ESPN

Mark Schlabach

  (2:04 PM)

Hope everybody had a great weekend. Obviously, it was better for some college football fans than others. A great week across the country. Here we go...

Adam, Knoxville

Does Ohio State have a shot to get back to the title game?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:04 PM)

Yes, they'd have to beat Penn State and Wisconsin convincingly and hope USC isn't one of three once-beaten teams. I don't think the Buckeyes are in as good of shape as a couple of other one-loss teams, but I think they might get back into the race if some other teams lose.

Brian, Chattanooga

Hey Mark! A lot of us Hokie fans have been questioning the offense this year whether it be blaming Stinespring or just the lack of experience. Saturday night showed what we're capable of or hope to be capable of. Was that game a sign of Nebraska still hurting on defense or the baby Hokies coming together on offense? Your thoughts sir..

Mark Schlabach

  (2:06 PM)

I was at that game and was very impressed with Tyrod Taylor. It was by far his best game throwing the ball, although he missed a couple of open receivers. I think it was probably a combination of Taylor's confidence growing and also of some growing pains on Nebraska's part. There were some blown coverages that allowed receivers to get open, but overall I thought Taylor played well. Evans and Lewis ran the ball well, too.

Bryant (Orlando)

why hasn't any of the penn state HD offense been in the hesiman talk? is it because they spread it around too much?? Chances PSU can play for the NC if they run the table?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:07 PM)

Until Saturday, they really hadn't beaten anybody. They'll get a chance to get some national attention the next few weeks. But, yes, they do spread the ball around a lot, so no one is going to put up eye-popping numbers each and every week. But I've been very impressed with Penn State so far.

Julia, Kansas City

Despite rankings, wins and losses, who are the best ten teams in the country?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:12 PM)

No particular order:1. Oklahoma2. Alabama3. USC4. Florida5. Georgia6. Missouri7. Texas8. Ohio State9. Penn State10. A few teams: Texas Tech, BYU, South Florida, etc.

Charles (Lexington)

Mark, any chance the Tide has a letdown against my Wildcats this weekend?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:13 PM)

Could happen, but probably not. The Tide didn't play well after beating Clemson, narrowly escaping the Tulane game with a win. But I'm sure Saban got the Tide's attention after the second-half performance against Georgia.

Nathan (Santa Cruz CA)

Would a Chase Daniel/Sam Bradford Heisman race come down to the Big XII Championship, or would a regular season loss by either change the climate?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:14 PM)

don't forget about Colt McCoy. A lot of football left to be played in the Big 12. We'll see how it shakes out. But Bradford and Daniel are both in my top three right now for Heisman honors.

Craig (PA)

When Penn State trounces Oregon State, they are a cupcake. But when the same team beats USC, they are solid competition? Why do you analysts love the flash of Hollywood but hate the hardwork of the Big Ten?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:15 PM)

I'm not among them. Penn State's victory over Oregon State was very impressive. I will say it was a very young OSU team's first road trip, which is never easy. But I wouldn't say the Beavers were solid competition before they beat USC. I'd call it great coaching to get your team up for a game like that after losing Stanford and getting pounded by Penn State.

Laura (Va)

AGREE OR DISAGREE - F Beamer has to be the leading candidate for coach of the year based on what he has done with so many underclassmen

Mark Schlabach

  (2:16 PM)

Very young team. Very impressive to get the Hokies to rebound after the East Carolina loss. But I'd put Nick Saban and Bronco Mendenhall in the top three right now. Beamer will get serious consideration if his team keeps winning.

David Fairborn, OH

I'd like to commend you on your stance with Ohio State. I hate how many people talk about how OSU should get judged for past two NC games, yet the past two years Oklahoma has lost to Boise State and West Virginia. Yet they get no flack whatsoever. So thanks. P.S. Go Ducks!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:17 PM)

I don't think it's fair, but I think it's probably reality. You can't judge a team on what happened the last two seasons. That being said, I think they'll have a tough time overcoming the awful performance at USC. The same could be said for Georgia's performance against Alabama in the first half. Just didn't look like they were ready to be on that stage. Fortunately for both schools, there's a lot of football left to be played.

shane ,new smyrna beach florida

how hot is the seat phil fulmer setting in as of right now

Mark Schlabach

  (2:17 PM)

Pretty darn hot. Remember, though, he was in the same position last year and beat Georgia pretty good. But, yes, the heat is definitely getting turned up in Knoxville. The offense is atrocious.

