Rece Davis

  (3:58 PM)

Hi everybody. I'm in Ft. Lauderdale. Just finished talking with Howard Schnellenberger about Troy-FAU. Mark, Lou and I are calling that game tomorrow night. Ready to chat with you guys so fire away.

Evan (Princeton, NJ)

Rece, two leading Heisman candidate QB's, two high-powered spread offenses, two hard-hitting and top-rated D-lines, and two young and a little shaky at times secondaries. So who gets the edge...OU or Texas? What is the key to this game?

Rece Davis

  (4:00 PM)

Evan, I can't wait for that game. I really don't think there's much at all that separates them. However, I'd give a slight edge to Oklahoma's playmakers at WR. I also think they run it better as far as their RBs go. Obviously, Colt McCoy is far more dangerous than Bradford running the ball. I'd give the slightest of edges to Oklahoma. But I've really been impressed with Texas. i think their D will stand up a little better than some might think.

Mark

Why isnt Derrick Williams from Penn State in the Heisman talk?

Rece Davis

  (4:01 PM)

Good point Mark. He's becoming the all purpose threat most envisioned when he arrived in State College with such high expectations. If he has a big game against Ohio State, I think his stock as a candidate will go through the roof. That's assuming Penn State is still undefeated then.

Scott (Austin, TX)

Rece, how do you think the Texas front 4 matches with the OU offensive line? Will we see more Longhorns in the opposing backfield this week?

Rece Davis

  (4:04 PM)

Orakpo is a big key for them. He could be disruptive as a pass rusher. They lead the nation in sacks. He's third individually. I think they match up very well. Matching up with that line is tough. I think OU's OL is the best in college football. Last week some of their coaches were saying that Trent Williams was playing better than any of them and he doesn't get a lot of attention. A lot of seniors on both sides of the line. I think Texas will hold its own.

gary hoover al

is lsu for real

Rece Davis

  (4:05 PM)

absolutely. solid QB play was the only question and so far the Tigers are answering that question positively.

Steve (KC)

Mark May's crazy saying MU doesn't have the best offense in the country. I can maybe see an argument for OU, but Texas Tech? Sorry, but one-dimensional teams don't qualify. Both MU and OU can run AND pass. Don't you think MU has more playmakers though? (Daniel, Washington, Maclin, Coffman, etc.)

Rece Davis

  (4:07 PM)

Come on, Steve. Mark's not crazy. Just has his opinion. I think Missouri's offense is playing better than anyone's I don't think it's close. But in terms of pure playmakers, I don't give them an edge over Tech with Crabtree, Lewis, Woods, Harrell or OU. Efficiency and execution. All have been great. But thus far, my belief is that Mizzou is setting the standard.

Mike (Auburn, WA)

Is Tyrone Willingham out of time at UW?

Rece Davis

  (4:09 PM)

Mike, I'm really sorry to say that I think he probably is. My genuine hope is that Washington can somehow catch fire and play well the rest of the year. I think Ty is a very good coach, a gentleman and great for college football. At some point, Washington has to win games. The product on the field hasn't been very successful up to this point. I don't think the results are necessarily indicative of what kind of coach Ty is. Coaching is a tough business.

mark (chicago)

Rece - What are your thoughts on the clock situation that occurred at the end of the ND / Stnfd game? ND has the ball, Stnfd has no timeouts, and after a rush on 3rd down, the clock reads 0:39 and the play clock is yet to start. Then the refs call for the chains. Play clock is reset to 0:25 and now ND is stuck running another play? Was this a total mess-up by the refs, or should the rule be changed? The game should have ended, regardless of whether or not the Irish got the first down.

Rece Davis

  (4:11 PM)

Mark, an official can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think an administrative stoppage (chain gang coming out) requires the play clock to be set to :25. I think they got it right. I just like the old clock rules. Who's in a hurry? Who signed up for less football or fewer plays?

Justin (OKC)

Why has Oklahoma State's offense been largely ignored when it comes to the Big 12? They have the two leading rushers from the conference, the second-rated passer, and the number one receiver. Tell Corso to break out the Pistol Pete head Saturday.

Rece Davis

  (4:13 PM)

One word: competition. The Pokes haven't had any yet. No 1-A team w/ a winning record and arguably the two worst teams in BCS conferences Wazzu and A&M. That doesn't mean they can't get some attention. Play well Saturday and the love will flow.

Zach (Muncie, IN)

Campus is buzzing here in Muncie with our Ball State Cardinals cracking the AP Poll at No. 25. Do you think the Cards are for real this season?

Rece Davis

  (4:15 PM)

Zach, I think they are. The MAC is tough. Everybody is familiar with each other's system and personnel. Tough to run the table. But Davis has been great. Lewis is a weapon. they've scored a ton of points. They've got a shot at going undefeated I believe. A little Nov jaunt to Mt. Pleasant could be unpleasant.

