Pontiac Game Changing Performance
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Davis will be chatting about the season as well as the Pontiac Game Changing Performances seen during the games.
Rece Davis (3:57 PM)
Adam (Memphis, TN)
With BAMA having played a much weaker than expected schedual this year, do you think that they get leap froged by a Penn State, if they are both still undefeated at years end? Remember Bama has only played one team still ranked.
Rece Davis (4:01 PM)
Hi everybody. Glad to be here with you. Adam, yours was the first question I saw. We'll start with you. I'm sure it's possible, but it shouldn't be because of the schedule. Even though Clemson has fallen and Auburn and Tennessee aren't what they were expected to be...at least not up until this point...I don't think schedule would be the reason to make the move. I think the SEC schedule is still superior. If this is an issue, undefeated Alabama and Penn State at the end, remember, Alabama would have to have beaten Georgia again or Florida. These things, however tend to work themselves out
JJ scottsdale
Rece how many wins for the wildcats this year? and do they have a chance against usc this week?
Rece Davis (4:02 PM)
I've given up trying to figure out Arizona and Maryland. I do think the Cats have a chance this week. When they're good, they're good. The energy will be high. I'm not picking the upset, but I think Arizona has the talent to be the 2nd best team in the conference. Whether they have the consistency remains to be seen.
Marc (Toledo)
I know that Michigan has not been playing up to there potential, but putting this season aside I still wonder why so many commentators on ESPN and other stations love to hate michigan
Rece Davis (4:04 PM)
Marc, All fans think that commentators hate their teams. It's just not true. Here's something that is true. There are programs that get attention whether they are good or bad: Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Alabama, USC head that list. That's the price of tradition.
PC (Louisville, MS)
The "Right Reverend and the Rebel Congregation" heads to Arkansas this weekend. How do you think he will do? And why do you call him the "Right Reverend"?
Rece Davis (4:06 PM)
PC, Good question. I think Ole Miss will win the game. I think their DL is as good as there is in the SEC. As far as my nickname for Houston, it's based on his sideline fervor and also a game against Tennessee a few years ago. He let a camera tape his halftime speech. He got into a squat position, extended his arms palms up and screamed, "WE GONNA WIN THIS GAME!!!" being a native of the South, it reminded me of a preacher at a tent revival. Hence, the Right Reverend Nutt.
Alex (Dallas)
If Texas Tech were to beat Kansas this coming week, would they even move up in the standings before the big game against UT? And conversely, if they lose, would they drop like a rock in the standings?
Rece Davis (4:08 PM)
Maybe. And Definitely. A win would be impressive, but not so much so to rocket them up in the standings. However, a loss would drop them based on their less than stellar schedule up to this point. All of that will sort itself out. Tech's schedule obviously ramps up big time starting this week. If they win, they'll wind up where they're supposed to be.
Sam (Austin)
Rece, what are your thoughts on Mike Leach running up the score?
Rece Davis (4:10 PM)
Sam, There was a great article today in one of the Texas newspapers, I think, about Leach not seeing shades of gray, thus thinking if there's time and he has the ball he should try to score. I thought the challenge was a little much but otherwise if you don't want a team to score, stop them. Had the lead been larger, I would've had an issue with him having the starters on the field, but given the game situation, that was OK too. If you do that, you have to be man enough to take it when other teams run the score up on you. Somehow, I don't think you'll ever hear Mike complain about that.
Cosmo (Anytown, USA)
Which State - Penn or Ohio? And why?
Rece Davis (4:13 PM)
Cosmo, can I answer both? I didn't think so. Ohio State finally looked like the team it was supposed to be at Michigan State. I'll freely admit I thought Sparty was going to have its statement win against the Buckeyes. Boy, was I wrong on that one. That performance has changed my perception of this week. Before, I leaned heavily to Penn State. Now, only slightly. The Nittany Lions have a diverse attack unlike Mich St. That will put a lot more pressure on the D, which in turn will make it imperative for Pryor and the offense to be more productive than they had been in the games leading up to Mich State.
Justin (OKC)
Is anyone giving Oklahoma State a chance this weekend? Why can't they beat Texas?
Rece Davis (4:15 PM)
Justin, I definitely think they have a chance. Not only is OK State a talented team with an explosive offense, but I think they catch Texas at a good time. I'm sure it wasn't easy to get back up for Mizzou after OU, but after hearing all week about how they had to do it, I thought Texas would be ready. The Horns were definitely ready. Now, the same message comes again this week. Do they take it to heart? And is it really possible to be as good as the Texas offense has been again? Colt McCoy is playing as efficiently as any QB I've ever seen. Completing 80+%. Are you kidding? He's been great. Here's one problem for the Pokes. Running on a Muschamp D isn't an easy thing to do. Should be a great game.