Jeff (New Haven)

What do you thinks Uconn's chances are of going to a bcs bowl?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:18 PM)

I'd say the Huskies are in the Big East driver's seat with South Florida. Will be curious to see how they play at North Carolina Saturday. Will be a good test for U. Conn.

Jim (Daphne, AL)

Why does the media (cover story on espn today) always insist on hyping Ohio State? They lost by 30... 30!!!!! Not overtime, not a blocked extra point. When you get shamed on national TV, you should be done... finished! Yet the media thinks they need to give them a shot at a title run? thats a joke!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:19 PM)

I think they have as much of a chance as the other one-loss teams, like Georgia, Florida, USC, etc. They can win out and win the Big Ten. Will that be enough? Obviously, it depends on what everyone else does. But one loss doesn't make a season anymore. I'm betting there might be a two-loss team in the title game. We'll see.

Frank (New Jersey)

Hey Mark. I've had it up to here with this Georgia program. Big expectations every year, no bigger than this year and they hand us that garbage on Saturday. Truth be told, this team is soft. Richt had better get this team playing up to expectations. Maybe he should worry about fundamentals of the game instead of what they're wearing. So what's your take?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:20 PM)

I think Georgia buckled under the pressure. Blackout. USC loses. Florida loses. Not ready for prime time. Stunning to be down 31-0, but I thought they'd have problems blocking and pressuring the quarterback because Alabama's lines are that good. We'll see if they can recover. A lot of injuries all the sudden, and the lines are very young. They'll get better as the season goes on, but it might not be fast enough. LSU's defensive front is probably better than Alabama's.

Pradeep (Baton Rouge)

wow no LSU in your top 10, huh? You must be jesting, lay down the pipe Mark!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:21 PM)

Obviously, an omission. My mistake. LSU is the No. 3 team in the country right now -- behind Oklahoma and Alabama.

Aaron: (Arlington, TX)

Enough talk about teams that lost this weekend... what about Texas Tech? What are your thoughts on the Harrell and Crabtree Duo?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:22 PM)

Very impressive so far. We'll see what they do when they get into the Big 12 competition. The Red Raiders have played a pretty soft schedule to date. I'll be curious to see if the defense holds up, more than anything else.

joe (new orleans)

so if LSU goes into the Swamp in 2 weeks and beats the Gators, they will have TWO road wins over highly ranked teams. Will that be enough to squeak into your top 10?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:22 PM)

They're one of the top three teams in the country right now. Scott is a Heisman Trophy candidate, and Lee has played pretty well at QB. The defense might be better than last year. Score should have been wider against Mississippi State, though.

David Fairborn, OH

The fact that Oregon has no qb gives the Ducks no chance in Pasadena against USC this weekend?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:23 PM)

They keep plugging quarterbacks in for injured ones and scoring 60 points. I'm sure USC will be ready to play after losing to OSU, but the Ducks are playing very well on offense right now. We'll see if the USC defense can recover.

Matt (Baton Rouge, LA)

Hi Mark! Tell us about your best tailgating experience this year. When are you going to make it down to a Baton Rouge tailgate for some real cajun cooking?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:24 PM)

Had a good time in Lincoln, Neb., on Saturday night. Always love to head down to Cajun country. Hopefully, I'll get there this year. I'll definitely be at the Swamp in a couple of weeks for the LSU game.

AO (Lincoln, NE)

What does Nebraska have to do to stop Missouri and Chase Daniel to keep alive their long standing record (haven't lost at home to Missouri since 1978)?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:26 PM)

Get more pressure on the quarterback and run the ball. Still a ways to go on defense.

Nathan (Boston)

Penn State beat Oregon State, who beat USC, who beat Ohio State. Therefore, Penn State should be ranked above Ohio State.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:26 PM)

I said in no particular order. I'd put Penn State in the top five.

Ty (La)

Will a SEC team go undefeated this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:27 PM)

Alabama might do it, but I'd be surprised.

Jim (Parkersburg, WV)

With WVUs new coaching staff, it takes a little big of adjusting. Why is everyone writing them off to win the Big East, considering they have won the conference 4 years running. Anything can happen with White under center, and USF plays in Motown at night. WVU should still be a favorite right?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:27 PM)

White has to stay healthy. I've said many times, there is always going to be a transition after coaching changes, even if you promote an assistant. West Virginia will be fine.

