Adam Rittenberg

  (4:00 PM)

Hey guys, watching a little Cubs-Sox here in beautiful Chicago, but I'm still getting fired up for college football season. Let's have some face talk.

Andrew (Chicago)

Can anyone challenge Ohio State in the Big 10 this year? Any hope for my Spartans?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:01 PM)

Andrew: I'm pretty high on the Spartans, though there are some concerns on both lines. The DE transfer from Cincinnati, Anderson, should help account for the loss of Saint-Dic.

Mauricio (Miami FL)

Obvious choice in choosin Spurrier for the Gators. I thought of him too. Who else do you think was in contention there in Florida? Thank you for answering my message Mr. Rittenberg!

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:02 PM)

Mauricio: I agree. Spurrier was a shoe-in for the Gators. You could have gone with Danny Wuerffel or someone like that, but Spurrier was the constant.

Chris (Los Angeles)

Are the Bruins really going to win more than 3 games this year? Not even the great Norm Chow can help that awful OL.

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:02 PM)

Chris: They'll get to three wins. How much more is the big question. The QB situation is a mess, and a new coach means a lot of new installation.

Jon charleston, WV

in my opinion don Nehlen is the face, but what about when pat whites era comes to an end does he even compare.

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:03 PM)

Jon: That's a good point. If White finishes strong this year with another BCS win, he could be considered the face.

Ben ((PA))

will will Pittsburgh get there head on straight and compete for a bowl game?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:04 PM)

Ben: I've never been sold on Wanny - I live in Chicago and remember the Bears era - but Pitt's got a great back in McCoy and should be back in the bowl discussion.

Joe (Chicago Illinois)

Do you think the Fighting Illini have a chance if a rinning back steps up to make a run at the Big Ten Title and to make a run for a BCS bid?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:05 PM)

Joe: That's a big if. Juice will be better and Benn could be the league's best wideout with a healthy shoulder, but the running backs did nothing in spring ball.

Hardley (New York)

Hey Adam, with Rutgers snagging recruits left and right, will the Knights be up there with WV in the Big East?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:05 PM)

Hardley: The recruiting has been strong and I like the senior QB, but Rice's production will be tough to replace. West Virginia should win the league going away.

Tom (PA)

Is Penn State neck and neck with Wisconsin for 2nd in the Big Ten? Any chance of a road upset in Madison or Columbus which would lead to a BCS bowl?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:06 PM)

Tom: I would put the two neck and neck because of all the injuries Wiscy had this spring. Winning in Madison will be tough. Columbus is out of the question. But the Big Ten usually gets two in the BCS, so anything's possible.

Dustin (Waco,Tx)

What will the Preseason AP Top 10 be in your opinion? 1.Georiga 2.Oh.St 3.Oklahoma 4. USC 5.UF 6.Missouri 7.Texas 8. LSU 9.Clemson 10.Auburn

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:07 PM)

Dustin: That's a pretty good rundown. I'd put Oklahoma behind USC, but the rest flushes out pretty well.

Bob (Fort Wayne)

Is Heather Dinich married?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:07 PM)

Yes, sorry, Bob.

Ryan (Pittsburgh)

I agree with you on the point that Wanny as a coach is nothing special, but you've got to give the guy serious credit for the recruiting classes he's got to come to Pitt. At some point, you've got to think all that talent will start showing on the field, right?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:08 PM)

Ryan: You'd like to think so, but a lot of programs play the waiting game with talent until they can't take it any more. This is a big year for Wanny - got to get it done on the field.

JOE (NEW ORLEANS)

HEY ADAM, LSU'S DEFENSE IS SUPPOSED TO BE EVEN BETTER THIS SEASON. CAN THEY RIDE IT TO A RETURN TRIP TO THE BCS?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:09 PM)

Joe: LSU will need to. The QB situation is so iffy going in, the defense needs to be airtight. The talent is there on that side of the ball.

RAY GORDON REID HOLLYWOOD FLA 33020

COMMENT 9 AT 4.10 SHUG JORDAN AUBURN BEFORE PAT DYE BO JACKSON

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:10 PM)

Can't argue with Jackson, sorry.

