Rece Davis

  (4:00 PM)

Hi, everybody. Thanks for stopping by. Great, great choices for the Pontiac Gamechanging Performance this week. Let's see if you can make the voting come down to the wire as so many of the games did this week.

Ricky, Fort Worth

Should TCU win out do you think the Horned Frogs will pass an undefeated Boise State in BCS Rankings. TCU would have two wins over Top 10 opponents.

Rece Davis

  (4:02 PM)

Ricky, I don't think they'll pass an undefeated Boise State team. I do think they'll be able to stake the claim as the best "non-BCS" team. Boise State is going to wind up with the best win by beating Oregon. Those who watched the TCU-OU game know that while the Sooners were solid winners and the better team, the gap wasn't that large between the two teams. TCU is very, very good.

Cami (Greenwood, SC)

Will Duke's coach head back to Knoxville after just one year on the job?

Rece Davis

  (4:04 PM)

Cami, I don't think so. A couple of factors there. First, Cutcliffe and Fulmer are close. That usually doesn't stop coaches from taking jobs, but I think this case might be different. In addition, I think Tennessee will want to look in a fresh direction. Cutcliffe would be viewed as more of the Fulmer era. Whether that's fair is a different question. I just don't think it will happen.

Jim (Greensboro NC)

Rece, Why doesn't anyone give USC respect? They have shut out 3 of their last four opponents and have the #1 defense in the country! If you had to choose between USC and Penn St at a sneutral site who would you choose?

Rece Davis

  (4:07 PM)

I think USC gets plenty of respect. I also think they get the benefit of the doubt more than any team this side of 1970's era Notre Dame. By that, I mean people explain away their losses rather than punishing them for them. That's fine. I, too, think that USC is the most talented team in America. I'm just saying that at some point teams have to be judged by their body of work over potential. While the points you raise are on USC's side, the Oregon State loss isn't. The Pac 10 isn't as strong this year as I thought it would be. That's not USC's fault, but it's something that should be taken into consideration by voters. I say all of that to say I think USC is ranked where it should be. I would however take USC to beat Penn State on a neutral field.

Mark(Philadelphia)

Ok, I get that Penn State is going to be overlooked no matter what because of its big 10 affiliation. But why does Alabama get so much credit right now? Their schedule is very similar in difficulty to Penn State's. They've struggled in a couple of games, and didn't exactly look like a #1 team in the first half last week. Why do they get so much credit right now? I can see them getting the credit if they beat Florida in the SEC championship, but why right now?

Rece Davis

  (4:10 PM)

All of it is a moot point right now, Mark. Even with Georgia's struggles, I think that's a better win than anything Penn State has on its schedule. They beat Ole Miss who beat Florida. That should match Penn State's win over Oregon State who beat USC. Alabama has earned what its gotten so far. They're the only team in the SEC that hasn't stumbled. Penn State has also been impressive. Penn State is in the best position of anyone. Easiest schedule. No conference title game. Just give it time. These things will work themselves out. If the Nittany Lions make it to the national title game, they'll be deserving regardless of the Big 10 affiliation. They're an excellent team.

Aaron (Oklahoma City OK)

Rece - everyone is saying Texas Tech won't be able to get up for Oklahoma State. Last year the OK State game is the reason Tech fired their D Coord. I think their defense is going to come out with something to prove this game. What are your thoughts?

Rece Davis

  (4:11 PM)

I think they'll be up for it. it was a great game last year. I'm really sold on Oklahoma State. They're tough, explosive, they have difference makers. Tech shouldn't have any trouble getting ready emotionally. Leach and the Raiders know what type of challenge this will be.

Mat (Daytona Beach FL)

hey Rece, do you think that FSU, even after our heart breaking lose to Georgia Tech, still has a chance to get to the ACC championship

Rece Davis

  (4:13 PM)

I think everyone but Duke, NC State, and probably Clemson and BC still have a chance. What a wacky conference. What a brutal way to lose a game. The Noles looked as if they'd pulled that one out of the fire. I think they are the best team in the Atlantic division.

Dan Lansing, MI

Do you think Michigan State can beat Penn State on Nov 22?

