Graham Watson

  (2:00 PM)

Welcome to the chat. A lot of bowl and coaching change chatter going on today, so let's get started.

Mike (Clearwater, FL)

Hearing rumblings that the Gator Bowl may take Clemson instead of FSU to face the Huskers. Any truth to that?

Graham Watson

  (2:02 PM)

I was just doing something with the ACC a little while ago, and I don't think anything will be decided until after this week. I will say that Clemson is one of the hottest teams in the country right now and would probably give the Gator a better game.

Brian (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Any word on Ball State versus Boise State in a Bowl game? Is there a hold up in the negotiations, and if so, what is the hold up?

Graham Watson

  (2:03 PM)

I don't think this is going to happen because the WAC wants it i Boise and the MAC doesn't want to put Ball State at a disadvantage. Looks like Boise is going to SD to play TCU.

Jason(Dallas, Texas)

Graham, ND often gets called arrogant and full of themselves. OK, fine but some are saying that ND should decline a bowl invitation with a record of 6-6. My opinion is that ND's perceived arrogance would only grow if they turned down a bowl game by thinking they are too good for it. Your thoughts?

Graham Watson

  (2:07 PM)

I have mixed feelings about this and really it depends on which bowl the Irish get. First, they don't want to play a non-BCS that could beat them. I don;t have a list of at-large bowls in front of me, but I'm pretty sure the Indy Bowl and Hawaii Bowl are options. They could beat Hawaii, but would have trouble with La. Tech. I know, I felt totally crazy just writing that sentence. It's also going to depend on the status of Charlie Weis. I've gotten mixed feelings about his job security from a lot of people. With a new AD, it's going to come down to what the money wants to do. If it wants CW gone, he'll be gone. If he stays, though, the team could use the extra practice and a game to get their confidence up, it just has to be against a team they know they can beat.

Keith (Muncie, Indiana)

What are the odds that Brady Hoke is offered a big-time coaching job at a major BCS school?

Graham Watson

  (2:09 PM)

I think he's going to get looks, but this is his first major winning season, so I'm not sure how many teams are going to take the leap on him. I think Hoke can coach and he can obviously recruit. I'd like to see him make BSU a consistent contender, but I think that will be difficult if Nate Davis leaves.

LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego, CA)

Can the BIG 12 drop Baylor and pick up TCU?

Graham Watson

  (2:10 PM)

That's been something that's been talked about forever and every time I've brought it up with a commissioner, it's been laughed at. Just don;t see it happening especially now that Baylor is becoming a basketball power.

Nate (Boise, ID)

hi Graham, are you saying a 7-5 WAC team will give a 6-6 ND a run for their money? Guess WAC isn't that bad then.

Graham Watson

  (2:11 PM)

Well, I think you're giving ND too much credit. And it depends which 7-5 WAC team we're talking about. Hawaii? No. La. Tech or Nevada? Both could give ND a game. Might not win, but will give ND a game. Hawaii couldn't keep up with Golden Tate and Michael Floyd, who's supposed to be back for a bowl

Sylvain (Calgary)

Do you think ND offers Brian Kelly? I mean were talking about a periennal winner and one of the best coaches in America for 1/3rd the cost of a Meyer,Saban!

Graham Watson

  (2:12 PM)

Absolutely. ND would be crazy not to and that might push CW out the door if the money wants Kelly. Another thing to watch is whether Florida plays for the national championship and wins. I think then you see Meyer on the market.

Andy, El Paso, Texas

Do you feel two-loss TCU (to No. 2 and No. 6) should be considered over two-loss Ohio State (to No.5 and No. 8)in the BCS? I know it won't happen because it IS Ohio State, but one can always dream...

Graham Watson

  (2:14 PM)

I had to go back and read the BCS rules on this one. It's not real clear whether a non-BCS team has to be a conference champion to be an at-large or whether it's treated like any other at-large so long as it satisfies the other provisions. But if it can be treated like any other at-large, I think TCU is a better team than Ohio State. Yeah, I said it.

Shivan (Austin, TX)

Can the Missouri Tigers beat the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday?

Graham Watson

  (2:15 PM)

I don't know. I don't have a lot of faith in the Missouri secondary after the KU game last week. I think it's going to be tough especially with the way OU owned Dave Christensen last season.

