ESPN

Graham Watson

  (12:01 PM)

What's up everyone. Early chat today because I'm working on a lot of stories for the week. Glad everyone could make it. Let's get started.

Raleigh, NC

So when's Notre Dame going to get some respect from you?

Graham Watson

  (12:02 PM)

Um, read the 90 stories I wrote about them this weekend.

James (Bountiful)

What are BYU's chances of getting a 3rd consecutive shutout this week?

Graham Watson

  (12:02 PM)

They're playing the right team to do it, though three shutouts in a row is pretty difficult.

Moe ( Springdale, Ar )

Do you think it fair that USC is still in the top 10 after their loss?

Graham Watson

  (12:04 PM)

Yes and no. USC did beat an Ohio State team that is well regarded. And the Oregon State game was on the road. Plus, USC gets special treatment because a lot of people think its the best team in the country. Pushing them too far out of the rankings would mean it couldn't play in the national championship. Is that fair? No, but it's the way the voting thing often works.

Kyle (SLC, UT)

After TCU was handled by OU last week, are you changing your tune on the TCU upset over BYU pick?

Graham Watson

  (12:05 PM)

I'm not a flip-flopper. Besides, I'm not sure BYU wouldn't have suffered the same fate against OU. Those boys are pretty darn good.

Brett- Ball State '87

Graham, what do you think "realistically" are the chances my beloved Ball State Cardinals run the table and where would that put them in the bowl picture? Nate Davis for Heisman

Graham Watson

  (12:08 PM)

I think the schedule sets up nicely for Ball State ad the fact that they've been consistent - their numbers are like the same every week - speaks to their mindset. The trouble will start toward the end of the season with Miami, CMU and WMU all in a row. But the Cards should be undefeated until then.As for ate Davis winning the Heisman... His schedule isn't strong enough, though I think he'll get consideration.

Eddie, Fresno State

Where are you at this week? Just curious.

Graham Watson

  (12:09 PM)

I will be in Colorado Springs watching Air Force and Navy... Then in the Mizzou bar in downtown Denver watching Mizzou beat up Nebraska.

Richard - St. George, UT

Most impressive team you've actually watched in person this year?

Graham Watson

  (12:10 PM)

That's a tough question. probably Boise State through the first three quarters. The fourth quarter wasn't so great from a defensive standpoint, but I think Kellen Moore is the best QB I've seen in person.

Nelson (DE)

Do you think Riley Skinner just had a real off-day or did Navy have a good defensive game plan? And how do you see that game affecting each team for the rest of the season?

Graham Watson

  (12:11 PM)

I think a lot of people - myself included - underestimated Navy. Also, Wake was coming off a huge win over FSU. A letdown was possible. Take nothing away from Navy, it played well, but I think Wake had a bit of a letdown. No worries, though. I still think Wake is one of the best in the ACC, which doesn't say a lot, but I think they'll rebound.

Justyce Jones (Houston, TX)

Who is your most unlikely team to run the table this year?

Graham Watson

  (12:12 PM)

Ball State. Just because I don't think anyone expected them to be 5-0 to this point. I mean, they've had one winning season in the last 20.

Geo(memphis)

How good is max hall?

Graham Watson

  (12:13 PM)

I think he's by far the best quarterback in the non-BCS and I've had him on my Heisman ballot the past few weeks. To win the Heisman - or be invited to the ceremony - his Cougs would have to go undefeated.

Talbot (Baltimore,MD)

Who is your Heisman trophy winner so far?

Graham Watson

  (12:14 PM)

Chase Daniel, but that could change after this weekend. Tough game in Lincoln and the first chance in several weeks that Daniel will show what he's got against a quality opponent on the road.

Jay (SLC, UT)

If Kellen Moore is the best QB, why isn't he ranked number 1 in your rankings over Max Hall?

Graham Watson

  (12:15 PM)

Best I've seen in person. I haven't seen Max Hall live in a game this year and probably won't for several weeks.

Quentin (San Diego, CA)

Do you think a receiver can win the Heisman this year?

Graham Watson

  (12:16 PM)

I don't see a receiver that is better than the quarterbacks or running backs currently being discussed, but we all know how quickly that can change.

Dan (SLC)

Is BYU really the no. 8 team in the country or is it just hype? If they go undefeated do they deserve a NC berth over a 2 loss SEC or big 12 champ? I love them, but could they really compete with the big, big guns?

Graham Watson

  (12:19 PM)

I think BYU deserves to be up there. It's really good. No. 8? I don't know, probably not. They haven't beaten some of the teams that others on the list have beaten, but the Cougars schedule has been more difficult than some on the list. It's subjective and BYU was fortunate to be near the top when others started to slide. The main thing is it doesn't matter how they got there, but whether they can stay there. If they go undefeated, they should get a shot at the national championship, but they won't. Somehow, a one-loss Big 2 or SEC team will take the spot.

