose bowl game will be Florida State vs. USC. My guess is that Florida State 35, USC 21

Tim (Chicago)

Joe Schad's tie is blinding me.

Flad (Beaverton, OR)

I forgot to say "BOOYA"

Wingo (Deptford, NJ)

We are tapping the keg now in Deptford, who cares about college football, the NFL and fantasy drafts rule!!

mitchel-houston

Holy cow! They just said that Rhett Bomar is looking at Stephen F. Austin. That's where I went to school(along with Jeremiah Trotter). Trust me when I say that SFA is a small drop from Oklahoma.

Elliott (Des Moines)

Iowa is the most underrated team in the country but it doesnt matter becuase they will go 10-1 and go to a BCS Bowl game

Andres (Wston, Fl)

Im getting tired of the heat-lakers on christmas day. It should be the nba finals rematch instead since its for marketing reasons.

Flad (Beaverton, OR)

NFL = National Field Goal League. YAWN.

mitchel-houston

Steve, you there?

Steve Bunin

  (2:07 PM)

I'm here Mitchel .. welcome back. How's Houston today?

Susan (Oregon)

Kevin Pollock should never wear that hat in public - ever again.

Dustin (Ikes Fork, WV)

Houston doesn't need Bomar, Kolb is better than him anyway.

mitchel-houston

Steve!!! What's up buddy? It's overcast today but is hot and humid and I think the city is about to riot thanks to the Astros bullpen.

Chris (Bend, OR)

How about those kids from beaverton, or. I think they are going to win it all just like osu did in the college world series

Dustin (Ikes Fork, WV)

Now that's impressive, doing a piece on Tony Larussa and sending a message at the same time.

THE PULSE

  (2:10 PM)

Shaq is here!

Flad (beaverton, or)

Ya got that right! Go Murrayhill LL!!

Dustin (Ikes Fork, WV)

Verlander won't win they Cy Young only because he's a rookie.

Ryan (Auburn,MA)

for the 10,000,000,000th time...anyone that knows anything about WVU knows not to pick them to go all the way. They will find a way to screw it up, no question.

Wingo (Deptford, NJ)

Not for nothing, but ESPN rules...their live mock drafts are the most cutting edge fantasy draft tool on the 'net, and there's nothing even comparable...

Dustin (Ikes Fork, WV)

I live in the state, the team has never been this focused before..Unlike 04 they are paying no attention to the hype. Also unlike 04, We now have Pat White and Steve Slaton.

Tommy (San Jose)

The San Francisco Giants are going to win the world series this year with their young rotation.

mitchel-houston

Hahahahahahahah! Tommy you kill me.

Travis (Indiana State)

Tony Kornheiser is doing a great job on MNF. He is definitely a great addition to the booth!

Flad (beaverton, or)

Ya got that right! Go Murrayhill LL!!

K. Bryant (L A)

shaq is finished

Trevor (Raleigh, NC)

I think either the Tigers or the White Sox will win the World Series.

D Wade, Miami

No more championships for you, K. Bryant.

Dustin (Ikes Fork, WV)

Tony is much better on PTI

Pirates Fan (Pittsburgh)

Lets talk about next season

Patrick (Englewood, OH)

Kornheiser belongs on PTI not MNF!!

Dustin (Ikes Fork, WV)

IF the White Sox make the playoffs, they will be the most dangerous team

THE PULSE

  (2:24 PM)

Any college football fans out there? Who is everyone's preseason No. 1?

Ryan (Auburn,MA)

Buffalo!,no im kidding,Notre Dame.

Dustin (Ikes Fork, WV)

1. West Virginia 2. Notre Dame 3. Texas

mitchel-houston

Stephen F. Austin !!!!!

Brian (maryland)

Ohio State!

Patrick (Englewood, OH)

Preseason #1 The Ohio State Buckeyes - Postseason #1 The Ohio Stat Buckeyes!!

Jeremy (Fredericksburg VA)

1. Texas 2. Notre Dame 3. Oklahoma are my preseason top 3

Brian (South Carolina)

Clemson Baby!

RB Mentor, Oh

Ohio State and Coach Tressel! Go Bucks!

Rob Mpls, MN

Ohio State takes Texas in week 2!

bobby (Chicago)

I've never been a big college football fan

Dustin (Ikes Fork, WV)

College football is the best! Followed by NBA, College Basketball and MLB...The NFL is overrated!

mitchel-houston

bobby(chicago), I think I speak for everyone when I say there is no hope for you.

Travis (Indiana State)

Billy Bean should be awarded the first ever "manager of the decade" award for what he has been able to do with the A's and their lack of money.

