ESPN

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

And the Nittany Lions just made the BCS officials sweat a little more. One game at a time and let the Big-12 and SEC people whine about it, right?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:04 PM)

I think they'll beat Iowa and Indiana, but I think the road trip to Iowa can be a little tricky. Michigan State will be a tough test at the end. I'm sure Big 12 and SEC fans would be upset. Penn State played only one team that is currently ranked. But I think they have a pretty good club.

Primetime (Milledgeville, GA)

Who wins saturday in Jacksonville? Does that winner have the inside track for 1 loss teams to the BCS championship game?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:06 PM)

I think it's going to be a shootout. Georgia has to tackle better than it did against LSU. I think Georgia is actually a little more balanced on offense, given what Stafford and A.J. Green and Mo Massaquoi are doing in the passing game. Will it be too much speed from Florida's offense for the UGA defense? Can Brian Mimbs keep his punts away from Brandon James? Should be a great, great game and it's too early for a prediction. Going to Gainesville tomorrow and Athens Wednesday....

Pete (Oxford)

What do you think of Ole Miss' chances of finishing 7-5? (beating AUB, LA Monroe and Miss St all at home)

Mark Schlabach

  (2:07 PM)

I think they'd have a pretty good chance at doing it. Auburn has struggled on offense and now defense, and the Rebs should be big favorites over La-Monroe and Miss. State. It would be a good first year for Houston Nutt.

Tim (Athens)

The SEC is 4th in the Sagarin conference ratings. From what Ive seen, I have to agree with that. That conference continues to struggle with Big 10 teams in bowl games(losing record last 10 years, only .500 last 3 and 5 years). On top of that, 26 of the 27 bowl games between the 2 over the last 10 years have been played down south. Imagine how bad the B10 would look if the roles were reversed, losing record against the SEC the last 10 years with all but 1 game played in the midwest.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:08 PM)

Bowl matchups are never apples to apples. Top two SEC teams usually go to BCS. Michigan's win over Florida last year was big, though. I would think No. 4 would be low. I think Big 12 might be better than SEC this year in terms of depth, but which other conference is better? Wisconsin and Michigan are bad and Illinois is pretty mediocre in the Big 10. USC and Oregon and maybe Cal are the only truly good teams in the Pac-10. ACC has some good teams but no great teams. Don't see it. Too low.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Who do you think will end up being the #2 team in the Pac-10 (UO, OSU, Cal, UA)?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:09 PM)

Arizona's defense was pretty darn impressive against USC. I like what Oregon is doing on offense, even with all the injuries at QB. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Ducks finish No. 2. But Oregon State has been very impressive at times, too. Cal is better than it showed at Maryland.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Sure the PSU wins over Illinois and Wisconsin get discounted now but try to discount a Big-12 win over an overrated Kansas team or an SEC win over Kentucky, Ole Miss or Tennessee and see what happens. Win all of your games in a major conference and you have to be in the BCS title game discussion. Not upset with you Mr. Schlabach just chatting.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:11 PM)

Agreed. Who knew the Oregon State win would be so good? That's obviously helping the Nittany Lions. Penn State has a good team. Other teams have played tougher conferences. But Penn State might be the only team to finish unbeaten. Who would have ever thought Penn State's strength of schedule would be hurt by not playing Minnesota and Northwestern? Who would have ever thunk that?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:11 PM)

Meant to say other teams have played tougher schedules...

Mike (Mpls)

Any year that sees Minnesota fans having thoughts of smelling the roses is a major down year for the Big Ten. In a regular Big Ten season, the Gophers would be in trouble with games against Michigan, Iowa, and Wisconsin still left to play.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:12 PM)

But a great story nonetheless. Tim Brewster has done an incredible job rebuilding that team in only one year. Great, great story. But, agreed, not a great year for the Big Ten.

