ESPN

Beano Cook

  (3:04 PM)

Good afternoon and welcome. Well, I have picked the right team five straight games, so I am now 5-4 entering this week. I will try to make it six in a row at the end of this chat.

Matt (Miami, FL)

Beano, give me YOUR top 3 teams and why you ranked them up there.

Beano Cook

  (3:05 PM)

Well, Alabama-1, Texas Tech-2, Penn State-3. They are all undefeated. In the old days, we would say untied. Texas Tech over Penn State because of schedule.

Larry (Glendale, CA)

Don?t be AFRAID to date yourself. Who do you think would have won between the 1954 UCLA Football Team and the 1954 Ohio State Football Team? They both went undefeated that season.

Beano Cook

  (3:06 PM)

UCLA. Would have been in the Rose Bowl but UCLA was on probation. The Bruins would have won if they played out there in the Rose Bowl.

Rick, LA

What did you think of Pete Carroll's comments about the BCS?

Beano Cook

  (3:06 PM)

I don't have any opinion. It is easy to criticize the BCS. He has the right to feel the way he does.

Adam (pittsburgh, pa)

The big ten looks pretty weak and PSU scheduled an absolutely awful non-con schedule, so do you see a big ten or SEC champ with one loss both passing PSU? I know the nation is scared PSU may be another Ohio State from the last two years, and people tend to think Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma are all more deserving than PSU.

Beano Cook

  (3:09 PM)

You mean Big 12 or SEC? If there are two teams with 12-0 records they will play for the national title among the BCS schools. Alabama and/or Texas Tech will have to lose.

Glen, Pensacola Florida

Beano, tell me why everyone, Ivan included, defends Mark Richt's actions of a year ago that could've caused a brawl on the field and then condemns Urban's decision to call 2 time outs in the final minute of the game Saturday...it just seems classless to say one was masterminded and the other was just immature..your thoughts?

Beano Cook

  (3:11 PM)

My opinion is Mark Richt made a mistake last year...that is just my opinion. I felt Meyer was childish and wrong this year, but what Georgia did was worse. It adds to the rivalry and we can't wait for the game next year.

John, Alabama fan

Do you think Auburn should fire Tommy Tuberville? The offense did nothing against Mississippi.

Beano Cook

  (3:12 PM)

No. He made a mistake hiring Tony Franklin as offensive coordinator and then cut his losses. Tuberville has done too much at Auburn over the years. Let's see what happens next year before he is on the hot seat.

Tommy, Baltimore

Were you surprised Texas didn't do a better job with Crabtree on the last play of the game?

Beano Cook

  (3:13 PM)

It was just a great play. Things like that happen in sports. Texas regrets that it didn't do a better job but Texas Tech made the play.

Bruce (Dallas)

Seems silly that Texas could go 11-1 (beat OU, Missouri, Okie State and Kansas) and a last play loss on the road to the then #7 team at Tech may keep them out of a BCS game. Thoughts?

Beano Cook

  (3:14 PM)

Correct, and it could happen. It is the system, and they lost the game. How do you think Florida feels about having an extra point blocked?

Trevor (Nampa, ID)

Beano, Should Boise State win out this season and qualify for a BCS Bowl, what opposing team poses the best matchup for them? And which would you most like to see?

Beano Cook

  (3:15 PM)

At this stage, we need a little more time to see how things play out. Chris Peterson is certainly a super coach whose name will be mentioned with different job searches. There are five Saturdays left, ask me in a few weeks.

Gary (Ct)

What about Obama's call for a playoff? Do you think it will happen?

Beano Cook

  (3:17 PM)

He has a few other things to worry about. It was a good answer and a smart thing to say. Right now the economy may be a more pressing issue than a playoff. I don't think he will have trouble getting tickets to the Final Four.

Bruce (Dallas)

Longhorns are Cowboy fans this week. Thoughts on the game?

Beano Cook

  (3:18 PM)

Texas Tech is at home and a small favorite. The Red Raiders are supposed to win but let's see what happens? Oklahoma State beat them last yera, 49-45 despite Harrell throwing for over 600 yards.

Rick, Knoxville

Did you think Tennessee handled the Fulmer situation well?

Beano Cook

  (3:19 PM)

It is never easy to fire a coach, and in the case of Fulmer it was much tougher than normal. He grew up in Tennessee, he was a player there, an assistant there, a national champion head coach there. He was not an outsider. It is a tough league, the toughest over recent years in college football. He is gruff, but from all indications he is down to earth.

Glen, Pensacola Florida

the media wants contriversy and then when its given they bash you! It truly is a no win situation! As a college football fan...media types make me SICK! They get their dadgum story no matter the cost or consequence of those around them! One was in the lines of the rules and the other could've resulted in expulsion from the game of EVERY player that left the bench area! This wasn't childish, it was making a point of doing it the right way where pouring salt in a wound is concerned! Just my opinion!

Beano Cook

  (3:20 PM)

You are entitled to your opinion.

