ESPN

Tim Griffin

  (4:01 PM)

All right guys. Ready to go. Please fire any and all questions. I'm ready.

David Schwab (Raleigh, NC)

Who are the countires TOP 5 FRESHMAN football players?!

Tim Griffin

  (4:04 PM)

David: Great question to start. I'll takeOregon State RB Jacquizz RodgersBaylor QB Robert GriffinHouston WR/KR Patrick EdwardsBall State S Sean BakerOklahoma LB Travis Wilson

Kevin (St. Louis, MO)

Would you be surprised if Mizzou blew Texas out of the water on Saturday? I wouldn't.

Tim Griffin

  (4:05 PM)

Kevin: I'm kind of torn by that game. Early in the week I was leaning to a Missouri upset. But as I 've thought about it, I've changed my mind and am leaning to Texas. I would be surprised about a blowout on either side. I think both teams are too even to think about something like that.

40 and a MAN

Any chance Baylor can spring the upset on OSU coming off a big win and looking ahead to UT?

Tim Griffin

  (4:06 PM)

40:Don't think it's happening this week. But remember when South Florida was in almost the same area last week and they fell. So nothing would shock me. But it would be a big surprise if Baylor was able to do that.

Jake (Honolulu, HI)

What kind of chances do you give Texas Tech and Oklahoma St. to play for the BCS Championship?

Tim Griffin

  (4:07 PM)

Jake: Very long shots for any of them. I think any Big 12 team might be lucky to get to the BCS game. I'm thinking that every team in the league is going to be nicked somewhere along the line.Great for fans, bad for bowl dollars, I guess.

Jason (IA)

Wait, wait, wait...the guy from Missouri wouldn't be surprised if Mizzou blew out Texas? I love those posts....

Tim Griffin

  (4:08 PM)

Jason:Me too. I think it will be a close game - within a touchdown on either side.

Ryan, Detroit, MI

If the Big 12 all knock each other off, could you see USC weaseling its way back into the title game?

Tim Griffin

  (4:09 PM)

Ryan: Great verb choice there that my friend Pac 10 blogger Ted Miller wouldn't agree with. But yes, I could definitely see it happening. As a matter of fact, I think USC probably has the easiest route to the BCS title game - even more than the undefeated teams in the Big 12 and SEC. No conference playoff game is huge for the Trojans.

Spencer (Norman, OK)

Whos your pick to win the Heisman?

Tim Griffin

  (4:10 PM)

Spencer:Right now, it's Colt McCoy. It could change again Saturday night.

Anthony De Silva (Toronto, Ontario)

Tim, big fan of yours from Canada! Who are you picking for in the TCU VS BYU game?

Tim Griffin

  (4:11 PM)

Anthony: Love your country. Used to cover the CFL in a previous life so I've gotten my fill of Tim-Bits over the years. I think TCU has got a heck of a shot to win tonight in Fort Worth. Should be a great game. I'm trying to clear some time so I'll watch it.

Andrew (Ithaca, NY)

Who do you see taking the Big 12 North?

Tim Griffin

  (4:11 PM)

Andrew: Today, I would say Missouri. If the Tigers lose Saturday in Austin, it will be harder, but I still like their chances.

Zaid (Austin, TX)

Tim,If Colt outplays Chase and gets the W, should they hand him the Heisman from now?HOOK EM

Tim Griffin

  (4:13 PM)

Zaid:Remember, you guys still have a game left with Mr. Harrell and Mr. Crabtree up on the High Plains. If they are undefeated, have big games and pull the upset, I would have to say they at least merit discussion, wouldn't you?But that being said, a big Texas win and another strong McCoy performance would be huge for his Heisman hopes.

Matt (PA)

I know your a Big 12 guy, but do you think that if Penn State runs the table, they will be able to get passed a 1-loss SEC to get into the National Championship?

Tim Griffin

  (4:14 PM)

Matt:I wouldn't think so. Joe Pa still has a lot of pull and if they are undefeated, I can't see them being left out. And I'm familiar with the Nittany Lions. I covered them extensively when they were down here for the Alamo Bowl last season.

Scott (Austin, TX)

Given the lack of success of the Q Package, do you see John Chiles moving to wideout to give Colt another option now that defenses are paying more attention to Shipley and Cosby? Or maybe putting him in a Ramonce Taylor type position?

Tim Griffin

  (4:15 PM)

Scott:I know that they were using Chiles at running back some this week. I think that ultimately will be the position he plays at. And a Ramonce Taylor runner/receiver role would be ideal for him, I would think.

