ESPN

Pat Forde

  (2:00 PM)

Hello and happy mid-October -- well, happy unless your name is Tommy Bowden. Let's get to the questions.

Philip (Florida)

Pat, Will BYU's offense be to much for TCU's Defense?

Pat Forde

  (2:03 PM)

Philip: I think there will be more to the game than that, but clearly that's the matchup everyone will be focusing on. And it should be fascinating. BYU hasn't run the ball very well, so the game will probably fall on Max Hall's shoulders against a pressure-oriented defense. If BYU protects Hall, it will have a chance to put some points on the No. 1 defense in the country. If Hall gets roughed up, TCU could spring the upset -- kind of like the Super Bowl. The Giants won that game with pressure on the QB. TCU could win this one the same way.

Bob (JAX-FL)

Pat, do you have a prediction for the ACC match up tonight on ESPN?

Pat Forde

  (2:06 PM)

Bob: I think FSU is much the better team, but NC State has pulled a couple of home surprises under Tom O'Brien: East Carolina earlier this year and Virginia last year. But I'll take FSU.

Columbia, MO

Do you think Mizzou has any chance in Austin?

Pat Forde

  (2:08 PM)

Yes, I do. Texas went through an incredibly emotional comeback win and should be -- not will be, but should be -- a bit flat. Missouri should play as if its BCS lives depend on it, which they do. So I think there's a chance -- if Missouri can slow down the Texas pass rush and keep the Longhorns receivers in front of them -- and tackle.

Greg (Champaign, IL)

Which school has the best student section?

Pat Forde

  (2:09 PM)

Greg: Penn State. Especially at night. Now pay attention to your physics prof.

Edwin (Puerto Rico)

Pat, You Thinks, that Colt's macoy year is good enough to be considered to a heisman runner up?..

Pat Forde

  (2:09 PM)

Edwin: Forget runner-up. I've got McCoy at the top of my ballot right now. If he keeps playing at this level and Texas keeps winning, he's the favorite.

Justin Columbia,MO

So you believe in letdowns/trapgames?

Pat Forde

  (2:10 PM)

Justin: Absolutely. How else do you explain the Rams beating the Redskins, the Chiefs beating the Broncos, Oregon State beating USC and Ole Miss beating Florida? Those teams aren't better, but they were better prepared and more enthusiastic about playing on that particular day.

East Lansing

Does upset live here?

Pat Forde

  (2:12 PM)

East Lansing: I believe upset does live there, actually. I'm picking the Spartans to pull it off -- if the run defense steps up.

James (Gainesville, FL)

Pat I love your Dash articles, they are great. Do you think the Gators have what it takes to win the National Title this season?

Pat Forde

  (2:13 PM)

James: Thank you. Florida is still in the mix, but I'm not convinced that's a title team. If the Gators play like they did against LSU we'll be talking about them into December; if not, they might not win the SEC East.

ARob(State College)

Speaking of Heisman, why hasn't Darryl Clark gotten any love at all? A QB Rating of 110 and a TD to pick ratio of 5 to 1, not to mention the leader of an undefeated team right now...

Pat Forde

  (2:16 PM)

ARob: Daryll Clark is having a great season and should be commended for being super-ready when his chance finally came. But there are a lot of QBs with better stats. He's averaging fewer than 200 passing yards per game and fewer than two TD passes. McCoy, Bradford and Daniel all dwarf those numbers while playing for very successful teams.

Raynoch

What are you hearing about Phillip Fulmer's job security, or lack thereof, at Tennessee?

Pat Forde

  (2:18 PM)

Raynoch: They need some more LBs like you on Rocky Top and it wouldn't be an issue. Anyway, AD Mike Hamilton had some interesting comments in the Knoxville News-Sentinel yesterday. He did not go out of his way -- at all -- to defend Fulmer and stamp down speculation about his job security. Just basically said he'll be evaluated at season's end, and that "our goals are not to be a .500 ball club." Right now, .500 would be an achievement this year. So it's going to be an interesting situation to watch.

Jonathan (Brewton, Alabama)

Do you think that Alabama has what it takes this year to make it to the national title?

