ESPN

Mark Schlabach

  (2:03 PM)

Hello, again, everybody. Hope everybody had a great weekend. I know I enjoyed having a Saturday at home for a change.

DJ Cuse

Who is running the Noles offense-Jimbo Fisher or Jeff Bowden? Will we see EJ Manuel at all this year or is he red-shirting?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:05 PM)

Jimbo is running the offense, but it still looks awful. Ponder wasn't any better than what Weatherford did last year, and Richardson struggled in the second half. Thought we had a reason to be excited but apparently not.

Chad (Savannah, GA)

How is Mizzou still rated ahead of LSU? LSU won at #10 AU and Mizzou doubled up on Buffalo but had some trouble in the 1st half.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:06 PM)

I thought LSU moved ahead of Mizzou in one of the polls. LSU looked pretty good; if Lee plays like that the rest of the way, the Tigers will be tough to beat in the SEC West. Mizzou should be fine. Buffalo is better than a lot of people think. Mizzou secondary still scares me some, though.

Pete (Oxford, MS)

Mark, Ole Miss did everything they could possibly do to lose against Vandy, can they rebound this season or is it going to be another under .500 season for the Rebels.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:07 PM)

I think they can put it back together. Snead's interceptions the last two weeks really surprised me. He threw the ball awfully well against Wake Forest. You can't turn it over that many times and win. At least they still get to play Arkansas and Miss. State.

Kirk (Fayetteville, AR)

I sat, suffered rather, through the Alabama destruction of Arkansas Saturday. What do you think is the case....is Alabama as good as they looked or is Arkansas as bad as they looked?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:08 PM)

Casey Dick handed the Tide two touchdowns. Arkansas' offense is awful. Not a lot of talent left behind. Tide is very good, though. That defensive line is pretty good. Backs are good. Want to see more out of John Parker Wilson on a weekly basis. Should be a great game in Athens.

Travis C. (Lake Highlands)

What are your thoughts so far on Mike Sherman and the Aggies? A lot of these 2 percenters are already wanting to run Sherm out of town.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:09 PM)

Pretty stunning how bad of a start they're off to. Didn't think it was a bad team coming back. Might have thrown too much at them on offense, and McGee's shoulder injury certainly didn't help. Defense looks lost running Kines' pretty basic scheme. I'm sure it's already getting ugly in College Station.

chad (dc)

Mark, what do you think of the Va Tech and Nebraska game this week? Who wins it?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:10 PM)

I'm actually headed out there Saturday. I'd give the edge to Nebraska at home. I think North Carolina probably beats the Hokies if Yates doesn't go down. Taylor is playing better, but he still has a long way to go as a passer. But give the Hokies credit, they beat two pretty good ACC teams the last two weeks.

Chris (Boston)

Would anyone care if the ACC, Big East, and Pac 10 just went away?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:11 PM)

I'm sure fans in North Carolina, West Virginia and California would mind. Not a great year for those three conferences. Big East and Pac-10 keep getting worse. ACC probably not as bad as we thought after Week 2. But Big 12, SEC and Big 12 (and Mountain West) are much better this year.

Paul (Lorain, OH)

Ohio State played Troy poorly before they pulled away in the end. Was it more of the fact that Troy a little under estimated? Or was it just because it was Terrelle Pryor's first "full" game.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:11 PM)

No, I think OSU is still struggling with its confidence after the USC debacle. Pryor is going to get better each week, but he's still pretty raw. Buckeyes need to get back Beanie Wells, and I'm not sure when that's going to happen.

Greyson (Hennessey, Ok)

Could the Oklahoma State vs Mizzouri be a trap game for Mizzou?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:12 PM)

I don't know about a trap game, but OSU is playing really good football. Gundy has done a nice job with the offense, and Zac Robinson is throwing the ball awfully well.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

In your opinion, who is the best team in the Big Ten?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:13 PM)

Right now, I'd say Penn State, Wisconsin and Ohio State, in that order. Obviously, things have changed and will continue to change.

Derek - Lincoln

Where is Game Day at this week-end?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:13 PM)

Believe they're headed to Athens, Georgia, but not 100-percent sure. Check the Gameday Web site.

