Graham Watson

  (4:58 PM)

Merry Christmas everyone. I'm at my parents house and this is a good way to get out of wrapping presents. Let's start the chat.

Don (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Graham, Is there any chance at all that Boise State will be able to get out of the awful WAC and join up with the MWC to make the MWC the football powerhouse of the West? (Because honestly, wouldn't a Utah/BYU/TCU/BSU/Air Force/Colorado State conference be better then a USC/everyone else conference)

Graham Watson

  (5:01 PM)

This has been a rumor for awhile now and I just don;t see it happening anytime soon. This isn't just about football, it's about the other sports and academics. Craig Thompson didn't seem so keen on it when asked about it earlier this year.

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Graham Watson

  (5:02 PM)

I like North Carolina because I think their defense is pretty good. If the Tar Heels can keep the WVU running game in check, they should be fine in the secondary.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

Who you got tonight? How are you doing in Bowl Mania so far?

Graham Watson

  (5:04 PM)

I am struggling in Bowl Mania. I got blasted this weekend. Figures. The same thing happens to me every year in March Madness pools. I like TCU in the game because I just think its defense is the best Boise State has faced this season.

Brad (gadsden,alabama)

I got my Sugar Bowl tickets today Im pumped What are your thoughts on the game? Roll Tide Roll!!!!

Graham Watson

  (5:06 PM)

As I've done more studying on this game, I really think it's going to be a lot closer than previously thought. I'm just not sure if Alabama is going to be pumped to be playing in this game after having the national championship within reach.

Casey (Tupelo, MS)

What are your thoughts on who wins TCU/BSU and how do you see the scoring being? Lots of points or a low scoring game?

Graham Watson

  (5:09 PM)

I think there will be points scored in this game because the TCU secondary can be suspect. What's funny is that everyone is talking about the TCU defense and the Boise State offense, but the TCU offense is ranked in the top 20 nationally and the Boise State scoring defense is ranked in the top 3. I think this will be a good game, but I also think that TCU has played the type of schedule to prepare them for this one.

Dabo

Do the huskers have a shot against my boys?

Graham Watson

  (5:10 PM)

I like the Huskers in the Gator. I think they're playing as well as any team in the country right now. Forget the near slip at Colorado, Joe Ganz is a great quarterback and the offense is tough to stop. But I'm not sure the Nebraska defense can stop Clemson's running game.

Casey (SLC, UT)

What do you want for Christmas? I want a Utes win in the Sugar Bowl

Graham Watson

  (5:11 PM)

I asked for satellite radio.

Casey Salt Lake City

Graham, Who were your favorite student sections? Favorite campuses/stadiums?

Graham Watson

  (5:15 PM)

I haven't seen every place, so it's unfair to name a favorite. I really liked the Air Force student section.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

Graham, So your going to the Sugar Bowl? Are you going to the Blues Travler concert New Years Day night?

Graham Watson

  (5:17 PM)

Blues Traveler is playing on New Years Night? I need to get on board with that. I will be there, but I'll be good since I'm working.

Steiny (NYC)

Do you think Jordan Shipley will come up big against Ohio State?

Graham Watson

  (5:18 PM)

Well, He's had big games against big opponents most of the year. Seems like these games bring out the best in him, especially if its his last game with the Longhorns.

Steiny (NYC)

Who should Kansas State hire as their assistant coach?

Graham Watson

  (5:18 PM)

Which assistant coach?

Steiny (NYC)

Should Missouri switch their offense style next year?

Graham Watson

  (5:20 PM)

I don't know. I think Blaine Gabbert can run that offense and I feel like Blaine Dalton will be able to run it too. I do think they'll be rebuilding next year.

Bradford (Boise, ID)

Graham, Just because TCU is the best defense Boise State has seen this season means they're going to lose? What's with the whole "I'll never doubt Boise State again?" I don't get it.

Graham Watson

  (5:23 PM)

Not doubting them doesn't mean I won't ever pick against them. I meant in general. But there are going to be times when I think they'll lose. But if that pick is anything like my weekend pick Boise State should win this one going away.

Steiny (NYC)

Do you think Todd Reesing is going to come back for his senior year?

Graham Watson

  (5:25 PM)

Uh, yes. I think he'll get a shot at the NFL, but like Chase Daniel, he'll have a tough time sticking.

Kyle (Reno, NV)

Both coaches have been called out all season but which is a bigger nail in the coffin: Pat Hill's team losing to a 6-6 CSU team after having the game in hand or Charlie Weis if they lose to Hawaii in Honolulu?

Graham Watson

  (5:26 PM)

I don't think either loss dooms the coach, but I think both coaches need to make big strides next year. Hill needs to win the WAC or at least be in contention for it and Weis, well, he'll be expected to win nine games.

Ryan (RI)

Will Tebow, Bradford, Harvin, and Staffordleave early?

Graham Watson

  (5:27 PM)

Bradford has already said he's staying. I think Tebow and Harvin have a shot of bouncing and I think Stafford could use another year.

Aaron (Pittsburgh, PA)

What teams do you see as being BCS busters next season?

Graham Watson

  (5:30 PM)

I think Boise State, TCU and East Carolina will be among the top teams and perhaps BYU and Tulsa.