Corey (michigan)

Hi Beano: Your thoughts on which Bowl game Notre Dame will wind up in?

Beano Cook

  (3:23 PM)

By the way, about the last comment, I stand by my Urban Meyer comment about it being childish. I also said that he is the best coach in college football, but you must have missed that in several chats this season. Notre Dame has to win nine games to get to the Gator Bowl, in my opinion. It is unbelievable to me that Notre Dame has now gone 20 years since winning the national title. Notre Dame also has its home games all televised, and they have become 3+ hours of an infomercial. The Irish has its own radio network too. 20 years, unreal.

Mike Stevens Park City Utah

What are your thoughts on the Utah-TCU game Thursday night. There has been very little national media attention given to this game yet two top 12 BCS busting teams are playing. Thanks

Beano Cook

  (3:25 PM)

Great game, a great Thursday night contest. The networks should do as well in prime time. I would take the home team to win. TCU's only loss this year came against Oklahoma. TCU already handed BYU its only defeat. Should be a great one.

Don, Morgantown

Shouldn't West Virginia get a little more love, Beano? The Mountaineers are going to win the Big East and a road win at Connecticut means something, right?

Beano Cook

  (3:26 PM)

Let's wait until the end of the season to crown the conference champion. Please be patient, the season is going too fast as it is. It won't be long before pitcherrs and catchers report, one of the most dreaded days of the year. The Big East is the weakest conference of the BCS ones.

Glen, Pensacola Florida

I am just airing my frustrations with the media in general and I also missed Ivan's chat today or I would've let him have it! You and usually Ivan are 2 of my favorites..I love the POD CAST that you two do...I just don't agree as I have explained above...thanks for the acknowledgement on my opinion and thoughts..Have a good day Beano!

Beano Cook

  (3:27 PM)

You too.

Matt (Philadelphia)

I'll give you 2 Nationals-Pirates next season if you can get me 2 Apple Cup tickets.

Beano Cook

  (3:28 PM)

Washington-Washington State... I have been trying to get tickets to that game because someone has to win. Both of those are difficult seats to get. It is hard to believe how bad those two football teams are and it is sad.

Kirk (LA)

Assuming that Oregon St. and BAMA win out, is it possbile for us to see SC and Florida play in a BCS bowl game as an "At Large" team?

Beano Cook

  (3:30 PM)

Absolutely. Wow, interesting thought.

Klyde (Frankfurt, OH)

What happens if Rich Rod struggles again next year. Will Michigan give him the boot?

Beano Cook

  (3:30 PM)

No. Give him a little time.

Paul (Iowa)

Tell me Iowa has a chance against Penn State this weekend.

Beano Cook

  (3:31 PM)

I said that Penn State has to be alert. This could be a very tough game. I still feel Penn State will win. Let em say it one more time, Penn State will play for the national title. Let me say it one more time...Penn State will play for the national title.

jb (suwanee ga)

Beano,Soup or Salad (must have been bad Clam Chowder) - how can you say TT over Penn St because of schedule. The big ten is down and maybe even worse than bad briscut BUT TT playing Mass, W Washington, Nevada, (I know must be the daunted SMU mustangs) - that schedule in the end might be better - BUT not now.

Beano Cook

  (3:32 PM)

Soup today for lunch. I know that is an important question.

Jason (Denton, Tx)

do you see Ty Willingham coaching somewhere else next year?

Beano Cook

  (3:32 PM)

He will probably be somewhere as an assistant.

Dave, Gainesville Florida

In your mind, what has been the most impressive win by a team this year?

Beano Cook

  (3:33 PM)

Texas over Oklahoma, Oregon State over USC, Alabama in the first half against Georgia.

Mark (South Carolina)

What happend to Spiller and Davis at Clemson this year. They both look completely terrible.

Beano Cook

  (3:35 PM)

Clemson has not been the same since the opening loss to Alabama. That ruined their entrire season.

Dennis (Shalimar, FL)

My boss loves Tennessee. Will they rally around Fulmer and win out?

Beano Cook

  (3:36 PM)

I think he is liked and the players will go all out to try to win. It won't be easy.

Chad (New York city)

Beano, it's frustrating of late to be a Notre Dame fan. What is the problem? They have good talent. Why are they losing to Pitt and UNC? Their a basketball school for crying out loud. Something is just not right.

Beano Cook

  (3:37 PM)

Next year is a key season for the coaching staff. Notre Dame has material and a 9-3 record would be acceptable and that could still happen.

MJ (Orlando)

Clemson @ Florida St- who do you have any why?

Beano Cook

  (3:37 PM)

Seminoles win. Can win by running the ball.

Kris (Banner Elk, NC)

Who do you think will be the next coach at the University of Tennessee?

Beano Cook

  (3:38 PM)

Jim Grobe would be my guess but I have no inside information.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Mr. Cook: Do you think Wisconsin came into the season overrated or have they just had some bad luck since conference play began?

Beano Cook

  (3:39 PM)

I think the Badgers came in overrated. They never really recovered from the late loss to Ohio State after blowing a big lead in the second half against Michigan.