Matt (winchester)

Kentucky has NEVER beaten Spurrier. Do you think they can finally beat "the ol ball coach" at home this weekend??

Rece Davis

  (4:17 PM)

Sure, the Cats can. Their DL played well against the pass against Alabama. I don't think the Gamecocks can do to Ky what Alabama did to them on the ground. Still, they'll need to generate some offense because it looks like South Carolina finally found a little rhythm offensively against Ole Miss.

Ivan(DC)

Rece, Illinois has 2 somewhat competitive loses to 2 possible NC contenders. Are they the second best team in the B10?

Rece Davis

  (4:18 PM)

I'd like to see more defense from them Ivan. Juice is dangerous. I'd still have Ohio State ahead of them along with Penn State. In my mind, they'd be fighting for 3rd with Wisconsin, but I could be proven wrong.

Eric Fort Worth

If BYU or Utah go undefeated, they almost have to be included NC game, even though a OU or Mizzou could destroy them. What does that tell you about our current system and what needs to be changed?

Rece Davis

  (4:21 PM)

Eric, I'm not sure I'm on board with the premise that they'd have to be included. The Mountain West certainly has fared well against the Pac 10 this season, but I'm not sure just finishing undefeated is enough. Both are good teams and I'd consider it, but it would be hard for me to pass on a one-loss Texas, OU, Mizzou, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, LSU or USC and include BYU or Utah. I'm just not sure the resume' or the eye test would merit that. I go back and forth on a playoff. I love the regular season. I love that it's the most dramatic in all of sports. But I don't like that the system opens the possibility that a BYU or Utah wouldn't get a chance to prove my opinion wrong on the field.

Nick

What do you think about Chase Daniels accusations of Nebraska being a dirty team? Do you know any details about the spitting incident either?

Rece Davis

  (4:23 PM)

I only know what I read. I've had a chance to talk to Chase several times in the past and couldn't see him making something like that up. By the same token, I find it hard to believe that Nebraska is dirty. My guess is that during the heat of the competition some things happened. Chase was releasing 30 yrs of Mizzou frustration and sticking it to them a little bit in retaliation for whatever the incident or perceived incident might have been. Again, that's just a guess.

Brian Burkhart (Ann Arbor)

How do you think Michigan will end up this season overall?

Rece Davis

  (4:26 PM)

Brian, that was a very disappointing performance Saturday. I thought the Wisconsin game might really vault the Wolverines. If the offense is still making many of the same mistakes it made early, I see little evidence for optimism. Unless serious improvements are made, I only see 3 more games on their schedule they could be reasonably expected to win...and only one more which could be rated a toss up. But things change.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

Was Holtz serious when he said that Penn State has a 'vanilla' offense? They have weapons all over the field. Is he watching tapes of 1986?

Rece Davis

  (4:28 PM)

I love coach. I raised an eyebrow too. I think what he meant was that they win with fundamentals and it didn't come out quite the way he intended. Happens to all of us. But you're right...lots of swirls, sprinkles, chunks and flavor in that Penn State ice cream these days. Tastier than Peachy Paterno.

Steve ( San Antonio)

No respect for KY? Also, your thoughts on Trevard Lindley's corner play on Bama's Julio Jones?

Rece Davis

  (4:29 PM)

I think I gave them some respect Steve. Lindley is a good player. Jones had 4 or 5 catches I think...not counting a big one that got called back. Ky has a good D. If their offense gets a little more productive, they'll be a tough out for anyone on their schedule.

Jason(Tahlequah, OK)

With Oklahoma blowing out everyone, is that why they are not getting more hype on game changing performances?

Rece Davis

  (4:31 PM)

Because coin flips or the sooners dismounting the bus is really boring video. Kidding, Jason. The Sooners will get plenty of love on the Pontiac game changing performance over the course of the season. Just wait and see. This weekend is certainly a candidate. Don't forget to vote this week.

Richard (Chattanooga, TN)

Did Alabama sputter this past weekend or was Kentucky's defense that good? Or is it both?

Rece Davis

  (4:33 PM)

Always a little bit of both. Coffee's fumble inside the 10 was a momentum shifter. If Alabama goes up 21-0 that's probably all she wrote. But, the cats rallied..did a great job pressuring QB and not letting Tide assume command. They forced a couple of more turnovers and caused penalties and got back in the game.