Mike, Tuscaloosa
What is your background in football Rece? Lou was a hall of fame coach, and Mark played the game I think you are one of the best college football guys at ESPN did you ever play?
Rece Davis (4:16 PM)
Very bad high school quarterback Mike. Just ask any of my coaches or teammates.
Lagrange
Rece, should there be any action taken for the referee who lowered the boom on the south carolina quarterback.
Rece Davis (4:17 PM)
There are some defenses that should inquire about his eligibility. I don't know what he was thinking, but that was one of the funnier things I've seen lately.
Rick (Atlanta)
Should a one loss SEC team get the bid over an undefeated Big 10 team? Especially given the last two BCS Championship games. Hasn't the SEC earned that right?
Rece Davis (4:19 PM)
Rick, I understand what you're saying. There's no question in my mind that the SEC is stronger than the Big 10. In theory that would make it easier to go through the league undefeated. But Penn State passes the eye test. They're an excellent team. If they're undefeated, there's no way a team with a loss should make it ahead of them. The more compelling question to me is what do you do if you're deciding between a one-loss SEC team and a one-loss Big 12 team (or USC for that matter) for the spot opposite an undefeated Penn State.
jeff klein littelton colorado
Dear Rece,like every red blooded american sports fan i live for ESPN.However I think Gameday needs to do a better job of getting to our military academies for atleast one show per year,given all that these people are doing for the country.Id like your thoughts.eigerklein@gmail.com thanks alot.
Rece Davis (4:21 PM)
when the guys have made it to the military bases, they've absolutely loved it. Mark, Lou and I have called play-by-play for a couple of Navy games over the past couple of years. There's nothing I enjoy more than talking with those young men. Any opportunity we get to highlight their accomplishments and sacrifices is time spent in a worthy fashion. Hopefully, it will happen again soon.
SHANE (IOWA)
Rece,What are your thoughts on shonn greene starting to get some hiesmen talk?
Rece Davis (4:22 PM)
Shane, I'm not sure Iowa is going to win enough, but few guys have been as important to their team as Greene has been to the Hawkeyes. It's good to see Ferentz get it turned around a little bit. They ran roughshod through that reeling Badger team.
Rule Hater (USA)
Rece, Not even talking about one instance in particular here... but is it just me or is the forward progress rule the worst one out there?? You can keep fighting to gain yards, but anything you lose doesn't matter. What's up with that??
Rece Davis (4:22 PM)
Interesting point, but the idea is to prevent injuries. I'm ok with the rule.
Matt (Omaha)
Rece, other than he's at Baylor...why does Robert Griffin continue to be under the radar? This kid looks as good if not better than Tyrelle Pryor.
Rece Davis (4:23 PM)
He has been unbelievable and really fun to watch. What an athlete he is. I think he's also set the record for most passes without a pick to start a career. He's the kind of talent that can be the cornerstone for a program. When Baylor wins more, people will notice more.
Meg (Dallas)
Rece, why is it that every time ESPN covers Texas Tech, it's always to say or alude to the fact that you don't think they're good enough?
Rece Davis (4:25 PM)
Meg, I hope that's not the case. I can speak for my set in saying that we really enjoy Leach's approach. No one is more fun to talk to. At the Preakness this year, Mike was there and I got a chance to hang out with him for a while. He's entertaining. He was doing OK with the ponies too. He'll be a media darling if they stay undefeated. He's fresh, interesting and funny. As far as the perception that people think they aren't good enough, I think it's because they haven't gotten over the hump and won the Big 12 South yet.
Rick (Atlanta)
Dude, I love your work on College Football Live. You and Jessee Palmer are the best host combination in sports TV (imo). Which team has the "game changing" performance OSU or PSU?
Rece Davis (4:26 PM)
Thanks, Rick. I appreciate the props. Slight, slight lean to Penn State because of the number of weapons on offense. Ohio State really changed my perception of them Saturday. That was a really solid win.
Reggie (Hattiesburg, MS)
Rece....how good is FSU.....if they go undefeated beating Florida....I know the Orange Bowl would be the highest possibility, but a 11-1 FSU in 2008 in the BCS Championship a possibility or unlikely? Please help...Go FSU
Rece Davis (4:28 PM)
Reggie, I think highly unlikely. The ACC is so far down that they might not get the bump you'd expect if they keep winning. But if they were to beat a 10-1 Florida team, and some other things fall their way, it's not beyond the realm of possibility. I think their D is legit. Their offense is improving, but I'd be surprised if they make it the rest of the way without stumbling.