John (Ft. Wayne, IN)

Hey Adam, Every year there's a surprise team. Whos your pick for a dark horse this year?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:10 PM)

John: Don't know if Texas Tech would be a major surprise, but I like them this year. Michigan State could make some noise in a pretty wide open Big Ten. Louisville could get back in the mix in the Big East.

Chris (Chicago, Illinois)

Hey how will the Big Ten line up this year, any love for my home town Fighting Illini?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:11 PM)

Chris: Gotta go with Ohio State at 1, Penn State and Wisconsin are tied for 2/3. Illinois is probably 4 going in with Michigan, though things could go a number of ways for the Wolverines. The Illini defense had a great spring, and if they find a RB, they'll be up there with Wisconsin and Penn State.

Dylan (Los Angeles)

Who do you give the advantage in the big USC Vs. Ohio State Game?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:12 PM)

Dylan: The home field clearly gives USC an edge, but Ohio State has more experience and fewer question marks. Undoubtedly the best game of the pre-conference season. I'll go with USC by 3

David (Indianapolis)

Love my Wolverines! Maybe you can help me understand something. Why do people think Purdue is going to beat UM this year? Was it that outstanding performance PU put up last year? The one where they scored two TDs in the final minute to (one after an onside kick) to make it a very respectable 48-21?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:14 PM)

David: That outcome surprised me last year. Seems like Michigan owns the Boilers, but Purdue has a lot less questions to answer this year. I think the Boilers will do well in Joe's final season. It's hard to know what to expect from Michigan.

Steiny (NYC)

Will CJ Bacher be the starting QB for Northwestern?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:14 PM)

Steiny: No doubt about it. He's got to cut down on his interceptions, but he had an amazing three-game stretch last year. He's the clear No. 1.

James (Hilton Head)

Can Spurrier and the Gamecocks contend for an SEC title this year?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:15 PM)

James: I just don't see it. Too much firepower with Florida, Georgia and LSU.

Joe (MA)

Hey Adam, Where do you think USC will finish this year in the bcs standings.

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:15 PM)

Joe: I see the Trojans beating Ohio State but losing a conference game. They'll wind up somewhere between third and fifth.

Erik (Papillion, NE)

Who do you see winning the MAC?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:17 PM)

Erik: Alright, a MAC question! Gotta go with Central Michigan. Too much coming back with LeFevour and Anderson. Western Michigan could challenge them in the West division and Miami should be a lot better with its defense, but Central should three-peat

Herbie Husker (Omaha, NE)

Hey Adam, Just wondering how Tom Osborne wasn't even named a "face of the decade". I think going 60-3 your last five seasons and winning the championship 3 of your last 4 years in the 90's is somewhat worthy. Also, remember a few months ago when ESPN had that "greatest coach of all time" contest and the fans voted T.O.? What's your take? PS: How will Bo do this year?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:18 PM)

Herbie: That's a good argument, and I'm sure it was a tough call between Bowden and Osborne. Bowden's stretch of 10-win seasons is hard to go against. Bo will improve that defense - he has to! - and the Huskers should get back to a bowl, but I don't see them contending in the Big 12 North.

jamie (ann arbor)

Adam what a realistic record Rich could end up with his first year in Michigan?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:19 PM)

Jamie: The first three games are critical. Utah is very experienced and could get them at the Big House. Miami (Ohio) has a solid defense, and Notre Dame is on the road. If Michigan goes 3-0 or 2-1 in that stretch, they could get to 9-10 wins. Otherwise, something like 7-5 or 8-4 sounds realistic.

Ben (Atlanta)

How about Paul Johnson at GT? Can he make some noise in the ACC Coastal?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:20 PM)

Ben: Loved Johnson at Navy. It'll be interesting to see how his system plays out in a BCS conference. I think it'll take a year or two. Then again, the ACC isn't too strong.

Kellen (Boston)

Tulsa still the team to beat in C USA?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:21 PM)

Kellen: Paul Smith is a huge loss at QB, but I like Adams at RB and it seems like they've got good guys coming in.

