Mark Schlabach

  (2:06 PM)

Great to be back home from Arizona. Here we go....

Keaton Beeville

So if Tech Wins and OU loses, does Texas get to play Big 12?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:07 PM)

Under that scenario, Texas Tech would go because it has the head-to-head over Texas because of the Red Raiders' victory over the Longhorns in Lubbock.

Nick (Birmingham, AL)

Why is USC getting so much credit for blow-out wins over bad teams? There really isn't any reason they should be ranked above PSU. Your thoughts?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:08 PM)

I think the Trojans are probably where they should be, although I'd probably rank Penn State ahead of them. I think USC might beat the Nittany Lions in the Rose Bowl, but Penn State has played a tougher schedule and deserves to be ranked higher at this point.

Mike (Corona, CA)

What's your take on Pete Carrols comments that every League needs a Championship Game? Seems like (money aside - a big issue I admit) that conferences with those games run a much bigger risk of losing out on playing for a NC then not (see Big 12 - if Mizzou beats either UT or OU).

Mark Schlabach

  (2:08 PM)

I've said for a long time if one league plays a championship game, then they all need to play one. Surprised Pete Carroll made those comments since the Pac-10 doesn't play one, but at least that league plays a true round-robin schedule.

Adam (St. Louis, MO)

Hey Mark. In your opinion, who do you think my Missouri Tigers would have the best shot at beating in the Big 12 Championship between Tech, OU and Texas?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:09 PM)

I think Missouri could score with any of them, I'd just worry about the defense holding up. Mizzou would probably fare better in Kansas City than it did in Austin. I was at the Texas game, and the Tigers just seemed completely overwhelmed.

Justin (Houston, TX)

I have a great idea for any business that wants worldwide exposure and some extra cash to spend. Gather the presidents from Bama, UF, UT, OU, USC, Penn St, Utah, Boise St, throw a ton of money at them, and convince them to boycott the BCS. Host your own 8 team playoff to determine a true champion. Then the BCS will be stuck with the likes of Oregon St and Cincinatti for their title game.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:10 PM)

Sounds like a great idea. I'd chip in $100.

JJ (SC)

Who wins out of Clemson-South Carolina Saturday?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:11 PM)

I like South Carolina's defense, but I give Clemson a little bit of an edge playing at home. It's a rivalry game, but Clemson has more at stake because of bowl implications and Dabo Swinney's future. Should be a good game.

Nick (Amarillo, Tx)

Mark, how would you rank K. Hunter from Oklahoma State amongst the rest of the backs in the nation?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:11 PM)

Saw him play against Texas Tech. He's very good. I'd put him in the top three in that conference. Very balanced offense at OSU. The tight end is fabulous.

jon (denver)

We are already hearing the grumblings from SEC fans that they will play another non BCS school. Will Utah fare any better than Hawaii?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:12 PM)

Utah is better than Hawaii was on defense. Brian Johnson is very good and consistent. I think it would be a better matchup against Alabama. Not sure Utah could handle Florida's speed. But give the Utes credit. Unbeaten record against a pretty good schedule. They deserve the BCS bid. I didn't think they'd beat TCU and BYU.

Jim (Stillwater)

I am no OU fan, but guys like you keep bringing up that Texas beat OU head to head is a mute point. YOU GET THAT? It is a mute point. If all win saturday and it is a 3 way tie,(which I pray does not happen) then you cannot look head to head when making a decision. All 3 teams have 1 loss and all beat each other! If you genuinely think Texas is the best team or has done more then fine and great. But don't say they are because of the head to head game THAT LOGIC DOES NOT WORK IN A 3 WAY TIE! I know you will not dare post this comment!!! Mack Brown has you in his pocketesees!!!!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:14 PM)

No, I ripped Texas earlier this season. But you can't say Oklahoma is better than Texas because the Sooners beat Texas Tech, either. Texas played Texas Tech in Lubbock. Oklahoma played them in Norman, where the Red Raiders have never won under Leach. Texas played a four-game stretch that was brutal, ending with Texas Tech. Texas beat Oklahoma on a neutral field.

