Graham Watson

  (1:57 PM)

Happy Bowl Week everyone. Bowls kick off in four days. I'm excited. It's a great time to stay inside and watch football. Let's begin the chat.

Derek (SLC)

Graham - what are your thoughts on Austin Collie? Is he coming out early or sticking around? And do you think he is a viable NFL receiver?

Graham Watson

  (1:59 PM)

He said after the Utah game that he was going to stay and I think that's what he might end up doing especially if a lot of the big names come out. I have some feelers out to a couple scouting guys and I'm going to see where they like him. If he's not a first or second rounder, he'd do better to stay. And I think he's more like a fourth or fifth-round guy.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

Graham, So are you going to the Sugar Bowl? Im going and im pumped Utah has no chance

Graham Watson

  (1:59 PM)

Yep, I'll be there. Nothing like New Years Eve in the French Quarter.

Mike, Fort Collins, CO

Graham, you have done a great job this year, thanks for covering the other guys. Todd McShay says CSU has no running game despite having a first team all-conference back. How do you think CSU matches up against Fresno?

Graham Watson

  (2:01 PM)

Funny, I was just looking at that game. I think Colorado State matches up well, but Fresno State is probably going to play its first healthy game in awhile. It's going to have its hands full with FSU's running game and Bear Pascoe. I think this is one of the more evenly matched games on the docket, but I think Colorado State is going to need an almost perfect effort to beat FSU.

Andrew, Atlanta, GA

Graham, thanks for covering this year. Thoughts on Ball State's future? Stan Parrish as a replacement, and the chances that Nate Davis will return for one more run?

Graham Watson

  (2:04 PM)

I think Stan Parish would be an excellent replacement and his name should be on the top of the list. No need to get fancy here. Whatever Ball State has been doing the past couple years has worked and Parrish knows the drill. I don't think Nate Davis will stay because I think he'll be a top draft pick. The only question will be about the other QBs coming out. If guys like McCoy, Bradford, Sanchez and Tebow come out then Davis will stay. It's kind of a chess match right now because the junior class of QBs is far stronger than the senior class. Davis would have to be a first or second round pick to leave school.

Jared, St. George, UT

Ok, Graham, lets hear your prediction on the Utah - Alabama game. Is it a blow out for Alabama, or a squeaker for Utah...We are not Hawaii, what do you think?

Graham Watson

  (2:05 PM)

Not ready to do this yet. I like to get a feel for the teams once I'm down at the bowl site. I have no idea what Alabama is feeling right now. They might not be that inspired to play this game, but I won't get that sense until I'm down in New Orleans. So, you'll have to wait until New Years

Chris (Miami)

Besides the Sugar Bowl, which games are you going to be at? I'd assume TCU-Boise St, any others?

Graham Watson

  (2:06 PM)

Just the Sugar Bowl.

KEVIN(TULSA, OK

I KNOW YOU COVER INDEPENDANTS, BUT I HAD TO ASK, WHY IS EVERYONE UNDERESTIMATING FLORIDA'S UNDERRATED DEFENSE, THEY HAVE PALYED WELL ALL SEASON, AND I THINK OKLAHOMA WILL BE SHOCKED BY THEIR SPEED ON DEFENSE.

Graham Watson

  (2:08 PM)

I too am underestimating their defense. I just think we haven't seen an offense as potent as Oklahoma's in forever. It's pretty unbelievable, so it's hard to fathom any defense, even Florida's defense, being able to hold OU in check. Ad maybe that's short-sided considering the difference in competition, but the numbers are pretty staggering by OU.

jimbo (whinetka, IL)

Graham, i'm excited for the boise st/tcu matchup. are you also excited for it?

Graham Watson

  (2:10 PM)

I am. I think it will be one of the five best bowls this year. These teams are pretty evenly matched, even on offense. I'm not sure BSU's offensive line is ready for the pressure TCU is going to bring. It's seriously one of the best matchups out there. A must watch.

joe (chicago)

graham, mark shlabach answered my question yesterday. it was a proud day for me and my family. being a reputable question asker, you should feel honored to be presented with this queiry: if you were stranded on a desert island, which non-bcs qb would you pick to play catch with for the rest of your days?

Graham Watson

  (2:11 PM)

Wow, that's a good question... Hmmm... What did Schlabach say? Let me think about it...

Ben (Gainesville, FL)

How do you think the fact that Sam Bradford is 0-3 in games in which OU is trailing in the fourth quarter will effect the BCS Championship game?

Graham Watson

  (2:12 PM)

I think it's unfair to put that all on Bradford and only once has that happened this year. Bradford was a newbie last year, much more poised this season and had his defense gotten a stop against McCoy, we'd be talking about something else. Bradford was really good against Texas, just didn't get the win.