Tank stephens MA

Hey Rece, do you think the Hokie can go to the Acc championship game and win even with the horrible offense they have, and what do you think of Tyrod taylor as a pro in a few years

Rece Davis

  (4:35 PM)

I do think they can go to ACC championship game. As I said on College Football Final Saturday, until somebody proves otherwise, the road to the ACC title goes through Blacksburg. They are the standard for that league. As far as Taylor in the pros, I'd think he'd have to become a significantly better passer. I'd be more inclined to see him in a slash role.

COLUMBUS

DO YOU THINK T.PRYOR IS THE REAL DEAL?

Rece Davis

  (4:35 PM)

without question.

Tyler (Funcie, IN)

You said earlier Ball State is for real. What do you thin their chances are at getting into a BCS bowl game if they remain undefeated?

Rece Davis

  (4:37 PM)

slim and none to be honest, Tyler. I just don't think they're going to be ranked highly enough in the polls and I don't think the MAC schedule will boost their standing in the computers enough to make that a realistic possibility. That's not to say they couldn't knock someone off if given the chance, but I'd be shocked if they made it that high.

Ryan (east lansing)

Michigan State earned a top 25 ranking this week. Do you think it is deserved?

Rece Davis

  (4:38 PM)

I do, Ryan. I think they are a tough physical team. Ringer is a stud. When you start ranking the last few teams in a poll, I don't think you can find teams who look better or have done more than them. They still have much more to prove, but they're worthy of their ranking.

KJ

I know USC beat Oregon bad. But come on Rece. Didn't Oregon kind of lay a little egg?

Rece Davis

  (4:39 PM)

Absolutely. I was disappointed in the Ducks performance after a pretty good start. They've had all sorts of issues at QB I know, but I really thought the D would play better than it has in their last couple of competitive games (non-Washington State category)

Chris (chicago)

Does anyone in the nation have a tougher 4 game stretch all season than Texas with #1, #3, #17, and #17 in a row. By the way, those teams are 20-0

Rece Davis

  (4:42 PM)

Two weeks ago, Arkansas would've countered with their murderers row of Alabama, Texas, Florida, Auburn. But Auburn's struggles might have given the Horns run a little edge. Neither are much fun. Since Texas is strong, that stretch of games will be far more compelling.

Steve (San Antonio)

Take a shot at the SEC east standings at the end of the season? You picking Vandy to stay on top?

Rece Davis

  (4:43 PM)

No, Steve I'm not. Vandy is a great story and Johnson has done a great job. But I'll go with the Ga/Fla winner. Vandy will win a few more and be rewarded with a nice bowl trip.

Lee (Houston)

Why is it that A&M is being singled out as being so bad this year when Michigan, UCLA, Nebraska, Arkansas have done very little themselves and have had some big dissapointments - for goodness sake over half of our squad is true freshman, red-shirt freshman or sophomores and they all are learning new schemes on both sides. I just don't get it. We are not happy either, but at least we get understand (most anyway). But analysts (I use that term loosely with Mark Mayes) who should be more about the big picture do not have much to say but A&M is just terrible - I have yet to hear that be said of the others...Please explain?

Rece Davis

  (4:45 PM)

Not trying to take shots, Lee. I love games at Kyle Field and have great respect for A&M's tradition. My only point is that they haven't been consistently competitive with good teams yet. I'll grant you this. I probably overstated it by lumping them with Washington State.

Zach Wade

Has jimmy Clausen finally arrived?

Rece Davis

  (4:46 PM)

Zach, He's been in South Bend for 2 yrs. Kidding. He might have. Honestly, I haven't been at all impressed with Clausen and even started to think he was grossly overrated until the last couple of weeks. He has looked much, much better. Perhaps it's all clicked and he has arrived. He certainly looked great Saturday.

Ty (Chicago)

I want the big 12 champion plz

Rece Davis

  (4:47 PM)

No money back guarantee or anything, but my guess is Oklahoma.

Sarah (Columbia, MO)

What Bowl Game would you predict Mizzou to play in? And do you think Daniel will win the Heisman?

Rece Davis

  (4:48 PM)

Cotton or Fiesta. Yes. That's just my guess today. Check back in a couple of weeks.

Ryan(San Antonio)

Rece...Look I honestly dont believe the Big 10 gets enough credit. I think a good percentage of the Big 10 Teams have the talent and speed to keep up with most of the teams in the Nation, Am i right or am i full of it?PSU,OSU,MICH,MICH St.,WIS....All of these teams could contend with alot of the other big teams.

Rece Davis

  (4:50 PM)

I agree Ryan. It's all about the match up. We look at conference vs conference record but it only tells part of a story. I think Penn State can play with anyone. Wisconsin has stood up to the SEC in bowl games. The perception about the Big 10 has been fueled by Ohio State's failures in BCS title games and vs USC. And certainly we all know the Buckeyes can play with anyone. These cycles happen when you struggle with an opponent or in big games. Just one of those deals. Sooner or later, Ohio State will win one of these...or Penn State will win the national championship and the entire discussion will turn.