Jeremy (Fredericksburg VA)

I like college football but nothing compares to NFL football. That's why I was shocked when a recent sportsnation poll showed that more people enjoyed college football than the NFL.

Travis (Indiana State)

The NFL is great and the fact that we are talking about it while it's still in the preseason at the same time that MLB is experiencing some very tight playoff races proves it.

RB Mentor, Oh

College footabal is where it's at...the pro don't have the same intensity

Dustin (Ikes Fork, WV)

I wish I was 1/100th as good as Tiger Woods. I could still make the Pro Tour.

Jeremy (Fredericksburg VA)

The NFL is the Greatest. Thats why the XFL folded after one season.

THE PULSE

  (2:40 PM)

Everyone check out that promo we had just on the TV.

THE PULSE

  (2:41 PM)

With Week 1 of the college football next Saturday, The Pulse is moving to 12-3 p.m. ET.

Dustin (Ikes Fork, WV)

WNBA in the playoffs!? When did the season start???

Brian (Grafton, WI)

I'm gonna have to get up early now.

Tim (Youngstown Ohio)

Can anyone else on the East Coast not imagine living out west? MNF starting at 5! , East Coast baseball at 4, or college football at 10! wow ...

c (NY)

2 more weeks till SCHOOL :)

droddd (california)

Look out for the dome heads were on are way to make eveyone forget all about the Florida teams "FIGHT ON IRISH"

Tim (Chicago)

Tiger Woods is awesome. But he has benefitted from playing in an era with no other truly great pleyers.

THE PULSE

  (2:47 PM)

Nick Markakis is on next!

Jeremy (Fredericksburg VA)

Professional sports on the west coast is difficult to do. That why Seattle, Arizona, and Denver get all the late Games.

RB Mentor, Oh

No other great players??? Mickelson, Vijay, Ernie Els

Caken (Omaha, NE)

Tiger is the Jordan of golf, he is taking it to thee next level

Eric (Portland)

Tiger Woods will finish with the greatest historical numbers golf will ever see

Alex (Anaheim, CA)

The Raiders are 4-0, could go 5-0, what are the chances that they make the playoffs this year?

mitchel-houston

The Florida Gators schedule is horrendous! If they make it to January, they earned it.

c (NY)

Nick Markakis , you are a great ballplayer. GOOD LUCK IN FUTURE!

mike (va)

raiders suck

o (USA)

TJ HOUSMANZADEH is the most underrated player in football

mitchel-houston

Let me take this one everybody... Alex, the Raiders have the same chance of making the playoffs as I do of watching the WNBA playoffs.

mike (va)

markakis is the best rookie hitter in majors

Eric (PTown)

The Red Sox will make the postseason

RB Mentor, Oh

I second that about the Raiders! No chance making the playoffs...Randy Moss is a cancer!

Brian (Grafton, WI)

This guy's a tough interview. Nice work Steve.

SJ-houston

Thanks for taking that one Mitch. I couldn't stop laughing long enough to reply. Poor Alex.

o (USA)

The Raiders are going to go 0-16 ans there going to pick Brady Quinn #1 in the draft

Patrick (Englewood, OH)

Tne Pulse won't be the same without Dari. The interaction between Steve and Dari makes the show what it is.

Janelle (San Diego,CA)

go padres.

mike (va)

skins are going 12-4 this year and first round bye

David Friedman (Coral Springs, FL)

Shaq Daddy... CAN YOU DIG IT???

Washington DC

Nick Markakis doesn't get enough credit for the kind of season he's having. Any other year but this one he's the obvious choice for rookie of year.

villo (us army)

west coast is the best coast!!

chris c (ann arbor, MI)

ohio state will lose to michigan this year

Tim (Chicago)

Jack Niclaus finished in the top two in 37 major championships. Tiger will not touch that number.

New York (New York)

LETS GO METS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jason- Deployed in Iraq

Hey i just want to give a shout out to my Buckeyes. Just wish I could be there to see all the games this year. Give'em hell Bucks, and win one for me. Just two words for ya coach, Silver Bullets.

mitchel-houston

I finished in the top two in 38 major putt putt games against my girlfriend.

Dustin (Ikes Fork, WV)

Fantasy football is the main reason I watch the NFL...Palmer is the QB on most of my teams, Don't let me down Carson!

Tim (Chicago)

HAHAHAHA - mitchel

chris (california)

trojans, national champs

Mike (Santa Monica)

My friends finally talked me into it. This is my very first fantasy football draft. What do I need to know?

