ESPN

Mark Schlabach

  (2:01 PM)

OK, back again. Here we go. Hope everybody had a good weekend.

Sean(Lincoln, NE)

What are you predictions for the Nebraska Clemson game?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:02 PM)

I think Nebraska's defense will get a stiff test from Clemson's offense. Pretty balanced on offense. Clemson had good momentum under Dabo Swinney at the end of the year. Should be a good game.

Jordan (Houston, Texas)

Is there any better way to decide the Heisman? Tebow gets the most first place votes due to the southeast voters saying he has "heart" and "carries the entire team on his shoulders", yet they don't give McCoy the same credit. Southwest voters leave Tebow completely off the ballot in favor of the Tx Tech duo. Bradford and Tebow got to play an extra game over McCoy (and Harrell) and McCoy still came in second, does that mean that McCoy would have won it had he played in the Big 12 title game? Is a 'voting criteria' the answer? If not, what is?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:02 PM)

I think it's the only way to do it. I think they do a good job spreading the votes across the country. I didn't vote for Tebow because of his heart; I voted for him because I thought he was the best player in the country.

Bax (Atlanta)

Mark,This looks like a tough year for the SEC in bowl games, with only Alabama being a big favorite. If the league struggles this postseason after an admittedly down regular seaosn will it affect the league's image?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:04 PM)

I think the league's image has already taken a hit this year. Outside of Florida and Bama, not a lot of great SEC teams. Could still win its third national title in a row, though.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Mr. Schlabach: How much do you think losing their O-coordinator will affect USC in the Rose Bowl?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:11 PM)

I think it will affect them some. They've had some problems on offense all year. I think Penn State is pretty balanced and will pose some problems. I don't think it will be like last year's Rose Bowl against Illinois.

jmp, baton rouge

Who are the cantidates for the Iowas Satae job? How about Solich, Sean Watson or T. Gill.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:11 PM)

I think Turner Gill is one of the leading candidates there.

Joey(Florence, AL)

Maybe you've heard about Coach Mark Hudspeth being hired as Miss. State's new OC? Even though MSU has struggled in the SEC, I have to admit it's a step up from even North Alabama(annual DII champ contender). Coach Hud will probably increase his salary 2-3 times and that would be an understandable reason for leaving but what's up with all the top, championship coaches moving from say Florida to Notre Dame or an NFL job (latest Urdan Meyer rumor)? Winning promotes stability and the money ain't gonna increase from Gainesville to South Bend!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:12 PM)

Haven't heard it's a done deal yet, but he's got a great track record. Mullen will do a nice job there. They can't be any worse on offense than what they've been.

Matt (Athens, GA)

Mark, when something goes wrong, fans want to complain and blame someone about their misfortunes. (especially in the SEC) With that said, what was Georgia's biggest problem on defense? Was it Willie Martinez? Leadership? Or could injuries been the biggest reason why the Bulldogs gave up so many points?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:14 PM)

Losing Jeff Owens didn't help. But I didn't see a lot of experienced talent across the board. Defensive ends had little production. Ellerbe was banged up for much of the year. The one corner spot was a trouble area all season. Could have been a lot tougher on that side of the ball.

Doug Des Moines,IA

What do you think of the Chizik hire at Auburn? People very upset in Ames.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:15 PM)

If he told the AD he was staying, then I'm sure they're upset. You can go get a good coach like Turner Gill or Butch Jones.

Chris (Oklahoma City, OK)

Can you honestly say Oklahoma is not slighted by media critics? They punish them for beating Texas Tech, ignoring the fact the Big 12 South title was not a two-way but a three-way tie decision. Then, Bradford becomes a blacksheep in winning the Heisman because of the lovefest over Tebow and the sympathyfest over McCoy. Prove to me, if you can, there won't be more negative press against the Sooners in the next four weeks.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:16 PM)

I think Oklahoma will get plenty of publicity over the next few weeks. Oklahoma has a great team. Bradford was more than deserving in winning the Heisman. Gresham is unbelievable. Iglesias is very good. Brown and Murray are a great one-two punch. Florida will have their hands full.

Sam (Norman, OK)

Mark, on behalf of all OU fans, could you save us some embarrassment in case Bradford wins another Heisman next year, by using some of your much deserved pull to keep Billy Sims and his childish "BOOMER!" calls away from NYC?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:17 PM)

I'll see what I can do....

CP (Atlanta, GA)

Do you think Georgia Tech AD should have opened discussions with Paul Johnson about his contract after only one year on the job?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:20 PM)

Yes. If Radakovich didn't, somebody would come after Johnson pretty soon. He did a great job in his first season. Beat Georgia, which Tech hadn't done in a while. He's an unbelievable coach with a great track record.