Kyle (Gainesville)
Rece, if Florida and Alabama win out and meet in Atlanta, and the Gators win, do you think that Florida will go to Miami?
Rece Davis (4:29 PM)
Depends totally in that case on Texas (or OK State or Texas Tech) and Penn State. If there is no more than one unbeaten from a major conference, I would say yes, that would send Florida to the title game.
David (OKC)
DO you think that oklahoma still has a chance to make it to the national championship game?
Rece Davis (4:29 PM)
No question about it. Under the right set of circumstances, they might even see Texas when they get there. Unlikely, but possible.
Stephen (Dallas, TX)
With Utah, Boise State, and TCU ranked 11, 12, and 14 respectively. If TCU were to beat Utah and run the table finishing 11-1 with the one loss to Oklahoma, and Boise State were to finish undefeated who do you think would get the BCS nod?
Rece Davis (4:32 PM)
Stephen, probably an undefeated Boise State. Under the BCS rules, if two teams from non automatic qualifying conferences are eligible, they only have to take one. I'd imagine Boise State would be higher ranked, undefeated, did a good job taking a crowd to Tempe...I'd think the Broncos would have the edge under that scenario, but the Horned Frogs would certainly be a worthy BCS candidate. They looked fast. SEC fast on defense Thursday night.
Mark (Baton Rouge)
Hey Mr. Davis?since I know you have some ties to the state of Alabama maybe you have some "inside scoop"?do you think Tuberville will turn things around @ Auburn (or at least given the chance?) Thanks
Rece Davis (4:33 PM)
Mark, did you hear Tommy's press conference today? Doesn't sound like he plans to go anywhere. Mark, Lou and I are calling the Thursday night game this week. We'll get an up close look at Auburn. Tommy's competitive. He's not about to stand by and let his season go down the drain without a fight.
rich rodriguez (ann arbor)
rece, send me some of your high school qb film, i'm desperate here
Rece Davis (4:34 PM)
You're better off right now. I do have an 11-year-old QB in my house that I'll give you some scoop on in about 6 yrs.
Horned Frog
TCU proved its worth last week. Do you think they are the best non BCS team?
Rece Davis (4:36 PM)
I've seen Patterson's teams play over the years so Thursday night was no surprise to me. Just ask Coach Holtz who had to spring for a diet soda in the cafeteria as the result of a pre-game "agreement" we made. I mention that only to say I've seen TCU more than just Thursday night. And while I know they have a propensity for turning in a random abysmal performance, I do think they are the best non-BCS team I've seen. Utah and Boise are close however.
John (Clemson, SC)
I'm going go out on a limb here and say Gary Patterson will be wearing Orange and White next year, Rece. That's Clemson colors by the way...
Rece Davis (4:37 PM)
That would be a great choice. I mean a great choice. But I'll say this, Gary really likes it in Ft. Worth. He's comfortable in his situation. It wouldn't surprise me to see him spurn any suitor, but like most coaches--or anybody in any profession for that matter--he could get an offer he can't refuse.
Ryan (Cedar Rapids, Ia)
Hi Rece, I was a little suprised not to see Greene's second touchdown run in the game changing performance. Did that run get any consideration for this week?
Rece Davis (4:38 PM)
It did. It certainly got a lot of reaction in our screening area. I think it didn't quite make the cut for the Pontiac Gamechanging Peformance because of the way Iowa drained the suspense out of that game..pretty much by giving the ball to Greene. No question it would've been a worthy nominee.
George (Athens, GA)
Why does the media keep saying that Pete Carroll has 2 National Championships at USC (2003-2004)? The BCS has been the adopted formula to determine the Champion since 1992 and they have won that title once. LSU won the National Championship in 2003 NOT USC.
Rece Davis (4:39 PM)
George, I hear you. But USC was awarded the AP title the year that LSU won the BCS crown in 2003.
Ty (San Francisco, CA)
I have to ask Rece. If USC, Texas, Florida, and Penn State all finish with one loss, who do you feel deserves to goto the Big National Title game in Miami, and who get's left out?
Rece Davis (4:42 PM)
Ty, that's such a tough question because so much of it in my opinion would be based on when did you lose, how did you lose, and most importantly to whom did you lose. Right now, I'd say a loss would eliminate Penn State because of the Big 10's strength or lack thereof. I'd have to say Florida and Texas would be close. If pressed, I'd say Florida.