Brent (Atlanta)

What's your call on the Georgia/Alabama game this saturday? and has it changed since Georgia announced they will do a blackout?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:14 PM)

Like Georgia by a field goal at home, although we'll see how the UGA OL holds up against the Tide. No, the blackout has no bearing on my prediction.

Tony (Atlanta, GA)

Vandy fan here, is it realistic that we can finally have a 6+ win season? My memory of 2005's collapse makes me hesitant to fully believe.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:15 PM)

Gotta win the games you're suppposed to win -- Miss. State, Duke, Tennessee (?). Great job by Bobby Johnson, my SEC Coach of the Year so far.

Ken

How bad is it hurting Tebow's Heisman chance that he keeps getting such a short field (when he gets on at all) due to James returns?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:16 PM)

Don't know if that's hurting him. I think it's helping the team and hurting Tebow's Heisman chances that they're not asking him to do so much this year. He'll be better off late in the year because of it.

Travis C. (Lake Highlands)

How about the Baylor Bears almost beating UCONN (they really gave that game away)? Has Baylor improved that much in such a short time under Briles, or is UCONN down this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:16 PM)

UConn isn't down. The Huskies are unbeaten, in fact. Briles has done a great job in his first year and the Baylor QB is very good. That was a fun game to watch.

Mark (Fremont, OH)

I am a huge Buckeye fan, but I will admit that they were and have been overrated recently. However, how can what appeared to be a great defense now be so mediocre?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:17 PM)

Spending an awful lot of time on the field without Wells and the running game grinding out the clock. Haven't seen the exact time of possession numbers, but that might be part of it.

Jake (San Diego, CA)

Mark, I honestly believe that either OU or Mizzou could honestly make any top SEC defense look silly. Am I off base in thinking that or could any the 5 SEC teams in the top 10 stop a Chase Daniel or Sam Bradford. I just don't buy that they could stop an offesne like that.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:19 PM)

It's a good debate. There are only a couple of SEC offenses that are really good. But there are quite a few good defenses in the league. I think it's the opposite in the Big 12. Oklahoma appears to be good on both sides. Mizzou's secondary still scares me, and Texas Tech's numbers aren't great through four games on defense. Are the great Big 12 passing games the product of great quarterbacks or lousy defenses? I think it's probably a little bit of both. In the SEC, I think the poor offenses are the results of pretty average quarterbacks and good defenses.

Orley (Philadelphia)

After another awful showing against Florida this past Sat. a lot of Tennessee fans are screaming for change. If Fulmer were to leave what kind of coach could UT attract. Where does the job rank as far as prestige and appeal?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:21 PM)

Let's not run Fulmer off just yet. He was in the same position last year and won the SEC East. New offense, so they're struggling. But Florida definitely has the edge over the Gators right now. It's a great job. Big stadium. Good resources. You have to work pretty hard in recruiting, though. You also have to play Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Auburn, etc. But, yeah, they could find a coach. But, again, let's see what happens.

Steven (tulsa)

is Lee the starting QB at LSU after his 2nd half play at auburn?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:22 PM)

I'd be surprised if he wasn't. He showed a lot of moxie coming back from that bad interception and was very good in crunch time. Tigers are very dangerous, especially if they get consistent QB play.

Spencer (Texas)

yeah ou and mizzu are the hot picks for the big 12, but since the big 12 is now so competitive are they really the only ones with a chance?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:23 PM)

No, Texas and Texas Tech still have a chance. Longhorns and Red Raiders are both flying under the radar. Hard to believe Texas might be underrated.

Cameron (Redlands, CA)

What are the chances of 2 non-BCS teams making the BCS bowls, such as BYU and Boise St.?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:24 PM)

I'd say there probably won't be two teams from the Pac-10 (unless Oregon or Cal recovers and goes 11-1 or 10-2). Don't see two teams from the Big East or ACC (maybe Clemson and Wake Forest at 11-1, but probably not). Two from Big 12. Two from SEC. Possibly two from Big Ten (if Ohio State, Wisconsin or Penn State finish 10-2 or better). There's a chance. I'd definitely favor a Mountain West team getting in and an unbeaten Boise State team.

