Moderator

  (4:03 PM)

Hey Everyone, Rece will be on in just a couple of minutes. Please keep the questions coming and don't forget to vote for this week's Pontiac Game Changnig Performance.

Rece Davis

  (4:05 PM)

Hi everyone. Thanks for your patience. A little trouble with the wireless service at the hotel in Chapel Hill. I'm here for the tip off marathon. It's basketball season too you know. Don't forget to vote for Pontiac Gamechanging Performance.

Nick (FL)

Rece - Bama fans are pointing to the fact that Bama will have the best defense that Florida will face all year. This much is true. But isn't it also true that Florida has the best defense that Bama will face all year? (And Florida has the best offense and special teams that Bama will face?)

Rece Davis

  (4:08 PM)

Nick, you're right on all counts. And Alabama will have the best punt returner that Florida has faced. And so it goes. Many experts have said that the Gators will win by 4 TDs..and if the avalanche gets started Florida is capable of putting an embarrassing number on anyone. But count me among those who believe this game will be quite competitive. I would caution both sides not to look past their arch-rival. A loss to FSU or Auburn would take a little starch out of that showdown

Jess Norman

If the Bearcats are able to get a victory over Pitt this week and a gimmme game against Syracuse and secure the Big East championship, what impact will that have on the 3 way tie scenario in the Big XII South

Rece Davis

  (4:10 PM)

I assume you're talking about how it could help OU's strength of schedule. No doubt it will. It would be a nice bullet on their resume'. I think head to head is huge. Unless there's been something that significantly changed, the team that won head to head should be higher ranked. in this case, it would be impossible to put them in that order so you'd have to go with which team you think is best. OU's non-conference resume could indeed be a tiebreaker and help them in the polls, computer and thus help them get into title game.

Dave Whittier, Ca

Rece, I loved the 2nd half of the SC game.. That run back truely helped.. Whay about some east coast love. will SC EVER get it?

Moderator

  (4:13 PM)

Hang tight guys. Rece is on his way.

Rece Davis

  (4:13 PM)

Dave, I believe SC gets more love than any team in college football. I think they are a modern day Notre Dame in that they get the benefit of the doubt when something goes wrong. Now, they've earned a lot of respect. I love the way they play, their program, the way Pete runs things..the whole deal. But for anyone to say they don't get the benefit of the doubt quite often, well, I'll respectfully disagree with that. They're not in awful shape as it pertains to making title game. In essence, they just need one upset in the right place, in my opinion. Big 12 North winner taking conference title will probably put USC in the game. Not a certainty...just a hunch. There's an SEC scenario too, but you get the picture.

Will Muschamp

Rece, should I stay or should I go (and if so where)?

Moderator

  (4:13 PM)

Rece Davis

  (4:14 PM)

Only to a place where you're sure you can win. There's still no substitute for experience..get some at a place where your record doesn't take a beating. That means, Clemson=-yes. Washington=think long and hard. UW is a great job. I don't know that it's a great FIRST job.

Ani (Lincoln, NE)

Better team in 1994, Nebraska or Penn State? Better team in 1997, Nebraska or Michigan?

Rece Davis

  (4:15 PM)

All excellent teams. I'll go Nebraska '94...and Michigan '97. But I would've loved to see that '94 Penn State team get a shot at the Huskers.

Trent (Lake Arthur, LA)

Would you mind to get coach Holtz to autograph a football for my father

Rece Davis

  (4:16 PM)

Trent, I can't really honor requests like that, but if you ever get a chance to run across Coach Holtz, he's very gracious with things like that.

Shane (Scranton)

Reese, Did you catch what Obama on 60 minutes last night? More importantly though did you catch the NCAA's retort? "Our constituents are fine with the current system so we are reluctant to change it, Mr. Obama knows a thing or two about constituents." Are they blind Reese? Check the Espn poll right now. 90% of people feel that a playoff system is necessary. Who are these constituents and can Obama get it done?

Rece Davis

  (4:19 PM)

By constituents, I think John Swofford meant the ADs and University presidents. This might surprise you...not all players want a playoff. They think the season is long enough..and they like the bowl swag. A survey I saw some place saw a little more playoff support among players from the SEC...and much less in the Pac 10 I believe. Cut me some slack if I'm not exactly right on survey details. Just working off memory.

Todd(AL)

Does Michigan have any chance to upset OSU?

Rece Davis

  (4:20 PM)

Not much stuns me in rivalry games. That would stun me.

Joel (Tempe)

Rece, Why does you weekly chat read upwards, instead of downwards like all the others? Is it because you are trying to make us Pontiac Game Changing readers?

