Steve Muench

  (2:02 PM)

Happy Halloween! I hope you are all doing well and ready to talk football.

tate baker comstock park,mi

javon ringer is so over rated, he hasn't faced a single good defense and rushed over 100 yards against them this year, so why is he still in the Heisman conversation?

Steve Muench

  (2:03 PM)

He's still in the Heisman race because he's the second leading rusher in the nation. And it's not all about total rushing yards. Remember RInger averaged 4.2 yards per carry against Ohio State but he only got 16 carries.

tate baker comstock park,mi

how long will it be until Michigan is back into the national title picture

Steve Muench

  (2:05 PM)

Tough to tell at this point but I think they are two years away from competing for a Big Ten title.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

Steve, Who has the best Offense in America? Who has the best Defense in America?

Steve Muench

  (2:06 PM)

I think Texas Tech has the best offense and USC has the best defense though I have to say that TCU's defense is also excellent.

Wes (San Diego)

Who's the better NFL prospect...James Davis or CJ Spiller?

Steve Muench

  (2:08 PM)

Good question. I think Spiller is more of a big-play threat but he dances in the backfield a little too much. Davis is more effcient and he's fast enough to break some long runs when he gets a seam so I'd say he's the betetr prospect at this point.

desplains IL

Will Graham Harrel win the heaseman trophy

Steve Muench

  (2:08 PM)

I think it's going to be Texas QB Colt McCoy

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Nine games and only 100 points allowed. No love for the PSU defense Steve?

Steve Muench

  (2:09 PM)

Both defenses I mentioned surrender fewer points per game than PSU.

Joey (Florence, AL)

I feel pretty confident that Bama will win out until they get to Atlanta, which I'm very concerned about. I think the only chance they have against Florida is gonna be Saban's gameplanning ability. Your thoughts...

Steve Muench

  (2:13 PM)

I had a long discussion with one of my co-workers about the Georgia game and he likes the Gators. He thinks they are emerging as one of the top two or three teams in the country. I'm not convinced. The development of RB Jeff Demps obvioulsy has given that offense a boost but the Gators defensive line is underszied. I think power ground games lke Alabama's and Georgia's are going to give them problems as a result. That's just me though.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Who's gonna win Texas or Tech? Gators or Dawgs?

Steve Muench

  (2:13 PM)

I like Texas and Georgia.

Matt (Philadelphia)

What are your thoughts on Pitt-Notre Dame tomorrow? As an ND alum, McCoy scares me but I'm counting on Wannstedt to find a way to lose.

Steve Muench

  (2:16 PM)

Last time I checked Pittsbrugh still doesn't know if QB Bill Stull will play. If he can't go, the Fighting Irish can sell out against the run and that will help slow down McCoy. I also like Notre Dame's passing attack working agaisnt a Pitt secondary that just didn't show up against Rutgers last week.

Steven, Austin

So Texas Tech is a paper tiger? what does that make you?

Steve Muench

  (2:20 PM)

Um what? Look the Red Raiders have now beaten a top 25 team and as a result I have to give them more credit this week than I did a week ago. Fair is fair. But now they have a three game stretch that determines their season (Texas, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma) If they win two of the next three I will be surprised and the trash talk can ensue, In the meantime, think of something a little more clever than "what does that make you?"

Randy (St. Paul)

The best defensive turnaround this year is by far the Gophers D. If they win out doesn't Tim Brewster deserve coach of the year?

Steve Muench

  (2:23 PM)

Unless I'm missing someone, I think Brewster would have to be the favorite. If they win out their only loss would be at Ohio State and they went 6-7 last year.

Joey (Florence, AL)

Two parter...who'd win Bama vs. Florida? or Bama vs. Georgia II? It's awfully tough beating a team twice in one year.

Steve Muench

  (2:26 PM)

Real tough to beat the same team twice in one year, especially when that team plays as well as Georgia did in the second half of that game. I think I'd take Georgia in that game the second time around for that very reason. I actually thinbk the Alabama FLorida matchup is intriguing becaues the Crimson Tide should be able to run the ball against the Gators but I think they will also have a hard time slowing Tebow down. I'd give the slight edge to Alabama because I think it's offensive line can take over a game when it plays well.

