Brian Bennett

  (3:01 PM)

Hello again, everybody. Only a few more days before college football returns. Let's get to chatting.

Justin(Fairmont,WV)

How do you think WVU will fair against UNC? And what offensive attack do you think they will bring? After I saw Pat White shrug with frustration to the press box at the USF game, I hope we go to White's legs more since you know he wants to run the ball more.

Brian Bennett

  (3:02 PM)

Carolina has a pretty good pass defense, at least from what I saw in the Connecticut and Rutgers wins. I'd give White the go sign and have him run it all day.

Hogan, WV

Discuss the Big East All-Conference Team versus the other BCS All-Confernce teams. What match ups would the Big East come out on top, and which ones would might dominate - in your opinion.

Brian Bennett

  (3:03 PM)

I think the Big East can match up with anyone at running back and receiver, and the linebackers and defensive ends are pretty strong. Interior line play and the safeties are not strong suits for the Big East right now.

Mike (Seattle)

Brian, clearly Notre Dame isn't winning as much as they should, but they still capture great recruiting classes. Is this years class shaping out to be another top 10 class?

Brian Bennett

  (3:04 PM)

Well, Notre Dame's recruits always get overrated by the star systems, because any player who is recruited by the Irish is assumed to be great. We've seen a ton of those guys fail to pan out. So I wouldn't pay a lot of attention to ND's rankings and look more at its player development.

Dan (cincinnati)

Hi, I was wondering what you think the chances are of the Big east winning all their bowls this year?

Brian Bennett

  (3:05 PM)

I looked at this in my mailbag last week. The Big East is favored, I believe, in four games and is a slight underdog in two. So it's possible. I think the league takes at least a loss or two, though.

Brian Bennett

  (3:06 PM)

I honestly don't see it, unless Urban really wants a challenge and wants to be the ND savior. I would think he'd try the NFL before going to South Bend if he were bored at Florida.

John Heisman (New York, NY)

What is your opinion on how Tebow was left out of the 154 Heisman ballots?

Brian Bennett

  (3:06 PM)

It's criminal. Find me five better college football players than Tebow. It's not possible.

Troy (Chattanooga)

Which team wins more games next year, Auburn or Iowa St?

Brian Bennett

  (3:07 PM)

Wow. Well, I think Auburn still has more talent. But I have no idea what they're thinking down there. Maybe the Cyclones should hire Tuberville

Brian Bennett

  (3:07 PM)

Just realize I left out the question to an earlier response. Sorry. here it is

John (Indiana)

Urban Meyer to South Bend....we've all heard the rumors...I'm an Irish fan so squash it for me, or do i have a glimmer of hope in 2010? (if Charlie fails to get 9 or 10 wins next year) Thoughts....thanks!

Will: OKC,OK

Who do you have in your top five for next season?

Brian Bennett

  (3:09 PM)

Will, I haven't given next year a lot of thought yet beyond the Big East. So much depends on who is coming back, especially Bradford and Tebow. Texas should be good and will have a major chip on its shoulder. And Alabama will be right there if it finds a QB

John Heisman (New York, NY)

Do you mean 3 and not 5 because you only vote for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in a Heisman ballot?

Brian Bennett

  (3:10 PM)

Good call. Sorry, I was thinking of our ESPN.com ballots, which go 5 deep.

Clint (Morgantown,WV)

After Pat has his fairwell game in Charlotte, who do you see stepping in for him next year? and do you think they will have a big impact on WVUs offense?

Brian Bennett

  (3:11 PM)

I still think Jarrett Brown gets first crack. But I'm anxious to see what Eugene Smith can bring as a freshman. And don't forget Pat's little bro

Tommy, East Lansing

Could the Rutgers team we're seeing at the end of the season be the best in the Big East?

Brian Bennett

  (3:13 PM)

I think Cincinnati might object to that, and remember the Bearcats were playing with a fourth-string freshman QB when the two played. But I know no one in the Big East wanted to see Rutgers after October. They averaged 50 points in their last four games. That's insane

Brett MS

I have heard the gators talk about the offensive play-calling will be done through a committee of different coaches. Do you think this will somehow hinder the offensive firepower that Florida has shown during the season?