Kevin (Stockton, CA)

Mark, Oregon vs. Oklahoma State, who wins, and can they break the Holiday bowl total points scored record? Do you know what that record is by chance?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:22 PM)

I'm kind of leaning to the Cowboys, but I think the Ducks have a good shot, especially if the running game is as good as it was against Oregon State. They'd have to score a bunch of points:Holiday Bowl records:Most Points, Both Teams91: BYU vs. SMU, 198090: Texas vs. Washington, 200189: Penn St. vs. BYU, 1989

Barron (OKC)

How does the best college offense of ALLTIME only produce 1 all-american (and its not the Heisman Winner) in an offensive lineman?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:23 PM)

Good question. Tight end could have been there. Quarterback could have been there.

Chris (Oklahoma City, OK)

Once again you prove the negativity by ignoring the three-way tie for Big 12 South. Did you know there were three teams that tied for the division title? And why do you ask I bring it up? Because many Oklahoma critics are still crying about them being in the championship game.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:23 PM)

I'm not... I moved on.

Chris (Kalamazoo, Michigan)

Who wins between Rice and Western Michigan?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:24 PM)

Good matchup. Two very good offenses. I'll lean with the Owls. Love Clement and Dillard. Broncos are a good team, though.

Mike-Norman, Ok

Mark, Give me your Top 5 Bowl Games with pick and also please explain why you were still picking Texas - Fla even though OU was in the Big 12 Championship game as the NC game--you also had OU winning the Big 12 but playing Utah? Could not understand your logic other than maybe thinking the pollsters would sway towards texas even afteran OU victory based on head to head..?thx

Mark Schlabach

  (2:25 PM)

Those bowl projections are old (before the BCS games were announced).1. Title game: Florida2. Rose Bowl: USC3. Fiesta Bowl: Texas4. Poinsettia: TCU5. Sugar: Alabama

Sylvain (Calgary)

Hey Mark, Can you tell the ppl in Oklahoma to stop being a Sore Winner..They win the Tie-breaker Win the South title and got the Heisman!! Quit Whinning and Start talking about how you plan on improving on your 0-4 record in the BCS in the past 5 years!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:26 PM)

All the way from Canada...Good point. Let's all move on and enjoy the holidays.

Guy (Gainesville)

How many Special Teams TD's will Florida score against Oklahoma?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:26 PM)

Sooners better shore up the kick coverage. James could run back a punt.

Tye(clanton Al

how do you think the Utes will hold up to the running game of Alabama?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:27 PM)

Utes are very battle tested, after playing Oregon State, BYU, TCU. Tide is very good up front on offense, but Utes will hang in there. Won't be like last year's Sugar Bowl.

Bnel (Irvine, CA)

Mark - we know what you think of the non-BCS undefeateds. Do you think Utah has a shot at 'Bama or do your forecast a repeat of Georgia-Hawaii?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:28 PM)

As I said a minute ago, I think Utah can keep it close. Bama will be tough to stop in the running game, and Brian Johnson will have to play really well.

Jeff (Texas)

DO you think that Grham Harrell got slighted by not being invited to the heisman ceremony and for what reason?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:29 PM)

No, because when you look at the final voting, it wasn't even close. Surprisingly, Harrell wasn't even an afterthought in the voting. Surprised he wasn't on more ballots.

Brent-Augusta

How do you think Michigan State defense will hold up against Georgia offense in the Capital One Bowl?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:30 PM)

Michigan State struggled in its biggest games -- at Cal, vs. Ohio State and at Penn State. But Spartans' running game will be tough to stop. I'm betting it's a shootout. Georgia offense was playing well at end of season. Georgia's defense was not.

Travis (San Diego)

Hey Mark - what do you think the biggest (pre bowl game) story of the year was in CFB?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:31 PM)

Big 12 South was probably the biggest. Alabama getting to No. 1 in Saban's second season was pretty close. Penn State coming back near the top. Just to name a few...

Brent (Dallas, TX)

Do you think Leach will go out of his way to allow Harrell to put up huge numbers to show the heisman people what they missed out on?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:33 PM)

I think Leach is always looking to put up huge numbers. I think he's just looking to send Harrell (and possibly Crabtree) out as winners.

Joe(Gainesville,FL)

How does the departure of Dan Mullen affect the Gators? Who will call the offensive plays?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:33 PM)

Getting mixed signals on who will call plays. Mullen said he would, but Tebow said he wouldn't. Meyer can do it.

Brett (Happy Valley)

Now that the Big Ten will start scheduling games after Thanksgiving in the near future, how bout we move the PSU-Bama game in 2011 to late November? Get an SEC team in a nice cold snowy game. Think it would be fun?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:34 PM)

Think it would be great. Glad to see the Big Ten is playing football after Thanksgiving.

John (Fort Lauderdale)

What happened with the penalty flag at the end of the SEC Championship game when replays showed a UF player kicking an Alabama player who was on the ground? Shouldn't he have been suspended for the first half of the OU game???