Kyle, Chicago
If Ball State runs the table and is 13-0 heading into Bowl competition is the best they can realistically hope for a spot against the #5 Big 10 team in the Motor City Bowl?
Rece Davis (4:45 PM)
I think so. Not that they wouldn't deserve more, but the way the system is set up I think that would be the best they could hope for.
Troy (La Plata, MD)
Chris Fowler doesn't like the ACC does he?
Rece Davis (4:47 PM)
CF loves the ACC as he does all conferences. Different thing to say that the ACC is down.
Spencer (Norman, OK)
Who's the best one-loss team in the country.
Rece Davis (4:47 PM)
Hard to say for sure....I'd give the edge to OU.
Kyle Tallahassee,FL
Rece-- do you think Bobby Johnson will be the next coach at Clemson?
Rece Davis (4:49 PM)
No inside info, but I really don't think so. Not that he wouldn't do a good job, I'm just guessing they'll look elsewhere.
JoAnn McGee (Muscle Shoals, AL)
Former class-mate at MSHS Rece, Not questioning anyone's journalistic integrity at ESPN, but you seem to be the least "homer" of all the College GameDay/ ESPN College Football analysts, does this hold true behind the scenes as well, oh and BTW, you weren't that bad of a QB
Rece Davis (4:50 PM)
my standard reply is always--I'm on scholarship at ESPN, JoAnn. Good to hear from you. The people paying the bills have a good way of keeping you honest and give you incentive to stay as fair and balanced as possible.
Mike (Dallas)
Rece, were you more surprised that Texas scored 35 to start the game in Austin on Saturday or that they held Missou to just 3 points in the first half?
Rece Davis (4:51 PM)
Mike, I was definitely surprised more by the latter than the former.
Troy (La Plata, MD)
Being an FSU fan living in Maryland, I decided to go to the Maryland Wake game this past Saturday. Maryland's Darrius Heyward Bey looked fantastic and so did Maryland for that matter. What are your thoughts?
Rece Davis (4:52 PM)
I agree. He's dynamic. When "good Maryland" wins out in the inner personality struggle over "bad Maryland" the Terps are pretty good.
Paula (Charleston, SC)
Rece, Can you or your wife please help Jesse pick out ties for his suits? He's a great addition to ESPN College Football, but he's also a Fashion Assassin. ;)
Rece Davis (4:54 PM)
Paula, How many guys would let their wives pick out clothes for the Batchelor? She'd do a great job of it...but Jesse just tears out the pages of GQ and tries to match it. It's like his version of Garanimals. I'm kidding. Jesse is definitely a great addition to our team. He and Wendi in the studio on Saturdays and his work on Thursday nights have been excellent.
Adam (York, PA)
Why does the media give no love for DC (Darryl Clark) of Penn State?
Rece Davis (4:54 PM)
I think he's getting some love. MayDay had him 3rd on his Heisman list this week. Not bad when the top 2 are McCoy and Bradford.
Larry (Glendale,CA)
George from Athens,GA must be a LSU fan because any REASONABLE/OBJECTIVE fan of college football knows that USC would have whipped LSU in the 2004 Sugar Bowl. Do you agree?
Rece Davis (4:55 PM)
Nope. Not saying they wouldn't have. But that LSU team was nasty, nasty on D.
David (Winston-Salem NC)
Is Eric Berry the best DB in the country?
Rece Davis (4:56 PM)
You'd be hard pressed to find one better. There's definitely not a better one once he gets the ball in his hands. He already has the SEC Int return yardage record, correct? Not bad in less than 2 yrs.
Mike ( Toledo, OH )
I forgot to add in my last comment and I hope and think you will agree. Freshman Michael Floyd with ND will be rated as the top receiver in the country next season. If you don't agree now, my friend Rece, you soon will. Stay tuned.......as I am sure you will.
Rece Davis (4:57 PM)
I really like Floyd and Golden Tate. They're really helping Clausen improve. They can make serious plays for him.
Adam (Bradenton,FL)
Being a USF Bulls fan, I went to the game versus Syracuse on Saturday and Grothe really showed skills with his feet. Also, why is Jim getting Mike Ford more involved?
Rece Davis (4:58 PM)
I've been a big fan of Ford's. He's got great natural strength and ability. The more he gets it, the better off the Bulls running game will be...as long as he's healthy.
Blake (Nashville, TN)
Rece does Vanderbilt finally become bowl eligible this weekend against Duke after 25 years?
Rece Davis (4:59 PM)
If they don't, there is serious, serious trouble on the horizon. Did I mention serious? Ky & Wake on the road. Fla and Tenn at home. I know the Vols are struggling on O. But they still have that T on their headgears and their D is top shelf. Better beat Duke...and that's not as easy as it used to be.