Pat Forde

  (2:20 PM)

Jonathan: I love Alabama's team so far. I expect a but of a tussle from Ole Miss this weekend, though, because Houston Nutt can be tough on the big boys (ask Florida). But I believe Bama will be 9-0 going to Baton Rouge for a real melodrama game, and we'll see where the Tide is coming out of that. Hard to believe anyone can go 13-0 in the SEC this year, though.

Justin York, Pa

Everyone says the Big East is up in the air for who could win it who do you think will and what will be the game(s) that decides it?

Pat Forde

  (2:22 PM)

Justin: You've got to give the leg up to Pitt after beating South Florida on the road. I expect Pitt to win its next two games and be 6-1 heading into an interesting closing stretch: Notre Dame, Louisville, Cincinnati, West Virginia and UConn. Could all come down to those last two games.

Nick (Brighton, MA)

BC or VTech on Saturday? Clam Chowder or Country Ham?

Pat Forde

  (2:23 PM)

Nick: Ham. Impressed with BC so far in what should have been a bigger rebuilding year than it has been, but VT might be the best in the ACC this year. (Wake might have something to say about that, though.)

Hook Lexington KY

Can people lay off Mike Hartline, he's just a boy! HE'S 20!

Pat Forde

  (2:25 PM)

He's a boy! He's 20! He's also a starting QB in the SEC, so the scrutiny will be there. He's done OK so far, but he needs to make some more things happen for Kentucky to win some of these remaining games. Throwing for 151 yards on 43 attempts -- that's an approximation -- last week is pretty low-impact stuff.

Trevor (OKC)

Do people realize that USC's chances of making the NC, especially if Ohio St. loses, are horrible because the computers will have them no higher than 5th (probably closer to 8th) at the end of the season?

Pat Forde

  (2:26 PM)

Trevor: I realize that. Not sure who else does. The lousy Pac-10 could kill the Trojans' power rankings. They need Ohio State and Notre Dame to run the table, and for Virginia to continue its resurrection. Anything to help its strength of schedule.

Gregg (Austin, TX)

Do you think the relative strengths of the Pac 10 and Big 10(11) when compared to the Big 12 and SEC will hurt teams like Ohio State, Penn State and USC come December?

Pat Forde

  (2:29 PM)

Gregg: Entirely possible. If it breaks down this way -- one-loss champs of the Big 12, SEC, Pac-10 and Big 10 -- then I'd suspect the Big 12 and SEC get the title game nod. Penn State needs to run the table, IMO. USC and Ohio State need to hope for blood baths in the two best leagues. It will get sticky and contentious before all is said and done, I'm convinced.

George (Lansing, Michigan)

Does Michigan have a chance to beat Penn State, Michigan State and Ohio State and reach a bowl game ?

Pat Forde

  (2:30 PM)

George: The same Michigan team that just lost at home to 1-4 Toledo? I rest my case.

James (Kansas City)

Hey Pat, if BYU wins convincingly over TCU tonight, what chances do you give BYU for making it to the national title game. Also, when you're in KC next, you should drop by Oklahoma Joe's in KC, Kansas. Better BBQ than Gates or even Arthur Bryant's.

Pat Forde

  (2:32 PM)

James: Thanks for the BBQ tip -- if it's really better than Gates, look out. I'm moving there. I don't think BYU is a national title contender. Not enough quality wins. Beating UCLA and Washington non-conference says nothing.

Eddie( Miami)

Pat , the discussion in the SEC this year is all about Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and LSU. Does Vandy have a shot at the SEC?

Pat Forde

  (2:33 PM)

We'll know more after Saturday when they play between the hedges. Vandy pulled the shocker there two years ago. If the Commodores do it again, they're absolutely in the mix. The Nov. 8 game against Florida would conceivably be for the East title. And I cannot believe I just typed that sentence.

Sam (Chicago)

How would you judge Pat Fitzgerald's first two years at Northwestern? Is he a mainstay for the future?

Pat Forde

  (2:35 PM)

Sam: I believe so. Great guy for that job -- charismatic, enthusiastic, good recruiter, knows the school and cares about the school. I think it's a perfect fit.

Jason (Custer, S.D.)