Mike (PA)

Mark, Please tell me you think Oregon has a pretty good shot at beating Oregon State this weekend, I would rather gouge my eyes out than watch that rematch, especially after seeing the game between them and Arizona, I still believe PSU would give them another beat down! Happy Valley or not!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:16 PM)

Boy, I was pretty impressed with Oregon State. Lose their quarterback before kickoff. Lose Jacquizz Rodgers. Still win on the road. Great game in Corvallis. This is a different Oregon State team that the one that lost at Penn State. That was a very tough road game for a very young team early in the season. Beavers would keep it closer in the Rose Bowl.

Ashley, Houston

If Texas and OU played on a neutral field this year who would win? Oh wait...

Mark Schlabach

  (2:16 PM)

Thank you...

Matt (Chicago, IL)

Mark, does OSU have any chance at beating OU this weekend? If so, how do they do it?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:17 PM)

Yes, they've always played the Sooners tough in Stillwater. OSU is very balanced on offense and plays well at home. Sooners put a lot into that Texas Tech game. We'll see if they do it two weeks in a row.

Kyle (Cedar Rapids,IA)

Do you see Shonne Green making the Heisman ceremony? And what bowl do you see the hawkeyes making?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:18 PM)

Iowa could move up in the bowl pecking order based on the last few weeks and the fact they have a very strong fan base that travels well. Green might make it to New York. I'd say McCoy, Harrell, Tebow and Bradford will definitely be there. The race is wide open.

Jim (St. Louis, MO)

If OU and Texas played on a neutral field TODAY, who would win?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:18 PM)

I don't know. I think it would be a great game. Texas hasn't exactly fallen off the map since that game, you know? They lost on a great play at the end of a great game.

Brad (South GA)

Mark, Whats your predicted score for the SEC championship game? I know you are picking Florida like everyone else but?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:20 PM)

I've joked that Florida will win by at least four touchdowns. I think Alabama keeps it close. Maybe even has a chance to win because of Saban. He'll have the Tide ready to play. Alabama might be able to slow them down. Florida's injuries on the defensive line are a big concern right now.

Freddy(Atlanta, GA)

Where does the big upset come this weekend? I know there is going to be one, always is on such hate filled/blood rivalry weekend. FSU? Auburn? OSU? A&M?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:22 PM)

I think FSU has a chance against Florida. Gators are only 1-3-1 in games played at FSU a week before they play in the SEC championship game. Seminoles were very impressive at Maryland on Saturday night. Gators are suddenly banged up on defense. Auburn will play Alabama tough, too. OSU has a chance. Not sure Aggies can play with the 'Horns, though.

jeff(dallas)

Did you watch the OU-Texas game? OU was 3 horrible calls and a Ryan Reynolds knee injury away from easily winning that game. Your logic makes no sense because if you value head to head match ups then you have to keep Tech ahead of Texas.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:24 PM)

Again, Texas played Texas Tech in Lubbock. Oklahoma played them at home. The Citadel was 52 points away from beating Florida.

Rob (Barre, VT)

Mark, Mark, Mark...You know (as well as everybody else who has a brain) that the Texas victory over Oklahoma was an upset. Mississippi over Florida was an upset, Oregon State over USC was an upset, and Texas over Oklahoma was an upset. Just because you upset a better team doesn't mean you're better than them - ok? If you're going to apply the old "head-to-head" rule apply it across the board - otherwise it just sounds like sour grapes.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:26 PM)

Texas is every bit as good as Oklahoma. Again, beat them on a neutral field. They have a Heisman Trophy-caliber QB. A very good defense. Why was it an upset?

BRANDON (LUBBOCK)

if OSU beats OU this weekend and Florida beats Alabama in the SEC title game and Tech beats Missouri in the Big 12 title game then who goes to the BCS title game?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:27 PM)

Florida and Texas Tech?

Mike (Atlanta, GA)

After Saturday night's debacle, do you think Tennessee has a decent shot of landing Mike Leech if they really want to go after him?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:30 PM)

I think he'd probably definitely listen. Harrell is leaving and you have to think Crabtree will turn pro. What else can he accomplish at Tech?