Karl (Houston)

With Rashard Mendenhall away, how do you think Illinois will fare in the Big Ten?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:22 PM)

Karl: Zook is really high on the defense, especially the guys up front. A lot hinges on the running back position. If they find a capable back, they could be right in the mix for the No. 2 spot in the Big Ten.

jamie (ann arbor)

I would be happy with a bowl game to keep the streak alive!!

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:23 PM)

Jamie: You should get your wish, but you could be sweatin' it out in November

Greg (Boston)

What happens to the Eagles after Matt Ryan, any shot at extending the bowl winning streak at a good bowl this year?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:24 PM)

Greg: The ACC has a zillion bowl slots and not too many great teams, so BC could squeeze in there. Don't underestimate Ryan's value, though. It'll be tough to move on after him.

Jon (IN)

How about a quick Ball State breakdown?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:25 PM)

Jon: The offense should be spectacular. I should have mentioned Ball State when asked earlier about the MAC champ. If the Cardinals can find some stability on defense, Nate Davis could take them a long way. Should be in another bowl.

John (New Haven, IN)

Which conference will dominate this year?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:25 PM)

John: The SEC is still the most dominant league. There are three premier teams - Georgia, Florida and LSU - and a bunch of solid squads. Definitely the most complete conference.

Larry (Chicago, Illinois)

Who will start at Running Back this year for the Fighting Illini?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:26 PM)

Larry: Daniel Dufrene will probably get the first shot. They're pretty high on the freshman they're bringing in, but I hear he's a little undersized.

Steven (Geneseo, Illinois)

Hey, the White Sox are looking good right now. Do you think they will hold up and win the Central this year?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:27 PM)

Steven: The hitting is way too inconsistent, but they should run away with that joke of a division. ... OK, back to football

Kyle (Morgantown)

Do you think WVU can keep the ball rolling with the new coaching staff after Pat White leaves? '09 recruiting looks great, but verbals are not letters.

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:28 PM)

Kyle: They should be fine on the field this year, but you bring up a good point about the recruiting. They need to nail that down to make sure there's no drop-off after Pat leaves.

Ty ((Georgia))

Who do you believe will be this year breakout freshmen?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:28 PM)

Ty: I really like RB Stephfon Green at Penn State. He gives them that top-end speed they've lacked for a while.

Kevin (Charlotte)

SHow my CLemson Tigers some love

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:29 PM)

Kevin: Get more consistent, and I will.

Sara (Boston, MA)

You don't think the Big XII will rival the SEC this year? Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Tech look great. Nebraska and Colroado will be better this year, too.

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:30 PM)

Sara: The Big 12 could be right there with the SEC by season's end, but there's not as many sure-fire dominant teams going on. Texas Tech's emergence certainly elevates the Big 12's profile.

Josh (Charlotte)

If Pitt vastly improves from here on out, any chance Rich Rodriguez becomes the face of the Pitt program

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:31 PM)

Josh: I'm sure the West Virginia people wouldn't mind. Seriously though, that game could spark Pitt's turnaround under Wanny.

John (New Haven, IN)

Who will retire first JoePo, or Bobby B?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:31 PM)

John: Just had this debate with some folks at the Big Ten office today at lunch. Joe's situation is so unclear, I'd have to go with Bowden.

PJ Charlotte, NC

MORE MAC! Any chance the might Bobcats of Ohio University keep Frank Solich? or is he just using this to bide his time until a BCS School comes knocking?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:32 PM)

PJ: I think Frank wants to stay where he's wanted after the Nebraska situation. It's always possible he could move on, but at his age, I'm guessing he stays put at Ohio U.

Ben (God's Country)

Who does Alabama have a better chance in beating, Georgia or LSU? "Neither one" is not a choice! Ha. Roll Tide!

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:33 PM)

Ben: Tough call. Don't see them beating either one, truthfully, but I'll go with LSU.