Darryl (Oakland, CA)

Graham, Don't you think people are getting a little bit forgetful when they speak of Oklahoma's offense being the best ever? If I seem to remember correctly, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, Lendale White, Steve Smith, Byrd, Dwyane Jarrett, with Matt Cassell on the bench, didn't play that long ago. Right?

Graham Watson

  (2:13 PM)

Yeah, but that's best-ever personnel-wise. That offense was great, but it didn't put up consistently sick numbers like OU's does.

Ian (Asheville, NC)

As of right now, if all the underlassmen come back, who do you like in next years matchup at the Shoe of USC and Ohio State?

Graham Watson

  (2:14 PM)

I think it will be a much better game than this year's debacle. I'd still lean toward USC, though. I think the defense will still be strong next season.

Kenton (Indianapolis, IN)

Graham, I know it's fashionable to bang on Charlie Weis and Notre Dame football these days, but no one can bang on the fact that they have a 94% graduation rate. That is second, only to Navy, among teams that will be playing in a bowl game this year. The wins may not always be there, but that program still emphasizes the term "student-athlete." How about some love for the programs that continue to stress academics as well as football?

Graham Watson

  (2:16 PM)

That was something I pointed out when the news of CW staying came out. Jack Swarbrick told me that ND has the highest football GPA that it's ever had. But let's not be naive. We all know that coaching is about wins, and Notre Dame's going to have an equally tough time gaining them with next year's schedule.

Corey (michigan)

Graham, if Notre Dame beats Hawaii, could they enter next season as a top 25 team? -- Or is it to early to tell?

Graham Watson

  (2:17 PM)

No because no one thinks very highly of Hawaii right now, and I personally think that's a game ND should win. It's going to take a lot for Notre Dame to get back in the good graces of voters. It's going to have to beat some major teams next season before the rankings come.

Tim Tebow (Gainesville, FL)

Was I two yards and/or 2 points shy from winning the Heisman?

Graham Watson

  (2:18 PM)

eh, you were some early cast ballots shy of winning the Heisman.

Andy (New Haven, IN)

Graham- Im sure im just being an over-reacting ND fan (imagine that), but we've all heard the Urban Meyer comment about his dream job being in South Bend...In your eyes what are the chances of that happening if ND runs Charlie out of town after the '09 season.

Graham Watson

  (2:20 PM)

I think there's a strong possibility of that happening. Especially since Florida will lose a lot of good players after the 09 season. And if Meyer wins the national championship at Florida this year (or next) what does he have left to do there? There aren't many coaches out there who are in to building dynasties.

Travis (Arlington, TX)

I'm already looking forward to next season, especially in the MWC. Graham, with the coaching changes and new faces on depth charts across the league, how do you see the MWC shaking out in 2009? Will Utah make a consecutive return, BYU's schedule give the Cougs the edge, the Frogs finally knock-down "the door," or someone else "breaks-out?"

Graham Watson

  (2:22 PM)

If Collie and Jorgensen stay at BYU, the Cougars will be the favorite to start the season. But TCU might be the best team in the conference because it returns almost everyone. Utah will have a tough time repeating with a lot of its best players gone.

Dave (Memphis, TN)

What do you think of the rumors swirling around that my Tigers could be headed to the Big East?

Graham Watson

  (2:23 PM)

It's a rumor and it won't happen any time soon if it does come true.

Frodo (Hobbit, CA)

How much can a college team spend on their championship rings?

Graham Watson

  (2:24 PM)

Which championship rings? National championship, bowl championship or conference championship? I think it varies depending on what we're talking about.

Al (Pine Grove PA)

Don't you think that other Graham (Harrell) was robbed as far as the Heisman went?

Graham Watson

  (2:25 PM)

Yes and no. I think he should have gotten an invite. Heck, if Chase Daniel got an invite last year, Harrell should have gotten an invite this year. I was surprise at the lack of votes he got though. The OU game just killed him.

Christopher. Salinas, CA

As storied as Notre Dame used to be, do you think keeping Weis on for yet another year(that at the moment seems to be just for show) is an indication that things are going to be worse next year?

Graham Watson

  (2:25 PM)

I don't think they'll be worse, but looking at the schedule, I'm not sure they'll be back to Notre Dame standards.

joe (chicago, IL)

graham, is there any chance that ND will fire weis if he loses big to Hawaii, or is he REALLY the coach next year?

Graham Watson

  (2:26 PM)

He's the coach next year.

Graham Watson

  (2:26 PM)

Short of Urban Meyer knocking on Jack Swarbrick's door after the national championship game.

Evan Muncie, IN

Graham, What do you think about the resignation of Brady Hoke? Personally, I think it was a sell-out move and overall BAD mistake by him. Do you think that Stan Parrish will be able to keep the team together and be successful?

Graham Watson

  (2:27 PM)

I think it's a bad move. I'll have a post about it after I'm done here. San Diego State is not a good place to coach for several reasons that have nothing to do with what's going on on the field. Hoke should get acquainted with Denny Stoltz...

