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Mark Schlabach

  (2:10 PM)

Hope everybody had a great weekend. I had a great time at Texas Tech, and obviously was very impressed with the Red Raiders...Here we go....

Will J (Portland, OR)

One more giant has fallen Penn St., who's next?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:10 PM)

Texas Tech at Oklahoma in two weeks? Alabama against Florida in the SEC championship game? Some intriguing games to be played.

Stephen( Chattanoog, Tn)

Do you think that Florida State can win the acc this year. Also do you think FSU can be competing for a national title next year? Finally, what grade do you Jimbo this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:11 PM)

Going to Tallahassee this weekend. Yes, I do think FSU can win the ACC, but Wake Forest is going to have to drop a game, which might not happen. Don't know about 'Noles competing for a national championship next year. Still need a couple of more recruiting classes, in my opinion. Certainly, we're really starting to see Jimbo put his imprint on the program. I think they've done a great job this year.

Ken

With Texas ahead of Florida in the BCS computers, how bad will Florida be hurt by their game with Citadel? could that offset an Alabama win enough that they would stay behind UT and we have a UT/Texas Tech rematch?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:12 PM)

I don't think so...Florida will be helped by beating South Carolina, FSU and Alabama, if they can win all three games. I don't see a Big 12 rematch in the BCS title game unless both Alabama and Florida lose once more.

Will J (Portland, OR)

It's looking more and more like a rematch in the Rose Bowl Oregon St. v. Penn St. Who would've guessed that after the drubbing the Beavs took in State College?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:16 PM)

let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. Beavers still have to beat Cal, Arizona and Oregon...That's a tough three-game stretch. And Penn State has to beat Michigan State.

David (Blue Turf)

Why have you never had Boise State in a BCS game all year in your projections? You seem to have a negative bias against the broncos. What do you have against our team that plays on the blue field?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:17 PM)

No bias. How are they going to get ahead of Utah, if the Utes don't lose? I don't see two teams from non-BCS leagues getting into the BCS. I like Chris Petersen. Great coach. Great program. But the Broncos have beaten three FBS teams with winning records. That's not enough to get into a BCS bowl game. And they don't have a tough opponent left. I have a column going up on the non-BCS teams later today.

Andy (Blacksburg, VA)

How come everyone thinks that UNC/FSU have the ACC in the bag when VT has beaten UNC and controls there own destiny. It seems like every year VT is ignored as a contender in the ACC but always ends up pulling it out. What are the realistic chances of them surprising everyone once again?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:19 PM)

Pretty good, given the way Darren Evans ran the ball last week. Tough game at Miami, but they should beat Duke and Virginia at home. Both races in that league are unbelievably close, but the Hokies have the edge in the Coastal because they beat UNC and Georgia Tech.

mike (earth)

If Texas and Oklahoma win out and Oklahoma jumps Texas I think I will lose faith in college football. What even happend to setteling things on the field??

Mark Schlabach

  (2:20 PM)

Ask Missouri how it feels...Beat Kansas last year, and Jayhawks went to the Orange Bowl. It happens.

Rick (South Bend)

Why is Notre Dame so bad and why do big time plays still go there?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:20 PM)

I assume you meant big-time players. Thought they'd turned the corner, but then losses to Pitt and B.C. Stunned B.C. shut them out, but Eagles have played good defense all year.

Ben (Eustis, Florida)

After the third year in a row of an SEC team being in a championship game and the fourth year in a row that either an SEC or big twelve team has won the NC. Does this give the two conferences the benefit of the doubt in future BCS decisions regarding undefeated or one loss teams from multiple conferences?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:21 PM)

I'm sure it weighs on some voters' minds, but the conferences are weighed by computers on the current seasons. I think the Big 12 and SEC are the two best conferences this year, and it looks like their champions will settle it on the field.

