Miller (Iowa)

Tim, coming from the Big 12 and all those Heisman candidates, do you have an opinion on whether Iowa's Shonn Greene deserves to be a finalist, especially if he has another big game this weekend (say 200 yds, 3 td's)

Tim Griffin

  (4:02 PM)

I think he's got a great shot of making NYC with another big game. And another thing. I can't remember one player having such a big season coming off a year where he sat out. His return has been incredible.

Justin

Tim, will Hawkins be gone by the end of the season or does CU keep him around another year? You know Nebraska's gonna torch CU at Lincoln next week!

Tim Griffin

  (4:04 PM)

Justin: As mentioned the other day on my Coaches Hot Seat Blog, Hawkins ranks in the top 10 of their post. I expect them to be much better next season if everybody returns healthy. It would be interesting to see what Darrell Scott could running behind a line that is healthy. It wouldn't surprise me if they are one of the surprises in the conference next season. I think the North will be down but very balanced next season. Should be interesting. And yes, I think Nebraska will win big next week. Bo's team is playing for a shot at playing on New Year's Day. It's too bad for the Buffaloes that they are in their way.

Steve (Houston, Tx)

Tim, Where do you see Texas heading bowl wise. It would seem if they beat A&M that they have a great shot at the NC game. If OU beat TTech then we can get them in the polls or if they loose to OK-State or MISS and if TTech wins they could still loose to MISS or Baylor.

Tim Griffin

  (4:06 PM)

Steve: It's going to be interesting to see how the poll shakes out. I was telling somebody that it's almost more advantageous to be sitting at 11-1 outside of the championship game. You have a great bully pulpit to claim your national championship hopes. Remember, Nebraska made the national championship in 2001 despite not winning their division. That sparked a lot of BCS controversy. A similar predicament this season would do the same thing.

Mo (NYC)

Chances we see an all-sec national championship game?

Tim Griffin

  (4:07 PM)

Mo: Don't like the chances. I think the Big 12 champion will have a solid sounding board. And by nature, having Florida and Alabama play for the title I would think that one team would win solidly. I doubt the BCS would provide us with a rematch.

Don Whitesboro Tex

Where do you see Tech ending up in the bowl picture

Tim Griffin

  (4:09 PM)

Don: Glad you asked that question because one of the wise guys on my question wanted to know how I could pick Tech in the BCS championship game earlier this week and pick them to lose against OU this week. This way ... I think OU struggles and maybe even loses against OSU next week. That would leave Tech and Texas tied with 7-1 records. Tech would advance on the head-to-head tiebreaker, impressively beat Missouri in the Big 12 title game and be ranked in the top 2. Hopefully that explains what I was thinking. So I still see them going to the BCS title game, even with one loss.

Scott (Austin, TX)

can you give us an X-factor (either one or both teams or just a stat) for the big game in Norman on saturday?

Tim Griffin

  (4:11 PM)

Scott: As a true X factor keep an eye on Michael Crabtree, who has told reporters all week that he's finally healthy and ready for a big game. If he has a big game, Tech will be hard to stop. But if OU can contain him, the Sooners can win.

Tim Griffin

  (4:12 PM)

SF: Give him a solid B-plus. He's done a nice job of getting his team to jell down the stretch. And don't discount the job of Shawn Watson, who has done as good a job as a coordinator in this conference.

P.S.C.: (Fayetteville, AR)

At the Big XII Championship game, is there any reason if Missouri wins that they shouldn't get placement in a BCS game? After last year's snub, we deserve to get in, especially if we win the championship, right?

Tim Griffin

  (4:13 PM)

P.S.C. - Yes, Missouri would qualify for a BCS game as long as the other Big 12 teams aren't ranked 1-2 and would be playing for the national title. So if that was the case. Chase Daniel and Co. would be heading for a very deserved trip to the Fiesta Bowl.

Bruce (Dallas)

Ou will win by 11 or more - something like 48-37

Tim Griffin

  (4:14 PM)

Bruce: You have a lot more confidence in that OU defense than I do. Although Brent Venables is pretty solid when he has an extra week to cook up a game plan.