Rece Davis

  (4:20 PM)

I have no earthly idea. I just log on and answer as many questions as I can. I-T...a little help over here.

Rece Davis

  (4:20 PM)

I have no earthly idea. I just log on and answer as many questions as I can. I-T...a little help over here.

Tino (Syracuse)

Who is the best canidate for the Syracuse head coaching postition? Do you believe they have to have ties to the Northeast or East Coast to be successful there?

Rece Davis

  (4:23 PM)

I think it would help Tino. Randy Edsall is the most obvious choice, but he has great facilities at UConn right now and really has that program going. Unless there's a deep emotional tie to the alma mater, I'm not sure I see the upside in making that move. However, he'd be first on my list. I think Turner Gill would be a great choice. He knows the area now obviously. I think Ron English would be a guy who would do well. He's not necessarily a Northeast guy, but Michigan worked that area some. I don't believe that was Ron's recruiting area, but I'm sure he is at least familiar with it. There are other guys who would do well too I'm sure. Just a couple of names off the top of my head.

Justin (Corvallis, OR)

hey rece, what do you think ole miss' chances are of beating lsu this weekend?

Rece Davis

  (4:24 PM)

Better than most people think. I believe Ole Miss is very good on the lines of scrimmage...that's LSU's strength. Probably comes down to which team's qb throws it to the wrong colored jerseys fewer times.

Bob (South Bend)

What is funnier whatching Coach Holtz and Mark May go at it. Or does anything match it

Rece Davis

  (4:25 PM)

That's pretty high entertainment value for me, Bob.

Shane (Scranton)

Reese, that is shocking about the players. Any idea when that survey was conducted. I just find it bizarre right now after the SEC wins two straight NC games they are the constituents who want a playoff and not other conferences. Would it be that big of a deal to add 3 extra games to the end of the season? It just feels like such a small thing to ask.

Rece Davis

  (4:27 PM)

Shane, I probably shouldn't have brought it up since I don't have all of the details in front of me. It was a while back. Maybe before last season...but I can assure you that players aren't necessarily bullish on it...unless of course their team gets left out of the title game.

Jimmy (Detroit)

Once again this year, all of you pundits have already awarded the crystal football to an offensive juggernaut to be named later. I understand the respect Florida is getting because they play pretty good defense. But why does Alabama get no respect? Every single BCS title has been won by the team with the more physical defense. A partial list of defensive football teams who had no shot include: ?00 Oklahoma, ?02 Ohio State, ?03 LSU, ?05 Texas, ?06 Florida. What makes this year any different?

Rece Davis

  (4:28 PM)

You make an excellent point, Jimmy. I've awarded that trophy to no one. A lot of football to be played.

Jace (Columbus)

If oregon State loses one of their next two, then doesn't Ohio State have the best chance to make it to the Fiesta Because they wouldn't choose Utah over OSU because of money? Right?

Rece Davis

  (4:29 PM)

Jace, if Utah wins out, they'll be somewhere automatically. If Oregon State loses, I think it's a virtual lock that Ohio State goes to a BCS game--assuming a win over Michigan. How strange does that sound?

Derek (Glen Gardner, NJ)

I'm not asking who you think will win the Heisman. Who is the best player in college football?

Rece Davis

  (4:31 PM)

Great question, Derek. I can't tell you absolutely who is the best. Using your criteria, I'd say in no particular order: Percy Harvin, Tim Tebow, Graham Harrell, Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford, Rolando McClain, Eric Berry and Michael Crabtree.

Blake (Abilene, TX)

Rece, The other side to this argumen. 8 team play-Off If you take the Acc, Big East, Pac 10, and Big 10 winners than that leaves four spots two for the Big Twelve and SEC and two at large. That means of Texas, Texas Tech Oklahoma, Florida, Alabama Boise St and Utah. only four of those teams make it. I do not see how a play-off fixes anything.

Rece Davis

  (4:32 PM)

Excellent point..and do the ACC and Big East champs really deserve to be in an 8-team playoff this year?

Charlie Weis (South Bend)

Do you think my job is in danger?

Rece Davis

  (4:33 PM)

No. But don't lose to Syracuse...just to be sure.

Leavitt (Tampa, FL)

Is there any truth to the rumor that Florida and FSU intentionally avoid scheduling South Florida because they do not to legitimatize South Florida and create a fourth powerhouse football program in the state of Florida? I find it funny that Miami is not cooperating with 2 of the Big 3.