Dustin (Ikes Fork, WV)

Fantasy football is the main reason I watch the NFL.

chris (california)

fantasy football is the best thing ever

Tommy (SD)

FIGHTING IRISH WILL GO UNDEFEATED

Patrick (Englewood, OH)

I have to agree with Jason in Iraq. Also, I want to thank him and all of our millitary for their service.

Brandon (Georgia)

Hey ppl college football is almost here and i can't wait

Tim (Chicago)

Thank you Jason!!

Alex (Anaheim)

hey eric the red sox suck, go yankees

john (NY)

CLEMSON TIGERS ..... 2006 ACC CHAMPS

Dustin (Ikes Fork, WV)

Why is West Virginia not on the poll!?

THE PULSE

  (3:20 PM)

We only included top 4 teams from the AP poll.

Daniel (CA)

the yanks are sooo much better then the red sox

Brandon (Georgia)

I 2nd the yankees

Brandon (Georgia)

West Virginia is awsome!

john (NY)

3rd the yanks

jim (detroit)

three and out for the yankees

john (NY)

west virginia isnt awesome, they just play in a horrible league

kenny (Allendale, MI)

west virgina has talent though

Chuck ((US Air Force))

Go BLUE!!!! Wolverines all the way!

kenny (Allendale, MI)

The Wankess are only good bc of the $$$$$

Joe (Los Angeles, CA)

Coach what do you think your hardest challenge this year?

john (NY)

ok dont get me wrong west virginia has alot of talent .... but they wouldnt be playing in a BCS bowl if not for the Big East champion getting in

Alex (Anaheim)

Mets suck, Go yankees!!!! Sorry New York

Jason (Deployed in Iraq)

Think about it, with out West Virginia, the Big East would be a Mid-Major.

Brandon (Georgia)

Gotta go bye ESPN

Daniel ((CA))

white sox will win the post season

Jason (Deployed in Iraq)

You are right john(NY)

john (dallas)

go noles

Roger Clemens-Houston

We should be in 1st place if it weren't for my bullpen.

john (NY)

Tommy Bowden is gonna take it to Popa Bowden again this year.... IN DOAK!

Alex (Anaheim)

white sox wont even go to the plaoffs

Brandon (Georgia)

Miami v. Florida St.

john (NY)

but back to WVU.... they have the best shot at a national championship because of their schedule

jim (pittsburgh)

what did w v do in the BCS bowl last yearplayed a pretty good game

Jason (Deployed in Iraq)

Hey all, got to go, it's been fun.

john (NY)

dont forget WVU was up 28 points and almost blew the game.... beyond their HB and QB there isnt much talent there

Brandon (Georgia)

WVU is underrated big time

john keller, texas

look at the noles schedule 8 home 4 road anf florida at doak

mitchel-houston

WVU vs TCU in Nat'l title game but BCS won't let it happen.

Brandon (Georgia)

TCU!!!

john keller, texas

i love tcu i live by the campus but they wont do it

john keller, texas

texas is over rated

Strech Belli (KC)

IS everyone forgetting about the power house that is Fsu

mitchel-houston

I'm calling it right now. When Sam Houston plays at Texas, the line will be 50!

john (NY)

yeah, but when Clemson goes into Doak and beats FSU everyone will be talking about Clemson and national championship hopes

Tim (Chicago)

Later Jason - you are the man!

dillon (LA)

twins got it all

jim (pittsburgh)

college basketball better than college football

Brandon (Atlanta)

College Basketball-Boy Stop!

Ericx (Lufkin,TX)

Is there any doubt that the Heat can three-peat?

john keller, texas

clemson is good but the pressure of 90,000 fans in doak will be too much and papa wont let it happen twice in a row the noles will no lose a game

john (NY)

papa has already let it happen 2 out of last 3 and i honestly think this is the year for Clemson, but that game in Doak, will decide the Atlantic division champion

john (NY)

but its football season so lets go back to college football

Dayan (Miami)

Go Yankees, How sweep it is Boston?

mitchel-houston

Did you all see Mel Kiper pick the canes to win it all? I wonder if he took into consideration that every player will be suspended at least 2 games this year?

Brandon (Atlanta)

they just suspended someone today

john (NY)

Eric why are you talking about three-peat, it's hard enough to go back-to-back

jim (pittsburgh)

way better post season

Dayan (Miami)

no doubt the heat all the way

john (keller, texas)

no it wont clemson plays the hard acc the noles dont

Tim (Chicago)

Davis Love just took the lead over Tiger Woods at Firestone. What was Tom Lehman thinking when he didn't pick Love for the Ryder Cup team??

juan ((CA))

DODGERS #1

THE PULSE

  (3:50 PM)

Enjoy Lee and Herby! See you next Saturday!