Eddie, Fresno State

How do you honestly think Fresno States season will pan out? I think our chances at anything better than a WAC bowl is all but out of the picture because WI lost and we aren't getting any style points against teams that we should be. Pat Hill isn't about that though, is that ultimately going to hurt the Bulldogs?

Graham Watson

  (12:21 PM)

If Fresno State can run the table from here on out - that means beating a really good Boise State team on the road - then Fresno might slip into the top 12 depending on what else is going on. Will they make a BCS bowl? Well, they'd be within the parameters to do so. They'd just have to hope there isn't a team ahead of them. Again, they would need a lot of things to happen to make this scenario work.

josh (tennessee)

florida state just had a bad game against wake, they are back in gear ready to win the acc?

Graham Watson

  (12:24 PM)

FSU did have a bad game against Wake. I honestly thought they'd win that game because there's no doubt they are much improved from last year. The ACC is so crazy that it wouldn't shock me to see FSU in it at the end of the year, but UNC and even Maryland are starting to look tough and VT got a huge win over Nebraska this weekend.

Justyce Jones (Houston, TX)

Do you think that Oklahoma wins out? I think not. Red River Shootout will be too much for them.

Graham Watson

  (12:25 PM)

I do think Oklahoma wins out. However, there's always some random game against some random opponent that trip them up. Like Colorado. While OU has the talent to run the table, don't be shocked to see them sleep on someone and get beat.

Austin (Memphis, TN)

With Notre Dame's recent success and an easy schedule, do you think that they will win out up to the USC game?

Graham Watson

  (12:26 PM)

I think they can, yes. Though, the UNC and BC games might challenge them a bit. Those would be the only games of concern on the schedule before USC. Otherwise, the Irish could finish 10-2.

Jake (Orange County, CA)

How many wins will Duke have this year?

Graham Watson

  (12:28 PM)

Shoot, who knew Duke would have three wins so far? Just looking at the schedule, I can see six total wins. Now, that doesn't take into account a possible collapse by Vandy or a win over Clemson. but I think a six-win season would be a treat for Duke fans. They could play Navy in the EagleBank Bowl.

Graham Watson

  (12:29 PM)

I have to check out for a second guys, but I'll be back in like 3 minutes.

Graham Watson

  (12:31 PM)

Back. Sorry about that. Had to post on the blog. Multitasking.

Jake (Minlow,GA)

Whats Bama's chances of running the table in the SEC.

Graham Watson

  (12:32 PM)

Very good if it's the Bama team that's played against Clemson and Georgia. The Tide might have the best defense in the country and you know what they say, defense wins championships.

Patrick (Muncie, In)

So does Nate Davis go pro at the end of this season.... if so, where do you seem fitting in?

Graham Watson

  (12:35 PM)

I hope he doesn't, but I could see him starting out in the middle of the QB pack and then emerging at the Combine. He could be a Joe Flacco... A guy not a lot of people know about that comes on strong through workouts. He could use an extra year of college seasoning, but he has family concerns. can't fault a guy for wanting to take care of his daughter.

Alexa (Tempe, AZ)

Who ya got: Cal or ASU?

Graham Watson

  (12:36 PM)

That's a tough one. I like ASU. I think they rebound after a week off to regroup.

Jason (DC)

Graham - big win by Michigan over Wisky last weekend. Should the WOlverines be content with the possibility of a MOtor City Bowl berth, or can we set our sights a little higher?

Graham Watson

  (12:37 PM)

I've said all along that Michigan was going to be better at the end of the year than they were at the beginning, and I think we're starting to see that. I don;t think Michigan will win the Big Ten - though the way things are going in that conference you never know - but I do think they'll win enough game to pop them into a better bowl than the Motor City.

Justyce Jones (Houston, TX)

If you had to pick a QB for the championship game, who would it be?

Graham Watson

  (12:38 PM)

To play on any team at any time? Um, Sam Bradford. He's cool, composed, accurate and has no trouble finding the end zone. Though, Chase Daniel, Max Hall and David Johnson would be strong runners up.

Mike (Storrs)

What do you think of uconn? Was the injury of tyler lorenzen good or bad for uconn because this allows highly touted transfer from ND Zach Frazer gets the start

Graham Watson

  (12:40 PM)

I think time will tell on this one. Lorenzen wasn't as accurate as he was a year ago (many interceptions), but he still knew how to play in big games. Frazer is going to have to learn that on the fly. So, I;d say the jury is out until we see it in action.

josh (waverly,TN)

Do you think teams are starting to figure out tebow

Graham Watson

  (12:41 PM)

Yes, and I think he's got a lot of talent around him this year, so he doesn't have to do s much as last year. That's why I don't think he'll be invited to the Heisman this year.

Marty Brewer (Alabama)

How far do you think Alabama will get this season?

Graham Watson

  (12:42 PM)

A friend of mine who covers Colorado told me that Alabama is destined to win the national championship this year because it's the year after they defeated Colorado in a bowl game. The last time Bama won the national championship, they beat Colorado in a bowl game the year before. Take that for what it's worth.

Jaime (DC): (San Juan, TX)

What other team in the PAC 10 can possibly challenge and create another upset with USC?