Justin (St Paul)

I know they have not had the hardest schedule, but what do you think of the Golden Gophers so far? Don't be shocked if they go 11-1 with that schedule!

Steve Muench

  (2:29 PM)

By the way I'm losing my fastball. The Gophers went 1-11 last year not 6-7. Even more impressive when looking at Brewster as a coach of the year canidate. Just raises a good question about the strength of schedule but I still think Brewster deserves a long look.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Mr. Muench: Agreed on Brewster but I think Joe Pa's name would get mentioned if the Lions win out, don't you?

Steve Muench

  (2:31 PM)

Like I said I'm losing my fastball. I think that Joe Pa would have to be up there too though there were certainly higher expectations for the Nittany Lions this year.

Kyle (OH)

Steve, I just want to take this opportunity to apologize to the Rams front office after bashing the Donnie Avery pick last April in this chat and many others. I was wrong. Thanks!

Steve Muench

  (2:32 PM)

I thought they reached too but we live and learn.

Chad (Savannah, GA)

I agree with you in who has TTech played, but in the same regards who has USC played. The only decent team them played was OSU and that was without Wells and Pryor.

Steve Muench

  (2:36 PM)

USC has wins came against Ohio State Oregon, Arizona State and Arizona. The Red Raiders only wins of note are Kansas and Nebraska. In my mind, the Trojans have had the tougher schedule thus far. Now that's all about to change so we will see what happens.

Johnstone (Bucktown)

You really think Texas Techs offense is better than OU's? They dropped 35 on TCU and could have scored 50.

Steve Muench

  (2:39 PM)

Both are great offenses but I think the difference is pass protection. Texas Tech does an excellent job of giving QB Graham Harrell enough time to find the open man and space to step into his throws. Oklahoma generally does the same for Sam Bradford but the Sooner pass protection has waivered at times like the Texas game and it hurt them.

Nubbs (Big Rock Road, MN)

Steve, Happy Halloween! Was wondering about Ohio St. offensive lineman Alex Boone, seems like his stock has slipped during the season, could you give me the reason for this? And what do you prefer Snickers or Kit Kats?

Steve Muench

  (2:41 PM)

He hasn;t held up as well as hoped as a pass blocker and he hasn't been a dominant drive blocker either. While he's generally getting the job done, he isn't jumping out on film.

Tim (Chicago, IL)

Think my Gators get a nat'l title bid if they win out?

Steve Muench

  (2:47 PM)

I am obvioulsy torn on this one because I have started this answer three times now. If FLorida beats Georgia and then beats Alabama in the SEC Championship game than they obvioulsy leap frog those two teams. And if they win out I also think they leap frog Penn State and possibly USC. The question is can TExas Tech knock off Texas or OKlahoma. If those two teams win out I think that they play for the championship.

Matt (Philadelphia)

I think Missouri is in a great position. They really should win out, and they'll get a beat-up South champion with a great shot to redeem themselves playing in KC for the second straight week.

Steve Muench

  (2:49 PM)

It all depends because again I think Texas and Oklahoma are the top two teams in the conference and maybe the country. That being said. I think Texas makes it to that game and there's little reason to belief the Tigers will win that game.

Nubbs (Big Rock Road, MN)

Steve, I don't want to jump all over you, but early in the year you said USC's DT Fili Moala could be the no. 1 overall pick in this year's draft. He isn't in anyones top 32 or top 25 lists and is only rated in the 70s by Scouts Inc. What's the dealy with Fili?

Steve Muench

  (2:51 PM)

Nubb like I've said all year Moala entered this season as one of the most overrated prospects in the country. We gave him a third round grade so I think you have me confused with some one else. He just couldn't hold his own when teams ran at him when we broke him down on film. And he still needs to get stronger at the point of attack.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

So you are of the mindset that a team with one loss at home to an unranked opponent plays in the BCS title game over an unbeaten Big Ten team, correct? I would hate to see PSU paying for the sins of Ohio State.