Scott (Austin, TX)

Tim, any chance Colt can still win the stiff-armed trophy?

Tim Griffin

  (4:15 PM)

Scott: He needs a big game against the Aggies and probably a chance to play in the Big 12 title game. One thing about Colt this season, even with Shipley and Cosby, he has less talent around him than either Bradford or Harrell. I think he'll be head to NYC, but just don't think he can win without winning the Big 12 title.

Brendan (Lubbock, TX)

The UT game hinged on the play of Texas Tech's O-Line against Orakpo and Kindle up front on Defense. What is the key matchup for Saturday? I think that the Tech Secondary has been overlooked this year, Tech's safeties have combined for 11 picks, and Jamar Wall has had an excellent year as well, playing shutdown corner.

Tim Griffin

  (4:18 PM)

Brendan: If you remember correctly, I said something to the effect that Tech needed a big early play to establish some momentum and confidence. Presto, Whitlock's safety on the opening Texas play of the game. Ruffin McNeill couldn't have drawn it up any better. I agree with you. I think Tech's secondary has been one of its biggest strengths. And for a big matchup - literally and figuratively - how about whichever defensive ends the Red Raiders throw at Phil Loadholt. I'm guessing it will be Williams and Dixon. The Red Raiders need to get some pressure on Bradford. Look at what Texas was able to do in the second half with Orakpo and Sergio. That should provide a blueprint for Ruffin's plans.

Jason (Austin, TX)

Hey Tim, just wanted to let you know about a great great drinking game that everyone can participate in when watching any Texas game. Any time the sports commentator refers to Shipley as Colt's room mate...take a shot. You'll be drunk by the end of half time!

Tim Griffin

  (4:19 PM)

Jason: I've noticed that. I think it's even more prevalent than "Hi Bob" that we used to see on the old Bob Newhart Show when I was of a drinking age.

Steve (OKC)

Scott, If OU completely destroys Texas Tech, do you think they will jump to number 2?

Tim Griffin

  (4:20 PM)

Steve: Has to happen first. But I still think that Florida will be taken into account. And I think some of the pollsters I talk with say they are still going to lean pretty heavily on Texas beating OU to keep the Longhorns ahead.

Aaron (Lufkin, Tx)

Who do you think is the best quarterback in the Big 12? I've watched a number of Texas Tech games, and I believe it is Graham Harrell.

Tim Griffin

  (4:21 PM)

Aaron: Look for a pre Thanksgiving list next week from me about my Big 12 qb rankings. But heading into this week's games I would agree with you.

Joe (Montana)

Tim, what is the best game atmosphere in the Big 12?

Tim Griffin

  (4:22 PM)

Joe: By game atmosphere, I guess you would mean the stuff around the stadium like tailgating and the big game feel, correctly. As such, I think Nebraska and A&M are a little bit better than everybody else. Although Tech's is picking up with Raider Alley

DAVE , LANCASTER,CA

who do you think is the front runner for the head coaching job at KSU?

Tim Griffin

  (4:23 PM)

Dave: Bill Snyder. I think the job is his if he wants it.

Clay (Oakland, CA)

Andrew Jones had a good game filling in for Chase Coffman, but I didn't see any hurdles, one handed grabs, and tip toe td's. The Mizzou system is good, but is it not Coffman's amazing hands and body control that make his skill set so unique for a 6'6" frame?

Tim Griffin

  (4:24 PM)

Clay: But I did see Jones looking very good. He had a couple of big grabs on that last scoring drive of the first half. He didn't make the acrobatic catches, but he didn't need to. He looked to be very solid.

zach (muncie,in)

could ball state hang with oklahoma and possibly beat them?

Tim Griffin

  (4:26 PM)

Zach: I've seen the Cardinals a couple of times in the last few weeks. Very impressed, but I don't think they are at the level of the top BCS teams. Maybe top 10 teams, but I don't think they would hang with teams like OU, Texas, Tech, USC or Florida/Alabama

Taylor (Austin,TX)

Tim...are you kidding about A&M and Nebraska?!?!? What about Texas ou at the state fair? Ring a bell????