Graham Watson

  (12:44 PM)

Would Oregon be an upset? I;d say that's a possibility or Arizona State. And I never rule out Stanford against USC. That game seems to fire the Cardinal up.But the team I think can beat the Trojans this year is Arizona. That game is at Arizona at the end of next month. Mark it down.

ataylor (Provo UT)

Graham, someone asked Ivan Maisel a couple weeks ago what his five favorite stadiums were and BYU was on his list. What are your top five... and when are you going to watch a game in Provo if it's not on your list yet?

Graham Watson

  (12:47 PM)

Ivan has been to every stadium in the country. I can't boast that. I've been everywhere in the Big 12, SMU, TCU and the ones I've been to this year. So, my list is kinda limited. I will say that Nebraska and Fresno State would be near the top. Add Oregon to that and Oklahoma. But I still have a lot of football to see.I don;t know when I'll get to Provo for a game. My schedule is always a surprise until the Sunday before the game.

ray gordon reid conway ar 72030

question to graHAM WATSON AT 12.50 PM HI GRAHAM ACC QUESTION FOR YA FSU AT MIAMI

Graham Watson

  (12:49 PM)

This isn't a question... Unless you're asking me who would win and in that case I say FSU because I think Miami is still a year away.By the way, FSU and Miami seems to pass by on the schedule like it's just some game. I miss the days when it actually mattered. I hope those come back soon.

Steve (SLC)

True or False? Utah has played a complete game? True of False? Utah has as much talent as BYU?

Graham Watson

  (12:52 PM)

False on Utah. they've had a couple mental lapses during their games that haven't hurt them - yet.And false on the second part, I think BYU is stacked top to bottom. The BYU defense is still a little young. I need to see BYU play against a good MWC team on the road to get a good grip on how god their defense is. Washington made me suspect. I know they have two shutouts in the past two games, but UCLA was at home and Wyoming is Wyoming. I think BYU is one of the best top to bottom, but I'd still like to see them against an Air Force or TCU.

Andy (New York)

How do you think Texas fares in their tough 5 game stretch? ( @ Col, OU (Dallas), Mizz, Ok. St., @ Tex Tech)

Graham Watson

  (12:54 PM)

I can't wait to see what Texas does during this stretch because I have yet to buy into the hype. This is the meat of their schedule. I think they beat Colorado, lose to OU, play even with Mizzou, beat Oklahoma State and lose at Texas Tech. That Mizzou game is pretty tough to call. Texas might have the advantage because it's in Texas, but it's Chase Daniel's first and only chance to get revenge on the Longhorns. And the Longhorns have given up some points this year.

Steven (Auburn, AL)

Could you try to explain the reason behind Auburn's decision to start Chris Todd after Kody Burns came in and saved the game against Tennessee?

Graham Watson

  (12:56 PM)

No, no i can't because I too think it's the wrong decision. Burns gives Auburn the best chance to win. Sometimes there are things that go on during practice that we don't see, and sometimes guy play better in games than practice, but after this past week, it's got to be difficult to keep him off the field.

James (Austin, TX)

You know Texas is fielding a team this year with a pretty good QB right?

Graham Watson

  (12:58 PM)

I agree. colt McCoy has risen from the sophomore slump ashes. I just hold any judgment until he plays someone that can actually stay with Texas. Once conference play starts, I think we'll all have a better idea of how good Bradford, Daniel, McCoy and Harrell are. I actually think they end up in that order when it's all said and done.

Nate (Madison)

Is Javon Ringer going to be able to walk by season's end. Another 40 carry game.

Graham Watson

  (1:00 PM)

Yeah, he's carrying the load for Michigan State. He;s a great player, but this season will really test his durability. I think if he can stay healthy and put up the same numbers, he'll be in the Heisman race.

Jake (Lincoln, NE)

Does Nebraska have any chance whatsoever against Missouri?

Graham Watson

  (1:01 PM)

In Lincoln, a place Mizzou hasn't won for like two decades? I'd say yes,

Graham Watson

  (1:01 PM)

OK, one more...

Mark (Dallas)

You are INCORRECT about your comment about TEXAS "giving up some points this year"Texas 52 - Fla Atl 10Texas 42 - UTEP 13Texas 52 - Rice 10Texas 52 - Ark 10That would be Texas outscoring their opponents 198-43. What do you have to say now??? You're not too smart it doesn't look like..

Graham Watson

  (1:03 PM)

Easy fella, I meant yards. Over 400 to UTEP and another 300-plus to Rice. And both of those teams couldn't hang with the upper echelon of the Big 12 that runs similar style offenses.

Shane (PA)

Is Penn State realy that good?

Graham Watson

  (1:05 PM)

Last question...I think they're good, but we won't know how god until Wisconsin and even then, I'm not so sure. The one thing we do know is they can score and in the Big Ten, that's golden.

Graham Watson

  (1:06 PM)

OK. Gotta go. It's been great and I'll see you at my regular time next week.