Mike (Seattle)

Graham, with ND coming off another lackluster season, do they still have a good chance at landing another top 10 recruiting class?

Graham Watson

  (2:28 PM)

It's Notre Dame and kids will always want to play for Notre Dame. Not sure it will be Top 10, but it will be a good class.

Mike (Philly)

No trip to Hawaii for you Graham?

Graham Watson

  (2:29 PM)

I wish, but then I'd miss my family Christmas party. :)

Blake(Miami)

With Texas losing their key players on defense(linemen)and their two best wide recivers on offense(Shiply and Cosby), will they still be in the hunt for a national taitle next year?

Graham Watson

  (2:30 PM)

I think it's going to be tough, but Texas is one of those schools that regenerates talent. There are guys waiting in the wings that will emerge as good players. I don't think Texas will take down OU next year, but I don't think it will be hurting either.

Ben (Colorado Springs)

Graham - I enjoyed reading your blog this year. I do have one question, though... Why no love from you for Air Force on your MWC Recap? How could you leave out Tim Jefferson, the MWC Rookie of the Year named by both Sporting News and the league itself.

Graham Watson

  (2:31 PM)

I said AFA was the surprise team this year because it was one of the youngest teams in the country. I only got to hand out two awards per conference. Not my rules...

Bryan (Provo)

Graham: Can you think of any game that is a bigger travesty in bowl history than No. 9 Boise St. playing No. 11 TCU for an only $700,000 payout?

Graham Watson

  (2:34 PM)

The Poinsettia is a tier three bowl, I believe, which is why the payout is so low. The Holiday Bowl is the moneymaker for that company... besides, there was no where else to make this bowl happen and satisfy all the bowl partners and conferences.

Rick Perry (Austin, TX)

Which 2 non-BCS teams do you think is the best in the state of Texas?

Graham Watson

  (2:35 PM)

Houston and Rice.

Obama (Washington D.C.)

Do you think Tim Tebow can become the Grover Cleveland of college football and win the Heisman in non-consecutive years?

Graham Watson

  (2:37 PM)

Hahahahaha! If he stays another year, it absolutely possible. I know a descendant of Grover Cleveland...

Sam (Austin)

How do you think UTEP will do next year with Vittatoe back?

Graham Watson

  (2:38 PM)

I don;t think the offense is the problem with UTEP, it's the defense, and that should be much improved in the second year under Osia Lewis.

Bob, Denver

You left out TCU in your best of non-BCS teams in Texas, or were you thinking of TCU as a BCS team?

Graham Watson

  (2:39 PM)

Sometimes I forget TCU is a non-BCS team... Sorry, Rice and TCU, though it will be TCU and Houston next year.

santa

graham, what do you want for christmas? i'd ask for a new coach at ND, but no one ever cares what i want.

Graham Watson

  (2:39 PM)

I want Sirius Satellite Radio so I can listen to all the games.

Blake(Miami)

Do you think that the dropped interception of Blake Gideon cost McCoy the Heisman?

Graham Watson

  (2:41 PM)

Honestly, I think there are a lot of politics and politicking regarding the Heisman. And in all honesty, I never received any Heisman promotion for McCoy. Nothing for Tebow either. I did receive a Sam Bradford on a stick, a Chase Daniel viewfinder and a Graham Harrell/Michael Crabtree bumper sticker.

Sooner (Norman, OK)

Graham, what do you think of Auburn's Chizik hire? How could it happen?

Graham Watson

  (2:41 PM)

Worst. Hire. ever.

Graham Watson

  (2:43 PM)

Sorry, that was mean. There have probably been worse hires, but after the gazillion interviews Auburn did, the best they could come up with is a guy that has proven that he can't be a head coach.

Pete (Apex, NC)

I know it's a little early for this but do you think ECU has a shot for a BCS Bowl next year? They return alot of talent and should be better than this year.

Graham Watson

  (2:44 PM)

It is early, but out of all the non-BCS teams, they'll be in the mix. Them, BYU, TCU and probably Tulsa. The usual suspects.

bob

worse than weis at nd?

Graham Watson

  (2:44 PM)

Yes because no one knew Weis was a bad hire until last season.

Coach Pete

How good will Boise State be next year?

Graham Watson

  (2:45 PM)

Shoot, should have put Boise State in the BCS mix too. In fact, Boise State probably will be the highest-rated non-BCS team to start the season and the best chance at another undefeated campaign.

joe

graham, do you see skip holtz coaching at nd in the near future? do you think that could work out?

Graham Watson

  (2:46 PM)

No. I don't see that happening with all the other coaches that could be available to Notre Dame.

Matt (Provo)

What do you think are the changes of Ohio State taking down Texas?