Justin (NY, NY)

If there was an 8 team playoff this year, which 2 of the following 10 teams would be left out? And if you say either Utah, Boise St, or Ball State, how can you justify leaving an undefeated team out of an 8-team playoff? Oklahoma Texas Texas Tech Alabama Florida USC Penn State Utah Boise State Ball State

Mark Schlabach

  (2:31 PM)

I don't think Ball State has played a tough enough schedule to be included. Utah is definitely in. Boise State....maybe. Again, the schedule isn't great.

John, DC

No one gets to complain unless they win all their games and get left out. OU, Texas, Tech, USC, and so on. All had their chances and all lost. As for OU and Texas, it's not hard to come up with equally compelling arguments for either, and I think anyone who is trying to argue for their "objective" method is kidding themselves. It's necessarily a subjective choice given a 3 way tie.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:32 PM)

Agreed....So why not go to the most objective factor -- head to head?

Bo (Seattle)

Backyard Brawl: Who ya got?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:45 PM)

Gotta go with West Virginia. Revenge. Pat White's healthy and playing well. But the game is at Pitt.

Mark (Atlanta)

Since when is Dallas, TX neutral?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:46 PM)

Split 50-50 as far as tickets. People tell me Norman is closer to Dallas than Austin. I need to look. I've always said the same thing about Jacksonville. It is in Florida, after all.

G (Atlanta)

What are your thoughts on Georgia/Georgia Tech this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:47 PM)

I think Georgia's defense better be disciplined and tackle well, or Georgia Tech will run them over. Should be a very competitive game. High scoring, too.

Bruce (Dallas)

3 hours from Austin and three hours from Norman - 45,000 texas fans and 45,000 OU fans - that is neutral

Mark Schlabach

  (2:47 PM)

Thank you, sir.

Nick Saban (Tuscaloosa)

You know I dont like the media, but please entertain my quiet thoughts. Everyone talks about florida's speed and good QB. And they are. But no one mentions thier O line and D line. Guess where my stregnths are....yep...right there. I say we will in a squeeker...how about you

Mark Schlabach

  (2:48 PM)

Alabama can neutralize Florida's speed by pushing them around, no question about it. And Alabama and Oklahoma might have the best combination of offensive and defensive lines in the country.

Steve - Houston, TX

So what if Alabama falters this week and losses, Florida wins but the rest of the big 12 win out too. Then next week Florida losses to Alabama. What happens then? I know I know...there are a lot of if's!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:48 PM)

Utah vs. Boise State for all the marbles?

Ben (Charlotte)

did you read any of Dantonio's comments after being demolished by Penn State? when asked if he was especially upset about this loss, said something to the affect of "well i'd be more upset if we finished 3-9." theese comments came after he already stated he was rooting for OSU in the game this weekend, even though it would've made it impossible for his team to win the Rose Bowl! how can he be that obsessed with Michigan in a year the Wolverines went 3-9!?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:49 PM)

It's called tunnel vision. Nice subtle shot at the Wolverines, though. I missed that.

Kurt (KC)

Best tight end in the country?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:51 PM)

Oooh. Gronkowski at Arizona is very good. Pettigrew at Oklahoma State. Pitta at BYU is very good. Beckum at Wisconsin was very good.Coffman at Missouri. Quite a few out there.

Whitt (Houston)

Mark, have you voted yet in the AP poll or USA Today poll? Whats the pulse on voters with a full brain like yourself that are waiting till the last week to vote and will rightfully tip the scales back to where they should be with TX over OU based on non-objective head-to-head wins and a clear lead in the non-objective BCS computer poll?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:52 PM)

Don't vote. Never have. Wasn't allowed to do it when I worked in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. I hope guys will wait to the very end, and I think they will. I think many guys will fall back to head-to-head when filling out the final ballot. Last year, they picked LSU because the Tigers won the SEC. Logic usually wins out.