George (New York)

Is the Sugar Bowl doomed to be another SEC Heavyweight against an overrated Non-BCS school match?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:23 PM)

Depends on what happens in conference championship games, etc., but if SEC champ and Big 12 champ end up in BCS title game, Sugar would have Florida or Alabama and Fiesta would have Big 12 second-best team. Rose would have Big Ten champ vs. Pac-10 champ. Fiesta would have next pick. Might take Ohio State or Penn State. Sugar gets next choice ... does it take Big East champion or undefeated Utah or Boise State, etc? Orange Bowl has last choice of at-large teams to play ACC champ.

Dave (PA)

Mark, is it possible to see a rematch of USC/OSU (Oregon St.) in the Rose Bowl? Usc will be an at-large bid correct?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:26 PM)

No. Big Ten champ goes to Rose, unless Penn State ended up in BCS title game, which probably won't happen after the Nittany Lions lost. If Penn State somehow got back into the BCS game, I'm betting the Rose Bowl would take Ohio State to play Pac-10 champ. And you're assuming Oregon State wins its last three games, and USC loses to either Stanford or UCLA.

Matt (Austin, TX)

Who do you see as the bigger potential upset threat to Florida, South Carolina or Florida State?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:27 PM)

I'd favor Florida pretty heavily in both games, but I'll never count out Steve Spurrier playing his alma mater. South Carolina is pretty salty on defense. Getting better on offense every week. But that's a tough game in the Swamp. FSU is at Doak Campbell, and the Noles play good defense, too. Neither game is an easy out, but Gators are playing really well right now.

mac(norman, OK)

ok mark: scenario - OU beats texas tech (70% sure)TTU, OK, UT in a tie.. why wouldnt OU jump texas in the BCS, if they dont, why would TTU drop below texas in the BCS, if they dont, why would TTU be above OU in the BCS?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:29 PM)

I'm not counting the Red Raiders out of any game after watching what they did to Oklahoma State. And I'm not completely convinced Oklahoma can beat Texas Tech AND Oklahoma State. Sooners are playing really, really well on offense, but can they slow those opponents down? Haven't played great defense after losing Reynolds. As far as the BCS standings if your scenario happens, it would be complete chaos. Texas Tech would probably be penalized for losing last, but Texas would have head-to-head over Oklahoma. Red Raiders would have head-to-head over Texas. It would be ugly and you'd see more some serious politics going on.

Cletus (Mobile, AL)

Why are people so enamored with Florida? They have no chance of beating Alabama because Alabama is Urban Meyer's kryptonite. They are really PHYSICAL and their lines on both sides of the ball are far superior hands down.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:30 PM)

Florida is really, really good. So is Alabama, although I don't think they're playing as well as they did earlier in the season. Cody needs to get healthy again.

Dave (DC)

Mark, could Michigan State get into the BCS without getting the Rose Bowl? I think it's possible if they beat Penn State, even if Ohio State wins out and gets the Rose Bowl.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:31 PM)

I think it would be a stretch for that to happen. Ohio State would go to the Rose Bowl if they win out....Not sure Michigan State would get the nod over a second SEC or Big 12 team, and Boise State or Utah would be guaranteed a spot if one team finishes unbeaten.

Tom (Chicago)

Why aren't more people talking about the job Mark Dantonio has done? He took a rollercoaster program and made them a Big Ten contender in 2 years.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:32 PM)

People are talking about it. Great job. Turned Michigan State into a consistent team. Ringer is the real deal.

Tran (Providence, RI)

Do you think Miami made a huge mistake by joining the ACC rather than staying in the Big East? It seems like the Hurricanes could have built another successful and prestigious dynasty by dominating the Big East.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:32 PM)

Don't think conference affiliation has been the problem. Not sure Miami had enough talent the last couple of years to beat West Virginia, Rutgers, etc. Hurricanes are definitely getting better, though.

B.K. Barrus

What do you think about Boise State do you think that they will make it to a big bowl game

Mark Schlabach

  (2:33 PM)

If Utah loses. I don't see Boise State jumping the Utes if they finish unbeaten. Again, the Boise State schedule hasn't been great.

