Tim Griffin

  (4:01 PM)

Welcome everybody for my pre-Thanksgiving Day chat. Feel free to fire away with any and all questions.

D.B. (Southlake, Texas)

Tim, I would like you to pose these questions to your ESPN colleagues that believe so strongly the Big 12 South is truly a two-team race and that the head-to-head trumps all. If Oklahoma loses to OSU and Tech beats Missouri for the conference title, would they move Tech ahead of Texas for a spot in the BCS title game? If Oklahoma wins the South tie breaker via Sunday's BCS but then loses to Missouri in KC, would they put Tech ahead of Texas? If Oklahoma is removed by a loss to OSU or Missouri, the situation is reset to a two team race between Tech and Texas - in which case - per many people, the head to head should trump all. I want to know from the pro-Texas side if they would be willing to agree to put Tech ahead of Texas under those circumstances. I'm guessing not. I can live with this one - who do they think is the best team in the Big 12 right now? If they think Texas then so be it but the three-way tie should basically come down to this question (if all take care of business on Saturday).

Tim Griffin

  (4:03 PM)

D.B. - I agree with you, If 45-35 has become such a big part of our sports vocabulary the last few days, I think 39-33 should be as well, if it's applicable.

DAVE (CA)

NOW THAT BILL SNYDER IS BACK AT KSU, HAVE YOU HEARD WHO MIGHT BE JOING HIS STAFF? POSSIBLE CHUCH LONG AS "O"CORD?

Tim Griffin

  (4:05 PM)

Dave: I have heard Chuck Long's name. I've also heard guys like Phil Bennett, Dan McCarney and Dana Dimel as well. But I think that Snyder would be well-served to stack his staff with young coaches. I think for the kind of rebuilding job he's going to have, he's going to need guys with a lot of boundless energy.

Joe (New York, NY)

If missouri shocks the nation and wins the Big 12, does either of the 1 loss teams that dont make the big 12 title game then get a national championship shot anyway?

Tim Griffin

  (4:06 PM)

Joe: They could. In previous seasons we have examples of where championship game losers - OU in 2003 - and those not even in the championship game - Nebraska in 2001 - got opportunities. So it should be interesting.

Rob (Dallas)

How come you always mention Texas beating OU as an argument in favor of the Horns, but ignore Tech's win over UT? And don't give me that home field line because UT has beaten no one on the road this year.

Tim Griffin

  (4:06 PM)

Rob: I guess you didn't see my earlier post about 39-33.

Rick (Austin, TX)

What's gonna be on your plate Thursday for dinner that you're looking forward to most?

Tim Griffin

  (4:07 PM)

Rick: How about the El Arroyo at DKR tomorrow night? But I better say the meal that my wife and 4-year-old are having at Luby's before I leave. If that's the case, how about a light helping of turkey and dressing?

Patrick (Austin, TX)

Hey Tim, does it bother you (or any of your colleagues) that, if the Big XII had the same tiebreaking rules as the SEC and the ACC, there would be no debate about who wins the Big XII South? It would be Texas. Its very clear that Texas is going to get screwed despite having the best Big XII win of the season (Oklahoma on neutral field) and a far better overall resume than Texas Tech. Its a shame.

Tim Griffin

  (4:08 PM)

Patrick: Yes, I do wish that the Big 12 used the tiebreaking scenario employed by the SEC. I think it would be cleaner and eliminate messy situations like this.

Jack (Pittsburgh)

If UT and OU played today on a nuetral field, who wins?

Tim Griffin

  (4:09 PM)

Jack: Based off their most recent games, I say Oklahoma. I think Stoops kicks away from Jordan Shipley and Austin Box fills in at middle linebacker. But I'd love to see them play another time in Miami.

Jonnathon, Grand Island NE

ESPN - errors support punitive nonsense. Why are you the only one mentioning the NU CU game this weekend? I remember when espn actually covered games on national TV. How about making up for your co-workers incompetence & offering some love for a game that is always played hard regardless of records.

Tim Griffin

  (4:14 PM)

Jonnathon: Check out my blog post earlier in the day. But the rivalry is losing its relevancy, as much as I hate to say it. Colorado better get better quick, or I could see a game like Missouri-Kansas inheriting that spot.

Brian (Phx)

Joe Ganz for Heisman? What do you say?