Brian Bennett

  (3:13 PM)

I don't think it's a huge deal because Urban Meyer is an offensive guy and can call plays if need be. With so much time to prepare, the Gators should be fine.

Brad (Cincinnati, OH)

Cincinnati's QB Pike had a great season... as long as he stays healthy, and his receivers do as well, could he be a black horse Heisman candidate in 2009?

Brian Bennett

  (3:14 PM)

No. Especially if some combination of McCoy, Tebow, Bradford and Sanchez are still around.

Nick (NJ)

What's your opinion of letting red-shirts play in bowl games without burning said red-shrit?

Brian Bennett

  (3:15 PM)

Personally, I think it's kind of silly. Redshirts should be redshirts.

Joe (Moundsville WV)

Will Pat White's stats count in the senior bowl in his overall stats? Also, how many yards does he have to crack the top 25 rushers of all time?

Brian Bennett

  (3:18 PM)

Bowl stats do count, yes. I'm not sure exactly how far away he is from the Top 25, but he's got 4,425 career yards rushing

Nick (NJ)

With the Giants desperately in need of a big physical WR, am I getting my hopes up of Kenny Britt staying local and being a late 1st round pick to the Giants? Seems like a match made in heaven.

Brian Bennett

  (3:19 PM)

Honestly, I'm not sure Britt is a first-rounder. So I think your boys could get him a round or two later.

Bob (hartford)

If Donald Brown puts up similar rushing numbers next year, what are his chances of winning the Heisman? He seems to have been dissed on awards this year

Brian Bennett

  (3:20 PM)

Well, as you said, he had a phenomenal year and didn't get a sniff. He'll have to be even better next year or voters will say he dropped off. And UConn has got to throw it more next year to have any success.

Eric (Cincy)

Will you be at the Orange Bowl? I think you and Heather Dinnich should show up and you should throw down in a drinking contest. Seriously, reading her makes me happy we have you doing this blog.

Brian Bennett

  (3:21 PM)

Take it easy on, Heather. That's one ridiculously confusing league to cover. I will be at the Orange Bowl, but I believe she will be at the Sugar.

Casto (Washington, D.C.)

Don't you think Pat McAfee got hosed on the Ray Guy award? He had almost as many punts downed inside the 20 (23) as Matt Foge had total punts (30)! Did T. Boone Pickens pay for that as well?

Brian Bennett

  (3:22 PM)

I was very surprised to see Fodge win it. As I was surprised to see Huber not win it last year. I guess I don't understand punting voters

Will (Brooklyn)

Brian, looking at WVU's recruits this year, it looks like Bill Stewart is planning on throwing the ball a lot in the future. Do you know what the plan there is post-White? Is the Spread Option gone?

Brian Bennett

  (3:23 PM)

Stewart has talked about it a little this year and says West Virginia needs to incorporate more pro-style passing. And that's where they're headed. I think it's a good idea. Just look at the teams who are competing for the major bowls this year.

Steve (Bangor, PA)

Am I crazy for believing that Penn St will give USC all they can handle and may even sneak out of the Rose Bowl with a W? I love Carroll but Paterno's ability to game plan is second to none.

Brian Bennett

  (3:24 PM)

You're not crazy. I do think USC will win the game, but Penn State definitely has a chance.

Dave (Dallas)

Don't you mean that if Donald Brown's stats drop off all he has to do is give an "inspirational" speech after a tough loss, and voters will overlook his stats for his "leadership"?

Brian Bennett

  (3:24 PM)

Ha. Well, going from 9-3 to 12-1 helps too. So maybe if UConn goes 10-2 after 7-5

David (Gainesville, FL)

Who is more important to their team: Percy Harvin or Demarco Murray?