Mark Schlabach

  (2:34 PM)

Missed that one. I was at the Big 12 game. Sooners should have been penalized for animal abuse with way they did to the Tigers.

Michael (Batesville, MS)

It's gonna be hard sending Harrell out a winner when he's laying on his back all day from Ole Miss' defensive front seven!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:35 PM)

Texas Tech offensive line is very good. Not sure they've seen a defensive front like the Rebels this season, though. That will be a great game.

Larry (Glendale, CA)

How do you think Florida's d-line is going to match up with Oklahoma's o-line? And vice versa?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:36 PM)

Gators are still pretty young on defensive line. They'll have time to get a couple of guys back who were banged up late. Oklahoma's offensive line is one of the best in the country. Florida's offensive line has done a good job, too.

Jason (Norman, OK)

In 10 years, Bob Stoops has:6 Big 12 Championships4 National Title game appearances1 National Championship2 Heisman winners - should be 3 (Heupel got screwed)Bob Stoops for coach of the decade? What say ye?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:36 PM)

What about the losses to Boise State and West Virginia? Bob has done a great job, no question about it. How about Nick Saban or Urban Meyer or Jim Tressel?

Scott (Charlotte)

Is Gene Chizik going to be able to hold his own against Nick Saban?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:37 PM)

I'm not sure anyone could have gone head-to-head with Saban in Alabama and won right now. Chizik took a very difficult job. It's going to be tougher because he wasn't the people's choice at Auburn.

Ben (Carrollton, GA)

With all of the youth in the conference (particularly at QB) the ACC is poised to break out in a big way in 2009. GT for example returns 19 starters, including all 11 on offense. When you look at all the young QB's in the league, the next 2 years in the ACC could be similar to what the Big XII was this past season.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:38 PM)

Quarterback play has to get better. In my opinion, it's what held the league back the last few years. But Wilson at NC State, Harris at Miami, Ponder at FSU, Nesbitt at Ga. Tech, just to name a few, are all going to be very good.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:38 PM)

And Taylor at Virginia Tech, who must become a better passer.

Lance (OKC)

Mark, everybody talks about the lack of defense for Oklahoma. Although a lot of yards were posted and quite a few points in some games people seem to overlook the fact that they dominated two of the most prolific offenses this season and were near the top of the country in turnover differential and sacks. Why don't people give the D more credit?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:39 PM)

Because most people just look at the scores. Oklahoma State ripped them apart pretty good until the fourth quarter. They looked much better against Mizzou. Oklahoma is getting better. They'll be tested by Florida's speed, though. And the Gators looked pretty physical running the ball against Bama.

Steve (Iowa City)

Besides the obvious BCS bowls, what other bowls intrigue you? How about the Iowa-South Carolina game?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:41 PM)

Yeah, Outback, Cap. One, Gator, Holiday, Cotton. Heck, even the PapaJohns.com Bowl. Two of the hottest teams at the end of the season -- Rutgers and NC State. Poinsettia will be a good matchup, too. West Virginia and UNC in Charlotte could be good.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:41 PM)

Yeah, Outback, Cap. One, Gator, Holiday, Cotton. Heck, even the PapaJohns.com Bowl. Two of the hottest teams at the end of the season -- Rutgers and NC State. Poinsettia will be a good matchup, too. West Virginia and UNC in Charlotte could be good.

Mike (Anaheim)

Stoops also got blown out by USC 55-19 in the 2004. Speaking of USC, you left out Pete Carrol for coach of the decade.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:41 PM)

Thanks. Obvious omission.

Bax (Atlanta)

Mark, If the Big Ten does well in the bowls this year (say 4-3, 5-2) will that quiet a lot of the hatred from around the country? In my opinion, the Big Ten has had a solid year and I think the bowl games will reflect it.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:42 PM)

Much deeper league this year, at least that's what I thought. Ohio State and Penn State were very good. Michigan State was pretty good. Rest were above-average. Illinois and Purdue were disappointments.

Reed (Fort Worth TX):

"Not sure they've seen a defensive front like the Rebels this season, though" - Uh, Texas..

Mark Schlabach

  (2:43 PM)

Uh, Ole Miss is good. Two NFL top 15 picks. Texas is very good, though.

Joe (Washington DC)

What do you think of Monte Kiffin joining Lane at Tennessee?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:43 PM)

Great hire for defensive coordinator. Brings great experience to what could be a young staff.

Josh (Michigan)

What is the best coaching job available right now? Who should've gotten the Auburn job?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:44 PM)

Iowa State would seem to be the best right now. Army is open, too. San Diego State apparently filled. I don't know about Auburn. Turner Gill would have been good. Mike Leach would have been good. Chizik might turn out to be OK, but it's hard to ignore that 5-19 record. I know it's Iowa State, but Dan McCarney won there. The Cyclones didn't get any better under Chizik. That's my concern.