Graham Watson

  (2:47 PM)

Slim. I think Texas is going to be out to prove a point that they should have been playing for the national title.

Mike, Fort Collins, CO

Are you the Rodney Dangerfield of ESPN? First they only give you one bowl game and then this chat got bumped by ESPN Radio then NASCAR talk?

Graham Watson

  (2:49 PM)

I believe most of us are getting one bowl this year. Some are going to bowls because they;re close to where we live, but in terms of ESPN actually sending us places, the BCS bowls are the top priority.

Graham Watson

  (2:49 PM)

To answer the desert island question, I'd pick Max Hall because I find him to be good conversation.

Steve (Bangor, PA)

I'm not saying Chizik was a good hire, but if he's proven he can't be a head coach, then why did Iowa St offer him an extension?

Graham Watson

  (2:51 PM)

On potential. And because of recruiting. Think of all the coaches that get extensions so they can recruit with confidence. An extension is about as good as a vote of confidence. Mike Sanford just got a three-year extension, what do you think that's worth?

Todd Utah

HOw do you thinki Gary Anderson will fare at Utah State? Can Gary have a tough defense w/o the recruits he could get at Utah?

Graham Watson

  (2:52 PM)

Regardless of who Utah State hired, an I think GA is a great hire, the Aggies were going to be a lot better next year. They have a lot of talent coming back and Guy played a lot of young players this year, so there's experience. I'm not saying worldbeaters, but like a four or five-win team next season.

Utah Defense

Max Hall??? You wouldn't be able to catch any balls. He would be throwing them to the other team.

Graham Watson

  (2:53 PM)

But see, there would be no one else to throw to, except the palm trees... didn't factor those in...

joe

graham, heres my quandry: i must watch the ND game on xmas eve, but i'll be at my girlfriend's family's place and they insist on doing the whole church thing. got any suggestions?

Graham Watson

  (2:55 PM)

Tell them you pray to the Touchdown Jesus... Besides, that game starts at 8. Go to church at 7.

Leo

Hey I'm going to my parents house this weekend and they don't have ESPN so I need to know if BYU has the Las Vegas Bowl in the bag or do I need to find some way to watch it? thanks

Graham Watson

  (2:55 PM)

I think they'll win, but in the bag might be a stretch.

Hunter: Memphis, TN

Do you think Ole Miss can beat Texas Tech in the Cottom Bowl

Graham Watson

  (2:56 PM)

I don't because Ole Miss doesn't have the defense to play a passing game like Texas tech's. Few teams do.

John (Huntsville, AL)

Is Nick Saban YOUR coach of the year??

Graham Watson

  (2:57 PM)

You know, I think he's up there. I believe I voted him for the Eddie Robinson Award. I think Paterno has to be up there, too though.

joe

graham, of all the campuses you've been to this year, which do you like the best. if you dont say Notre Dame, please proceed to the next question.

Graham Watson

  (2:58 PM)

I've never gotten a chance to walk around Notre Dame's campus, but I plan on doing that next year.

Jason (Portland)

Graham, Turner Gill did the impossible this year - Buffalo won the MAC. Impressive. That has to make him a highly-sought after head coach. Who will win the Turner Gill sweepstakes?

Graham Watson

  (2:59 PM)

Honestly, now I really think it will be Buffalo. Jamie Pollard is a great guy at Iowa State, but that's not the right job for Gill. There will be more job next year. Maybe Gill lands at Florida... Hmmm......

Steve (Bangor, PA)

Chizik has proven that he can be a great coordinator and has had limited time to prove that he can be a legit head coach. I don't see how it's such a horrible hire if he's got, as you said, potential. And the fact that his recruiting ties in the southeast are overlooked by the media is irresponsible. Again, I don't love the hire and would rather have seen Patterson, but I think people are overreacting. And, Nevada is not Auburn, or even Iowa St.

Graham Watson

  (3:02 PM)

I don;t deny that he was a great coordinator, but great coordinators don;t always make great coaches (see Chuck Long). Iowa State was 4-8 when McCarney left and got worse with the same players the next year and stayed worse with what many thought were actually better players. Not sure how that happens. But the talent pool will be a little better at Auburn. Still, Saban is going to have a recruiting field day by using his 5-19 (or whatever it is) against him.

Jason (Portland)

Turner Gill at Florida? You must know something we don't.

Graham Watson

  (3:03 PM)

I was just joking, but it's not out of the realm of possibility if Meyer leaves. I think that would be a great fit honestly, especially since Florida tends to feed of young, inspirational coaches. Gill is not that different from Meyer in his approach to dealing with players.

Hope (Chance, CA)

Do you think a non-BCS team would ever win the national title ever again like BYU did years ago?

Graham Watson

  (3:04 PM)

Not under the current system.

Graham Watson

  (3:04 PM)

OK. Back to work. Have a great week everyone and enjoy the first few bowls.