Drew (Brunswick)

Do you think Stafford will return for his senior season?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:33 PM)

No. I think he and Moreno leave. Both will be top-15 picks.

matt(New Orleans, LA)

Mark, what is your take on the LSU qb situation? I hear Jefferson doesn't know the plays, he is a true freshman, etc. Why not give the kid a chance? Other than a bowl game, we have nothing left to play for. Geaux Tigers!!!!!!!!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:34 PM)

Was surprised he didn't play against Alabama. Didn't they burn his redshirt with a few snaps against Tulane? I would have tried anything, as poorly as Lee played against Alabama. I know it was a tough situation against a great defense, but get somebody with some mobility back there.

John (Norman)

What happens if a conference has more than two teams that meet the automatic bid requirements for the BCS

Mark Schlabach

  (2:36 PM)

No more than two teams from one BCS conference can go to BCS bowl games. Only the champion is guaranteed a spot. The at-large rules state: If any of the 10 slots remain open after application of provisions 1 through 4, and an at-large team from a conference with an annual automatic berth for its champion is ranked No. 3 in the final BCS Standings, that team will become an automatic qualifier, provided that no at-large team from the same conference qualifies for the national championship game.

Jeff (Chicago)

Mark, do you think bowl committees and TV networks hate teams like Utah and Boise State? They probably deserve to be there, but face it, NCAA football is mostly about the money.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:38 PM)

It's about TV ratings and large traveling parties. But again, read my column that's going up later. I think Utah has an argument. I'm not so sure about Boise State. They've played one really tough team -- Oregon, which had QB issues. Boise State is a great program, but I don't think they have as much of an argument considering its schedule this year.

Steve (SLC)

Utah has beaten 3 top 30 teams and if they win out another one in BYU. That would be 4 top 30 teams. How many other schools can claiim that? I want a piece of Bama in the Sugar!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:39 PM)

Good wins. Not sure Utes would be undefeated playing in the Big 12, Big Ten, SEC, etc. But they would have four quality wins if they beat BYU. Not a lot of teams can claim the same thing.

Brian (Orlando, FL)

What do you make of the Gators' mid-season change in emphasis from punt-returning to punt-blocking? Both have been wildly successful, but it was so sudden starting with the UK game and now it seems like they go after every one...

Mark Schlabach

  (2:39 PM)

Great special teams. Dangerous returning kicks and blocking them. It's easier when you have so many athletes.

Jeraud (Valdosta)

Can Bama run the table and win the title this year

Mark Schlabach

  (2:39 PM)

They'll get a heck of a fight from Florida, and I'm betting Auburn won't lay down in the Iron Bowl, either.

Lubbock, TX

What if Baylor and Texas were switched on Texas Techs schedule and thus, the Red Raiders were still waiting to knock off a big opponent? Would Tech, in the case of wins over remaining OU and Texas in that situation, allow TTU to leapfrog the likes of Bama, Florida, USC, possible Penn State to get to the top of the BCS standing? In other words, how important has schedule sequencing been to Texas Techs success this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:40 PM)

Pretty important, especially since the Red Raiders played two FCS opponents this year.

Joshua(Miami,FL.)

Mark,Miami has won 4 in a row now. They were competitive against UF, and lost to FSU and UNC in the final minute. Why is no one giving them a chance to win ACC Championship?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:41 PM)

They have a chance. Everyone in that league except Duke and N.C. State and Clemson seems to have a chance.

Travis (Boston)

Mark, why do so many people rip Utah? I have no bone in this fight but they scheduled tough games, including an away game in usually tough Ann Arbor.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:41 PM)

Agreed. They have a legitimate argument for a BCS bid.

Phillip (austin, tx)

Why is florida so close to Texas? Texas beat # 5, 12 and 14 and lost to number 2. Florida beat # 10 and 20 but lost to an UNRANKED ole miss AT HOME. Regardless of how good SEC fans tell me ole miss is, Why are the teams this close? Im pretty sure Tech is better than Ole Miss. So what gives? What could possibly change that would stop this type of stuff from happening? Also where do you have florida in regards to Texas? If you have them above Texas then I extend the same insult I extended to Mr. Chris Low. LOSER.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:42 PM)

Florida is absolutely drilling opponents right now. Loss to Ole Miss was bad, and I'm not sure winning the SEC carries the same weight it once did. But they'll have to beat South Carolina, FSU and No. 1 Alabama to get there. That would probably be good enough.