Scott (Carmel, IN)

What is the Humanitarian Bowl doing to sweeten the deal for Ball State to travel to Boise?

Graham Watson

  (2:16 PM)

Nothing it can do. It's an unfair advantage for Boise State. If the game gets played, it will be on a neutral field. The MAC won't have it any other way and the WAC wants to satisfy its bowl partners. I think neither side is budging.

Kyle (Reno, NV)

Colin Kaepernick was just named WAC player of the year. A lot of Boise fans feel that Kellen Moore got jobbed. If you had one pick, which would you take to be your quarterback?

Graham Watson

  (2:18 PM)

Kellen Moore was the Freshman of the Year, so I think it worked out. Honestly, KM is the best pure QB in the conference but Kap is the best pure athlete. He's so much more multiple than Moore especially now that he can throw consistently. I think he'll be a force next year as will Nevada.

Tim (Minneapolis, MN)

What kind of odds do you give UB at pulling off an upset?

Graham Watson

  (2:20 PM)

I don't know. I really like Buffalo, but I'm not sure the defense can stop Davis and Lewis. Conversely, I don't know if the Ball State defense can stop Starks and Roosevelt. Sean baker is my favorite defensive player in that league and I think he has a good game against Drew Willy

Jim Sawicki (Belmar, NJ)

Do you think that ECU has any shot to beat Tulsa in the C-USA championship game on Saturday? Go Pirates!

Graham Watson

  (2:21 PM)

I talked to both coaches today and I do think ECU has a shot. Tulsa isn't the same team it was two months ago and neither is ECU frankly. But the Pirates got a huge confidence boost off last week's UTEP blowout and they've got some guys back healthy. It wouldn't surprise me at all if ECU won, but it's hard to bet against Tulsa.

Lu (SLC)

If TCU does end up playing boise state who do you have winning that one i personally think TCU's defence will walk all over boise.

Graham Watson

  (2:22 PM)

I don't know about "walk all over" but I think it will be very difficult for Boise State to have the same kind of success it's enjoyed most of the season. If TCU's offense shows up (unlike the Utah game), I would think TCU would be favored.

Jeff Chicago

If Ball State win this week do they have a chance to play boise state in a BCS game

Graham Watson

  (2:23 PM)

In a BCS game? No.

Ben (Baton Rouge, LA)

Bama vs Florida. Who YOU got winning?

Graham Watson

  (2:24 PM)

I like Florida. Bama's got the defense, but Florida has been playing so well lately that it's tough to pick against them. Plus, I don't think JP Wilson and crew can keep pace with the Florida offense.

Orel, Salt Lake City UT

Why are you such a MWC homer? If you would do some research instead of simply propping BYU and Utah as God's gifts to the non-BCS world, maybe you could have made a single trip to Boise to at least give the Broncos 1/10th of the coverage you give the MWC schools... whom you don't have a media contract with in the first place at ESPN. Why are you in love with the MWC?

Graham Watson

  (2:25 PM)

I was at Boise State's game last week.

Jerry Jones (Dallas, TX)

Do you think the Cotton Bowl has a chance of getting into the BCS?

Graham Watson

  (2:26 PM)

Yep. Once Jerry World is up and running and the BCS restructures in a couple years, I wouldn't be surprised to either see the Cotton added as an addition game or the Orange dumped for the Cotton.

Chad Sexington (Salt Lake City)

You picked Ball St, Boise St, Tulsa, TCU, byu, ECU and the organized janitors of El Paso before you picked the UTES. Are you finally convinced?

Graham Watson

  (2:28 PM)

Picked them for what? I recall a story in August that said an undefeated Utah and an undefeated BYU would meet in Salt Lake for the MWC and a possible BCS berth. Ask any Boise State fan and they'll tell you I didn't pick that team to go to the BCS to start the season. I didn't even pick the Broncos to win their conference

Keith (State University, AR)

Which bowl eligible Sun Belt team gets left out come bowl season?

Graham Watson

  (2:30 PM)

That's a tough one. I'd pick either Arkansas State or ULL. Of course if ASU beats Troy then it's a different story.

Greg in Austin

How come Greg Davis is not in the Frank Broyles award talk? he did a great this year with an inexperienced line, no running back and no tight end!

Graham Watson

  (2:31 PM)

That's a good question. I think the computers had the OU coordinator higher.