Kevin (Phoenix, AZ)

When mentioning young receivers, we can?t forget about Golden Tate and Michael Floyd for the Irish. Is there a possibility that these two could blossom into the best WR combination in the country?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:12 PM)

And the Irish have a pretty decent QB to get them the ball. The Irish are getting better. Slowly but surely, Weis will get the job done in South Bend.

Stephen (Atlanta)

UT and SC both have stout defenses and bad offenses. What do you see happening in Columbia on Saturday?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:13 PM)

Steve Spurrier handing Phillip Fulmer another loss in what might be his final season at UT. Vols just can't score. Defense played well against Bama, but offense killed them. But is there a better player in the country than Eric Berry? That guy is unbelievable.

Tim (Athens)

The SEC has sent the exact same # of teams to BCS games as the Big 10. In fact, every single BCS year they have sent the same # of teams to BCS games. So it is apples to apples.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:14 PM)

No, because the best team in the SEC West (after BCS teams are chosen) usually goes to the Cotton Bowl.

Ryan (Muncie, IN)

Mark who do you believe will win the MAC Ball State or Central Michigan?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:15 PM)

Obviously, it's probably going to be the winner of that game. Spent some time up at Central Michigan earlier this year and was really impressed with the Chips. Nate Davis is a great quarterback. Should be a great game.

Breyden (mount vernon,WA)

So I have been a Tar Heel since I can remember and this has defiantly been a breakout year for them, how do you feel about their team this year and their future?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:16 PM)

Great coaching job by Butch Davis. Loses Tyler Yates and plugs in Cam Sexton. Loses Brandon Tate and Hakeem Nicks comes up big. Key is keeping Butch Davis. Some big jobs will open up, and he'll be a top candidate for some of them. Have to keep him in Chapel Hill. He has done a great job in recruiting and the guy can obviously coach.

Sean (Missoula, MT)

Tim- Its hard to ignore the marquee games though-- the last two years the SEC's best (arguably) has gone against the Big 10's best, for national titles: and both times the Big 10's best has been absolutely destroyed.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:16 PM)

Correct, all the way from Montana.

Ronnie, MD

Hey Mark.. Does Texas Tech have the best offense in college football? Also, what do you think the outcome will be for Saturday's game in Lubbock?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:18 PM)

Great system. Great coach. Great WR. Great QB. And we'll see if the defense is better like they say. Spent some time in Lubbock during the spring and they felt like they could challenge Texas and Oklahoma this year. We're about to find out. If Texas Tech's defense makes a few stops, I think Harrell and Crabtree can make some plays against that young UT secondary. But Red Raiders have to block well against UT defensive front. Should be a great game, high-scoring, of course.

Rory (Bowling green, OH)

Mark, which BCS buster gets the nod? Sure, Utah and Boise are good, but Tulsa and Ball State shouldnt be overlooked, right?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:19 PM)

Was really impressed with how dominant Tulsa was in the second half last night against Central Florida. TCU is playing great right now and might be the best team among the bunch. Nice matchups coming up between TCU/Utah and Utah/BYU. Utah has inside track right now, because it's ranked higher in BCS standings.

Craig (PA)

Every arguement i hear is that in the past Top Big Ten teams have gotten destroyed by Big 12 and SEC teams in BCS bowls, but is this fair to PSU? Should Joe Pa and the Lions be held accountable for OSU losing the last few years?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:20 PM)

No, just like this year's Ohio State team shouldn't be penalized for the last two Ohio State's teams in the BCS title games. But that's probably what public perception is going to be. I think the complaints are about Penn State's schedule.

Bruce (Cocktail Party)

Why not admit that USC people are hanging on a prayer when it comes to national title hopes.If TExas Tech looses this week the winner of the UF/UGA game will likely jump significantly ahead to 5 in the BCS from the computer.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:21 PM)

I don't think USC would stay ahead of a one-loss SEC champion (whether its Alabama, Georgia or Florida) or a Big 12 champion with one loss (whether it's Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, etc.). USC hasn't played a tough enough schedule and didn't look particularly good against an improved Arizona team.