Steve (Kansas)

Mark, are you surprised at how well two traditional basketball schools -- N. Carolina and Michigan St. -- are doing in football?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:42 PM)

No. Two very good coaches.

Gerald mt

What time is your column goign to be up on noin bcs teams

Mark Schlabach

  (2:42 PM)

Very shortly....

Mallory Edwards, Spartanburg, SC

How close is Spurrier with these Gamecocks? Do you see them with a fighting chance of going to ATL anytime soon?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:43 PM)

I think he turned the corner this year. Garcia is a guy he can build his offense around. Spurrier has recruited well. Ellis Johnson is a heck of a defensive coordinator. USC could have gone in the tank again, but I think Spurrier finally got through to them. Maybe his best coaching job this year.

Bret (Los Angeles, CA)

Hey Mark, what are the chances that Oregon State wins out for the Rose Bowl bid and USC finishes top 4 in the BCS for another BCS bid (did I do the BCS math right on that one?)? Where would USC end up?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:44 PM)

If Oregon State wins out and goes to the Rose Bowl, I would think USC would be a definite possibility for the Fiesta Bowl (if the Trojans win out).

Jpayne(Valdosta)

Do you really think anyone can score enough points to beat the big 3 in the Big 12 besides Florida. If Bama plays Texas Tech I think its going to be ugly.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:45 PM)

It's an endless debate. Florida could play with anyone. Alabama could play with anyone in the Big 12. You have to stop the other team, too. Could those Big 12 teams stop Georgia enough? Georgia's defense would probably give up 50, but Stafford and Moreno might be able to score 50. It's a good debate with no clear answer.

Mike (Not So Happy Valley)

What are your thoughts on the Penn State game? I can't seem to figure out 3 things: why didn't they pressure the QB, why did they play 10 yds off the receivers, and why didn't they use any timeouts....all on the final drive! Your thoughts on the overall effort?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:46 PM)

I thought it was a very dangerous game for Penn State. Defense played pretty well, but offense was rather mediocre. Tough playing conditions. Give Iowa credit.

Matt: (KC, MO)

I missed Jeremy Maclin in your on-the-mark 'big play receivers' segment. He only rolled up 278 yards and scored three touchdowns. He had eight receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns, four carries for 84 yards and another TD and added 76 yards in returns.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:47 PM)

Sorry...only so many spots...Maclin is a great player.

Brent (Dallas, TX)

Being a Texas Tech Alum, I have tried to look at all scenarios and one that I am really not hearing (you sort of mentioned it earlier) is the OU beats Tech but goes into Stillwater and loses. In my opinion Tech is in an extremly good spot because if OU did lose in Stillwater Tech would have the UT tiebreaker and even though I don't think it could happen but UT could lose at KU. Why are people (except yourself) doing the same thing that they did last year and acting like OU will run the table? I don't think they have played defense this year and we have seen Defense from TTU, UT and OSU. I also still think OSU is a great team.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:52 PM)

I give the Red Raiders a good chance to beat Oklahoma. And the Sooners haven't played great defense the last few weeks. But can Texas Tech win three straight big games? I don't know.

Scott

if Texas and OU played again this weekend, who would you pick to win?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:52 PM)

Texas. OU defense isn't as good without Reynolds.

Urban (Gainesville, FL)

What does Tebow have to do for the rest of the season to win the Heisman?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:53 PM)

Lead his team to an SEC title and the BCS title game. Hope Harrell lays an egg somewhere along the way....

Bruce (CT)

Better offense: Florida or Oklahoma?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:53 PM)

Great offenses and players on both sides. Fun matchup. So would Texas Tech-Florida or Texas-Florida.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:54 PM)

Folks, I've got to run. Have a great week and enjoy this week's games...See you next week.