Steve Muench

  (2:54 PM)

It's not a perfect system and if I were a Penn State fan I would make the same argument. But it's noit about the one loss to an unranked team at home. It would be wons over LSU, Georgia, Florida State and most likley Alabama if they win out.

Nubbs (Big Rock Road, MN)

I could have sworn it was you Steve, but maybe it was McShay. We'll agree to disagree.

Steve Muench

  (2:55 PM)

Ok

joe (new orleans)

why are people so worried about "winning out" or "running the table"? what happened to winning the NEXT game and worrying about the one after that when it arrives? too many teams get knocked off to worry about "running the table"

Steve Muench

  (2:56 PM)

Joe that's for coaching staffs and players to worry about. Fans have every right to wonder what if? It's one of the many great things about following college football.

Ryan (Charlotte)

Florida lost to Ole Miss! At home! How in the world do the Gators jump PSU. realistically and honestly, where would Ole Miss finish in the Big Ten? I think you can lump them in with Wisconsin,Illinois,Iowa and Minnesota, your thoughts?

Steve Muench

  (2:59 PM)

Ole Miss is inconsistent and you never know what you are going to get from the Rebels but I think they have the talent and coach to push Michigan State for the No. 3 spot in the Big Ten. They haven't lost by more than seven points and they gave a Alabama a run for its money a couple of weeks ago.

Ryan (Charlotte)

Yeah, I get your argument about Florida's would be wins if they win out, but come on, FSU is an ACC team, LSU has been spanked by Fla and Georgia the last few weeks and beat a weak Auburn team. Georgia and Alabama are great teams, but PSU went into the Horseshoe and beat a hot OSU team, and POUNDED a top 3 PAC 10 team that I would think equals a win like FSU would be. No way Florida jumps PSU.

Steve Muench

  (3:03 PM)

soud argument and I think it would been far stronger had Ohiio State not gotten crushed by USC earlier in the air. As it stands now, the Buckeyes are the 12th ranked team in the BCS while Gerogia is at 6 and Alabama is at No. 2. By the way FLorida State is just three spots behind Ohio State. I think they are overrated there too but that ranking will help Florida if it gets the win.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Actually Mr. Muench, I re-read your response on Florida over PSU in the title game. LSU has been schooled by better teams. Georgia got thumped by Alabama. Florida State is having a good year but do you think they do that in the SEC, Big 12 or even Big Ten? Sounds to me like we are using reputation instead of reality in qualifying those wins.

Steve Muench

  (3:05 PM)

It's all about BCS rankings I just laid out and that opens the door for Florida to make a run.

Steve Muench

  (3:06 PM)

Alright, that's all for this week. I have to go get the kids ready for the big night. Stay safe and I hope to hear from all of you next week.

Steve Muench

  (2:02 PM)

I hope eveyone is doing well and that we got some Texas Tech fans in the house. I called the Red Raiders paper tigers two weeks ago and man have they proven me wrong so feel free to let me know about it.

Bernard (Princeton, NJ)

The BCS system is terrible and it makes the regular season a playoff system. Florida got upset early on. It is their fault they lost, no one else's. A team like Penn State has not been knocked off (yet). There is NO reason they should be jumped by a one-loss team.

Steve Muench

  (2:07 PM)

Bernard there are those that would argue that making the regualr season at least feel like the playoffs brings excitement to the game. I'm not one of them but it's worth considering. I also have to say that I disagree about Florida versus Penn State. The Gators have and will have to beat some very good teams to finish the seasonw ith one loss while the path for Penn State has been far easier. I also think this is a big reason why all BCS conferences need to have a championship game. It would give Penn State another opportunity to make its case for the BCS game.

Mike (New York)

Is the Big 10 even better than the ACC this year? Clemson is at the bottom of the ACC and arguably better than MSU.

Steve Muench

  (2:12 PM)

I have a hard time believing Clemosn could beat Michigan State right now.