Rece Davis

  (4:14 PM)

Dan, I think Mark Dantonio is doing an excellent job. The last time I thought I had a gut feeling the Spartans were about to pull an upset, Ohio State beat them 1000-7. They CAN do it because anything can happen. But I'm not feeling it to be honest.

Mike (Middletown, MD)

What a joke - Texas Tech over Penn State! When is a Big 12 team going to play defense? Now answer me a question....if Texas Tech is the unbelievable superpower, how did they... ...have a hard time putting away 1-aa Eastern Washington? (35-24 in the 4th...Eastern Washington is 3-5.... ....have a hard time beating Nevada (28-19 halfway through the 4th)... ...struggle at home to a crappy UNL team (went to OT with a team OU beat by 30+ points).... ....struggle to beat Texas A&M, a team mired in a completely awful season....

Rece Davis

  (4:21 PM)

Mike, I love the passion. The fans of all three teams love to point to the shortcomings of the others. To be sure, they all have warts. And by the way, Florida has warts or they wouldn't have lost to Ole Miss. USC has them or they could survive Corvallis. We've reached the point in the season where if you're undefeated, you should get major credit. You've done what the other teams couldn't. No slip ups. Now, all of that can change this Saturday. All three have varying degrees of tests. But teams change over the course of the season. So picking out a game when a team might have been flat and looking at scoring margin doesn't mean much to me. I think back to 2002 Ohio State. I remember asking Mark May...at what point does this supposed weakness i.e. not being able to "put teams away" become a strength. these teams think they're always going to find a way to win.

Rece Davis

  (4:22 PM)

apologies for the delay. Had to take a quick call about the Ball State-Northern Illinois game that Mark, Lou and I are calling Wed night

David (Atlanta)

Where would you rate Notre Dames recievers, especially Golden Tate and Micheal Floyd, among the nations elite? Tate had a great catch and Floyd set the freshman receiving record against Pitt (loss).

Rece Davis

  (4:23 PM)

David, I had a respected colleague tell me that he believes they're the best group in college football. No, it wasn't Lou. They are outstanding. Individually, I don't think they're as good as Crabtree, Bryant, etc, but as a group, they're among the top 3 or 4 groups in the country.

Zaid (Austin)

Rece, How do you think the Horns season plays out? If Tech loses one of the next two games, and Florida and Texas both win out, does texas edge Florida based on their strength of schedule?

Rece Davis

  (4:24 PM)

Zaid, the answer is, I don't know. I'm not sure how the voters would look at it. Much of it will probably depend on how Fla and Tex play...how their opponents play. That would be a close vote. Texas might get an edge because of the strength of the Big 12 south this season, but that's a guess

Lansdale

You think the Vols are going to look at Jimbo Fisher?

Rece Davis

  (4:25 PM)

I think Jimbo will wait for FSU. But deals are made to be broken. We'll see.

Mike (Dallas)

Rece, what do you think of Mike Leach possibly heading to Knoxville?

Rece Davis

  (4:26 PM)

Interesting theory and one I've heard rumbling in Knoxville. Corso once had a funny theory. He said if you fire a fat coach, you want to hire a skinny coach. If you fire a short coach, you want to hire a tall one. The ultimate anti-Fulmer is Mike Leach.

Garrett (Auburn)

If Auburn even strungles against UT-Martin, will Tubbs, next week, be sitting right where Phil Fulmer is this week?

Rece Davis

  (4:28 PM)

Garrett, Just a guess, but I think Tubs returns. I think it will be a major staff shakeup that occurs with some of the "Ole Miss 5" (the group that's been with Tommy since the Ole Miss days) that get shaken up. Again, just a guess. Struggling w/ UT-Martin could change the dynamic. I don't really think Auburn will struggle with them. they're the Skyhawks now, right? They used to be the Pacers when I was a kid. I think it was Pacers...oh well, I doubt anyone cares. Maybe it was Racers...that's Murray State. Oh well.

DKSO

Is the Vol's opening a chance for Terry Bowden?

Rece Davis

  (4:28 PM)

No.

Onder (Norman)

Rece, how come Florida jumped OU after Florida's loss is at home to Ole Miss and OU's is to a Top 5 team?

Rece Davis

  (4:30 PM)

I think the perception is that Florida is playing lights out on both sides of the ball and that OU is devastating on one side. That's my guess.