Josh (Asheville, NC)

Tim - what kind of chance do you give the Spartans this weekend against the Buckeyes? And will Javon Ringer get consideration for Heisman?

Tim Griffin

  (4:16 PM)

Josh: How about a puncher's chance. I know it will be hard for them to run against Tressel's defense. But if they win and Ringer has a big day, it might stop a lot of the Big 12 love were hearing for the Heisman with all of the conference's quarterbacks.

Severin (Provo, UT)

Tim, what will make the difference in tonight's BYU/TCU game?

Tim Griffin

  (4:18 PM)

Severin: I think the main thing I'll look for is how much pressure TCU is getting on Hall. I was impressed with their defensive front against Oklahoma, although they were badly singed by Bradford. The TCU front has got to pressure Hall and keep him from having the time to pick apart the Frogs' secondary.

Mike Leach(Lubbock, TX)

Should I worry at all about the Aggies? Where do you think I will be coaching next year?

Tim Griffin

  (4:20 PM)

Mike: I don't think you've ever worried about the Aggies. I can see you hanging half a hundred on them if you get a chance. And as far as jobs, there should be some good ones out there like Tennessee, Clemson and maybe Auburn. I'll be interested to see if you get that contract extension from your boss in Lubbock if you keep flirting with the national title.

Kris, PA

Tim, 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

Tim Griffin

  (4:21 PM)

Kris:I, too, have been mystified why West Virginia's offense hasn't played better. Sometimes, it's hard to come back and duplicate previous success. But I know watching them against Colorado, I was surprised. They didn't look anything like the group I saw in the Fiesta Bowl last year against OU.

Matt (Chicago, IL)

Should Tulsa be ranked in the top 25?

Tim Griffin

  (4:22 PM)

Matt:As of now, no. That 38-31 victory over SMU did them no favors. But if they keep streaking through CUSA, it might be harder to keep them out.

Tim Griffin Berkeley Ca

Tim, who do you think will end up playing in the Holiday bowl both from the big 12 and the pac 10?

Tim Griffin

  (4:23 PM)

Tim:I kind of feel like I'm talking to myself ... How about Texas Tech vs. Oregon. Should be a pretty interesting offensive battle, I would think.

Clayton (Davidson, NC)

Tim, you said you think every team in the Big 12 is likely to get nicked, where do you see Texas Tech and Texas slipping up?

Tim Griffin

  (4:24 PM)

Clayton: I see the Longhorns losing either to Missouri, Okie State or Texas Tech. Tech's chances are against Oklahoma and Texas.

JIM, Birmingham

WOW!!! Holiday Bowl, huh? OK, who's in Shreveport this year?

Tim Griffin

  (4:24 PM)

Jim:Bet it won't be the Tide for a change!

Brian (Lawrence, KS)

Any chance Oklahoma stumbles again this week?

Tim Griffin

  (4:25 PM)

Brian:Just don't see it. Stoops is 9-0 in weeks after Texas game. I think they'll be refocused and intent on running the ball. Also their kicking game woes shouldn't be exploited by Kansas' struggling kick returns. What has happened to Marcus Hereford from last season?

Justin Plainview TX

Tim do you think the Longhorns have a real chance at being a contender for a national championship this year

Tim Griffin

  (4:27 PM)

Justin: Yes, I do. They have the easy track at this point of the season. But the road will get a lot tougher for them. If they can navigate the next three or four weeks, they are certainly deserving of being in the BCS title game. Scary thing is, the Longhorns are going to be a lot better next year. Even without Chris O, Shipley, Quan and Orakpo, I think they will be a stronger team in 2009

Killian

#1 OU drops 3 spots after losing to #5 Texas, #4 LSU drops 7 spots after losing to #11 Florida. Care to explain this?

Tim Griffin

  (4:28 PM)

Killian:How about 45-35 (after leading for most of the game) compared to 51-21, I think the pollsters were spot on with their assessments, by the way.

Zaid (Austin,TX)

One more question if you dont mind Tim,After Brian Osackpo (Orakpo) dominated Loadholt, do you see him as the best DE in the country?

Tim Griffin

  (4:30 PM)

Zaid:Yes I do. He has been a beast for the Longhorns this season. He's playing like Selvie did at South Florida last season before he started getting all the pub. One writer mentioned this week that he would vote Orakpo for the Heisman. I don't see whyt not.

Charlie (Montgomery,AL)

Tommy in trouble at Auburn ?Will Muschamp is the buzz for his replacement. Tommy Bowden back in Auburn?

Tim Griffin

  (4:31 PM)

Charlie: We'll see how all that plays out. I expect that Muschamp will be in play somewhere, likely in the SEC. That's where he came from and that's where I would expect his interest would be.