Craig (Athens, GA)

Why does USC still have the number one spot in the polls even though they have had two off weeks with only two wins against inferior opponets? It is clear Oklahoma and other teams are better.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:26 PM)

Let's see what happens from here on out. I bring up that point in my On the Mark column today. What if the SEC and Big 12 champions finish unbeaten? Not saying it will happen. In fact, I'd be stunned if either conference has an unbeaten champion. But USC won't face a top-10 opponent the rest of the way. Its resume will be pretty average at season's end, given how things are going in the Pac-10 right now. Will it hurt the Trojans? And how good will those wins over Virginia and Ohio State look three months from now?

Dan, Oregon

Help talk me down! What happened? Yes, we lost our QB, but why did the Oregon D give up 37 points to Boise State? And how does a Boise freshman QB throw for almost 400 yards and 3 TD's?? I want answers?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:27 PM)

QB injuries are killing you right now. Boise State is obviously pretty good. They've been there before. Great game by the Broncos.

Jakob (Lafayette, LA)

LSU goes into a tough Jordan-Hare Stadium and takes Auburn's best shot, and comes out with a win. They are now ranked 5th in the latest AP poll, but they continue to get little love nationally. It seems like the experts only mention LSU when they talk about the SEC West, and little noise about winning the SEC or going to the National Championship. I know the QB situation is not solid yet, but the defense and running game are tremendous. Why don't the Tigers get any love nationally?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:28 PM)

You'll be getting it. That LSU team is still loaded with talent. Both lines are tremendous. Scott is very good at RB. Again, if QBs play well, LSU has a chance to win the SEC and play for a second straight national championship. When you lose stars such as Dorsey, Hester, Steltz, etc., people figure teams will drop off considerably. That might not be the case with LSU.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Now that flavor of the month, ECU, is out of the BCS Busting picture, what is the next team you see being bounced from those ranks?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:28 PM)

TCU is very good, but Oklahoma might take it to them on Saturday. Again, the Horns are very good on defense. But Oklahoma, up to this point, is playing very, very well.

Byron (Baton Rouge)

If Andrew Hatch does not play this week against Mississippi St. Do you think true freshmen Jordan Jefferson will get playing time?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:29 PM)

If Hatch is coming back soon, and Lee continues to play well, I'd redshirt him. Why waste a year?

Josh (Carrollton)

What are Alabama's strengths/weeknesses going into this weekend against Georgia?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:30 PM)

Want to see a little more consistency and downfield passing from John Parker Wilson. Running game is good. Protection has been good. Defensive line is very good. Arenas is a threat on punt returns. Not a lot of holes in Alabama.

Richard (Atlanta)

If Georgia Tech can put up 438 rushing yards against a "great" Mississippi State defense, how good are they going to be when they actually play their #1 QB and finally get a grasp of how the triple option works?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:30 PM)

Shaw looked pretty good to me. Stunned they ripped Mississippi State's defense like that. When that system is working, it's hard to stop. But Mississippi State isn't very good. Tech will get better each week.

Kris, PA

Mark, what's your take on the troubles at West Virginia. They returned their whole offensive line and star QB, but they've produced a total of 17 points over 2 games against a C-USA team and a mid-level team in the Big 12. It's hard to fathom.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:31 PM)

I don't see many playmakers other than Pat White and Noel Devine. They rely on those two players too much. The line is experienced, but they were pushed around pretty good by East Carolina and Colorado. I was at both games.

Greg (Hanover, PA)

Thoughts on Maryland @ Clemson Saturday?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:32 PM)

Clemson should win the game, but Maryland is playing pretty well right now. Eastern Michigan gained 453 yards. Not a great sign for the defense. Clemson really needs to win the game.

Charles (Orlando)

Haven't heard much about The U. I know we're not winning a championship, but they've got to be the team that no contender wants to play. How good do you think the Canes will be in the next 2-3 years?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:33 PM)

Good win on the road. Marve played really well, and Cooper ran the ball well. I think Miami is moving up in the ACC. Maybe one or two years away from really being a national contender. Randy Shannon is recruiting well and piecing together good talent. Things look better.

joe janik (cleveland,ohio)

does ohio state have a chance at the bcs

Mark Schlabach

  (2:34 PM)

Would have to win out and win the Big Ten in my opinion.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Who will be fired first, Greg Robinson or Ty Willingham?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:34 PM)

Flip a coin at this point.