True Ute, Lansing MI

Do you see Kyle Whittingham leaving Utah for Washington? I personally think it would be a foolish choice considering the state of their program, but then again, I'm biased.

Graham Watson

  (2:31 PM)

I honestly think Pat Hill gets the job before Whittingham.

Mike in Lubbock

Do you think they will make every voter in every poll make their vote public next year?

Graham Watson

  (2:33 PM)

No because then no one would vote.I mean that in all seriousness. I wouldn't vote (not that I do anymore anyway) if my vote was scrutinized every week. It's not worth it. Yes it would hold people accountable, but people don't want the hassle.

Rob (Omaha, NE)

Any job interviews for Turner Gill this offseason?

Graham Watson

  (2:34 PM)

I think he'll get some. He and I had a great conversation about this last week. He said he;s totally open to interviews - hadn't received an offers at the time - and that his faith will direct him where to go. He made no promises to stay at Buffalo, which is a bit of a shame. I'll have the story up later this week.

Gaylon (Salem, NC)

IF Florida beats Alabama this weekend, do you see them jumping Texas?

Graham Watson

  (2:36 PM)

And playing in the NC? Yes.

Clay (Oakland, CA)

Do you think Wyoming can have an immediate improvement with their new head coach, or will it take some time for Dave Christensen to recruit and get the offense up and running?

Graham Watson

  (2:37 PM)

It will take time. Remember, Missouri hasn't always been an offensive juggernaut. It took a long time to get the right kids in there and the same thing will happen at Wyo. It will take a couple years.

Graham Watson

  (2:39 PM)

Sorry for the delay. I'm getting some text messages about something going on... Just smoke, I think... continuing the chat

Alex (Orlando, Florida)

Who are you Top Three Coaches in the Non-BCS who may be fired this off season?

Graham Watson

  (2:40 PM)

They've already been fired. Hal Mumme was at the top of my list.

Dave, Boise

Graham, it's time for change. Enough of the 'same old BCS politics'. Let's watch Boise State open up a can of Statue of Liberty against Texas, that's better to watch then another Ohio State loss, isn't it?

Graham Watson

  (2:40 PM)

Do you really think another BCS team would fall for that play? Not likely because no BCS program wants to be Oklahoma and watch it replayed 5,000 times on SportsCenter

Luke (Jacksonville, NC)

What do you think about Skip Holtz to Notre Dame? His dad has the ties there...

Graham Watson

  (2:42 PM)

I think at the beginning of the year that looked like a possibility, but now probably not likely. He'll get some looks from the BCS, but ND is a longshot. They'll hire a big name.

Dan (Houston)

If you were queen of the FBS, what bowl matchups would you like to see the ranked non-BCS teams get? (Ignoring the BCS and conference tie-ins.) I'd love to see Utah-USC.

Graham Watson

  (2:44 PM)

I don;t think that would be a good game. I think USC/TCU would be a good game and even USC/Boise State. I honestly believe Penn State might be the best matchup for the Utes.

Pete (Apex, NC)

Why does Skip Holtz' name come up for HC jobs at higher profile BCS schools before people like Patterson, Whittingham or Mendenhall? It alwyas seem like they are mentioned for lower profile schools while Skip always gets the looks at bigger schools. Your thoughts on why?

Graham Watson

  (2:45 PM)

Patterson's name comes up before any of those actually. But I don't think he's shopping. Holtz is on that side of the country and has recruiting ties there.

Clay (Oakland, CA)

Do you think bowl officials will be more inclined this year to extend invitations to regional teams if possible?

Graham Watson

  (2:46 PM)

I think most bowls want the best matchup, but they do try to get teams in their region in order to attract more fans.

Rob (Terre Haute, IN)

Graham, Where do you feel Ball State should play in a bowl game? There is no way they will play in Boise against BSU! Thoughts???

Graham Watson

  (2:47 PM)

Motor City probably. Could be interesting if they get a good Big Ten team.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Graham, why do you think Pat Hill is good for the Washington job? I love his coaching philosophy, but I don't think he has the in-game decision making to make it in the Pac-10.