Tim Griffin

  (4:15 PM)

Brian: Maybe not that high, but he would definitely be an all-league quarterback in many conferences. He's got the best single-season passing numbers in Nebraska history and is my vote for the nation's most underrated player.

God (Heaven)

The Big 12 is masquerading as the best conference in the nation, but they will be exposed in the bowl games. Florida over Texas, USC over Oklahoma, and Ole Miss over Texas Tech.

Tim Griffin

  (4:15 PM)

Big guy: We'll see.

Andrew (Denver, CO)

Tim, I saw your post with your prediction on the OU-OSU game. What makes you think this game will be a close one, considering that same logic was thought to be true before the OU- Tech game? And we all see what OU did to the #2 team in the country.

Tim Griffin

  (4:16 PM)

Andrew: It's tough to have that kind of effort in back-to-back seasons. I considered what OU has done in past seasons at OSU. Stoops has never beaten them by more than six points at the Boone. So I think it will be a tough game for them - besides the fact that OSU had last week off and OU didn't.

Rory (Austin, TX)

Tim, your blog is great. Love reading it. Your colleague Mark Schlabach recently wrote a column giving the Longhorns the advantage in Schedule, Wins, and Losses. Do you agree/disagree? Why?

Tim Griffin

  (4:18 PM)

Rory: I agree with Mark to large degree, although I don't think their schedule was uniformly that much better. They had games against UTEP and Cincinnati. Others I agree with, as well as the ultimate decision breaker in head-to-head. But I still think OU is a tad better than Texas is today. That could change this week, however.

Hunter Olson (Shawnee, KS)

Tim, Love reading the blog--great work. Curious to know what you think about Nebraska losing Joe Ganz after this season. Sounds like there is a chance he'll join the team as a coach in some capacity, but how will the Huskers offense do without him on the field? Lee? Witt? Spano? Green? Can Ganz help these kids with a semi-complicated offense if he steps in as a GA or an assistant? Which of these kids do you like under center next year and why? Keep up the great work. Happy holidays.

Tim Griffin

  (4:20 PM)

Hunter: I'm led to believe that Lee will get the first crack but Green might be the best long-term solution. I would think Ganz would be an ideal assistant becuase of his perseverance and dedication. That remains my biggest questions about the Cornhuskers is who their starting quarterback will be. I'm still waffling on who will be my preseason Big 12 choice. Missouri if Maclin remains, or maybe Kansas because it will have the most experienced quarterback.

Dave(Alpena, Mi)

Any chance FSU can upset Florida this weekend?

Tim Griffin

  (4:21 PM)

Dave: I wouldn't think so, but stranger things have happened.

John Swofford (Greensboro, NC)

Is it just me or is the AP Trophy a pathetic excuse for a national championship trophy in college football? They could have at least tried to match or upstage the BCS Trophy.

Tim Griffin

  (4:22 PM)

John: Have you seen how the newspaper business is the last few months? We poor ink-stained wretches can't afford the baubles that you guys in the college sports business can.

Robert (Kansas City)

Tim, what chance do you give Mizzou against the "winner" in the South?

Tim Griffin

  (4:23 PM)

Robert: Better than you might think. The fact this will be their second Big 12 title game and that they have this week to prepare rather than battle through a tough game like whoever emerges in the South will give them an edge.

Brian (St. Louis)

Any thoughts on Mizzou locking Gary Pinkel up long term?

Tim Griffin

  (4:24 PM)

Brian: Thought it was huge to continue the continuity and also keep the motorcyle population up in the Show Me State. Looks like he might have to fill his first staff vacancy in the next several weeks, which should be interesting.

Steve Denver

Tim, what chance do you give Utah against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl?

Tim Griffin

  (4:25 PM)

Steve: I've seen Utah play and I think they are a pretty good team. But I don't think many people will give them much credit. The memory of Hawaii is too fresh for many people.

Magnates (Tycoons, TX)

Oklahoma State has T. Boone Pickens. Who does Oklahoma and Texas have as their main sugar daddies?

Tim Griffin

  (4:26 PM)

Magnates: Look to professional sports for a few of them. OU has the Gaylord family that owns the daily newspaper in OKC. Texas has a bunch of them - Red McCombs, Tom Hicks and famed trial lawyer Joe Jamail.