Chad (Denver, CO)

Tim, do you think the Buff's should bench Cody? I think the offense needs a moblie QB to improve. Colorado needs to do something they have the worst offensive team in the BIG 12!

Tim Griffin

  (4:33 PM)

Chad: It's always hard to call for the head of a quarterback, particularly when it's his son. That's why it will be a tough decision for Dan Hawkins. I don't think all of it is Cody Hawkins' fault. He's playing behind a patchwork line. Darrell Scott has been injured most of the year. He hasn't had all of the weapons he expected at the start of the season.

Mike (Camarillo, CA)

Tim, do you answer questions that support USC or just the one's that ridicule them? USC has beat two top 20 teams by 30+, can you tell me if anyone else in the country has done that? Also, why should USC play a conference championship game when they already play everyone in their conference? Thanks for answering my questions!

Tim Griffin

  (4:35 PM)

Mike:Other conference teams play other teams more than once. It wouldn't surprise me if we saw a Missouri-Texas rematch in the Big 12 title game this season after a Missouri-OU title game after a previous game last season.It's just a fact that teams from the Big Ten and the Pac 10 have an edge over those from the Big 12 or the SEC because they don't have to go through a championship. You're more likely to lose once in a 13-game season than a 12-game season.

Tom (Baylor)

Is Robert Griffin better than Terrelle Pryor? Sure seems like Robert is doing more with less so far this season.

Tim Griffin

  (4:36 PM)

Tom: Statistically and as far as accomplishments go, I think you'd have to say that Griffin has done more for his team than Pryor has for his. And it's definitely the case of him doing more with less around him than Pryor is doing.

Tom (CT)

Tim, what do you make of UCONNs RB Donald Brown?

Tim Griffin

  (4:37 PM)

Outstanding back and deserving of some Heisman mention, in my opinion. I know my fellow Big East blogger Brian Bennett threw him out as possible candidate last week. He was already on my radar after I saw him play Baylor.

Michael (Austin)

Which team has the best chance to beat no. 1 Texas?

Tim Griffin

  (4:38 PM)

If I was going to rank them as far as potential chances the rest of the way, here's how I would go. Texas Tech, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Baylor, Texas AandM

Brandon (Texas Tech)

Tim, if you put any of the big 12 power houses (Texas, Ok state, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Kansas) on USC's weak schedule is there any question they wouldn't go undefeated? I mean a weak Ohio State without Beanie, an Oregon team not even in the top 25 anymore, and Cal ranked 25. Talk about weak schedule.

Tim Griffin

  (4:39 PM)

Brandon: You are right about the schedule in comparison not only of the Big 12's elite but also those from the SEC. I think many top schools would kill to have a schedule like that.

Ryan (Oklahoma City)

What about OSU's Kendall Hunter for Heisman contention?

Tim Griffin

  (4:41 PM)

Ryan: I'd like to think he'd have a chance, but there are too many good players on his roster for him to even stand out. Picking OSU's offensive MVP was my toughest one for any team in our midseason summaries. I think the Oklahoma State Sports Information Department has it right with the "Four Aces" promotion for Robinson, Hunter, Bryant and Pettigrew. A more likely award for Hunter might be the Doak Walker Award. It traditionally skews to favor backs from the Southwest. He might have a shot if he keeps putting up monster numbers.

Tim Griffin

  (4:43 PM)

Hob Howell (Waco, Texas)

Big fan of yours Tim. I noticed you immediately saw the potential Griffin had at the beginning of the season. However, could you have predicted that he would have done so well? Wow! Robert Griffin has continued to shine despite rigors of Big 12 play. What do you make of Robert Griffin? The next Vince Young? Or is he something different? Could he possibly be better than VY?

Tim Griffin

  (4:45 PM)

Hob:I watched Griffin play in high school and saw that he had something special. The comparison to Vince Young isn't really an accurate one because Vince was so much bigger. But Griffin has accomplished much more at an earlier stage than Vince ever did - with a lot less talent around him. So from that standpoint, he might could be better than Vince was. I still think he makes a concerted effort to make the Olympics one day. I think that would be cool to see, too.

Rick (San Diego, CA)

"It's just a fact that teams from the Big Ten and the Pac 10 have an edge over those from the Big 12 or the SEC because they don't have to go through a championship."Are you serious? Kansas went to a BCS bowl last year without playing 2 of the top 3 teams in its conference (OU and TX). Teams from the Pac-10 don't get that luxury. Playing every team in conference play (which the Big 10 doesn't do either) is far more difficult, particularly when you consider that SEC and Big 12 teams replace what would be a 9th conference game with a patsy non-conference opponent.