Jack- Fl

What team outthere can match Floridas speed, and I will ask it again since it didn't go throughthe firsttime, why has Florida's D gotten no love?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:53 PM)

Florida's D is very good. Spikes is a real weapon. Charlie Strong has done a great job, and Dan McCarney deserves a lot of credit, too. D-line injuries are a concern, though.

Tommy M. Fort Worth, Texas

Hello Mark!! Is there any scenerio in which the 2 best teams could meet once again in the BCS championship game?? Texas vs. OU Jan 8th

Mark Schlabach

  (2:53 PM)

Neither would beat Florida right now.....

Mike (Austin, TX)

If you want to be respected as a sports writer you should start answering questions with logic and some knowledge. First Michael Crabtree cannot leave as a true sophomore. Second the previous question stated that objective opinions cant be used to answer a 3 team tie in the Big 12, yet you state, agreed, why not go objective. Third, while I hate the Sooners you are asked about the best TE in the country and you leave OU's Jermaine Gresham off the list. Uh....

Mark Schlabach

  (2:56 PM)

Get your facts straight first. Crabtree redshirted in 2006. Redshirt freshman in 2007. Sophomore in 2008. Eligible to leave after this season. ...And, yes, Greshmam and Jared Cook of South Carolina should definitely be on the list...That's why I hate lists. You always leave off someone.

Jordan (Washington, DC)

No one seems to be talking about the fact that the SEC's tie-breaking rules have it right. If the top two teams in a three-way tie are within 5 bcs spots of each other, they go to head to head. That is how it should be done.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:57 PM)

Brilliant....

Travis (Amarillo Tx)

Man has OU done anything right so far to deserve a shot at the title?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:57 PM)

yeah, they beat Texas Tech, TCU and Cincinnati. Three very good team. Texas beat Oklahoma, Missouri and Oklahoma State.

Newsome (San Antonio)

Neither UT nor OU could beat Florida? PLEASEEEEEEEEEE! Big 12, best conference in college football bar none.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:58 PM)

It was a joke....

Chad Carter (C-Town, GA)

What did you think of the performance GT put on Thursday Night vs. Miami? 472 yards rushing on the Hurricanes? Wow. What are they going to do to UGA?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:58 PM)

Sick. Georgia's defenders better tackle better than they have so far.

Randy (San Antonio, TX)

How surprised were you by the outcome of the TT vs. OU game?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:59 PM)

Stunned. Texas Tech looked completely overwhelmed. Give OU credit. Crowd was into it. Red Raiders have never played very well there (until 2006, when they blew the second-half lead).

Jeffeyster (El Paso, Texas)

Who is the best team in college football right now?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:59 PM)

My guess is Florida right now. We'll definitely know after the Gators play FSU and Alabama. Texas and OU right there, too.

Peter (Norman)

Flordia is a joke the SEC is overrated this year. Just look at LSU and UGA both teams looking to contend for a National Title and now all they are contending for is respect because they have lost almost all of mine...

Mark Schlabach

  (3:00 PM)

LSU is struggling, no question, but how many NFL draft picks did they lose? Georgia lost to two of the top four teams in the country (albeit both in ugly fashion). SEC's top two teams are still very good and could beat anybody in the Big 12. No question, Big 12 is much deeper this year.

Joel (Tempe)

Assume for the moment that Oregon State loses, and USC goes to the Rose Bowl. PLEASE tell me the Fiesta might take Utah over Ohio State (perhaps due to geography)!!!!!!!! As an Alabama fan, I would hate to make such a great run this year only to finish it with a clunker of a game. The Utes cannot even begin to contemplate the gravity of Terrence Cody. Many scientists believe that nobody can. Honestly, I would rather see us in the Citrus Bowl (I refuse to call it the ?Capital One Bowl?).

Mark Schlabach

  (3:01 PM)

I would think Fiesta Bowl would like to have USC (if Oregon State wins) or Ohio State to play a Big 12 team. Utes would be attractive, too.