Ross (Nebraska)

Tim, Did the Cornhuskers surprise you at all this year under first year head coach Bo Pelini? And where do you see the Huskers possibly being in a year or two? Thanks Alot!

Tim Griffin

  (4:28 PM)

Ross: I'm not surprised that the Cornhuskers are where they are. I picked them for second in the North before the season. I bet they wish they had a chance to play Missouri late in the season now rather than early. And as for the future, I'm curious the kind of offensive talent that Pelini will be attracting. The key will be to find a solid replacement for Ganz. They do that and they can climb back into title consideration in the North Division pretty quickly

Adam, MO

Tim what are your thoughts on Bill Snyder returning and the effect it will have on recruiting. Do you think good young athletes will respond to him and pick K-State over other programs?

Tim Griffin

  (4:30 PM)

Adam: Didn't surprise me that Snyder came back to football. I remember seeing him at functions the last couple of years and seeing how much he seemed to miss football. He needs to get a couple of young guys who are recruiting wizards to get the program up and running. As I've said, I think the North is winnable rather quickly by just about everybody. It was interesting to me that Snyder talked so much about technology changes during his opening press conference. Remember, this was the same coach who frowned on his staff using laptops during his previous coaching tenure. But if he's learned that technology is a good thing, maybe they contend quicker than most might presume.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

What Big XII team do you pick to win its game this week without scoring at least 30 points? You are pretty good at this.

Tim Griffin

  (4:32 PM)

J.B. - How about none. I think Nebraska, Texas, Texas Tech, Missouri and Oklahoma all will hit that mark. And all pretty easily, too.

Joe

Tim what is your prediction for the bowl game Texas Tech will attend

Tim Griffin

  (4:33 PM)

Joe: How about the Cotton Bowl. I know it's probably not what you were thinking about last week, but it's still a solid New Year's Day game.

Dave (Austin)

I heard a rumor that Texas plans on rolling out a nationwide 30-second commercial during the UT-A&M game arguing its BCS case complete with highlights from the UT-OU game. Any truth to this?

Tim Griffin

  (4:33 PM)

Dave: Have not heard that. But if anybody can afford it, it might be the Longhorns. That would make those Walter Cronkite "We Are Texas" commercials seem pretty cheesy, wouldn't it?

Brent (Atlanta, GA)

Tim, I'm thankful for your blog this Thanksgiving. How do you like Georgia Tech's chances in Athens, Ga this weekend? That multiple formation option is looking good in the 21st century, huh?

Tim Griffin

  (4:35 PM)

Brent: Nice transition. I'm thankful for the Varsity in both Athens and Atlanta when I travel through there. I just wish that they would build one at Hartsfield. But I think Paul Johnson will have trouble winning between the hedges. But his offense is pretty salty - particularly in the ACC.

David (San Angelo)

Tim-How can you say OU is the better team? What have they done and against who to prove it, besides Texas Tech that never even showed up? Since the RRR, (which we won BTW), OU has beaten ONE RANKED TEAM! Texas has beaten two, came up just short, and slaughtered a team OU slipped by (KU). I just think this "improvement" thing is COMPLETEL opinionated.

Tim Griffin

  (4:36 PM)

David: All polls are opinionated - that's why they call them polls. What might look green to me looks orange to you. That's what makes football polls so much fun. And tell me one other thing. Does the NFL have this much fun during its regular season? Didn't think so.

cathy(NYC)

Can ND beat USC?

Tim Griffin

  (4:37 PM)

Cathy: Nope. I hear the Irish might be heading my way - maybe El Paso for the Sun Bowl.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Pardon my ignorance here but isn't the Varsity the hot dog place? I think I saw it featured on the Travel Channel. The dogs are really that good, huh?

Tim Griffin

  (4:38 PM)

J.B. - Hot dogs and hamburgers. They are the world's largest distributor of Coca-Cola in a single restaurant. But when you go - ask for a F.O. - that's a frosted orange for us regulars.

Tuck (Oklahoma)

Anyone else agree Texas fans are the biggest bunch of cry babies they have ever seen?

Tim Griffin

  (4:39 PM)

Tuck: I won't go that far. Just say that college football promotes more controversy than any other sport. One of the reasons I like it so much.