Pat, what are the chances of Joe Glenn surviving this season at Wyoming? Their offense is abysmal....and that might be an insult to things that are abysmal.

Pat Forde

  (2:36 PM)

Jason: It is an insult to abysmal. And to inept. Ten points in conference play so far. Yikes. I like Glenn a lot, but I think he's cooked. I wrote in The Dash this week that they aren't even sending staff out recruiting during this bye week. Not a good sign.

Rob (LA)

Who's the next coach for Syracuse? Do you think we can get Dennis Quaid?

Pat Forde

  (2:37 PM)

Rob: Not sure you can afford him, given what he probably commands per film these days. But he couldn't be any worse than the current inhabitant of that office. What about Chip Kelly, Oregon OC and former head coach at New Hampshire???

Karl (Orlando)

Does an undefeated Penn State get to Miami over a 1-loss Texas, Florida, Georgia, USC, Oklahoma...? No one wants to see a 3-peat for the Big slow 10... right?

Pat Forde

  (2:38 PM)

Karl: That is a huge and fascinating question. Had that debate yesterday with a co-worker who is a Penn State grad and was outraged at the very premise. They say Penn State is not Ohio State, but there might be guilt by conference association.

Raymond (South Bend)

How do feel about Notre Dame's chances of winning 10+ games next season?

Pat Forde

  (2:40 PM)

Raymond: with two losses already and a third seemingly inevitable at USC, that should be enough to land ND in another bowl game over its head, which would lead to another bowl loss. And that's not even considering games against Pitt and Boston College which won't be easy.

Brian, NYC

With the Pac-10 having a down year (to be kind) and the Big-10 coming down to PSU/OSU, how worried should we be that the BCS title game will be USC/OSU II?

Pat Forde

  (2:41 PM)

Brian: Not gonna happen. It would be an extreme long shot not for at least one of the two big-league champs (Big 12 and SEC) to make the title game. Unless they all just beat each other up the rest of the way.

Augie, San Francisco, Ca

If Cal runs the table, what do you think the Bear's chances are for getting a good bowl game?

Pat Forde

  (2:42 PM)

Augie: Correct me if I'm wrong, but running the table means Rose Bowl, right? I can't see Cal in the BCS title game, but the Rose Bowl would be an awfully nice second choice.

Gary Pinkel (Columbia, MO)

Why am I stubborn by running a 5WR spread formation on the 3rd and goal from the 1 yard last week. I ended up costing my team 4 points because I wasn't willing to run a QB sneak with my great QB.

Pat Forde

  (2:44 PM)

Oh Gary, Gary, Gary. You've done a great job at my alma mater, but this refusal to even have -- much less run -- a short-yardage package is disturbing. You MUST be able to line up and get a tough yard in big games. That set the tone for the entire game last week.

Kris, PA

Pat, how has WVU's offensive line played so badly this year when they returned all of their starters? These guys used to blow opposing teams off the ball, including a thrashing of Oklahoma last year, yet this year, they look pedestrian. Nearly 20 ppg less than last year? Are they a bunch of head cases?

Pat Forde

  (2:46 PM)

Kris: I honestly don't know what's up in Morgantown. When WVU had the two early losses the Mountaineers skidded off my radar and I have not followed them closely enough to know what's going wrong with the offensive line. But obviously, the entire offensive unit is dramatically underachieving. Missing Rich Rod and Calvin Magee, I suspect.

Rich Rod (Ann Arbor, Michigan)

Do you agree with my decision to run a spread offense when I dont have the necessary personel to be sucessful with it this season?

Pat Forde

  (2:48 PM)

Rich: Sure. This year is a toss. A free pass. After losing everybody who was somebody from last year's offense, it was the perfectly time to start over and get the basic fundamentals installed. You'll be better off for it next year. What would be gained by coaching a band-aid offense with subpar personnel for one year? A bid to the Motor City Bowl? Who really cares? Build for the future.

Matt (Houston)

Pat, Do you think LSU will rebound and pull out a victory against South Carolina and their new found confidence?