Brian Bennett

  (3:25 PM)

Harvin. Murray's good, but Brown had better numbers. Harvin is a true difference maker

Christian - Brooklyn

Where does the Syracuse talent (raw talent) rate against rest of Big East. Seems like GROB recruited fairly well according to rivals and scout just never did anything with it. Do you think Marrone can turn it around fairly quickly?

Brian Bennett

  (3:26 PM)

They did work in some young guys this year, but I've never been overly impressed with the talent level as a whole, especially at the skill positions. There are some nice young running backs, but where are the quarterbacks and receivers?

JW (cincy)

I keep seeing Mardy Gilyard get a ton of (deserved) accolades...but as someone who watched every UC snap this season, I think Goodman was by far and away the more important receiver. Why is he getting overlooked? Is it just because of Gilyard's special teams play?

Brian Bennett

  (3:28 PM)

Gilyard is a little flashier (and a great quote for the media) and did have more receiving yards and TDs, plus was a terrific returner. But Goodman was great too, and was a little more reliable. He didn't fumble or drop passes as Gilyard was sometimes prone to do.

Brad (Cincinnati, OH)

My question is about the future "face" of the Big East. Pat White has held that role over the past few years. Is there another player in the queue that will take his place as the "face" of the Big East?

Brian Bennett

  (3:30 PM)

How about a Two-Face, if Donald Brown and LeSean McCoy stay next year, as they've both said they will

Steve (Bangor, PA)

What impact will the Mulcahy resignation have on Schiano? Rutgers needs to do everything in their power to make sure Schiano stays.

Brian Bennett

  (3:31 PM)

I don't think it will have a huge impact. Stadium expansion is still getting done, which is Schiano's biggest issue. The next AD will do everything to keep him, I'm sure.

Pittsburgh, PA

As a PITT fan, i see alot of Oregon State fans not giving this PITT team any credit. I've seen their blogs filled with bashing PITT as if we don't have a chance. Many others have called this game the easiest one for the big east to lose. You have watched inconsistent flashes at PITT this year, but what can OSU's defense do to stop us? And what will their offense attempt against a "stingy" PITT defense(stingy when they are playing well in the defensive backfield)? Can this Rodgers run through a very tough PITT defensive front??

Brian Bennett

  (3:32 PM)

I think it's going to be a great team. That Oregon State defense didn't look so hot against Oregon, and Pitt can score. Great running backs on both sides. This is one of the better non-BCS matchups, in my opinion.

Tran (Providence, RI)

YOU MADE GREAT POINTS refuting my previous plan. Then, how about this...poach and add Central Florida, Marshall (or FAU), and Memphis (or FIU) and re-invite Temple to the Big East? There will be 20 basketball teams and 12 football teams. We finally solved the Big East problem together, Brian!!! GREAT TEAMWORK!!! I only wish we got paid for this.

Brian Bennett

  (3:33 PM)

Twenty basketball teams? Sheesh. Why not just make it 100? And your proposed football league looks a lot like C-USA. No thanks.

Nick (Pittsburgh)

Brian, with billy stull not improving and being as consistent as he should be going into his senior year and pat bostick coming off a good second half against nd do you think pat will take billys job next year?

Brian Bennett

  (3:34 PM)

I think Bostick has a lot to learn still and could have benefited from taking a redshirt. I think we'll see Bill Stull improve as a senior -- remember, this was his first year of starting -- and I bet Dave Wannstedt sticks with him.

Nick (NJ)

Just to clarify, please point out that Mulcahy was fired (with no explaniation) and did not resign. That has been the problem with this whole issue - inaccurate media coverage (specifcally by a certain NJ newspaper) pertaining to Rutgers Athletics.

Brian Bennett

  (3:35 PM)

I think you just did

Fred, NY

It is time for Big East expansion - this imbalanced schedule (and Notre Dame) has got to go. What are the chances of a team(s) like ECU, Memphis, or UCF joining the league???

Brian Bennett

  (3:36 PM)

Slim to none. The presidents just aren't interested in adding another school unless it brings something really valuable to the table. And those schools aren't out there right now.