Tim Griffin

  (4:27 PM)

Taylor he asked me about individual schools. But I also think the atmospher of Texas-OU is muted a little bit by playing at 11 a.m. It wasn't nearly as wooly this season as I've seen it before.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Tim, would you like to see Oregon St. win out and go to the Rose Bowl, so USC could play in another one of the BCS games, most likely against a Big XII or SEC team?

Tim Griffin

  (4:29 PM)

Will: I'd just like to see Oregon State play in the Rose Bowl because they would deserve to play there if they win out. Mike Riley has done a stupendous job there this season. "The Quiz" is the real deal. And as a side benefit, it would free up USC for an at-large berth in another BCS game. How about Texas-USC in the Fiesta Bowl. I think it would still be entertaining, even without VY, Reggie Bush and Leinart.

Reed Dallas

Hey Tim - You should also play, "take a shot everytime they mention Colt and Jordan's take played at ACU together". Can you believe the actions down in College Station this morning? The feds were called to the practice field due to reports of a white substance on the field. The players and coaches had no idea what the powder was, but was later concluded as the goal line.

Tim Griffin

  (4:30 PM)

Reed: Very cold joke there.

Phil Macrackin (Ball State)

Please remind the folks in Austin that it is actually called OU-Texas weekend and not Texas-OU

Tim Griffin

  (4:30 PM)

Phil: How about just Red River Rivalry and leave it at that.

Joe (Montana)

I did mean on campus. What about loudest stadium?

Tim Griffin

  (4:32 PM)

Joe: Loudest is Kyle Field when Aggies are really, really good . Texas is becoming more of a pit after all those extra seats were added.

Tim G (Cali)

Tim, love the blog I have to check it every morning before I am productive. Would you like to see teams penalized for things done by their fans, like CU being charged the timeout instead of OSU for the puerile laser pointer?

Tim Griffin

  (4:33 PM)

Tim: Thanks for the kind words of support. I agree with you on the pointer. It was something the refs could have seen on replay. I think the offending team should have to cough up a time out in those situations.

Clay (Oakland, CA)

Does Pinkel expect Coffman to play next week against Kansas?

Tim Griffin

  (4:35 PM)

Clay: Everything I've been led to believe tell me he will be back. He really needs a big game as a punctuation mark on what could be an All-Conference or maybe even an All-American season. He's not going to get those kind of honors if he sits out his last three games of the season.

Johnny Joe Idaho (Don Meredith,TX)

Someone please remind Florida of the following: YOU LOST AT HOME TO OLE MISS!!

Tim Griffin

  (4:35 PM)

JJ: I think you did it for them.

Sylvain (Calgary)

Tim your choice as a college fan in general Florida-USC or Oklahoma-Bama and you can only choose one

Tim Griffin

  (4:36 PM)

Sylvain: I think Florida-USC would be the better game.

Ani (Lincoln, NE)

Better team in 1994, Nebraska or Penn State? Better team in 1997, Nebraska or Michigan?

Tim Griffin

  (4:36 PM)

Ani: I vote Nebraska on both counts.

Andrew (Oxford, MS)

Is LSU's let down season this year a result of les miles' coaching and his way of running the program or just simply qb play?

Tim Griffin

  (4:36 PM)

Andrew: If their qb could stop throwing interceptions in the end zone, it might be a start.

David, SLC

BYU or Utah? Most say Utah will win, what does BYU have to do to win?

Tim Griffin

  (4:37 PM)

David: I like Utah, but just I could get MWC games here in San Antonio. I'd like to follow their games from home rather than having to go out in my back yard and fire up my portable satellite radio.

Steiny (NYC)

Who is the best offensive coordinator in the Big 12?

Tim Griffin

  (4:38 PM)

Steiny: It's his job as well as being head coach, so I vote Mike Leach.

Steiny (NYC)

Who is a better coach, Mike Leach or Bob Stoops?

Tim Griffin

  (4:39 PM)

My vovte goes to Stoops, he's won national championship and Big 12 titles. Leach has won neither. But Stoops always has a lot better talent around him - particularly on defense.

