Graham Watson

  (3:01 PM)

Hey from New Orleans. Thanks for joining me on this semi-holiday weekend. Let's start the chat.

Ryan (SLC)

28-17? Can you tell me why Chris Low, who has not followed Utah all year, has more faith in Utah than you who has? Alabama is a good team, but I think Utah is going to come out and surprise a lot of people.

Graham Watson

  (3:02 PM)

But bear in mind that I've been wrong on about 70 percent of my picks this season. So that might be a good sign for the Utes.

bob (greenville, NC)

Do you really think ECU can shut down an sec team in kentucky?

Graham Watson

  (3:03 PM)

I think ECU's defense is playing about as well as it's played all season and it's going to have a ton of confidence after the Tulsa game. I definitely think Kentucky is a team ECU can have similar success against.

John Irving Texas

Where do you think TCU will be ranked in the preseason polls?

Graham Watson

  (3:05 PM)

Absolutely. After its win against Boise State it should be the highest ranked team of the non-BCS especially since it returns a lot of great players.

david, MO

What happened to BYU this season, such high expectations and (with those in mind) disappointing results? What do you see for them next year?

Graham Watson

  (3:09 PM)

That's a great question. I'm not sure what happened to BYU this season, but I do think they got too much hype for beating bad teams. I think a lot of teams got too much credit for that. Next year could be good if they can get some speed on defense and some playmakers other than Unga, Collie and Pitta. Some of the other guys need to step up. Also, it will be interesting to see it Collie and Jorgensen come back next year.

Russell (Iowa City, IA)

Do you think SHonn Greene will fare well in the NFL?

Graham Watson

  (3:10 PM)

I think he's an ideal NFL back. He like to run between the tackles and he likes to bowl people over. I would have liked him to stay another season and develop just a bit more after injury, but I think he'll be a good NFL player.

John (Traverse City, MI)

Do u think USC's defense could stop offenses like Florida's and Oklahoma's?

Graham Watson

  (3:11 PM)

I think USC's defense is one of the quickest in the country and could fare well against any offense in the country. Kinda makes you wish for a playoff.

Chadd (Williamsburg, VA)

With ECU having 44 starters, what are you thinking about ECU next season?

Graham Watson

  (3:13 PM)

I like ECU. I'll reserve judgment until after this game, but I think ECU returns one of the better teams in the non-BCS. I think it will be the second or third-best returning team in the non-BCS. Probably behind TCU and Boise State.

Russell (Iowa City, IA)

Who do you see as more dangerous: Crabtree or Dez Bryant?

Graham Watson

  (3:15 PM)

Crabtree because he's more versatile. He can do stuff out of the backfield. But in terms of NFL worth, Dez Bryant might be a more prototypical receiver.

Ed (Washington, DC)

I know bowl season is not even over but do you have a 2009 Preseason top 5 yet?

Graham Watson

  (3:16 PM)

That's tough and it depends on returning players and coaches. If all things stay the same and no seniors leave and no coaches leave, I like OU, Fla, USC, Texas, Bama.

John Pearson Iraq

What do you think or the ousting of Tommy Tubbervile at Auburn and the hiring of the new guy?

Graham Watson

  (3:19 PM)

I'm not sold on Chizik, but that's me. He obviously didn't have the credentials that some of the other candidates had, but obviously Auburn saw something in him. And he's putting together a good staff, so it might all work out for the best.

Stuart (La Palma, CA)

How anti-climatic is the BCS Championship now that the Rose Bowl is over?

Graham Watson

  (3:20 PM)

The Rose Bowl was great if you like watching the Big Ten get trounced - again. But I'm looking forward to the title game and even tonight's Sugar Bowl. There are still good BCS games remaining.

John (Traverse City, MI)

How do u think Javon Ringer will fare in the NFL?

Graham Watson

  (3:22 PM)

I thought Ringer was one of the best backs in the country, but he didn't get some of the line support that some of the other great backs got.

Russell (Iowa City, IA)

If Paoli is hired do you think Kirk Ferentz would be a good hire as well?

Graham Watson

  (3:23 PM)

I assume you mean for the Browns? I think Ferentz is a decent hire, but I think the Browns could do better with Mangini.

Mike (San Diego)

How do you think Brady Hoke will fare at San Diego State?

Graham Watson

  (3:25 PM)

I have a couple thoughts on this... SDSU is a bad place to coach because there's not a lot of support from the administration and the city. However, Hoke has assembled a great group of coaches and it makes me think that they'll be able to have some success there. Now if they can just get the school and city on board.

Russell (Iowa City, IA)

I am wasting time at work right now and was wondering how do I get a job as good as yours?

Graham Watson

  (3:26 PM)

Luck.

kerry bluffdale ut

it seems to me that the only way utah wins is to create at least 5 turnovers, or it will be a night. do you also believe this is the key to utahs chances

Graham Watson

  (3:27 PM)

Five turnovers would be great, but I'm not sure they'll need that many. I just think Utah needs to play a steady game. Three turnovers would be great.

Mike (East Lansing, MI)

Even with all the BCS-busters lately, we haven't had one with a marquee future NFL-er like Roethlisberger at Miami (OH) and LT at TCU...will we ever see that again? Next year would be great, maybe you have some insight?

