Bruce Feldman

  (1:36 PM)

hi..sorry for the delay ..just got to my hotel in Columbus..very sad to hear the news about Bo passing away.

Nick (Baltimore, MD)

Bruce, I don't know if anybody has touched upon this side of the Heisman race yet or not but I thought I might ask it. What if Troy Smith has a bad day against Michigan, but OSU wins despite Troy having a bad day. Will he still be the front runner or will it be wide open again?

Bruce Feldman

  (1:38 PM)

I think it'd be hard for him to have a very bad day and OSU still winning, but if he did, I think that might open things up for Quinn at least and maybe McFadden who is starting to get some buzz going. I love the WVU duo but I don't think they can make the move.

Jason (Charleston, WV)

Bruce, What are your thought's about Pat White and Steve Slaton after watching them torch the Panthers last night? Will either one or both get an invite to the heisman ceremony?

Bruce Feldman

  (1:39 PM)

The same as it was this summer..these two are phenomenal talents in a great system who play off each other well. They are really fun to watch.. I'll be curious if they would split some of the vote in 2007. I think White is more valuable to the system but Slaton is amazing too.

Jeff (Gainesville, FL)

Not that you can answer for either one of these guys, but last night Herbie and Fowler said that ND should go over a one-loss Meechigan because ND has improved over the year. 30 seconds later, they say that USC should go over 1 loss Arkansas because USC won the head to head matchup. Arkansas hasn't improved at all since the USC game, right? Seems the logic is biased towards the storied programs. Your thoughts?

Bruce Feldman

  (1:42 PM)

not sure about that... Michigan is about as "storied" as it gets too. In my mind, improvment is more subjective. The fact is those two matchups did happen and they were one-sided. If they both have the same records, you can't take the blown out at home team.

James (MN)

Bruce, what are your thoughts about Bo...ever meet or talk with him? How do you think his death will do for this game as well...Ohio St. fans showing him a lot of respect prior to the game, small ceremony maybe even in Columbus?

Bruce Feldman

  (1:45 PM)

I interviewed him over the phone in the early '90s for a story on this very rivalry. He was very friendly and pretty funny and his passion came through (and this is from someone who grew up an OSU fan)... I think it's very hard to predict what kind of impact it will have on the program tomorrow. As an aside I heard when I got off the plane, these was this nice older couple in front of me who had given me directions and were obviously OSU folks when I told them about Bo's passing, the woman looked like she was about to cry. There is a lot of respect for the kind of person he was and the type of football man he is around here I think.

Mike (Beckley, WV)

Did it surprise you at all that the Mountaineers gained 641 yards of total offense in a 45-27 win over Pitt? And how about that Mountaineer Marching Band?

Bruce Feldman

  (1:46 PM)

A little. I thought WVU will, as usual, move the ball well, but I figured Pitt had so much speed at LB they'd do a little better job than they did.

Alex (Baltimore)

Since you are there, I was wondering what the atmosphere is like in Columbus some 24 hours before the game? Madness already?

Bruce Feldman

  (1:48 PM)

I gotta admit, it's a little strange right now because of the tragic news. There were tons of people in the airport in OSU and Michigan jerseys and colors and someone played the Victors over the loudspeaker and I expected some reaction from both sides and there was none. It was almost somber.

Bill (Portland, Or)

Bruce - remember that Bo was a Buckeye too. He had a degree from OSU and coached there. While he was coach at "the school up north", true Buckeye fans will always see him as a Buckeye too. So, this is a sad day for both programs.

Bruce Feldman

  (1:49 PM)

Well said.

Ryan (Valrico, FL)

What names are you hearing for FSU's offensive coordinator position?

Bruce Feldman

  (1:51 PM)

Chris Hatcher from Valdosta's name comes up although I heard people inside the program might be more intrigued by Larry Fedora because Hatcher (a Hal Mumme protege) isn't as much of a run guy and FSU people feel like they need to find someone who can use one of their true assets, Antone Smith.

Tony (MD)

Is Coach Rod the greatest offensive mind in college football right now?

Bruce Feldman

  (1:52 PM)

Yes. He schemes to fit his talent and constantly generates big plays. That's the mark of a great coaching mind.

Joe (Dallas)

Bruce, just to correct Jeff from Florida, Chris and Kirk did NOT say that ND should go over a 1-loss Michigan team. Chris has been adament about that, and Kirk just said that it would be an "interesting scenario." He offered both sides to the arguement and, in doing so, said that maybe some voters would see that ND has improved. But they did not say that ND should go hands down.

Shawn Simpkins

Bruce, What matchup would you like to see in the national championship game?

Bruce Feldman

  (1:53 PM)

I'm open to see what develops over the next 3 weeks, but I'd rather not see a rematch from an earlier game.