Heywood Jablowme (Austin)

do you agree with the conspiracy theorists, that the UT-Muschamp announcement was designed to steal some thunder from the TTU-OU game?

Tim Griffin

  (4:39 PM)

HJ - The timing was curious, wasn't it?

Lance: (Raiderland)

Better QB Harrell or Kingsbury

Tim Griffin

  (4:40 PM)

Lance: KK is one of my all-time favorite players to have covered, but Harrell is the best QB that Tech has ever had.

Justin (USA)

Most underrated coach in Big12, Pac10, SEC, Big-10?

Tim Griffin

  (4:41 PM)

Most underrated Big 12 - Art Briles Pac 10 - Mike Riley SEC - Bobby Johnson Big 10 - Pat Fitzgerald

JoePa (Happy Valley, PA)

Does you picking Nebraska in 94 and 97 have anything to do with you being a BIG XII blogger?

Tim Griffin

  (4:42 PM)

Joe Pa: Sorry, but Nebraska had the better teams in both years.

Rodney Allison (UT - Chatt)

Harrell is the best QB Tech has ever had?????

Tim Griffin

  (4:42 PM)

Sorry Rodney, I didn't see you leading the nation in passing or heading to NYC for the Heisman. Or had his team in the top two nationally, either.

Kurt (KC)

What would the Over/Under be in a potential Tech/Mizzou Big 12 title game be? 90+?

Tim Griffin

  (4:44 PM)

Kurt: Probably in the high 80s - and I don't mean the temperature at Arrowhead that night, either. Remember this factoid if that game comes together - Missouri has never lost to Tech in the Pinkel/Leach coaching tenures.

Tracy Texas

Any news on Leach leaving. I want him to stay. Wreck Em Tech !

Tim Griffin

  (4:45 PM)

Tracy: Haven't heard anything except what I'm reading in the Knoxville papers. And I tend to take those reports with a grain of salt.

Napoleon (Preston, ID)

Any chance of Boise State getting in the BIG 12? The BIG 12 should drop Iowa State because the Cyclones are really pathetic; Boise State would be a huge upgrade.

Tim Griffin

  (4:46 PM)

Napoleon: I don't see Boise matching the "educational aims" of the other 11 teams in the Big 12. I think a more likely place would be the Mountain West. If they added Boise and Fresno, that would be an intriguing conference - even if I have to go out to my patio and listen to games on my portable satellite radio to follow them.

Lance: (Raiderland)

Most fun coach to watch in college football.

Tim Griffin

  (4:47 PM)

Lance: Who would you think? I'll go with Leach with Urban Meyer and Pete Carroll close behind.

Jason (Austin, TX)

Tim, so you honestly think that Harrell is better in the system than BJ Symons? Best Year vs. Symon's one year. BJ was more prolific, just think if Tech had a defense at that time. Ruffin McNeil and Crabtree are the true difference makers in this Texas Tech team from previous years.

Tim Griffin

  (4:48 PM)

Jason: Sorry, got to give it to Harrell for longevity, bowl victories, statistics, etc. And the fact he's likely going to NYC for the Heisman says something, too.

Rick

If both Florida and Bama come out playing their best, do you think Bama can even keep it close?

Tim Griffin

  (4:48 PM)

Rick: Don't discount Saban's influence in that game. He's coached in some big games over the years.

Brian (Omaha)

Tim, love the blog! Where do you see Bo taking Nebraska in the next 5 or so years?

Tim Griffin

  (4:49 PM)

Brian: Thanks for the compliment. I see Bo taking the Cornhuskers to the top of the Big 12. But he's going to have to find some quarterbacks. I think Joe Ganz is the most underrated player in college football and he'll be sorely missed when he leaves.

Mack Brown (Austin)

What about Will Muschamp as fun? That guy goes NUTS!!

Tim Griffin

  (4:50 PM)

Mack: Go to You Tube and do a search of Boom and Muschamp. You'll find something that's kind of fun.

Will J (Portland, OR)

So if the Mountain West did add Boise St. and Fresno St., would that league deserve an automatic bid into the BCS?

Tim Griffin

  (4:51 PM)

Will: Would be hard to argue with them, in my opinion. Might also put the Big East and ACC on attention alert, too.