Karl (Houston)

With the recent arrest of Cedric Benson, this is one of the many incidents where a Texas running back has gotten into trouble. Any comments on Texas running backs?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:34 PM)

Karl: Don't draft Texas running backs. There's my comment. ... They seem to be alright in Austin. It's just when they leave.

Jeff (Dallas, Texas)

How about the Big 10, will we have another Iowa break-out season?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:35 PM)

Jeff: Iowa's offense is still a mess, though the Hawkeyes are one of the most intriguing teams in the league. There's definitely some pressure on Kirk to get it done this year. The defense should be fine, but they can't go in with a walk-on as the starting RB.

Cory (St. Petersburg)

Who will have more carries for Florida- Tebow or the actual running backs? (Moore, Rainey, Moody, Willams)

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:35 PM)

Cory: They should do a better job of protecting Tebow this year. His carries should go down a little, and the RBs will be more involved.

glenn (Morris Plains, NJ)

Which RU is the real RU? the one who contended for most of 2006 or was a middle of the road low bowl team in 2007?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:37 PM)

Glenn: It's probably somewhere in between, a solid program with improved recruiting but one that probably won't get to a BCS bowl because of being in the same league as West Virginia.

Harrison (Atlanta)

How about your Heisman candidates (Other than Tebow and Moreno)

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:37 PM)

Harrison: Beanie Wells from Ohio State will be in the mix, particularly if he gashes USC and the Buckeyes pull an upset there. Bradford from Oklahoma could be in the mix, too, if he puts up numbers like he did to start last season.

Erik (Papillion, NE)

Allow me to combine some MAC and "face of the program" talk: right now I agree that Joe Novak is the face of NIU. Do you see Michael Turner or Garrett Wolfe being so amazing in the NFL that one of them supplants Joe?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:39 PM)

Erik: Appreciate the contribution. I don't see Garrett having a dynamic pro career, but it'll be interesting to see how Turner does as a more featured back. He has the body to be good in the league for a while. But given what Joe did, building that program from nothing to a solid bowl contender, he'll probably be the face for quite a while.

Ben (Ohio)

Hey, who does Illinois (illini) have a better chance at beating, Mizzou, Wisconson, Penn State, or Ohio State and how many wins will we get out of those four games?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:40 PM)

Ben: That's a tough call. Wisconsin and Penn State are both on the road. Mizzou should be stronger in the opener, even though it's a neutral site. I'll go with Penn State and say Illinois goes 1-3 in those games.

John (AL)

What does Pat White have to do to get to the Heisman ceremony? It's been long overdue for football's most consistent star

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:42 PM)

John: Lead West Virginia to the national title game. Simple as that. Can't have a breakdown like Pitt.

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:42 PM)

Sorry for the delay, computer issues

Ed (Baltimore)

so, who would you rather have a beer with? JoePa or Bowden?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:43 PM)

Ed: Great question. I'll go with Bowden, but both are great storytellers.

John (New Haven, IN)

What is going on at Syracuse? Once a decent team, now a push over???

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:43 PM)

John: Some bad coaching hires for 'Cuse. It's amazing how far that program has fallen off. Robinson needs to win this year or he's got to be gone.

Harold (Los Angeles, Ca)

Where's the Heisman love for Ray Malauga? Possibly the most dominating linebacker in the nation....

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:44 PM)

Harold: Good call. I've always loved Ray. It's a little tough for a linebacker to get in the mix, and Laurinaitis gets so much love at Ohio State. If Ray has a big game against OSU, he should get some momentum.

PJ Charlotte, NC

Follow up on my Ohio U. question - do they have a hope of ever becoming a consistent threat in the MAC? Seems to not being doing that great in recruits...

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:45 PM)

PJ: Anyone has a shot of challenging in the MAC. The league is always wide open. Ohio is in a great football state for high school talent, so there's no reason why the Bobcats can't be a factor in that league.

Laurence (Iowa)

Hey, great show, does illinois (illini) have any chance of upsetting Ohio State again?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:46 PM)

Laurence: That's a tough game to predict since it's in November. If Illinois stays relatively injury-free and finds a capable running back, they should test the Buckeyes in Champaign. Illinois played well against OSU two years ago

Harold (Los Angeles, Ca)

Could you have a drinking game where you do a shot where Bobby Bowden says "daggum it"?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:47 PM)

Harold: Don't try that at home.