Jonathan (Westerville, Ohio)

Ohio State had five players return for their senior seasons. Does it ever work out for players who return (i.e. Leinart, Michigan in 2007, etc.)?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:21 PM)

Not recently, at least. How many come back next year with the NFL's rookie salary cap going into effect?

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

For Sean from MT: You cannot compare what happened in the past to what is happening now. This Penn State team is different than those two Ohio State teams. The offensive game plan is different. PSU is built more like an SEC or Big-12 team and they play good defense. This is just another case of Penn State paying for the sins of THE Ohio State.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:22 PM)

I believe he was referring to a question earlier about the SEC being the No. 4 conference and Big Ten being better.

Pat (Bristol, CT)

Who do you think will win the Big East?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:23 PM)

Wow, completely wide open. West Virginia is my choice right now. I was really surprised how they gashed Auburn's defense. Connecticut is still playing really well, good win over the weekend. South Florida is a pretty big mystery. A couple of Big East losses already. Not sure what to make of Pitt. The Panthers looked great when I saw them play in Tampa, then give up 54 points at home to Rutgers.

Mike (Atlanta)

Mark, how bad is the Big 10 though? At worst it is still the 3rd best right. I would argue the gap between the Big 10 and the 4th best conference is greater than between B12/SEC and 3rd.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:25 PM)

I don't think the Big Ten is an awful conference. But it's not as good as last year. Illinois is a .500 team after losing Mendenhall and some other great players from 2007. Michigan isn't going to a bowl game. Iowa is still up and down, though they've been more up recently. Purdue is awful. Indiana has struggled (until Saturday at least). Northwestern and Minnesota are much better, but is that the result of the other teams struggling? I'm not sure. But I'd say the Big 12 and SEC are the top two conferences, followed by the Big Ten, Pac-10 and ACC (which are close to Big Ten) and Big East.

Spivey (Atl)

Stafford , is he back next year ?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:26 PM)

Would be surprised if he and Moreno came back. Both might be top-10 to top-15 picks in the NFL draft. We'll see. He might pull a Peyton Manning.

Shane (Scranton)

Mark, doesnt WVU's gashing of Auburn prove just a little bit that the SEC may be a little overrated this year. I mean LSU was getting credit for that Auburn win for weeks.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:28 PM)

I don't think the SEC is as good as it's been in the past, and I've said that several times this year. The Big 12 has more depth. Auburn and Tennessee are struggling. Auburn's defense was playing really, really well until it finally buckled because it's defense is so bad. But it was also a road game against a pretty determined team trying to save its season. But, yes, a lot of SEC teams are going through transitions, particularly on offense.

TJ ((Clemson))

CJ Spiller, will he be back?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:28 PM)

Would be surprised, unless he doesn't come back anytime soon from the hamstring injury. But may come back and not have to share carries with James Davis for a season.

virginia, charlotte

LSU obviously needs a quarterback. Ours played for UGA defense and gave them 17 points. Who would you start?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:29 PM)

I'd start Lee and stick with him and quit rotating him with Hatch. The kid is a freshman and is going to make mistakes. Unfortunately, four of his picks have been returned for TDs this season. But he's going to take his lumps. But I'd get him as many reps as possible right now.

Thomas (Charlottesville, VA)

Mark,What do you think of UVA's turnaround so far? See any hope at a birth in the ACC championship game against FSU?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:30 PM)

I wouldn't count the Cavs out of anything right now. They've found the magic they had last year, when they won all those close games. Verica is playing well and Peerman is running hard. Groh has done a tremendous job. Read my On the Mark column today. Big props to Virginia.

Robert in Atlanta, GA

If Texas loses the big 12 championship the same night that UGA wins, does UGA get the nod to play Penn State over Texas?Is it possible for a one loss SEC Champion to leapfrog an undefeated Penn State with a convincing conference championship victory?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:30 PM)

You're assuming Georgia beats Florida and Auburn and Georgia Tech and Kentucky. Long way to go.