John Waldwick, NJ

Bruce there's a lot of talk about how many games a WVU, Rutgers, or Louisville would lose if they were in the SEC. But what would a team from the SEC, take the big two this year Florida and Arkansas be if they were in the Big East?

Bruce Feldman

  (1:56 PM)

Not sure.. if UF played like they did the last few weeks, they might lose in the Big East too. Thing is, and this is why I think the SEC is extra tough is that after teams play and LSU, they are so beaten up, it's not easy for them the next week. You don't hear about that kind of hang over effect from a UCONN or a USF.

Bob (Norman, OK)

What do we have to do to crack the top 10

Bruce Feldman

  (1:57 PM)

If OU wins out, going 11-2 with that one loss in the reply game at Oregon, they might crack the top 5.

Bruce Feldman

  (1:58 PM)

BTW, quietly Bob Stoops has done a great job with that team this year with the Bomar mess, the Peterson injury and the chaos of the Oregon game.

ROb (Denver)

You say you are against a rematch. What if Michigan is just plain flat with the death of Bo, who still offices at the practice facility, looming over them. Do they deserve a second chance. Will there be a ground swell of sentiment for giving them one after what has transpired today?

Bruce Feldman

  (1:59 PM)

That is an interesting question. I doubt it though.

Alex (Baltimore)

This one's for Bob in Norman: say the Oklahoma/Oregon game came out "properly," where do the Sooners now stand?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:01 PM)

there's already enough what if scenarios out there without that one. But yeah I'd say they'd be in there with the one-loss SEC teams, but probably towards the back of the pack because aside from ND I think everyone else in front of them has a bigger win on their resume.

Heath (Houston, TX)

What is your Heisman list as of now? Do you really see Troy Smith as having played enough tough competition to be considered such an amazing player vs. say McFadden who has played and will have played, Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee, USC, LSU, Florida, and South Carolina?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:02 PM)

Right now it's Smith, Quinn, McFadden, White, Rice, Slaton Troy Smith gets another big chance against a great D tomorrow.

Mike (FL)

This year's Notre Dame team is a joke, right? Theres no way the BCS can let them play in Glendale, is there?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:05 PM)

I don't think they're a joke. They are a potent offensive team, especially as a passing team. Their D still isn't very good, and their OLine is really shaky. Right now they have one good win on their resume, Ga. Tech, and the Yellow Jackets aren't much better if at all than the Maryland team that WVU blew out. I think because of the loss to Michigan at home kind of blocks ND from a realistic title shot.

CT Apex, NC

What kind of impact do you think the Butch Davis hire will have on the UNC Football program?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:07 PM)

He can recruit and is a great evaluator of talent. That was Jimmy Johnson's greatest strength and Davis learned under him well. He also is, how can I say this delicately, an ornery dude, players will not only respect him but fear him to a certain degree. It'll always be a hoops school, but I think it just got a little more viable this week.

Kaveh (Gainesville, FL)

Any truth to the rumors that Kevin Steele is going to UNC to coach with Butch Davis?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:09 PM)

I'd be really surprised if he left Tally. From people inside the program, Steele is the guy expected to replace Bobby Bowden when he eventually steps down. Steele is really well respected inside FSU and I doubt he wants to give that seat up.

Bob (J-ville)

Why do you think the Gators haven't been that strong offensively? Are the player leftover from Zook's tenure generally unsuited for Meyer's offense?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:11 PM)

I'm sure Leak isn't an ideal fit for Meyer's scheme, but I think it has more to do with the O-line is average at best and the tailbacks aren't much better. But let's not kid ourselves and make it like Chris Leak stinks. He is a very good passer and they do have a bunch of receivers that Zook left behind.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:13 PM)

To Mary from DC.. I don't wanna post the first half of your question, but that reference to that local rock band just stunned me. I completely forgot about that and no, I don't know if anyone has cancelled their performance.

Adam (Los Angeles, CA)

Does Marshawn Lynch leave CAL after this season and if so where do you see CAL ranked next year

Bruce Feldman

  (2:14 PM)

I think he leaves, but Forsett is still a big time back and DeSean Jackson is Heisman worthy. The D has to mature more but they should be a top 15 team.

Willie (Portland, OR)

I'm sorry to hear about Bo, and think this will have a profound effect on the game tomorrow. On another note, people in Oklahoma need to quit with the what if's about the Oregon game. A loss is a loss, no matter how "controversial".

Bruce Feldman

  (2:17 PM)

I don't really think the OU people are whining too much about that. I know some Miami folks who are still ticked off about the Fiesta Bowl from 5 years ago. My feeling was you had 1st and goal at the 2 and you couldn't get it done.