Ryan (Champaign, IL)

Any chance the Illini go into Happy Valley after the bye week and pull the upset? And what do you think of them picking up a home and home the next two years with Fresno State?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:35 PM)

Sure, if Juice Williams plays like he did against Missouri. Glad to see them schedule Fresno State. Bulldogs are tough and will play anyone.

John (Atlanta, GA)

Why isn't Colt McCoy getting any love in the early heisman talks?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:35 PM)

He's overshadowed by Daniel, Harrell and Bradford in his own conference. If he plays like he did against Rice, he'll be mentioned. Had to overcome the sophomore slump, which he appears to be doing.

Ben (New Orleans)

Mark, overall who has the stronger schedule at the end year, USC or LSU?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:36 PM)

LSU, given what has happened in the Pac-10 so far. LSU will have played Auburn, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and someone else in the SEC championship game if it wins the SEC West.

Gary (Pittsburgh, PA)

With Ohio State's big loss at USC, will any big 10 teams be able to get much love nationally, regardless of what they do? PSU hasn't played a great opponent yet, but they've looked really, really good thus far.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:37 PM)

I think Wisconsin earned some respect by winning at Fresno State. Penn State has looked very, very good, but the games came against Temple, Syracuse, Oregon State, etc. I think the Nittany Lions might be the best team in the Big Ten, but we'll see what happens the next few weeks.

Wes (North CA)

I want to give a shout out to Dante Love of Ball State. I was watching that game and was extremely bummed out after the hit. They taped his hands together on his chest which I knew wasnt a good thing as he was leaving the field. Good news though he should live a normal life after he recovers. He was such a exciting player.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:38 PM)

I echo those sentiments. It's sad to see a great career end -- and he was a great, great player -- but the most important thing is he'll be able to walk and lead a normal life. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he begins rehab.

Marty (Alkol, WV)

Mark, no offense, but maybe you should stay away from WVU games.. you seem like you're bad luck for the 'Eers. You and Jeff Mullen.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:39 PM)

My buddy tells me the same thing. I talked him off the edge Thursday night. Mullen is a good coach. There's always going to be some transition during coaching changes.

Dave (Bham, AL)

Can the Vols win at Auburn this weekend and is Crompton as bad as his numbers indicate (4 ints and only 2 TDs, both against UAB)?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:40 PM)

He's really struggling in Dave Clawson's offense. No, he's not as bad as the numbers indicate, but he obviously needs to play better. Running game wasn't very good against Florida, either.

Jim (Indianapolis)

USF over Kansas; L'ville over K-State; Pitt over Iowa; UConn over Baylor; maybe the Big East is a little better than we originally thought as well.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:41 PM)

Yes, but Rutgers is 0-3 and West Virginia is 1-2. They were supposed to be two of the better teams in the league. Connecticut looks good again, and Louisville seems to be getting better.

John, KY

Okay. Injuries are a part of football. But has any team been as plagued with injuries as the NC State Wolfpack this year(and at key positions). Down to 42 scholarship players on roster.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:42 PM)

Great win for Tom O'Brien. Wolfpack are a better team with Russell Wilson under center. It was only a matter of time before O'Brien got them turned around. One of the better coaches in the country.

Mike (Happy Valley, Pa)

Mark, I can feel the electricity coming out of Beaver Stadium already and it's only Monday! You should bypass Neb/VT and participate in the full stadium whiteout! Come to Happy Valley!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:42 PM)

Ivan Maisel will be there for the game. I'll get there eventually.

Tim(Sarasota,FL)

Can you really consider Tebow in the Heisman talks this year? Finally people have found the way to contain him.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:43 PM)

No, he's getting more help from his teammates. Still a great player.

Jeff (LA)

I'm not going to say this is USC's strongest schedule, but by the end of the season it is still going to have 3-4 ranked teams on the slate (Ohio State and a few Pac 10 teams). That is going to be the same number for Missouri/Oklahoma.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:43 PM)

You're counting on Cal and Oregon recovering, which might happen. But the rest of the Pac-10 isn't very good. And we saw that Notre Dame isn't all the way back, either.

Ben (Omaha, NE)

Head on down to O Street after the Husker game Saturday night and we will buy you a beer...after we win of course.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:44 PM)

Will do. Have to run, folks. Enjoy your week and this weekend's games. Talk to you again next week.