Rece Davis

  (4:35 PM)

I doubt it's that sinister but there is an upside/downside. If Florida were to lose to USF, that's all they'd hear about forever. If they beat USF, they'd hear, "well, you've got all of the advantages you should beat them." So why not play somebody else. USF doesn't necessarily need those two to become a great program...and I can see where the downside outweighs the upside for the Gators and Noles.

Matt (Daytona Beach, FL)

Hey Rece! What will have to happen around the nation for Nebraska to play in the Alamo Bowl? I get to go back home from school and would really like to watch my huskers with my dad! I havent seen a game with him all season! Also what are some likely teams that Nebraska could see in a bowl? GO HUSKERS!!!!!!

Rece Davis

  (4:37 PM)

Relatively likely destination it seems to me for Nebraska. Opponents...maybe Iowa, Northwestern or Minnesota. Just guesses there Matt. Hope it works out the way you hope. It's a great thing to share a passion for a sport and a team with your father...and for the fathers with their sons.

Ken

Rece, for what it's worth, Edsall came out today and said he had no interest in the Syracuse job.

Rece Davis

  (4:37 PM)

thanks for the update. But I will say what I say about all coaches--what are they expected to say.

Gary (Pittsburgh)

Rece....Pitt-Cincinnati....tell me what you think will happen...

Rece Davis

  (4:39 PM)

I don't know that I fully trust Pitt on the road. I like both teams. Just a little gut feel that this might be Pitt's year.

Bobby(Utah)

Can Utah make it to a BCS game?

Rece Davis

  (4:39 PM)

Just win that Beehive Boot.

Amber (Jacksonville)

Will you Marry Me?

Rece Davis

  (4:41 PM)

I've rarely been so flattered, Amber. We'll have to ask my wife. She might be fed up enough with me to say, "sure, take him off my hands." Just kidding...but thanks for the best compliment of the day.

Garrett (Austin)

Best game you've seen so far this year?

Rece Davis

  (4:42 PM)

A lot of great ones, but it would have to be Texas and Texas Tech because of the drama at the end.

Mike in Lubbock

Hey Rece what's your take on the no-more-than-two-teams-from-the-same-conference-in-the-BCS rule? Being in Lubbock I am realizing that for Texas Tech it's probably either the National Championship or the Cotton Bowl. This is really frustrating that a team like Ohio State of this year or an Illinois of last year can take a spot in the BCS when there are always more than 2 BCS-worthy teams in other conferences.

Rece Davis

  (4:46 PM)

I think the rule is designed to make sure that the bowls don't lock in on the same teams all the time. This year, it seems unfair. But with Ohio State and Michigan's alumni bases, and others like Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech's reputations for traveling their fans, they want to make sure that bowls don't say just give me the big name I don't care if two other teams in their league are already in. This year, it would be great to have 3 from the Big 12. But you can't plan for every situation. The endless revisions to the BCS formula shows us that.

Mark (Colorado Springs)

Okay Reece, this may be a stretch and that's why no one is talking about it, or there is some rule that I don't know about anyway. Here goes...What if Florida loses to FSU, then beats Alabama in the SEC championship game; Texas Tech beats OU, Baylor, and goes on to win the Big XII title against Mizzou; and finally: Texas beats A&M. Who goes to the national championship?

Rece Davis

  (4:47 PM)

If I followed your scenarios correctly, I'd say that would make a Texas Tech-USC matchup.

Ed (Costa Rica)

Best game you've ever seen live? Or best two or three if you can't pick one...

Rece Davis

  (4:48 PM)

Alabama-Auburn 1985. Colorado-Michigan 1994. Unbelievable drama and finishes in both.

Ty (SLC)

Reece, I don't ever want to hear you refer to the "Holy War" as the Beehive Boot ever again. Thanks.

Rece Davis

  (4:50 PM)

More fun to reference the boot. And the Aggies are out of it...so he have a head to head for the boot, right? Plus, for those who have trouble with war analogies, that helps.

Blake (Abilene, TX)

Rece, I think Mark was looking for Texas Vs Texas Tech matchup. That would be the 2nd best game you have seen this year.

Rece Davis

  (4:51 PM)

I think he was too. But I think his scenario would give us TT and USC--just a guess.

Turtle(ALA)

Any chance Saban leaves Alabama?

Rece Davis

  (4:52 PM)

When he retires to Lake Burton. .

Spence (Knoxville, TN)

Rece, who do you see as the best fit for the Vols next head coach?