Tom (Lincoln)

What is your opinion of Louisville saying that they've had difficulty in scheduling tougher non conference games?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:18 PM)

I don't doubt that at all. I think Forde who knows AD Tom Jurich would be a better authority on that subject than me though. I will say this when U of L scheduled that Miami game, nobody expected the 2006 Canes to stink like this.

Gino (Los Angeles)

Could you see John David Booty leaving after this season if he runs the table and plays well in the National Championship game?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:20 PM)

No, he loves the grundgy Mexican food joints around that neighborhood too much. Actually, his family knows he doesn't have that much game experience and that he needs more reps and JD is very patient. He is a lot more of a big picture guy than most people probably realize.

Donald (Kansas)

Is Urban Meyer resting players or are those players really in trouble?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:21 PM)

Maybe resting from peeing in the cup. what are you talking about?

Tim (Wichita)

Any chance Adrian Peterson comes back for his senior season?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:22 PM)

I'd be SHOCKED if he did. Go get your millions Adrian. You've earned it. RBs only have so many carries in their bodies especially ones who run as hard as he does.

Andrew (Las Cruces, NM)

On the comment about the Gator's offense. Don't you think Meyer is sometimes out-coaching himself. Like that trick play he tried to run late in the SC game when his running game was actually doing a decent job.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:23 PM)

A writer buddy of mine brought this very point up on sunday and I think there might be something to it, but how can you knock a guy who is heading to the SEC title game?

andrew (san francisco, CA)

why does an Auburn team get ahead of a cal team? Cal gets beat twice on the road with one blowout. Auburn gets blown out twice at home.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:25 PM)

I dunno. Look at it this way: if Cal loses to USC they will drop anyhow and if they beat USC they would've jumped ahead of Auburn either way.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:25 PM)

Dan from Albany..shorten your question please...you'll freeze up my laptop

John (Miami)

In your opinion who will the next coach for Miami be assuming Coker is let go?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:28 PM)

Assuming? They'll have a bake sale in Coral Gables to find the cash to buy Larry Coker out if need be... I think it's Schiano's if he wants it. He has kept in good graces with some of the power brokers down there and the local coaches love him. He works his butt off as a recruiters and is a bit of the flipside of what Coker is. The wildcard in this is if AD Paul Dee gets pushed aside now. He has a few years left on his deal but moving on might be best for UM at this point.

Rich B (Lancaster, OH)

Why isn't anyone talking about the REAL big football story in Ohio? Frank Solich lead the Ohio Bobcats to their first MAC East championship last night with the win over Akron, and they'll play in their first bowl game since 1968. What a turnaround!

Bruce Feldman

  (2:29 PM)

It is a great turnaround, but you know what the REAL story is here.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:30 PM)

3 more questions..

sim (Addison AL)

Hey Bruce, why is there nothing on espn about the iron bowl? i dont know if youve ever been but its a very intense rivalery. thanks and roll tide

Bruce Feldman

  (2:31 PM)

There is some stuff on there about it, but really the Mich-OSU game has dominated the week and pushed that great rivalry and Cal-USC under the radar and now in the wake of the tragic passing of Bo it's even further down.

Rich B (Lancaster, OH)

Schiano should stay at Rutgers. 9-3 in Piscataway and they'll build statues, rename the stadium and probably a couple streets after him too. 9-3 in Coral Gables will get him fired.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:32 PM)

Schiano doesn't expect to ever go 9-3 if he's in Coral Gables. I think he knows that four different coaches have won titles at Miami. I think he's intrigued by the idea of what would happen if the right guy decided to stay there awhile.

Samer (Dhahran, Saudi Arabia)

Bruce, explain to me why Wake keeps proving people wrong? This team doesn't seem very good but they still keep winning.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:33 PM)

Cause they have a terrific coaching staff and smart players.

Bob (Montville)

How come you are not talking about the REAL story. Rutgers would win the SEC. Would not be as difficult as the media homers make it sound. A lot of decent teams but they are overrated. What do you think?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:34 PM)

I think the LSU SECOND team is better than half the Big East and probably would finish no worse than 4th in the league.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:36 PM)

Ryan from ATL..that's funny I was thinking the same thing but I can't post that. I don't think I can at least.

Scott (Tampa, Fl)

Bruce, why you hatin on the Big East so much? Last time I checked, 3 teams in the top 10.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:38 PM)

I'm not!! Anyone who has read my stuff since Schiano left Coral Gables knows how I feel about RU and obviously I've been a big believer in WVU. I just think the SEC is as good as it gets across the board.

John (Birmingham)

And your prediction for tomorrow is?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:38 PM)

I'm picking OSU, Auburn and USC

Bruce Feldman

  (2:40 PM)

Thanks for all the questions and enjoy the games tomorrow.