Glen, Pensacola Florida

Graham Watson: (2:08 PM ET ) 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. This was posted by Graham earlier today..what she fails to consider, as most who say that OU's offense is the greatest EVER...is that Bradford and ALL the starters were still in these BLOWOUTS with minutes...even SECONDS to go in the game! It is one thing to call Urban cheap for kicking a field goal and then not mention it when OU is throwing deep with a minute to go on the clock to get their 60+ points and He15man stats! Your take?

Brian Bennett

  (3:37 PM)

That definitely happened in the Missouri game, but there were also a lot of games I saw where Oklahoma had almost 50 at halftime and eased up. I'm skeptical of the Big 12 defenses, though, so we'll find out

vinny (westchester NY)

next year if britt returns,do you think rutgers has any kind of shot at a big east title if they can find a QB, plus martinek looks to have some potential at running back..

Brian Bennett

  (3:37 PM)

Sure, since they own Pittsburgh anyway. But I don't see Britt coming back.

James Tressel (Columbus, OH)

Will anyone on Earth be watching the Orange Bowl this year?

Brian Bennett

  (3:38 PM)

I will. You should, too. It will be a good game. Probably closer than most of the other BCS bowls.

Brandon Birmingham, Alabama

Who do think deserved SEC Freshman of the Year? A.J. Green vs. Julio Jones! I think it was highway robbery that Julio Jones won the SEC media's selection over A.J. Green. Green had better stats and played a more important role on his team!

Brian Bennett

  (3:39 PM)

Hard to argue against either guy. Jones had some spectacular highlight plays and played on the better team, so it's no surprise he won it.

Nick (Pittsburgh)

With greg cross only playing one play early in the year on that touchdown run against iowa early in the year is he eligible for redshirt, cause thats just a wasted year?

Brian Bennett

  (3:40 PM)

Cross played in two games and is not injured (that anybody knows about, anyway) and is therefore not eligible for a redshirt

Alex (New Rochelle,NY)

Brian really appreciate the coverage this year. Give me your take of Pitt going into next year. Do we have a shot at a pre-season top 15 ranking?

Brian Bennett

  (3:41 PM)

Absolutely, if McCoy comes back. If that happens and Pitt beats Oregon State, I'd say it's a lock

Andy (Tulsa OK)

There has been a lot of talk about OU keeping Bradford in late in games and throwing TD passes. OU scored 87 points in the 4th quarter all year. (Half against OSU and Mizz) and several of those TD's were by running backs. People (and analysts) dont' have time to watch every game and just see the final box score. If you take the time and look at each game you'll see OU wasn't inflating the QB or scoring numbers. I think it's fair to play full out for a half and if you have 50 pts look to the other team.

Brian Bennett

  (3:43 PM)

I agree with you, Andy, and besides, there's still a defense out there, no? I've always believe that if you want to keep a team from running up the score on you, play better.

Ian Burke (Omaha, NE)

Do you believe that Paul Johnson will continue to have great success with the triple option at Georgia Tech? And if he does, do you think that this will slowly cause more and more teams to begin running the triple option, which i feel historically is the best offensive scheme ever created?

Brian Bennett

  (3:44 PM)

That's a fascinating question. I'm not sure how many other major teams would ever adopt it, because it's a hard system to run and recruits may look at it as a hindrance to their pro careers. But I hope it works, because it makes the game so much more interesting the boring old cookie-cutter NFL.

Jeremy Boise, ID

With a victory over TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl, where would you have Boise St. finishing, and preseason next year?

Brian Bennett

  (3:45 PM)

Depends on what other teams do, of course, but I could see them finishing around No. 6. Maybe a lower part of the Top 10 for next year.

Nick (NJ)

Are you and Heather making a bet on the Big East-ACC Bowl Challenge? I think you would be a lock to win and could possibly sweep it at 3-0.

Brian Bennett

  (3:46 PM)

I'll propose that.