David, MO

Tim, love the chat, way more interesting than random forest algorithms! Can Mizzou pull out the upset in the Championship game this year vs Tech or OU or UT?

Tim Griffin

  (4:52 PM)

David: Think they've got a puncher's chance. Don't discount that experience they picked up down here in San Antonio last season. It's much easier the second time around - particularly in a cold Arrowhead Stadium with Curtis Lofton safely tucked away in the NFL.

Russell (Joshua,TX)

Tim, Soap box Derby or Apple cup which one would you bother watching?

Tim Griffin

  (4:53 PM)

Russell: I'll defer to my friend Ted Miller, who'll be blogging from the Apple Cup this weekend. He'll have some interesting things to say.

Cal (Berkeley, CA)

It's people like you that the AP decide to pull themselves out of the BCS because you are cowardice and easily kowtowed by rednecks. In the name of sanity, how in the hell do you think Nebraska can possibly stop Penn State's offense in 1994 and Michigan was #1 before the bowls in both human polls. The only reason Nebraska got the title in 1997 is because Osborne announced his retirement, which is very manipulative by his part.

Tim Griffin

  (4:54 PM)

But Cal, I did pick Jeff Tedford and Cal ahead of Texas in the 2004 BCS hunt. So I dont' think you can lump me with everybody else.

Larry (Glendale, CA)

Are you an AP voter? If not, would you like to become one?

Tim Griffin

  (4:56 PM)

Larry, no I'm not. I was for about eight years in a different life. I do vote in our ESPN Power Poll. What I do for them is exactly what I did when I was hooked up with the AP.

Rotten (Expired, CA)

I know that the season is not over yet, but who is your Spoiler of the Year?Portland State, TCU, Ole Miss, Oregon State, Iowa, or the Big 12 South? Can you imagine the bedlam if we had 4 undefeated teams from the 4 major BCS conferences (USC, Penn State, Florida or Alabama, and Texas, Texas Tech, or Oklahoma)? It also would have been intriguing to have 2 winless teams go at it (Cougars/Huskies).

Tim Griffin

  (4:57 PM)

Rotten: How about all of the above. They all have a part in making this another interesting season.

Lance: Raiderland

If Tech looses who goes to the Big 12 Champ game?

Tim Griffin

  (4:58 PM)

Lance: By loses, I take it you mean this week. I think they could lose this week and still make the championship. All they would then would be a victory over Baylor and Oklahoma State to upset Oklahoma, a situation that I think could happen, But we'll see.

Russell (Joshua, TX)

Tim, enjoy your Turkey and all the games everyone should be an exciting one... see you in decmber Tim!!!

Tim Griffin

  (4:59 PM)

Russell: Don't know how much turkey I'll be having on Thanksgiving Day. I'm headed for Texas-A&M on that night. I think me and my family will be headed for Luby's that day before I leave for Austin.

Graham (Lubbock)

Would you agree that Texas has to have the most happen for them to get into the Big 12 title game? Because I think if OU wins the next two weeks, they will jump Texas.

Tim Griffin

  (5:00 PM)

Graham: Yes I do. I think if Tech wins Saturday, or if OU wins its last two games, both will be ahead of Texas when the final BCS poll comes out.

Tech Fan, Norman Ok

Why do we still have an AP poll? It is not figured into the BCS correct? Is it just to give the Pac-10 and Big 10/11 hope that they might end up with more than 2 ranked teams by the end of the year?

Tim Griffin

  (5:01 PM)

I think just to provide something to talk about. And judging from the questions on this chat room and listening to a lot of talk radio, I think the AP does a good job of having it happen.

emanuel

does oregon state have any chance of beating Penn State if it goes to the rose bowL?

Tim Griffin

  (5:02 PM)

Emanuel: Yes they do. Always like teams playing better the second time around in a bowl game.

Tim Griffin

  (5:03 PM)

Guys: Thanks for all of the good questions. It's up to 467 as I leave the board. Got to finish my story on the Oklahoma special teams. That should be ready in about 30 minutes, so please check it out. Enjoy the games this week and we'll do it again next week.