Craig (Florence, AL)
Why don't you answer my questions Rece? I'll give one more. Who would win between Tulsa and Texas Tech, and how many points would be scored? Roll Tide!!!
Rece Davis (5:01 PM)
Nothing personal, Craig. Getting to as many as I can. There would be more than 100 pts scored with Tech scoring a solid majority of them...60+..maybe 70.
Adam (Bradenton,FL)
I'm sorry i meant not getting Ford involved. I think if they would have gotten him more action versus Pitt they wouldnt have had that loss. I went to high school with him and was his fullback.
Rece Davis (5:01 PM)
I knew what you meant. I think Ford should get it if healthy. But I'm not at practice every day.
Adam (York, PA)
Rece, at this point in the season, who has impressed you the most thus far that was not on the radar before the season started?
Rece Davis (5:03 PM)
Maybe they should've been higher on the radar, but to me it's Oklahoma State. Hunter is much, much better than I'd imagined. Robinson has really grown and he's such a good leader. Bryant is dynamic. Oklahoma State is the team I'd mention first.
Jeff (Baton Rouge, LA)
Rece, how about an ole ball coach impression at some point this week on college football live regarding the REF tackle on Garcia?
Rece Davis (5:03 PM)
Good idea, Jeff. I'll try to stick that one in the repetoire.
Wes (Tuscaloosa)
Rece- Psychologically, how do you see the loss of Terrance Cody affecting Alabama's ability to play over the next several weeks?
Rece Davis (5:05 PM)
I think they'll handle it well. They know he's coming back so that should alleviate the Prothro effect that I'm guessing you're referring to. Chapman has played a lot and played well for them. He's not the mammoth presence of Cody, but I think they'll respond well.
Barry (Norman)
Rece, I love Stoops, but am starting to wonder if he is losing his touch. He has now lost 4 out of his last 5 bowl games (the one win in the last 5 was a 3 point squeaker to Oregon in the Holiday bowl) and we now have lost 3 of the last 4 to Texas. I know this is just a few games, but what do you think he needs to do regain the edge?
Rece Davis (5:06 PM)
Barry, I don't think there's a thing in the world wrong in Norman that covering one kickoff a little better wouldn't have solved. All coaches, even the great ones, encounter streaks...especially it seems in bowl games. Stoops is one of the great ones. His touch if just fine in my opinion.
Jimmy (Tulsa OK)
Is it fair for me to say that I live in the best college football state in the nation. Our teams are a combined 20-1 with the only loss coming to #1 Texas. Also, in terms of quarterback rating, our three qb's are #1,2,3.
Rece Davis (5:07 PM)
Hard to argue the point this year, Jimmy. Although, I bet Texas still would. They've got two undefeated Big 12 teams...and a chance to account for both state of OK losses. UTEP didn't exactly hold up its end of the bargain at Tulsa though.
andy(usa)
UGA or LSU this weekend?
Rece Davis (5:09 PM)
Andy, that one is very tough to call. I lean to LSU just a tad. Georgia hasn't regained it's balance since the Alabama thrashing. This is a chance to regain their footing as a national title contender.
Rusty Oxford,AL
What should be done to the ref that tackled Garcia of South Carolina Saturday Night against LSU.
Rece Davis (5:10 PM)
Give him pads or make him jump rope to improved his quickness.
Brett (Happy Valley)
Aaron Maybin, the sophomore at PSU is leading the nation in sack's, runs a 4.4 40yd dash and has 4.5 forced fumbles? Best defensive end in the nation Rece?
Rece Davis (5:10 PM)
He's been fantastic. So too has Brian Orakpo. Couldn't go wrong with either.
Goblujay.......Pompano Beach, Fl.
Tebow is the best team MVP since Tom Harmon......my opinion...I've seen both...and I'm older than Beano by 7 years....Best.............Jay
Rece Davis (5:12 PM)
I'll respect your opinion, Jay. Tebow is a once in a generation type of player and leader. I've only seen Harmon on film. He was great too.
hotrod, Phoenix
Rece, Your thougts on Thursday night WVU/Auburn?
Rece Davis (5:13 PM)
Hotrod, Can't make a prediction. We're calling that game. I'll tell you I can't wait to get to Morgantown to experience a game there. It is a chance for both teams to turn their seasons around. Guys, thanks for all of the great questions. Don't forget to vote for the Pontiac Gamechanging Performance of the week. Have a great week. Thanks for watching.
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