Todd ( Austin, TX)

I knwo this is YOUR column.. but could you quit being such a homer? When you have all of your starters in a game that is decided, and your QB is throwing passes... that is running up the score. In many of those games that OU blew soemone out, they could have just as easily taken a knee to end the games.. but Stoops was STILL calling plays to run. Why not just take a knee and let time expire, instead of running plays until the whistle sounds?

Brian Bennett

  (3:46 PM)

How does that make me a homer? Just curious

Mark (Dallas,TX)

Has the heisman trophy winner and naismith winner(for best basketball player) ever attended school at the same time on the same campus? or would it be a first if blake griffin and sam bradford do it?

Brian Bennett

  (3:48 PM)

I don't think that's ever the case, though it was close when T.J Ford and Vince Young (who I think should have won the Heisman) were at Texas. Blake's got some competition with Curry and Hansbrough, though

Andrew (Indiana

Which non-BCS bowl are you looking forward to the most

Brian Bennett

  (3:50 PM)

As I mentioned earlier, I think the Sun and the Poinsettia will be fun, and I also like the Holiday matchup a lot

jimmy-NJ

Who has the best recruiting for 2009 class in the Big East?

Brian Bennett

  (3:51 PM)

Rutgers had the early lead, but they've had some decommitments. West Virginia has had some nice pickups. There's a long way to go until signing day.

Kris (Big 12 Country)

Did you draw the short straw and thus forced to cover the big east?

Brian Bennett

  (3:52 PM)

You mean the league that keeps winning BCS games and waxed the Big 12 champion in the Fiesta last January? That Big East?

Brett (Waco,Texas)

do you think that mike leach deserves a coaching award this year for his accomplishments or is it like others say its just a pass happy offense with no talent?

Brian Bennett

  (3:54 PM)

No, they definitely had talent, and I was impressed with the defensive strides they made this season (until the Oklahoma game, at least). I don't know about awards, but I can't understand why schools like Washington and Auburn weren't more interested in hiring him. You mean you'd really rather have Gene Chizik than Mike Leach?

JR (Moore, OK)

I wonder if Texas fans realize Texas has scored more 4th quarter points than OU (by a large margin) and that Sam Bradford has missed about 2 1/2 games this season sitting out in the 4th quarter?

Andy (Tulsa OK)

Brian, Leave it to a Longhorn to give you crap for not bagging on OU. Guess he doesn't realize Mack Brown voted for the tiebreaker rules before the season with all the other Big 12 coaches.... I hope UT beats OH State for the Big 12. Then they can fly another banner over Austin for a change.

Brian Bennett

  (3:55 PM)

See? You guys don't even need me for this

Todd ( Austin, TX)

Aside from the win over ou in the Fiesta, what other Big 12 teams have been beaten recently by the Big East?

Brian Bennett

  (3:56 PM)

Well, if you'll recall earlier this year, UConn beat Baylor, South Florida beat Kansas and Louisville beat Kansas State. Oklahoma did crush Cincinnati, but the Bearcats were closer than Texas Tech.

Todd ( Austin, TX)

"You mean you'd really rather have Gene Chizik than Mike Leach?" Yeah its not like Chizik was on 2 undefeated teams and won a NC with one of them... How can that EVER compare to what Leach has done at tech?

Brian Bennett

  (3:57 PM)

As a coordinator. How about that 5-19 head coaching record? And don't you think Leach's teams would be more fun to watch and at least make Nick Saban and Urban Meyer squirm a little? No way they're afraid of Chizik

Will J (Portland, OR)

So who do you think wins the Sun Bowl, Pitt or Oregon St?

Brian Bennett

  (3:58 PM)

I like Pitt. I just think they're playing really well right now, while OSU has a few more question marks

Ryan (Jacksonville, FL)

Your prediction for the Gator Bowl?

Brian Bennett

  (3:59 PM)

I'll take Nebraska, mostly because I have no idea which Clemson will show up.

Brian Bennett

  (4:01 PM)

OK, that's all the time for me. Enjoy the first wave of bowl games this weekend, everybody.