Graham Watson

  (2:49 PM)

he was up for the job back when Willingham got it plus he has some ties there. He's a proven recruiter and a fearless coach. A lot of people love his philosophy about scheduling and the players love his attitude. He's a player's coach, which is hard to find sometimes. And honestly, Washington could use someone who could win over and inspire players right away. He's that guy. And he's beaten teams in the Pac-10 before. he played USC to a last possession a few years ago.

Pete (Apex, NC)

Why wouldn't Patterson be shopping? Is he not interested in advancing his career or is he waiting for the ultimate prize...or is there about to be another conference shakedown?

Graham Watson

  (2:50 PM)

He's got a place he wants to be as most coaches do. Like Pat Hill's ultimate job is Washington. Patterson has it good at TCU right now and doesn't need to jump at the first suitor. He's courted every year.

Blake (Fort Worth)

Graham, Give me your percentage that TCU makes it to the BCS. Oh and I completely agree with you that if TCU's offensive coordinator actually shows up, they can cause the other team some hurtful headaches.

Graham Watson

  (2:52 PM)

This year? No chance considering the unwritten BCS rules about undefeated non-BCS teams.

Graham Watson

  (2:52 PM)

Although, if the toads had beaten Utah, I wouldn't have put it out of the question.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Do you know if Washington has contacted Hill or anyone else for that matter yet?

Graham Watson

  (2:53 PM)

Hill interviewed this past weekend. They also interviewed Mike Haywood from ND. That's all that's been confirmed.

David, Texas

What chance do you think we see the Horned Frogs in the LV Bowl? Sincerely, Horned Frog Fan Who Already Bought Plane Tickets

Graham Watson

  (2:54 PM)

It's only a five-hour drive to SD

Pete (Apex, NC)

Are you saying that that succesful upper tier non-BCS coaches can now sit at their non-BCS school until their ultimate job comes calling? It sounds as if staying at their current program is a better, safer bet than leaping to lower and middle tier BCS schools. Thoughts? And where is Patterson's ultimate job?

Graham Watson

  (2:57 PM)

If that's their prerogative, sure. Patterson makes a ton of money at TCU. He's not like some of these other guys that make $600. He makes something like 1.3 mil. That's awesome for a non-BCS and hard to beat unless you're June Jones. Honestly, Patterson's partial dream job might have been filled last week. But again, I think he's really happy at TCU.

bj (huntsville, AL)

What do you think Alabama has to do to win this saturday. Another question... If OU lose to Mizzou, who do you think will play for the title?

Graham Watson

  (2:59 PM)

Alabama has to play the best defense it's ever played, limit Tebow's running plays and get physical with Harvin. Oh, and JP Wilson has to somehow become a Big 12-type quarterback. If OU loses, Texas should play the winner of Bama/Fla. for the title.

Alex (Orlando, Florida)

Should UCF fire O'Leary?

Graham Watson

  (3:00 PM)

It's one bad season. Unless you;re talking about on-the-field stuff, in which case that's a separate conversation that needs concrete evidence.

Nick (wisconsin)

"I think then you see Meyer on the market" I'm assuming this a hunch but honestly why the heck would that happen? If moneys the issue Florida really cant let that happen, and why would Urban want to leave a team like Florida...does he like challenges or the idea to resurrect Notre Dame?

Graham Watson

  (3:03 PM)

Remember I was talking about dream jobs? Well, this would be right up there with most coaches. ND is not a bad place. It has TONS of talent and could be a fantastic team with the right coaching and inspiration. Don't mistake ND's bad season for a lack of talent. And look at Meyer's career if he wins the NC... he's what some people call the grandfather of some versions of the spread...he's the original BCS buster...he wins a national title at Fla... what's his next great challenge? Bring ND back to prominence would be a good one.

Graham Watson

  (3:03 PM)

OK. That's it for me. Gotta get back to work. Enjoy your day everyone and next week we'll chat about bowls.

Garrick, Meridian, ID

Hey Graham.... I read/heard somewhere yesterday that the BCS committee was going to discuss narrowing the teams down in a meeting today and then release some teams tomorrow. Does this mean that tomorrow we will know who is in and who is out of the BCS Bowl picture, just not what the match-ups are??

Graham Watson

  (3:05 PM)

Oh, just saw this question and wanted to answer... No. We'll just know the pool of teams from which the BCS is choosing. We won't know the teams until Sunday.

Graham Watson

  (3:05 PM)

OK. Peace out.