Brandon (Lubbock)

So Rece, do you know the rules on a 3-way tie in the big 12? Say for instance Tech wins all but loses to OKlahoma, then Texas wins out and OU wins out. Who goes to the Big 12 championship??

Rece Davis

  (4:31 PM)

Looked them up the other day, Brandon. Under your scenario, I believe all tiebreakers would leave the three teams tied until it gets down to BCS ranking. There are several tiebreakers before then (head to head, division record for a couple) but none would settle the issue until BCS ranking I believe. If I've erred here, someone will correct me I'm sure.

Doug (Baton Rouge)

How shocked would you be if LSU takes down #1? Is it a matter of a veteran QB or do you think Saban is the second coming of the "Bear"?

Rece Davis

  (4:33 PM)

Given your home city, you should know that Saban is the first coming of Nick. Doesn't need to be a second coming of anyone. As for your first question, I wouldn't be shocked at all. LSU is a good team. they'd love to prove something to themselves after their stumbles against top flight competition. This is their last chance. It wouldn't be stunning. I mean no disrespect to Alabama. Clearly, the Tide has shown its capable of beating good teams away from home.

Travis (Chico)

Rece, do you think Harrell-to-Crabtree is, as of now, the play of the year?

Rece Davis

  (4:34 PM)

Can't think of one to top it, Travis. Unbelievable and gutsy play.

Ben (Jupiter,FL)

Rece, which NC game would you rather see? Texas vs Florida or Texas Tech vs Florida ;Texas has the best body of work so far but that Texas Tech offensive system is unstoppable! but Florida would give them both a good game. P.S. I love to watch you Mayday and Dr. Lou on The FINAL VERDICT ever Saturday night.

Rece Davis

  (4:36 PM)

Thanks, Ben. I like the aspect where the fans get to vote on the verdict. Lou has been stunned that the people have ruled against him a couple of times. It's a vehicle to let those guys expound on a point and show some personality. As for your NC game matchups...is there an "all of the above" choice? A couple of great matchups you have listed.

Mary Baton Rouge

Who do you think will be in the running for the Head Coach Job at Tennessee?

Rece Davis

  (4:39 PM)

Mary, the perfect guy for that job took the job at Michigan last year. Rodriguez would be a great fit there. But that's not happening, so we move on. The fans are clamoring for Muschamp. I'm sure Leach will get a look. Tennessee could throw some cash his way, but I'm not sure how inclined Mike would be to make that move. He's a great coach, but a different kind of cat as we all know. There are many guys who would do a great job. If I were in that position, I'd look at Brian Kelly, Greg Schiano or Gary Patterson just to name a few. All of those guys might be perfectly content where they are. That's why I don't like listing current head coaches, but it's a reality of the coaching world--guys move.

Hendon(Florence, AL)

Are you and Chris Fowler related? Because you two look alike. Maybe it's just the hair.

Rece Davis

  (4:40 PM)

Come on Hendon. My hair is real. Fowler has a wig. No, I"m kidding. His hair is real. I'm not telling about mine. We're not related...but I'll tell him about your compliment. That's a joke, by the way. Don't want the written word to come across as too cocky.

Lane (Baton Rouge)

What is going on with LSU's secondary? What was once one of the more dominant secondaries now look pathetic.

Rece Davis

  (4:43 PM)

They've got a couple of new faces back there. But there's still talent. Good, consistent pressure will help the coverage. LSU has been pretty good with pressure in terms of sacks...a little more would cure a lot of those ills.

Jess (Stillwater OK)

Dez Bryant VS Crabtree, Heavyweight fight, Who do you take?

Rece Davis

  (4:44 PM)

Depends on their ring men or QBs. I'd take either one with a #1 draft choice, I'll tell you that.

Big East Guy in Indy

Rece: Who were you supporting in the office showdown between Holtz's Irish and May's Panthers?

Rece Davis

  (4:45 PM)

Me. Watching both of them twist in the wind and alternate taunting each other was fun. And it was in good fun. Those guys love to joke around at each other's expense, but they're close and respectful of both programs.

Tom (Ann Arbor)

Did Michigan hire the wrong guy?