Troy (La Plata, MD)

Did Florida State prove anything to you Saturday afternoon?

Rece Davis

  (4:52 PM)

Very much so. Looked like a real Seminole team. I was really down on them after Wake. They restored some credibility and looked as if they were making positive strides. Good to see...and good for the game.

Mike ( Toledo )

Do you feel North Carolina is way overrated? I sure feel they are. What is it going to take to show the rest of the nation this as well.

Rece Davis

  (4:53 PM)

Actually, I don't. I think they are building a strong program and making great progress. I don't know that anyone looks at them as a title contender yet although they played Virginia Tech very well. It'll be a good measuring stick for them against the Irish. Come to think of it, a good measuring stick for both.

A. Watt (Columbia, SC)

Rece how do you feel about the Gamecock with them beating Miss. this past Sat. Contenders or Not? (SEC)

Rece Davis

  (4:55 PM)

Not a contender for championship in the SEC, but a much improved team. I'll confess. I thought the Rebs would smack around the Gamecocks OL. I was wrong. Smelley played very, very well.

frank plainview texas

how can poeple say texas tech is overrated and that they haven't play nobody neither has oklahoma,and texas.

Rece Davis

  (4:57 PM)

Frank, I really like Leach and his O. But there's playing nobody and there's playing NOBODY. Tech, thus far, has done the latter. They'll be tested later. OU beat a pretty good TCU team. Texas can't help it that Arkansas is way down. TT's schedule wasn't conducive to anyone being considered tough. However, it'll all play out. If the Red Raiders are good enough, they'll pass those tests when they come against the Horns, Sooners and Pokes.

Tom (Athens, GA)

Rece, my girlfriend is an undergrad at Alabama and thinks you're the best thing since sliced bread. Knowing that you're taken would make my life a lot easier. Is this the case?

Rece Davis

  (4:59 PM)

Tell your girl flattery would get her everywhere...if not for the fact that I'm happily married for going on 15 years now. My wife has been happily married for 5 of those years. Sorry. Old Lou Holtz joke. Seriously, tell your girlfriend I'm flattered...and good luck to both of you.

Kelly, Florida

What do you think of Bruce Feldman's prediction of Boise State playing in the Orange Bowl and BYU in the Fiesta Bowl? Is that really a possibility?

Rece Davis

  (5:00 PM)

Bruce is one of my favorite guys to talk to, but I don't see this happening at all. I just don't think both bowls would make that call.

David (Athens, GA)

Rece, you said the MAC is tough this year.. but I vaguely remember you saying that when Georgia beat CMU it wasn't that great of a win? What gives?

Rece Davis

  (5:02 PM)

I might have said that, but I don't recall saying it. What I should've made more clear is that that MAC is tough relative to other teams in the conference...as most conferences are.

Chris(Columbus)

Do you think Bobby Petrino is regretting his decision to coach Arkansas beacause of the way the team has been playing this season?

Rece Davis

  (5:03 PM)

I haven't talked to him lately, but I'd bet he's just glad to be back in college football at a solid SEC program.

Steven Huntsville,al

With all the changes going on at auburn and nothing seems to work. The off. coordinator is trying to change what wasn't broke. The defense is top notch in my opinion. But one thing bothers me, Tubberville has lost his fire. it seems as though he doesn't even care anymore. what do you think needs to be done?

Rece Davis

  (5:05 PM)

Steven, I can't say I agree that Tubs has lost his fire. He's a really competitive guy and I'm sure this is eating him up. I will say that I didn't think the change in offenses matched his personality or philosophy and I was surprised when he made the move. I know the spread is in style now. He told me Friday night he still wants to base out of the spread instead of just using a little spread in their system. I just think they need to pick an identity and be true to it. Systems are great. Execution and players will beat systems every time.

Jeff (Knoxville)

Rece - will you not answer my question about Coach Fulmer?? In or out at the end of the year. I've got the over / under in wins this year for the Vols at 4.

Rece Davis

  (5:12 PM)

Guys...we've run a tad long...last one here. I'll say "in" Jeff. Too expensive to do otherwise although I'm sure some Tennessee people could round up the cash. His ex-players will rally behind him and you might be surprised at what his current players can still accomplish. Don't throw in the towel on the big fella in orange yet. I really enjoy this every week. I appreciate all of the great questions. Don't forget to vote for the Pontiac Gamechanging Performance. Also, I'm getting to as many questions as I can. Maybe next week, I'll try to go a little more rapid fire and get to more. I do want to give all of your questions as much attention as I can. Thanks for watching and for being part of the chat. Have a great week.