Brian (Tulsa)

Is it possible for a rematch of Texas and Ou and if so who wins?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:31 PM)

In the BCS title game? I'd be surprised. Sooners aren't very good on defense right now without Reynolds. I have a feeling that will eventually catch up with them. But, boy, that offense is pretty darn good right now.

Zaid (Austin, TX)

Brian Orakpo continues to make big plays every week. No one can stop him. Is he the best DE in the country?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:32 PM)

He is making more plays than any other defensive end in the country right now. Miller isn't bad inside, either. He's pretty darn good.

Craig (PA)

Mark, why can't college football fans appreciate defensive matchups anymore? All anyone wants to see are games, like in the Big 12, which have high flyin offenses, no D and basketball scores.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:32 PM)

My favorite kind of football. It's not just the Big 12, though. Everybody seems to be scoring tons of points. How about Navy? Wins without throwing a pass. A thing of beauty....

Jason (SoCal)

SEC is 5-6 vs OOC BCS teams so far. SEC scheduled 33 non-BCS team for OOC. SEC is not as good as the South believes. LSU just gave up back to back 50+ pts per game. Why are they ranked? While USC shouldn't be ranked above a 1 loss UGA, ALA, or FL at the end of the year, the rest of the SEC is below average. Rank the teams not the environments.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:39 PM)

What was the Pac-10's record against the Mountain West? USC is a great team and might be one of the top two before the end of the season. Oregon might have been very, very good if it didn't lose so many quarterbacks early in the season. Cal? I think they're good, but how to explain the loss at Maryland? Oregon State? Pretty good, especially against USC. UCLA? Not good (saw them against BYU). Stanford? Arizona? Better than they've been. So-so. Arizona State? Shockingly bad. Washington? Horrible. Washington State? Worse.

Matthew(Orlando)

Thanks Jason, the SEC is not as good as everyone says. When its a low scoring game, all you hear is "Great SEC defense". When they put tons of points on each other, its "Great SEC speed". Texas' defense would shut down any SEC team, like they did to Ark, who put up 300+ yrds on Bama and FL

Mark Schlabach

  (2:40 PM)

Arkansas has gotten better under Petrino on offense. Michael Smith has been a good player the last few weeks. But Texas probably wouldn't have that much success against Georgia, Florida, Alabama. Just like Wake Forest, for instance, wouldn't do to Texas what it did to Baylor.

Dan (Syracuse)

Mark...reports are that if Syracuse loses this week, Robinson will be let go. Any idea who they may look at for the next coach?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:42 PM)

No idea. But Darryl Gross needs to hit a home run.

Mike(So Cal)

Your such a homer!!!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:43 PM)

What? The Pac-10 and Big Ten aren't very good this season, either. I said the Big 12 was better than the SEC. We can have these arguments all night, if that's what you guys want.

Jim (Huntington, CT)

Here's a BCS nightmare: Let's say Bama, Texas, and Penn St all are undeafeated. Who plays in the BCS Championship?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:44 PM)

My guess would be Bama and Texas, based on strength of schedule, and Penn State would still have a chance if it beat USC in the Rose Bowl.

Mike (Beckley, WV)

Just curious as to what you think about this- in three of Rutgers' previous four games, the Scarlet Knight defense has injured the opposing team's QB (two of those were wins for RU). Coincidence?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:44 PM)

No, I'd say there's a direct correlation. But I haven't heard they weren't clean hits, either.

Matt (Houston)

Mark, can you think of any other sport that the fans have such a sense of entitlement? I know we call it passion, but some people take it to the extreme. College, like the NFL, is an every week sport right now. Anyone can lose on any day. I am a UF Alum, but I'd be a fool to think we can stay unblemished every week.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:45 PM)

Very good point...

Troy (La Plata, MD)

Why do you refuse to comment on anything having to do with ACC football?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:45 PM)

I answered Virginia question earlier, didn't I? What's your question? Or was that it?