Jerome Meyer (South Bend)

Straight answer: What is the right thing for Swarbrick to do at ND right now? If it's find someone new, where do you start?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:03 PM)

I grew up near South Bend and spent a lot of time at Notre Dame. I was there for the Gerry Faust era. I don't know what they do. That's a huge buyout. The Irish are still very young, but it seems like Weis isn't getting through to them right now. The talent level has gotten better, but the performance has gotten worse. Losing to Syracuse at home is simply inexcusable. I'm not sure changing coaches again will fix everything, though. It's a very tough call.

Kevin (KC, MO)

If Missouri somehow beats OU handily for the Big 12 title, shouldn't they have an arguement for the NC? It has to be a Big 12 - SEC match up. Beating OU would negate the Texas loss and the OSU game was a fluke.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:04 PM)

No, I think one of the Big 12 South teams that gets left out of the Big 12 championship would get the call. It would go against everything we heard last year (LSU over Georgia because the Tigers won the SEC), but I'm betting that's what would happen.

Kevin (NY)

Why does everyone think Utah will be a pushover. Non-BCS conference teams are 2-1 in BCS games and Utah has the best resume of any of those teams from the past.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:04 PM)

I said earlier that Utah will give teams a good fight. Good defense. Consistent quarterback. The Utes have played a tough schedule, much tougher than Boise State's or Ball State's schedules.

Dave (Dallas)

As much as I despise USC, I would not want to play them in any bowl. Pete could be the best big game coach of all time, and that D is flat out scary.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:05 PM)

Agreed. But Penn State would be a better opponent than Illinois in the Rose Bowl. USC is nasty on defense. Offense is still a little bit inconsistent, but they're definitely very, very talented.

Richard (Atlanta)

Correction: We'll know if Florida is the best team if they play against all the other supposedly best teams. Don't other sports have a name for that?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:05 PM)

Playoff? Playoff?

td, OKC

Mark, you idiot, you really think Bama could beat OU or Texas?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:06 PM)

Have you seen Alabama's defense play? Nick Saban can out-fox any coach out there. Tide can control the clock with the running game. Believing in Saban, a guy who has won a national championship, makes me an idiot? So be it.

Tyler (Kansas City, MO)

We all are well aware that you are obviously a UT fan over OU. You keep saying OU won in norman and UT lost at TTU. TTU didn't just lose in Norman they were embarrassed. Pretty sure that was a statement game and the coaches agreed with it. Wouldn't you agree that OU has had a harder non-conference schedule?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:08 PM)

I think Cincinnati and TCU are better than Rice and Arkansas, yes. But Texas played Missouri and Oklahoma didn't. Texas played in Lubbock; Oklahoma played the Red Raiders at home. Texas played Oklahoma, MIssouri, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech in four straight games. Oklahoma played Red Raiders and Oklahoma State in consecutive games. Texas' schedule was tougher.

Jeff (LA)

Mark, what are your thoughts on Steve Sarkisian as an offensive coordinator? I have heard for a couple of years now from local broadcasters how great he is. All I see is poor game plans and a consistently underachieving offense in his tenure so far. Am I being too critical here?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:09 PM)

No, I think it's a legitimate question. They were supposed to have All-America tailbacks and receivers stacked up like cord wood. Where are they?

Greg (Philly)

Hey Mark - How bad is PSU stewing over that last minute field goal right now? I really want a PSU/USC match-up for the Rose bowl. A potential OSU/PSU match means nothing.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:09 PM)

Not to Penn State, but it would probably mean a lot to Oregon State. That loss at Iowa has to be killing them.

Zach (Orlando. FL)

Florida is clearly a better team than any of the others ahead of them, and the hottest team in college football. With the #4 defense and the #5 offense in the country, and blowing out everyone they've played in the last 6 weeks, how are they not in a better postion in the BCS? Why do the computers rank them so low compared to a Texas or Oklahoma, who also have one loss, but aren't as impressive?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:10 PM)

Because the SEC isn't as good as it has been in the recent past, so they're not getting as much of a bump from schedule strength. Got no help from Hawaii and The Citadel in non-conference play. But again, if Florida beats FSU and Alabama, they'll be in the title game.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:11 PM)

Folks, I gotta run. Have a great week and a happy Thanksgiving. Here's hoping for about five upsets this week. Wouldn't that be fun?