Rece Davis

  (4:55 PM)

Spence, a guy like Butch Davis would be perfect, but he's said he has no interest. I think Tenn needs a guy to shake things up a little bit. They've gotten a little stale. Muschamp and Kiffin are potential home run hires, however, at a big time job like Tennessee, I think experience is very important. Bob Stoops didn't have it and things worked out beautifully, but that's not always the case. So I think there is some risk with those two guys--even with Kiffin's NFL experience. I think a guy like Brian Kelly would do great there. I don't mean to upset Cincinnati fans. He's doing great where he is and may well be very happy. If this were last year, Bobby Petrino would've been a great hire...so, too, Rich Rodriguez. Sometimes, hiring the perfect fit is all about timing. That doesn't mean the Vols won't get an excellent coach. I'm sure they will.

Erick (Salt Lake City)

who do you favor in the Holy War here in Utah this weekend, and how much do you favor them to win by?

Rece Davis

  (4:57 PM)

I think Utah is a little better. But in a rivalry game...Holy War, Beehive Boot on the line...you never know. BYU has serious weapons as you are well aware. If forced to pick, I'd go with Utah.

Ron Kovalcin (Morgantown, WV)

Rece, Bowl playoff projection Orange Bowl -- #1 Alabama vs #8 Penn State Sugar Bowl -- #2 T tech vs #7 utah Rose Bowl -- #3 Texas vs #6 Florida Fiesta Bowl -- #4 florida vs Oklahom Jan 8th -- Semis Jan 15th-- National Title game Why not???

Rece Davis

  (5:00 PM)

If you go to a playoff, you can't play all 3 rounds at neutral sites. The first round must be played on campus. Maybe not initially, but eventually, fans would wait around and hope their team made it a little farther in. They can't afford to make 3 trips. Then, you wind up with a bunch of corporate sales in the host cities, an antiseptic Super Bowl-like atmosphere and you lose the charm of the game. If you go neutral for a "final 4" I'm ok with that. But if you go with 8, the first rounds have to be on campus, or I'll take the status quo, thanks.

Amber (Jacksonville)

Please answer more questions. It is not fair that we lost time with you due to technical difficulties. I skipped lunch for you!!!

Rece Davis

  (5:01 PM)

I'll stay around for a couple of more minutes, Amber. Coach Knight, Digger, Jay and Hubert are waiting. Got to make sure we don't get the hoops guys agitated on the first trip of the season!

Spence (Knoxville, TN)

No mention of Mike Leach?

Rece Davis

  (5:02 PM)

Oversight on my part. He'd be great there. I think Tech thinks he's great in Lubbock too.

j. c. Omaha

You say Tx should be ahead of OU even if OU wins out. So should Texas Tech be ahead of Texas? Then Florida loses at home to OLE Miss and you are crowning them because of the play after the loss. What about the play of OU and TX?

Rece Davis

  (5:04 PM)

JC, I don't think I said any of that. If Texas, TT and OU all have one loss, you have to eliminate head-to-head because it doesn't solve anything. Voters just have to choose which team they think is best. I haven't crowned Fla for anything except the SEC East. I do believe they're playing as well as anyone and better than almost everyone in all 3 phases. OU and Texas are excellent teams. I said in a 3-way tie scenario, that you might give an edge to OU based on a couple of high quality non-conference wins.

Ryan (Cedar Rapids, Ia)

Can we sneak a Shone Greene question in? Do you think he is the best back in College Football and will he go to NY?

Rece Davis

  (5:06 PM)

Ryan, I think he's excellent, but I don't think he'll go to NY. Nobody has been better for their team than Shonn Greene. But Brown at UConn, Hunter at OK State and Knowshon are all excellent backs too. And don't forget Ringer.

Michael (Long Beach, CA)

Can you please explain that logic to Schlabach and Forde. They are so hung up on head to head for OU/Texas in a 3 way tie. Please show them the light...if its possible.

Rece Davis

  (5:07 PM)

In a 3-way tie, it's just as reasonable to vote for Texas Tech as it is for either of the other two if head-to-head is your criteria.

Glen, Pensacola Florida

Rece, with all due respect to one of the posters...UF has the #6 ranked total defense in the nation! Alabama has the #3 ranked defense. SEC power rankings and ESPN Power rankings have Alabama ahead of Florida based soley on being undefeated...if this were ran like the NFL..UF would be #1 in the power rankings or at least #2 behind maybe Texas Tech...your thoughts?

Rece Davis

  (5:08 PM)

I think they'll settle it on the field...and both should take care of the business in front of them before that. Thanks for all of the great questions, guys. Don't forget to vote for the Pontiac Gamechanging Performance. See you next week.