Rece Davis

  (4:47 PM)

No. Be patient. I'll be honest and say that if both the Tennessee and Michigan jobs were open at the same time and Rodriguez had his choice of either, I'd say that he'd be a better fit at Tennessee. That's more based on geography than anything else. That doesn't mean he won't fit at Michigan or won't win big. He's a top flight coach. I know Michigan shouldn't settle and really shouldn't ever be 2-7, but Rodriguez will turn it around there and he'll do it soon. He's an excellent coach. This is just a growing pain that a bucket of Advil couldn't dull.

Kyle (austin)

It looks like every team with one loss is pointing fingers at the others and saying "but look at them daddy!" when if each team would have just won their games they could have controlled their own destiny. Texas might get the most benefit of the doubt because of the last 4 weeks and some key injuries. what you say?

Rece Davis

  (4:48 PM)

Very mature outlook, Kyle. I think you're right. To think that the Longhorns came within a second of somehow getting through that gauntlet 4-0 is beyond impressive.

Fred (Mobile)

I don't think the Tide will end the season undefeated so what are their chances ata New Years day Bowl?

Rece Davis

  (4:49 PM)

Excellent. In fact, I think if Alabama avoids taking an upset at the hands of Mississippi State or Auburn, the chances are excellent that they'll be no worse than a BCS at large team.

Mike (Camarillo, CA)

Agree or disagree, USC gets the nod over a one-loss Big 12 or SEC team that does NOT win its conference championship?

Rece Davis

  (4:53 PM)

Great question. The caveat of not winning the title is a good one. Under your scenario, the only possibilities for real debate would be in the Big 12. By that I mean a one-loss Alabama would have to have lost in the SEC title game. So let's say Texas somehow loses the Big 12 South tiebreaker. OU goes to the championship game and loses to Mizzou. Then you have a Texas team that beat the fire out of Mizzou yet was done in by a 6th tiebreaker on BCS standings. I'd be very sympathetic to the Horns. There's no rule that says you have to win your conference. That's something we've made up. And in this case, the only reason Texas wouldn't have won it..or at least had a shot at it...voters. Under that scenario, I'd vote Texas. Under most logical scenarios, I think USC gets the nod.

Mike (Bham)

Well, since I expect you to ignore my other question ;-) what do you think about the Fulmer news?

Rece Davis

  (4:56 PM)

Mike, I'm getting to as many questions as I can. not ignoring..just didn't see your other question. As for Fulmer, it's unfortunate that a guy who has won as much as he has goes out like this. But that's the way it happens for most coaches. Not many make a JoePa run in the twilight of their careers. And the patience isn't very long. Think if Ainge doesn't throw a pick vs LSU last year and Tenn had won the SEC things would be different in terms of patience. As it stands, the Vols have slipped and they think they need a fresh voice to shake the malaise. There's no question that team has underachieved this year relative to their talent level.

Jason(B'ham, Al)

If you could have only one, who would you want as your starting Inside LB and leader of your defense? Maualuga, Laurinaitis, or Rolando McClain?

Rece Davis

  (4:58 PM)

I'd take any of them. All are great players. I think Maualuga is the most intimidating. Laurinatis racks up the most tackles. McClain is probably the savviest and best athlete of the bunch. If he continues is current rate of growth, McClain might make the answer to that question obvious. But all 3 are great college players and have very bright NFL futures in my opinion.

Shandon (Parkersburg, WV)

What chances in the NFL do you think Pat White has?

Rece Davis

  (4:59 PM)

Very good as a slot receiver...and slash type guy. I'd imagine is NFL team could find a little direct snap package for him. I dont, however, think he's an NFL QB.

Brendan, Cohasset,MA

Why is Texas Tech number 2 I don't think Penn State should be penalized for not playing. They beat Ohio State!

Rece Davis

  (5:00 PM)

I'd say Texas Tech was rewarded rather than Penn State being penalized. All a moot point anyway. If Tech beats OK State and OU they would've passed Penn State anyway...and as much as I love the story of JoePa making a run...Tech would deserve that if they win all of those games.

Dan (Boise)

Hey Rece, I'm a big BSU fan and happy to see them crack the BCS top ten. That being said I think they would get housed if they faced another top ten team in a BCS bowl (Florida, Texas, USC). Do you see BSU getting into a BCS bowl and do you see them being competitive?