Nick (Louisville, Ohio)

will pryor be the starting qb for the buckeyes midway thr the season

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:48 PM)

Nick: No, but they'll find a package of plays for him. Boeckman is too steady as the starter to get bumped.

Brian (Napa CA)

what should i expect from my miami hurricanes this year?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:49 PM)

Brian: There's a lot of young talent there, so I definitely see a step forward. They're probably a year away from challenging for the league title, but it should be a lot more exciting at the U

Joel (Tuscaloosa)

Spoken like a true Californian. Please tell Harold that the proper spelling is "dadgummit."

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:49 PM)

That should be on the spelling be next year

Isaac (Tempe, AZ)

If Arizona St. Loses to Georgia or USC or Both could they still make it to the Fiesta Bowl?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:50 PM)

Isaac: Lose to one, maybe. Lose to both, forget it.

Drew (Brunswick)

Who do you have in the title game? Go dawgs!!!

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:51 PM)

Drew: I have your dawgs going against Ohio State

Jarod (Illinois)

Will Mgee over take Juice at one point during the season then lose it again like he did last year?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:51 PM)

Jarod: From talking to Juice this spring, he doesn't want to flip-flop with McGee throughout his career. He's matured a lot, and if he gets some help in the backfield, he should remain the starter throughout the season.

Nick (Louisville, Ohio)

will Knowshon Moreno have a shot at leading himself to the heisman trophy and his team to the national title game

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:52 PM)

Nick: Absolutely. Moreno is dynamic enough to make a Heisman push, and Georgia should be able to build off its finish to last season.

Nick (Hilton, GA)

Georgia looks great with all that talent coming back....but the schedule is brutal. How do you think they finish this year? Any titles? Oh, and will UGA vs Florida be hyped up the way Ohio State vs Michigan was a couple years back?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:54 PM)

Nick: That game deserves the hype, but I don't think it'll get the same type of buzz as Ohio State-Michigan. If it was the last game of the season, maybe. ... Georgia will definitely be tested early on, but I see them getting through it.

Ray (Brea, Ca)

OSU blew it twice in the BCS title game..why should they be given another chance if they finish 12-0? They're gonna blow it again.

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:55 PM)

Ray: If they go 12-0, there should be no debate because that will include a road win against USC. If they go 11-1, there's a legitimate question of whether they deserve another shot.

Denzel (Huntsville, AL)

I am a Notre Dame fan( laugh all you want) I feel that the 3-8 record was just unlucky, do you feel they will come back to the usuall 10 win season, or is this rebuilding?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:56 PM)

Denzel: The 3-9 wasn't unlucky. Notre Dame was a truly awful team last season. That said, the Irish will bounce back with seven or eight wins this year. More experienced players across the board and an easier schedule should foster a turnaround.

Rusty Ward- Dallas, TX

Can you take a look at the schedule and pick a favorite weekend?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:57 PM)

Rusty: Just looking at the early weeks, I really like Sept. 13. You've got Ohio State-USC, Michigan-Notre Dame and a fun one in Wisconsin-Fresno State, to name three.

Nick (Louisville, Ohio)

who do you think will start the season off number 1

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:57 PM)

Nick: I'd give the edge to Georgia, but my guess is Florida will debut at No. 1

Mike (Tampa, FL)

In your opinion, who is going to be the most exciting player to watch in college football this year?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:58 PM)

Mike: I really like Moreno. Can't wait to see more of him. Noel Devine is up there, too.

Karl (Houston)

Will Kansas be as dominant as they were last year? And how many Top 10 teams do you think the SEC will have?

Adam Rittenberg

  (4:59 PM)

Karl: I don't see the Jayhawks being nearly as dominant, though the schedule doesn't get really tough until mid-October. ... SEC has three Top 10 teams (UGA, UF and LSU)

Adam Rittenberg

  (5:00 PM)

OK, guys, it's been fun. I'm out.