George Zaleuke: Mauldin, South Carolina

I love the way Alabama plays the game. They are a big, physical "we are going to run the ball" type of team. Do you think the spread offense is just a fad right now? It seems like everyone is going to it, or at least trying to install it in their system.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:28 PM)

If people start recruiting players like Saban, the spread offense will run its course. Linebackers and defensive linemen are smaller and faster, and aren't suited to play against smash-mouth football teams. Alabama is as physically dominating as anyone in the country right now.

Tom (Chicago)

Mark, what does Duke blowing out Virginia and Penn State blowing out Oregon State say about USC?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:29 PM)

I questioned why USC was getting so much mileage off the Virginia win from the start. Virginia's obviously not very good this year. Trojans got a lot of credit for that win, though.

Nick, CT

How much does the injury to Lorenzen hurt Uconn? The backup was at ND, is he good enough to keep us heading in the right direction?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:30 PM)

Lorenzen had a lot of experience. The Huskies will rely on Donald Brown even more now, I'm guessing. But Randy Edsall is one of the better coaches in the country and will find a way to adjust.

Jon (Austin, TX)

Mark, let's assume that BYU is the only team unscathed at the end of the year and wins the national championship. Would there be more of a push for the playoff or would it just validate the system?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:31 PM)

I don't know if BYU can do enough to get into the BCS title game, but we'll see. They play Utah and TCU. I'm not sure a 59-0 rout of UCLA is enough to get them in the big game.

Tracy (Boston, MA)

Do the Buffs have any chance against the Longhorns on Saturday?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:31 PM)

Stranger things have happened, but Colorado's loss to FSU was surprising. The Seminoles are tough on defense, but the FSU offense had its way with the Colorado defense. 'Horns are playing awfully well right now.

jB (baton rouge)

who wins the SEC east this year LSU or Bama?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:32 PM)

The Alabama/LSU winner will win the SEC West -- unless Auburn fixes its offense quickly.

Woodbridge, VA

Mark,Since all I keep heraing is that Bama isn't paying complete games and are letting down. Are you saying that if Nick can get them to play 4 quarters they should be hard to beat? Are they that good or just getting lucky?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:33 PM)

I think they're that good right now. I don't know if there's another team in the country playing with as much confidence. It's amazing it's pretty much the same team that lost to Louisiana-Monroe and Miss. State last year. They added Cody, Ingram, Jones, etc., but, again, those lines are dominant.

Dan (Indianapolis, IN)

Why does Ball State get no love after destroying IU, and handling Navy who just beat #14 team? Why is there no love for this MAC team?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:33 PM)

I've got them winning the MAC over Central Michigan right now. Davis is a very good quarterback.

Joshua ( Atlanta, GA)

Who now wins the SEC east divison???

Mark Schlabach

  (2:34 PM)

I'm sticking to the Georgia/Florida winner.

David (Athens)

Mark, Bama is getting nothing but love for beating Georgia (and they should), but shouldn't Georgia get some praise for their play in the second half?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:34 PM)

Not after falling behind 31-0. Yes, they didn't quit, but the second-half performance doesn't make up for what happened in the first 30 minutes.

Justin Robinson (Bossier City, La)

Mark, LSU has probably the best athletes in the nation right now. Why are people doubting them when they have not even opened up their playbook yet?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:35 PM)

They haven't played a great team other than Auburn, and I'm sure people are waiting to see what the quarterback does under pressure. Lee came back and played well against Auburn.

Pete (Houston)

Mark USC lost and everyone says it was an off day. If it was other teams they would be bashed as being bad. Example Notre Dame every time they lose. Why is that?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:36 PM)

No mulligans here. They'll have a tough time overcoming that loss in the polls, especially since the Pac-10 seems to be so down. We'll see if Cal and Oregon can get it going again, but USC has a steeper climb than Georgia, Florida, etc., in my opinion. Not a lot of great competition left to be played.

Jason (College Park)

If the Maryland Terrapins start to play consistently like they played in the second half against Clemson, what chance would you give them of making it to and/or winning the ACC Championship?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:37 PM)

They've got as good of a chance as anybody in that league. Two really impressive wins after losing to Middle Tennessee. Turner is playing better and the defense did a nice job in the second half vs. Clemson.

Hollis (Tifton GA)

Do you think the hype destroyed Georgia hopes of winning a national title?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:38 PM)

No one really gave Georgia a chance of finishing unbeaten because of its schedule. If they win out and beat, say Alabama, in the SEC championship game, they could get to the BCS title game. Obviously, if a Big 12 team and somebody like Penn State went undefeated, Georgia would be left out. But Georgia has problems to fix. Lines aren't that good and they're banged up. They've got a long way to go.