Tim Griffin

  (4:46 PM)

Rick: I'm sorry, you misunderstood. I was talking about a championship team. I think that the championship team from the Big Ten or the Pac-10 has a concerted and obvious edge than a championship team from the SEC or the Big 12. It's as easy to see as the difference between 12 and 13.

James (SLC, Utah)

Which big 12 player has the most potential to be a NFL star?

Tim Griffin

  (4:48 PM)

James:How about Michael Crabtree, Earl Thomas or Brian Orakapo. All three seem to have that will to do more and work harder than most. I think that will make them all first-round draft selections in upcoming years.

Aaron (Dallas)

Tim, what are your bowl projections for Big 12 teams? Who goes and where?

Tim Griffin

  (4:52 PM)

Aaron:This is just off the top of my head, so here goes.Texas - BCS (national title)OU - FiestaTexas Tech - CottonMissouri - Holiday (see, I changed)Okie State - Alamo Kansas - Insight.comNebraska - SunI don't have time to figure the rest, but I"ll think that Colorado, Kansas State will go somewhere, too. I'm picking nine Big 12 teams to go 6-6 or better.

Chris (St. Louis)

Do you mean to tell me that maclin and moore won't both be top 15 picks when they come out?

Tim Griffin

  (4:52 PM)

Chris:I think both of them would, although Willie Mo has some injury concerns and needs a big finish.

wade, az

who is gonna be Van Wilder's (ryan renolds) replacement?

Tim Griffin

  (4:53 PM)

I'll say Austin Box to start off. And read my story that will be up in about 30 minutes on the Big 12 blog for a complete and thorough analysis of Oklahoma's major concerns heading into Saturday's game against Kansas.

Adam

Tim, when you retire who gets your job? Seriously what a great gig! Fried foods, college atmospheres, ball games all the time. Where do I sign up?

Tim Griffin

  (4:54 PM)

Adam:Hope you aren't married, because my wife doesn't like this job nearly as much as I do.

Rory (Austin, TX)

Imagine this scenario: Texas loses to either Missouri, Oklahoma State, or Texas Tech. They still manage to get to the Big 12 Championship Game and beat the North Champs. Do they go to the national championship? Why or why not?

Tim Griffin

  (4:56 PM)

Rory:That's when it gets down to style points. We'll have to analyze how well they played after the loss. How about this scenario. What if Texas wins the championship and is still beaten out by Oklahoma for the national championship berth. It happened in 2001 when Colorado beat Nebraska and won the championship and Nebraska still advanced to the title game. So anything could happen.

Zaid (Austin, TX)

Tim,I know Jordan Shipley has said he is going to try and petition the NCAA for a possible 6th year, what are the chances he actually is granted that 6th year?

Tim Griffin

  (4:57 PM)

Zaid: Not a ledpipe cinch, but he should have a good opportunity.But if he keeps having 11-catch games like he had on Saturday, he might have the opportunity to make some money playing at the next level. Then, would it be worth it to stay around for another season?

James (Washington)

Tim, if BYU continues to win does Max Hall have a legitimate shot at the Heisman?

Tim Griffin

  (4:59 PM)

James: I think so. Ty Detmer did the same thing and brought the hardware home to Provo. Could happen again.

Joe (Charlotte)

Tim -- FSU-NCSU kickoff on your network in about 2 hours -- how about a comment on the Noles -- turning the corner or just fool's gold?

Tim Griffin

  (5:00 PM)

Joe:Think they are turning. Be interesting to watch.

Clay (Oakland, CA)

Kiper has Moore as a top 10 lock, the "elite safety of the draft"...speaking of Moore, why don't the Tigers use him more often in middle/deep coverage considering their tendency for giving up big plays?

Tim Griffin

  (5:00 PM)

Clay:He's an elite safety, but has Kiper watched him since he got hurt earlier this season. That's all I'm saying is there are some injury concerns. And he does need a big finish - but who doesn't?

Rory (Austin, TX)

Well Tim, if that happened again, I'm sure you would have some really ticked off 'Horns fans around the country.Assuming the loss was equal to (or better than) OU's loss to Texas, why shouldn't they get to go to the Big Dance. That resume, in my opinion, would look better than every other current one-loss team (namely Florida and USC). Agree?

Tim Griffin

  (5:01 PM)

Rory:Don't know for sure. We'll have to turn it over to the computers to make that call ...

Tim Griffin

  (5:02 PM)

Everybody: Thanks for the questions today. I had a new record with 621 over the course of the hour. Thanks everybody for participating. I wish I could have gotten to more of them.See you next week.tg