Drew (Little Rock)

If the game were played tonight for the nat'l championship, TT vs Bama..who wins?

Beano Cook

  (3:39 PM)

I would say Alabama. Tough game, and just a guess. You wanted an answer.

Dan (Nutley, NJ)

Impressive win by Syracuse last week (it felt weird typing that). Can they give Rutgers a game this weekend?

Beano Cook

  (3:40 PM)

It was a good win for Syracuse, but it is hard to figure the Orange out.

Robb (wv)

Why do you have to say the big east in the weakest of the bcs conferences, do you have something against the big east?

Beano Cook

  (3:41 PM)

No, just look at the conference. I have nothing against the Big East, believe me.

Terry (Falmouth, ND)

Can the Pac-10 get good, elite coaches like the SEC has? It would certainly change people perceptions of the conference.

Beano Cook

  (3:41 PM)

There are some good coaches in the Pac-10.

Charlie Cardinal, Valpo Ind.

Beano, Ball State or NIU? Will you be watching?

Beano Cook

  (3:43 PM)

Ivan Maisel picked Ball State as his pick of the week. One of the gameday guys, I think it was Corso, had that as an upset alert...we will see what happens. I can't believe there's no election coverage on tonight. No more election ads. I would rather watch local news or a re-run of a Royals-Mariners game than election ad.

Dave (San Pedro, CA)

Did Ariz State overachieve last year, or were expectations just too high for them this year?

Beano Cook

  (3:44 PM)

I guess the latter. I was one who rated them high too.

Ivan (South Beach, FL)

Speaking of Ball State. Just because they're 7-0 doesn't mean they could beat the likes of Florida State, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt, and others ranked below them.

Beano Cook

  (3:45 PM)

Who said they would?

Dave (San Pedro, CA)

Beano - what's up with the SC song girls?

Beano Cook

  (3:45 PM)

Stock up...

Pete (NC)

Huge ACC game in Chapel Hill this weekend. UNC or GT?

Beano Cook

  (3:46 PM)

That is one of the better games of the day. I like North Carolina in a close game. Butch Davis and Paul Johnson have both done great jobs.

Brian (Columbus)

Beano, what are the chances Tressel swallows some pride and hires an offensive coordinator next year?

Beano Cook

  (3:47 PM)

That's up to him. I don't know, but Ohio State has lost two games, and both teams are in the top six and one will play for the national title...quit complaining.

Larry (Glendale, CA)

CORRECTION: UCLA was not on probation in 1954. The Rose Bowl had this STUPID rule where a team was not allowed to play in the Rose Bowl in consecutive seasons. I RESPECT and CHERISH your opinion, but please do your research. You are a national treasure and I want to make sure you get your facts straight.

Beano Cook

  (3:48 PM)

California played after the 1948, 1949 and 1950 seasons. Washington played after the 1959 and 1960 seasons.

Brian (Charlotte, NC)

A question from a fan that expects too much: Now that Fulmer is gone, who replaces him? Any chance at Butch Davis?

Beano Cook

  (3:49 PM)

Very unlikely. Why deal with the pressure of the SEC, there is more pressure there than in the NFL. You want to face Florida and Georgia every year, and Alabama and LSU every so often!

Donald D (Eugene, OR)

Wouldn't Ty Willingham be a great fit in the Ivy League?

Beano Cook

  (3:50 PM)

Yes, he would be.

Eric, Baltimore

JoePa:a) Retire if you win the Ntl Championshipb) Retire if you make it to the Title Gamec) Retire Regardlessd) Return Next Year (Regardless of this season)

Beano Cook

  (3:51 PM)

I think he will be the coach next year unless he retires due to physical problems.

Larry (Glendale, CA)

Wow!!! I apologize, Mr. Cook. If I was there in person, I would bow down to you. I guess I was misinformed. The head of College Football Data Warehouse gave me a false explanation. Thank you for the clarification.

Beano Cook

  (3:52 PM)

I remember because I was in the army at the time. New Year's fell on a Saturday and I was home at the time.

Chad Carter (C-Town, GA)

Is Mark Richt the modern day John Cooper? Always high expectations, but never realized.

Beano Cook

  (3:53 PM)

I have no idea.

Troy (Montrose, CA)

FOR THE LOVE OF JUSTICE!!! Do you think USC?s Anthony Davis should have won the 1974 Heisman Trophy over Archie Griffin?

Beano Cook

  (3:54 PM)

I don't remember the stats that well.

Ray (CA)

Alabama plays Tennessee every year, not every so often!

Beano Cook

  (3:54 PM)

I know...my typist should have separated the Alabama and LSU part...

Beano Cook

  (3:56 PM)

Time for the pick. I am on a streak of five straight and sit at 5-4. It will come to an end eventually but it is nice to be hot. I am going with a small upset. Alabama gets a break because this is an afternoon game in Baton Rouge, but I am still going with LSU, 31-27. The Tide will still play for the conference title. See you next week at this time.