Mike (Beverly, Ma)

Mark, how good is this year's Oklahoma team? I think TCU is going to win the MWC with ease this year. Oklahoma looks near unstoppable with Bradford at the helm. Do they go to the Cotton Bowl and handle the Horns?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:39 PM)

Oklahoma is very good. I'm curious to see how the defense holds up in the Big 12. I have the same feelings about every Big 12 team right now. No one has really been tested so far, but that's about to change. But Oklahoma is playing at a different level than everyone else, in my opinion. That offensive line is huge and good, and Bradford has been spectacular.

Brian (San Francisco)

How does Auburn leap over Ohio State this week in the polls by squeaking a win over against 1-3 Tennessee? OSU blew out Minnesota before subbing the 2nd and 3rd stringers while Minny still ran the 2minute drill w/ their first teamers. TP is the real deal, and now Beanie is back. Both are game changers.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:40 PM)

I think voters are penalizing Ohio State for losing badly against USC -- and for losing badly in the last two BCS title games. Fair or not, that's the perception the Buckeyes are fighting right now.

Augustine Suitland MD

Mark with two straight wins over ranked teams why isn't Md ranked. Wake loses at home to Navy and is still ranked?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:41 PM)

The Terps are still making up for the loss at Middle Tennessee. It takes a while to wipe a loss like that from the slate.

ray gordon reid savannah GEORGIA 31408

QUESTION TO MARK SCHLABACH AT 2.45 PM HI MRK WHEN DOES TOMMY TUBERVILLE GET RID OF HIS OFFENSE HE HAS NOW

Mark Schlabach

  (2:41 PM)

Give it a little more time. Tony Franklin still feels good about it. He told me it was worse in his first year at Troy. At least Auburn has a defense to overcome its offense's struggles.

Jordan St. louis MO

It looks like Mizzou and Alabama could be a real possibility in the National title game. Who would you have winning this epic battle?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:42 PM)

Let's not forget about the rest of the regular season. Alabama has tough games left. Mizzou has tough games left.

josh, los angeles

how can you say Oklahoma didn't play anybody? TCU has the best defense in the country, and Cincinnati has a very good defense and an outstanding secondary

Mark Schlabach

  (2:43 PM)

TCU is very good. Cincinnati? Brian Kelly has done a good job, but didn't they struggle against Akron on Saturday?

Dale (Shreveport, Louisiana)

Mark, do you think that Charles Scott of LSU should be be concidered a Heisman candidate yet?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:45 PM)

Sure, the first LSU player since what -- 1978? - to run for 100 yards in four straight games to start a season? He's very good.

Neil Spartanburg SC

Should Tommy Bowden lose his job after the complete debacle that was the Maryland game?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:46 PM)

I think Tommy Bowden needs to win a lot of games to finish the season. Yes, the heat has been turned up.

bk ( Lawrenceville, GA )

Texas looked good against ark this week! do you think they might be a little overlooked at this point?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:46 PM)

Yes, believe it or not, I think Texas is actually flying under the radar. Colt McCoy looks faster and stronger and has avoided bone-headed decisions. Defense looks better than expected under Muschamp. We'll see what happens in Big 12 play.

Jesse (Colorado Springs)

Cincinnati struggled because OU took their qb out.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:47 PM)

I saw they're down to their last quarterback (other than the ND transfer).

Ben (New Orleans)

How interesting is that LSU/Bama game looking at the moment? Two spectacular lines on both sides of the ball, and good skill position players for either team.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:47 PM)

And Nick Saban going back to LSU. Should be a great atmosphere.

Ryan (Chicago, IL)

On the subject of Tommy Bowden, hasn't he made Clemson more relavant on the national scene than they ever were before? Top recruiting classes, top 20 finishes, at least in the conversation?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:48 PM)

But don't you have to win the ACC at least once in 10 years? that was the seventh time a ranked Clemson team lost to an unranked foe at home under Bowden. He's put Clemson on the map, but they've failed to meet expectations so many times. I'm not saying he should be fired, but I can understand why Clemson fans are so upset right now.

Peter (NYC)

No mention of Michigan? Should we expect to see more of the 1st half team or more of the 4th quarter team?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:49 PM)

I thought the Wolverines would slowly get better under Rodriguez. To come from 19 points behind in the second half? Pretty darn impressive. I'd say he's ahead of schedule now...

Mark Schlabach

  (2:49 PM)

Folks, I've got to run. Have a great week. Thanks for joining us as always.