Bo Pelini (Lincoln, NE)

Raise your hand if you expected that I'd be coaching a better team than Les Miles by Turkey Day. Nobody? Yep, pretty much. Do you agree, Tim?

Tim Griffin

  (4:40 PM)

Bo: Yes I do. Major reason why is because you started trusting in your defensive line talent and Suh started looking like the second coming of Bob Lilly for us old-timers.

Dan (Austin)

Tim: Im sorry but you aren't answering some of us Longhorn fans' questions directly. What do you base your reasoning on that OU is the better team that would outweigh seeing the two teams meet head to head and UT coming out on top?

Tim Griffin

  (4:42 PM)

Dan: Right now I give Oklahoma the edge for a couple of reasons. Their defense is playing much better than before. Stoops has learned to squib kick rather than chance long returns. Major reason on offense is because the Sooners' running game has reinvigorated with the return of DeMarco Murray. He and Chris Brown are a pretty potent duo. But I'm not saying it's by much. I could answer Texas if I see the Longhorns have a big offensive performance against A&M to match the defense I saw at Kansas. I thought that was Muschamp's best game since coming to the Forty Acres.

Tuck (Oklahoma)

Ok, i'll compromise. College football IS controversial.....but Texas is still full of cry babies.

Tim Griffin

  (4:43 PM)

Tuck: Don't know if I would go that far. I think that whatever team is on the bottom of the stick will always have some complaining.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

I root for a Big Ten team but have to say, the hatred between Texas and Oklahoma fans is one heck of a lot of fun when the two teams are so good.

Tim Griffin

  (4:44 PM)

J.B. - I agree. It's fun to live in the middle of it with no rooting interest in either school. That's why I think having them play one more time in Miami would be so much fun.

Jerry Lubbock TX

Tim how do you think TTU will do next year. Do you think Leach will run a new offense? He is loosing many players.

Tim Griffin

  (4:45 PM)

Jerry: It will be a challenging season for Leach without Harrell and most likely without Crabtree. But I know they like Taylor Potts and I wouldn't expect Leach's philosophy to be transformed - if he's even in Lubbock.

Brent (OK)

Agreed.....I think OU and Texas might be the two best teams in the nation. How about a 4 team playoff this year with the SEC and Big XII championships serving as the semi-finals?

Tim Griffin

  (4:46 PM)

Brent: I like your thought process. Let's make you king of college football.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Tim, so you'd rather enjoy seeing a rematch between OU and Texas than Texas or OU playing Florida, USC, or Alabama?

Tim Griffin

  (4:46 PM)

Will: Yes.

Ross (JC MO)

Dose Chase danels have a shoot at the hisman or is his run over.

Tim Griffin

  (4:47 PM)

Ross: Sorry, Chase. Those losses in October doomed you. But would you trade it in for a Big 12 championship?

charles manhattan ks

what do you think the kstate wildcats will do next year under coach snyder

Tim Griffin

  (4:47 PM)

Charles: I'm guessing they'll probably play an easier non-conference schedule.

Andrew (TX)

Tim, I know the North is still the little brother in the league, but it seems every time the South forgets that, we rise up and slay the giant (ala KSU against OU in 2003). What is your prediction for Mizzou against OU/TX in KC?

Tim Griffin

  (4:48 PM)

Andrew: South teams have dominated in the championship game and won by a 15-3 margin in the conference this season. But it's going to be cold at Arrowhead. I'll say the South team should be about a touchdown favorite.

Charles (Charlotte, NC)

Which conference is better? Big 12 or SEC?

Tim Griffin

  (4:49 PM)

Charles: This year, I think it's the Big 12. And if you like offense, it's really a lot better.

Carl (Louisville, KY)

What are the chances Tebow wins the Heisman again?

Tim Griffin

  (4:50 PM)

Carl: He'll make it to NYC, but I don't think he's winning it.

JP (Florida)

Tim, if Florida and Alabama both win their games this week, then that means that the SEC chamionship between these two teams will decide on of the teams that will contest for the National Title. Who do you pick in that game?

Tim Griffin

  (4:51 PM)

JP: I give Florida an edge because of Tebow and Harvin, although Alabama's strength in the trenches makes me think they have a puncher's chance of snagging an upset. How about Florida 30, Alabama 20?