Pat Forde

  (2:49 PM)

Matt: Don't know. I'd be surprised if LSU doesn't come back strong, given the level of pride in those guys, but I agree that South Carolina is playing pretty well right now. If the Gamecocks hold onto the ball and make FGs -- two big ifs -- I could see a big win for the Head Ball Coach.

Zach (Muncie, IN)

do you think Ball State deserves more respect than they are given?

Pat Forde

  (2:50 PM)

Zach: No.

Ryan (Provo, Utah)

I really should be studying for a very difficult test coming up in two hours. But I CAN'T CONCENTRATE!!! ALL I CAN THINK ABOUT IS COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!! Is this a disease? Please help. My college education is at stake.

Pat Forde

  (2:51 PM)

Ryan: If you flunk out you can always go back to school later at a commuter college or get an online degree in two weeks. Live the football, brother. Big flippin game tonight!

Landon (Lexington, KY)

Do you think Rich Brooks finally beats Bobby Petrino this saturday?

Pat Forde

  (2:52 PM)

Landon: Yes I do. Arkansas is slowly getting it with Petrino, but that's still a bad team. Kentucky should win if it can get in the end zone three times.

Joe (Atlanta)

Who are your top five collegiate coaches this year?

Pat Forde

  (2:54 PM)

Joe: THIS year? Good question. If I had to fill out a Coach of the Year ballot right now it would be, hmmm, 1. Nick Saban 2. Mack Brown 3. Joe Paterno 4. Bobby Johnson 5. Brady Hoke. I reserve the right to change my mind.

ds - mn

Gophers/Brewster - Smoke, mirrors, mirage? Or the real deal?

Pat Forde

  (2:55 PM)

DS: Good question -- and Brewster is another guy who deserves consideration for COY. I was impressed with beating Illinois. That team has come a long way in a hurry.

brian (louisville, ky)

Any more of your horses run lately?

Pat Forde

  (2:55 PM)

Brian: Geniver runs Saturday at Keeneland. Go to the windows!

Katie (Athens, GA)

Pat, not many girls writing on here I see. Is that your fault or just the nature of the game? With all of UGA's injuries on the O'line, what are our chances at the title? SEC and nat'l.

Pat Forde

  (2:58 PM)

Katie: The fairer sex is always welcome here. The Cro-Magnons will behave sufficiently. Georgia has a schedule that -- if it wins out -- should put it in the BCS title game. But winning out won't be easy. Dogs have to play better than they have -- they kept Tennessee in the game waaaay too long last week -- and, yes, overcome OL injuries. But the opportunity is there.

George (Cincinnati)

Cincinnati is 15-4 over the last two years and has won games with 4 different starting quarterbacks. If they had Michigan or Notre Dame on the jersey, they would be a top-15 team right now. True of False?

Pat Forde

  (2:59 PM)

George: False. Haven't beaten a soul yet this year. But I give major props to Brian Kelly, he's done a great job there.

Mike(Anaheim)

Pat, today is October 16, 2008. The time is 11:58am pacific. Im predicting right now that USC/UF are in the BCS title game. Write it down.

Pat Forde

  (2:59 PM)

Mike: I will write it down. But if you saw my desk, you'd know that I won't find that piece of paper again until 2011. But feel free to go with it your own self.

Aaron (Cincinnati)

I know it's for a different chat...but does Curlin repeat?

Pat Forde

  (3:00 PM)

Aaron: Yes. Even on polytrack.

John (Louisville, KY)

Do you think Steve Kragthorpe is taking Louisville in the right direction or is Cardinals nation justified in wanting to give him the boot?

Pat Forde

  (3:01 PM)

John: Slow down, Big Brown. If Louisville goes 6-6 this year it will have met my expectations. Anything better than that is a surprise. The first year was bad -- quite bad -- but you cannot fire a guy for meeting expectations in his second season in my opinion.

Ryan (Ferndale, MI)

Who is the best candidate to fill the Clemson position?

Pat Forde

  (3:02 PM)

Ryan: They'll attract good candidates, no doubt. I think the line should start at Lane Kiffin. I think he's a future coaching star in the college game.

Pat Forde

  (3:02 PM)

OK folks, I've gotta go back to the day job. Enjoy the weekend's games. Don't throw the remote through the TV if your team loses.