Dave (Pa)

People in NJ are upset that Kenny Britt has been completely overlooked by national CFB awards/analysts even though his numbers are comparable to Crabtree's. What are your thoughts on Britt?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:45 PM)

Rutgers got off to such a horrible start, but those WRs kind of got overlooked. Both are very good players.

Tim (Athens)

Should Ohio St hold back on their plays against Texas? The reality is that any "perception" about Ohio St being terrible if they get blown out by Texas will be immediately erased if they beat USC next year. I would rather get blown out against Texas and beat USC than barely beat Texas and lose to USC.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:46 PM)

I'd rather win a bowl game. I'm sure those seniors would like to win a BCS bowl game in their final game, too.

John (New York, NY)

What is your opinion on how Tebow was left out of the estimated 150 Heisman ballots?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:46 PM)

Stats not big enough, I guess. Mind boggling to me.

Denver, CO

VT or Cincinatti in the Orange Bowl?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:46 PM)

I picked BC in the ACC championship game and was wrong. I'll go with the Hokies. Defense is that good, and offense is getting better.

Mark (Ohio)

Hey Mark how come no one talks about Rice? They have the best QB/WR combo out there. Wait till their bowl game

Mark Schlabach

  (2:47 PM)

Saw them last year. Clement and Dillard are fantastic. Most improved team in the country this year.

Joey (Florence, AL)

Joey (Florence, AL): Would you comment on Bama's top draftable players? Obviously, everyone is assuming Andre Smith(OT) will come out and possibly NT Cody but I'm hearing rumors now about Coffee contacting the DAB to check his level.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:47 PM)

Heard he's checking and don't blame him. Tailbacks take a pounding in college. Smith is a first-rounder. Caldwell should be a first-rounder, and Cody probably would be if he comes out. Julio Jones -- definitely a top-five pick in two years.

Mike (Cleveland, OH)

If Gill goes from Buffalo to Iowa State - is that really a step up?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:48 PM)

It's a BCS conference. He's done a remarkable job at Buffalo.

David (Encinitas, CA)

Oddsmakers in Vegas have USC as a favorite over EVERY current BCS Bowl team. What does Vegas know that the pollsters don't? If USC was ranked #1 in both human polls, the computers wouldn't matter this year.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:49 PM)

Would they be ranked over Oregon State? Defense is unbelievable. Offense doesn't blow me away. I'd give Florida, Oklahoma and Texas a good chance at beating USC.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:49 PM)

Or I should have said favored over Oregon State?

joe (chicago, IL)

Mark, which ND team shows up on xmas eve: the promising squad from the first half of the season, or the bums that lost to 'cuse?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:49 PM)

For Charlie's sake, I hope it's the team from the first half of the season. They regressed quite a bit in the second half. Hawaii will be a tough out for ND, too.

rahn (laurens SC)

with this being Spurriers best recruiting year now in the top 10 in the nation can he contend for a SEC championship in the next few years

Mark Schlabach

  (2:50 PM)

Don't know. Has to get better QB play, obviously. We've been hearing they were close the last couple of years, but it didn't happen. I thought this was his best coaching job. Got a lot out of that team.

Jeff (Iowa)

Do you think there's some anti-Tebow sentiment among voters who are put off by his clean cut personality?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:51 PM)

I don't know. I doubt it. I went to Florida prisons with the kid this summer. He's as genuine as they come. Great role model and representative of college football. Wish there were more guys like him, to be honest.

Carol (Norman, OK)

Which team is better, the 2004 Oklahoma Sooners led by Jason White and Adrian Peterson or the 2008 Oklahoma Sooners led by Sam Bradford and DeMarco Murray?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:51 PM)

Let's see what happens in the title game. Very good on offense, probably better than any other team. Defense.....we'll see.

Zach (Boise, ID)

Hardly anyone can watch the Utah Utes because of a stupid contract with a local network. I think this is a big reason people think they're going to get killed by Alabama. You?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:52 PM)

Again, I think they have a chance to keep it close against Bama. Maybe win if Bama turns it over a bunch.

Joshua(Miami,FL.)

What prisons did you go to with Tebow?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:53 PM)

One in Gainesville and one in Lancaster, I believe. Look up the story on ESPN.com. Search for Tebow and Schlabach. It should come up.

Mike (Anaheim)

Mark, everyone, including you, wants to bring up USC's Oregon State loss. But doesnt that loss on the road look better than Florida's loss at home to Mississippi?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:54 PM)

Yes, but Florida beat some very good teams after that. I'm not sure USC was really tested playing in the Pac-10 this year. Oregon and Oregon State were pretty good. Cal was OK. Not a great year for the Pac-10.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:57 PM)

Sorry, folks have to run. Have a great week. Talk to you again next week.