Brad (TX)

If Texas has a mishap and loses against Texas Tech this weekend, yet finishes 12-1 as the big 12 champions would they get the nod over a 12-1 Florida team?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:46 PM)

Never lose late...Florida would have beaten Georgia and probably Alabama. Wouldn't be good for Texas, I'm guessing.

Zed(Coral Springs, fl)

Whats your thoughts on the "baby canes"? Also how Randy Shannon is handling the qb situation down here.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:46 PM)

Randy is obviously doing a very good job recruiting. Was really surprised at how well Marve played last week, guess that's what happens when Harris is breathing down his neck. Randy will get them turned around. (another ACC question, by the way).

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Here's an ACC question with a little Big Ten too: Better coach overall for the college game, Bobby Bowden or Joe Paterno?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:47 PM)

Can't pick one over the other. Both have tremendous legacies and have done tons for college football. And it would be nice to see them both go out near the top.

Mike (LA, CA)

The SEC fan base, of which you're a member, is myopic. I bet they also think the Confederacy was better than the USA, huh? Lemme guess: The United States only won Gettysburg because it was "played" outside of the south, right? Do you hum "Dixie" while you do these chats? Just curious.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:49 PM)

Actually, I sing "Deep in the Heart of Texas." ...Since you were curious.

Todd ( Austin, TX)

Mark,Why is everyone so bent on giving the SEC a pass on "great D" and lable the Big 12 with a "no D" tag? I understand Big 12 offenses are killing ppl, but they were doing that to OOC teams throughout the year as well... why can;t the media ppl, such as yourself, just own up and admit that the Big 12 plays good D, but when you have this much firepower it skewers the facts. How many other conferences have this many Heisman contenders again? And how many of them have this many leading their offenses as QB's?I guess the easier question is when is espn, and the rest of the world going to get off of the SEC and Pac 10 bandwagon - quit dogging Texas and the Big 12 overall, and start opening your eyes and giving credit where credit is due instead of trying to justify everything?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:51 PM)

I have yet to dog Texas. I dogged the defenses they were playing. I wrote in the original column you're referring to that Muschamp has done an unbelievable job with the defense he inherited. I was poking fun at Missouri, Kansas, Kansas State (55 points in the first half?) and even Oklahoma (without Reynolds). Yes, LSU's defense is bad right now. Great front four, but mediocre linebackers and lousy defensive backs. Auburn is better than they showed against West Virginia. Don't you think it's difficult to play hard when your offense does absolutely nothing each and every week? Georgia's defense is pretty good, but didn't tackle well against LSU once it had a big lead. Florida is good on defense. Alabama is good on defense. Some of the offenses in the SEC are obviously rank, but Georgia, Florida, Alabama can all score. There are great teams in both leagues.

Jeff, Suwanee

Wow mark, even LA the capital city of tolerance has it in for you. My question is do you think the refs will be watching GA closely after last years dance?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:52 PM)

I would assume officials will be on their toes in Jax this weekend.

Brent (Dallas, TX)

Why do people keep thinking that it will take a UT mishap for Tech to win this weekend? UT is a darn good team but so is Tech, the game is in Lubbock, and UT is at the end of this crazy stretch and could be tired.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:53 PM)

Texas Tech can score on anyone. The question is always can they stop anyone? We'll find out. Leach will have his team ready. So will Mack Brown. Should be a great, great game.

Craig (PA)

Post my BCS solution please. Just like in 1971, the corrupt southern favoring president ignores Joe Pa and an undefeated Nittany Lions team and declares Texas national champ, how's that sound?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:53 PM)

Posted. Don't think Penn State fans would like it.

Evil Monkey (NH)

What kind of tomfoolery can we expect from Georgia and/or Florida on Saturday?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:53 PM)

I'd be surprised if anything went down. Just line up and play football.