Rece Davis

  (5:01 PM)

Dan, I've learned my lesson. I saw Boise State in person a couple of years ago and was really impressed. I also said, "Oklahoma will drill these guys." We all know how that turned out. I don't underestimate Petersen any more. They'll show up and play well.

Steven PA

will lsu fans greet Nick saban with open arms?

Rece Davis

  (5:03 PM)

I believe there's going to be a halftime ceremony thanking him for rescuing the LSU program and allowing it to reach its vast potential. Les Miles will applaud. Nick will say that Les has taken it to new heights by adding a second title to the trophy shelf. And there will be respectful applause by the patrons for hard fought play by both teams. Now, Steven, what do you think?

Zaid (Austin)

Is Colt Mccoy still the Heisman front runner?

Rece Davis

  (5:03 PM)

To me he is. But Harrell closed the gap big time. It's now a race, but Colt is still the leader tome.

Ted Duluth MN

Being a VT fan do you think that this is finally the year Bud Foster gets the chance to be a Head Coach somewhere?

Rece Davis

  (5:05 PM)

Ted, offense is the flavor of the month for new coaches unless you have that Muschamp-like persona. However, I think Foster is a worthy candidate. If a team like Clemson is looking for toughness, he'd be a great fit. A lot of it will depend on trickle down. Who takes what job..and is there an opening where Bud fits. He's earned a shot for sure.

josh(elysburg)

Will PITT win the Big East???

Rece Davis

  (5:05 PM)

Depends. the Pitt that came back in South Bend or the one that didn't show for the Rutgers game. Tough to figure them out.

Joe (College Park, MD)

so how do you think the chances of Maryland winning a BCS game stack up against the rest of the ACC?

Rece Davis

  (5:07 PM)

Joe, I'll pretty much give you my Pitt answer. Is it the maryland that beat Cal or the one that lost to Va? Terps get up for big games..that's for sure.

Dylan, Oklahoma City

How does Oklahoma drop to 6 in the polls after demolishing the same Nebraska team that Texas Tech went in to overtime with?

Rece Davis

  (5:08 PM)

Dylan, I understand the frustration, but using the transitive property..(.it is transitive isn't it? not associative or distributive?...) isn't all that telling. Like Lou says, "brand new team every week, coach." You'll get your shot to settle it on the field later this month.

Wade (Tybee Island,GA)

Why isnt Alabama getting the credit they deserve? Predicting a Florida/Penn State championship game isnt right.

Rece Davis

  (5:09 PM)

Now, Wade...people should predict what they believe. And I think being voted #1 is a lot of credit. Alabama isn't being snubbed I don't believe.

Mike(Huntsville, AL)

Do you think Nick Saban is going to stay at Alabama to build a dynasty or will he leave after he has his championship ring?

Rece Davis

  (5:10 PM)

I think he'll stay until he's ready to go to Lake Burton.

steve (SoCal)

All usc does is shut people out and win by 56! They are giving up 5.6 points a game with 4 shut-outs!...Then they fall?....I understand the pac-10 is very weak but USC is a Top 3 team in the Country!..what do you think?

Rece Davis

  (5:12 PM)

Top 3 talent, Steve. No, top 1 talent. But you have to rank the teams based on their competition and what they do on the field. Therefore, I don't think USC should be ranked in the top 3 at the moment. If Oregon State were a one-loss team...and Cal and Oregon were a notch stronger, I'd be yelling from the mountain top that USC is a top 3 team..or best one-loss team or whatever. But that's not the case now. There's still a month to go...a lots of upsets ahead.

Mike (USA)

You've got to be kidding if you think boise would hav a chance on a nuetral field against florida, texas, usc... that would not even be close and people are giving boise too much credit for what they did TWO years ago to an oklahoma team that always chokes in big games... its nice to see these kind of schools make it to BCS bowls but lets face it... boise state barely beat a sleepy oregon team... oregon lost 44-10 to USC....

Rece Davis

  (5:14 PM)

Mike, I'll say it again. I thought that when the Broncos played Oklahoma. I thought it would be a blowout. It wasn't. I won't dismiss their chances again. Thanks for all of the great questions. Don't forget...vote for the Pontiac Gamechanging Performance on ESPN.com. See you guys next week.