Will J (Portland, OR)

Tim, I sure hope Oregon St goes to the Rose Bowl, then USC can play Oklahoma or Texas in the Fiesta Bowl. We'll see who's the best.

Tim Griffin

  (4:52 PM)

Will: I'd like to see it too. I'd like to see the Beavers hit Pasadena - big admirer of what Mike Riley has done in Corvallis.

Jeff (San Diego, CA)

Tim, what do you think about incorporating the great rivalry of Nebraska and Oklahoma into the Big 12 schedule every year and putting that game on Thanksgiving weekend?

Tim Griffin

  (4:53 PM)

Jeff: I like the idea, although I don't think that Nebraska and Oklahoma officials would willingly agree to play each other every season if it would end up that Missouri, Kansas, Texas or Texas Tech ended up with an easier schedule. They have more of a sense of self-preservation than anything else.

Amber (OKC)

Give us a score for the Bedlam game.

Tim Griffin

  (4:54 PM)

Amber: I'll stick with my pick I made with the rest of my predictions. OU 35, Oklahoma State 33

Mike Riley (Corvallis)

Tim, do you think we'll see old "powerhouses" Nebraska, Notre Dame, Washington, become prominent programs again?

Tim Griffin

  (4:55 PM)

Mike: Thanks for checking in. I think with the right coach, Notre Dame would have the easiest path to a mega program again. Nebraska is hamstrung by playing in the Big 12. Washington will struggle because of Pete Carroll and the strength of the Pac-10.

Scott (Austin, TX)

Tim, I know it's unlikely but what would have to happen for Baylor to upset Tech. Any one factor in particular?

Tim Griffin

  (4:56 PM)

Scott: How much too much turkey for Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree. Don't see it happening. When the game will be played the Red Raiders will be playing for a shot at the Big 12 title.

Lloyd Carr (Ann Arbor, MI)

Does Nebraska get a crystal football in 1997 if Osborne doesn't announce his retirement prior to end of the 1997 season?

Tim Griffin

  (4:57 PM)

Lloyd: Probably not. Maybe that's why he announced it when he did.

Ross (JC MO)

If Mizzou loses the big 12 championship game what bowl do u see them going to, Tim. Have a great Thanksgiving.

Tim Griffin

  (4:58 PM)

Ross: Thanks and you have the same. How about the Holiday Bowl or the Alamo Bowl.

Glory (Immortality, CA)

Worst play-call...Urban Meyer's play-call on 4th and 1 at the MISSISSIPPI 32 with 01:22 to go in the 4th Quarter this season or Pete Carroll's play-call on 4th and 2 at the TEXAS 45 with 02:13 to go in 4th Quarter of the 2006 Rose Bowl?

Tim Griffin

  (4:59 PM)

Glory: Probably Carroll's call in the Rose Bowl, although I think him taking a time out before the two-point play was just as bad. If the Trojans have one more play (after a timeout) they might have gotten a field goal in that game.

Brian (Osage Beach, MO)

Will Shonn Greene make it to NY?

Tim Griffin

  (5:00 PM)

Briann: I think if the Heisman people want to bring five contenders, he would have a good shot. But sometimes, the NYAC people are satisfied with only four players. That could be the case this year.

Mark (Chicago, IL)

Would you really like to see a rematch of PSU/Oregon St in the Rose Bowl? Did you miss that in Sept? My guess is yes, you Big 12 guys don't get out much.

Tim Griffin

  (5:01 PM)

Mark: Bowls are entirely different games. I remember UCLA beating Ohio State in a Rose Bowl rematch back in the 1970s. And yes, I did see the game.

Travis (Longview, Texas)

Who do you believe to have a better defense right now? Oklahoma or Texas? The way Oklahoma shut down Tech I'd have to say Oklahoma. And being first in the nation in sacks doesn't hurt either.

Tim Griffin

  (5:03 PM)

Travis: Again, it's very close, but if the Sooners play like they did last week, I might give it barely to them. I think that was the best OU defensive performance (against a good team, I might add) since Mike Stoops left Norman.

Tim Griffin

  (5:04 PM)

Patrick: I think the Buckeyes and Sooners get bashed about equally for their BCS problems.

Tim Griffin

  (5:05 PM)

Guys: I have to run. Thanks again for all of the great questions - all 445 of them at last count. Enjoy the holiday and we'll see you again next week. Happy Thanksgiving!