Paul (Detroit)

Mark, are you surprised that Michigan has failed to show any improvement? They seem to keep losing the same way every week.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:54 PM)

I thought it would take a couple of years for Rich Rod to get the right personnel in there. Plus, Michigan lost everything off of last year's team. I didn't have Michigan in a bowl game in my first projections during the preseason, if I remember correctly.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

So then are the defenses in the Big Ten not that good because the offenses are mediocre? I mean if you look at Purdue, their offense has sputtered but they've played some pretty stingy defense. Bottom line is, like you said, we can argue this stuff all night. We won't get any closer to a resolution. I guess that's what makes this fun.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:55 PM)

Agreed. Penn State has showed it can outscore opponents and hold them down. Pretty good club.

Burr (FXE)

Hey Mark, looks like a tough day at the office and everyone is taking their Monday blues out on you! Who do you have in the ND/Pitt game this weekend?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:56 PM)

Ah, that's why I love the job. Who else gets paid to argue about college football for an hour every Monday? Go with the Irish after watching the Pitt defense vs. Rutgers.

Wolfe: Gainesville, GA

If a one-loss SEC team gets snubbed by an undefeated Penn State team and Penn State gets whipped in a NC game, do you think that SEC coaches and ADs will campaign for the Big Ten to have a conference championship? If so, what will it take to force them to have a conference championship?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:56 PM)

SEC can't force the Big Ten (or any other conference) to do anything. It's strictly up to that conference.

Tim Berkeley Ca

Why is the Pac 10 so bad on the road this year even in conference and who wins Sat? oregon at Cal

Mark Schlabach

  (2:57 PM)

Road games are tough and there seems to be more travel time in the Pac-10. Oregon and Cal are playing much better than they did earlier in the season. I'll go with Oregon, but Cal can win.

Matt K (The Burg, PA)

Come on PAC 10 fans I am tired of hearing what USC did to OSU had any factor if PSU has a chance. We wacked Oregan State who beat USC, this is the best PSU team since 1995 and they are a true contender to beat any SEC or Big 12 team.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:57 PM)

A good, logical argument.

Tim (NY)

By the end of the year this will be different, but hasn't USC played the best schedule of any major 1 loss team right now? Ohio St is as good a victory as any team can claim (GA/FL over LSU also). USC is the only team with 2 victories over currently ranked teams. Then Virginia, Oregon State and Arizona are all five win teams already. I know Oklahoma, Florida, George, Oklahoma State all have plenty of big games left to flip this schedule argument, but to date, which of those schools has played a better schedule than USC?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:58 PM)

Virginia was bad when USC played them, though. New quarterback, Peerman is healthy again. That Virginia team lost to U. Conn by 35 points and Duke by 28. Then turned it around.

John (WPB)

Mark, you said earlier that Weis will get it done in South Bend - does that mean you think he wins a national title there? The schedule in 2009 is pretty soft and they get USC at home...

Mark Schlabach

  (2:59 PM)

Good, young talent. Played a lot of freshmen last year. Let's not get ahead of ourselves, though. Let's see how this season ends.

Ron (Tampa, FL)

Can Georgia contain the 1,2,3 speed factor of Harvin, Demps, and Rainey at the cocktail party? Florida seems to be showing new wrinkles with these guys every game.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:00 PM)

Georgia has to tackle better and get pressure on Tebow. Brought a lot more pressure last year than they did all season. Will be curious to see if they keep that game plan.

Pat (Storrs, CT)

Who do you think is the best RB in the nation?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:00 PM)

Beanie Wells, Knowshon Moreno, Donald Brown, DeMarco Murray, to name a few. I've left off a few, so I'm sure somebody's upset now.

Drew (Gainesville, FL)

Over/under seeing Georgia dancing 50 times this week on ESPN?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:00 PM)

It's already hit the over.

Ryan (Chicago, IL)

Technically speaking, right now, anyone on this chat who's at work is getting paid to argue about college football for an hour.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:01 PM)

OK, anyone who is supposed to be doing this and getting paid for it.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:01 PM)

Folks, have to run. Have a great week and enjoy the games this weekend. I've got to go learn the words to Dixie. Can honestly say I don't know them...Good luck to your teams this weekend.