Eric (NY)

IS there any way Turner Gill stays at Buffalo long term?

Graham Watson

  (5:32 PM)

I doubt it. I made the joke that he'll end up in Florida when Urban goes to Notre Dame. But thinking about it, it might not be that big of a stretch. Either way, I give him two more years tops.

Chris (Virginia Beach, VA)

East Carolina looks good agaisnt Kentucky dont they? Your thoughts on the game, and shouldnt ECU deserve better than the 8th SEC team?

Graham Watson

  (5:33 PM)

I like ECU in this game and while they probably deserve better than the No. 8 SEC team, the bowls aren't structured that way. That's a conference issue. I think ECU's defense will handle Kentucky with ease.

Joe (Iowa)

Is Iowa State better off now that Chizik is gone? Paul Rhoads seems to be more committed anyway

Graham Watson

  (5:37 PM)

I'm not sure Chizik wasn't committed before being offered the Auburn job. I think he was. But I think he also saw the writing on the wall and realized he might not be able to win there. Rhoads will be good there because he's an Iowa guy. He'll care about the program and whether it succeeds.

Joel (South Bend, IN)

So...being a TCU fan I should be worried you picked us, right?

Graham Watson

  (5:37 PM)

Um, yeah. Sorry.

Mark (LA)

Who do you look for to be the suprise teams next season?

Graham Watson

  (5:39 PM)

Well, there are a lot of teams, but here are a couple I like: Southern Miss, Hawaii, Air Force, Houston, UTEP, Arkansas State and Western Michigan.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Graham, is there a non-BCS school you think should be a perennial BCS buster (hopeful), and hasn't been?

Graham Watson

  (5:41 PM)

Well, Fresno State would be the logical answer since they schedule to make the BCS. But I think you have to start by winning your conference first...

Gartrell "The Predator" Johnson III (Fort Collins)

Will anyone have a better bowl game performance this year than me?

Graham Watson

  (5:41 PM)

I don't see it this year. he was pretty spectacular.

Ben (Lincoln, NE)

C'mon Graham...you're no one to shy away from contraversy. Who are the most annoying/obnoxious fans you have encountered on ESPN.com?

Graham Watson

  (5:45 PM)

See, this is like walking into a dangerous situation despite being warned its a dangerous situation. I will say that Boise State fans probably give me the most grief. That doesn't mean they're the most obnoxious, but they probably hate me the most.

Eric (Clovis, CA)

Graham, Don't know if you saw the Fresno Bee this morning, but there was a burning of Pat Hill in effigy by the readership. Since you've seen both teams in person, the more troubling question is: In your opinion, is it possible that Boise is just recruiting better than F.S.U.? I would think that this year's high early season ranking speaks to high regard for the talent on the team, but now I'm not so sure.

Graham Watson

  (5:47 PM)

I'm not sure there's a debate whether Boise State is recruiting better than Fresno State. I think across the board that's true. Also, Fresno State had some injuries this season. Both teams were young, but FSU dealt with some injuries.

Brian, Boise

It's because you hate us!!!

Graham Watson

  (5:48 PM)

Ha! I don't have time to hate any one team. It takes way more energy to hate one team than it does to write on 54 of them.

Middy (SLC)

Graham, With Utah returning nearly all of the Defense...Asiata returning, and picking up a 4 star JC QB transfer... What do you think Utah's record will be next year?

Graham Watson

  (5:50 PM)

I think it will be similar to last year. Maybe 9-3 in the transition, which would be a great follow-up to this year.

Daniel (TX)

Who do you think is going to win the fiesta bowl?

Graham Watson

  (5:51 PM)

Texas.

Billy (FL)

Is there anyway the Sooners soft defense can hold Florida under 50 considering they gave up 41 to Ok State n 45 to Texas being both have an inferior Offense compared to Florida?

Graham Watson

  (5:54 PM)

I don't agree that Florida's offense is better than OK State's or Texas. I do think that game could turn into a high-scoring affair.

Joe (Boise,ID)

Graham have you been to a game on the smurf turf?

Graham Watson

  (5:54 PM)

yeah, I was at that fierce battle against Fresno State....

John (Boise, ID)

Graham don't be making excuses for Fresno State. Boise State had injuries to, just like the rest of the NCAA. Did you ever think that maybe Boise is just flat out better?

Graham Watson

  (5:55 PM)

Boise State is better and they've proven it over and over again.

Jon (Cedar Rapids, IA)

Do you think Ian Johnson breaks the WAC touchdown record tonight, or do us BSU fans have to wait for Avery to do it in three more years?

Graham Watson

  (5:56 PM)

I think they'll work to get him a rushing touchdown. It's likely going to be set up with the pass, though because Boise State is going to have a tough time setting up a consistent run.

Austin Collie (Provo, Utah)

Am I leaving to the NFL? Does it really matter if I stay or if I go. Isn't BYU destroyed ever since the TCU loss?

Graham Watson

  (5:58 PM)

You might leave for the NFL because a lot of scouts are calling you a third round pick. He finished the season on a personal high note. Best to strike while the iron is hot.

Graham Watson

  (5:59 PM)

OK guys. Gotta go. Hope everyone has a great holiday and next week I'll be chatting from New Orleans. Take care.