Graham Watson

  (3:30 PM)

I think Nate Davis could be that guy... But I agree that it's going to be difficult to find another LT.

Matt (WI)

Graham, i was looking at some stats of the TT ole miss game and i was wondering, Why does TT show hesitation towards running the ball? in 5 att they are averaging 10.8 yards. yet they have 18 pass attempts. Your thoughts?

Graham Watson

  (3:32 PM)

TT has always been a pass-heavy offense so it's not odd that they're throwing the ball way more than running. That's Mike Leach's offense.

Jordan (SLC, Utah)

Do you believe it will be a win for non-bcs conferences if Utah plays close tonight? If so, how close do they need to be?

Graham Watson

  (3:34 PM)

I'm not sure playing close is really going to do it. Yeah, it might make last year's disaster a little bit more of a memory, but until a non-BCS can beat a major BCS opponent in a major game little will change about the opinion of the non-BCS.

Ryan (Salt Lake City, UT)

With A.Smith not playing in the Sugar Bowl, how big of a factor with Utah's starting Defensive Ends (Kruger & Misi) be in this game?

Graham Watson

  (3:37 PM)

I think Kruger will have a better chance of getting to JP Wilson than he would have with Smith in the lineup.

Sylvain (Calgary)

Oklahoma not a Major BCS opponent?

Graham Watson

  (3:38 PM)

I meant this year... And honestly, that win was fantastic. One of the greatest ever on any level, but Hawaii kinda butchered that last year. So what I was saying is that Utah now has the unenviable task of repairing that image.

Taylor (Taylorsville, Ut)

Everyone is talking about Alabama's size up front. But what about Utah's speed on the ends, don't you think this will be a factor in the game?

Graham Watson

  (3:40 PM)

Speed is the best way to beat size. hands down. I think the speed will be a factor, but I think the secondary and the interior line will be a bigger factor. Coffee is going to be tough to stop and that's going to fall on the interior line and the linebackers. And then watch out for Jones at wide receiver. This game isn't just about the speed ends.

Ian (Sacramento, CA)

If Utah's DBs can minimize Alabama's pass game, what kind of success will Alabama's run game have against a stout Utah run defense?

Graham Watson

  (3:44 PM)

Utah's going to leave their DBs on an island a bit while they stack the box to stop the run. They'll have enough guys to stop the run if they can make good tackles. The game is really going to come down to Sean Smith and his ability to contain Julio Jones.

Bryan (Chicago, IL)

Are you watching the Ole Miss/Texas Tech game? It sure is entertaining.

Graham Watson

  (3:46 PM)

Oh, I think everyone thought it would be entertaining... And I think everyone knew TT didn't have any defense. This could be a Texas-Texas Tech type game in terms of the ending.

Matt (WI)

if Jared SNead continues to have a good game, do you think he'll get drafted by any teams?

Graham Watson

  (3:47 PM)

Who is Jared Sneed?

Brandon (Salt Lake City, UT)

Why does everyone write off Utah for being a good team next year as well. Granted they are losing 5 members of their offense, but They've always been deep at WR (two of the losses), and Asiata will probably be better not having to split with Mack. Granted Louks isn't Brian Johnson but he will be a 3 year player.

Graham Watson

  (3:48 PM)

Ask any player on the team and they'll tell you that Brian Johnson is the heart and soul of the team. That's tough to replace. It's not about skill, it's about leadership.

Tom (River North)

Graham, I'm sure Matt meant Jevan Snead. But don't you think he is more likely to come back next year? He's only started one season.

Graham Watson

  (3:50 PM)

Oh yeah, I think he'll be back next year. And his having a good game against TT isn't a surprise. He did come from the Big 12, so he's familiar with the styles of play.

Matt (WI)

Jevan my bad

Graham Watson

  (3:50 PM)

No worries. Just giving you a hard time.

Negative Nancy (Bay Area)

"I think Kruger will have a better chance of getting to JP Wilson than he would have with Smith in the lineup." Why are your responses so vanilla? Provide some insight!!!

Graham Watson

  (3:53 PM)

Kruger is a speed end and the smaller the tackle he has to get around the better he'll be. What you're going to see tonight is JP Wilson doing the right thing and stepping up in the pocket a lot to give himself more time from the speed end coming around the outside. Kruger is going to have to adjust his game, makes some moves and try to come inside. There also will be some linebacker blitzes in the package, but don't expect to see many safety blitzes.

Howie (Boston)

would colt mccoy make a good nfl quarterback?

Graham Watson

  (3:54 PM)

I think he would, but he's a little on the fragile side. He's been better about it this year, but last year he didn't seem very durable. He won't be able to run like he can now, though. Another year of college will allow him to perfect his delivery.

Sylvain (Calgary)

What's the Vibe like in the big easy? Is Utah represting their team well or is it obvious that the recession is having an impact?

Graham Watson

  (3:59 PM)

Wow, New Orleans has been crazy. I'll tell you what, Utah is hampered by a religious stereotype because Utah fans have been the craziest of the fans I've seen. Hands down. Bama people have been around, but it's like Utah fans are free here. Eerything from being rowdy on Bourbon Street to being rowdy in the Ritz Carlton (yeah, some walked into the uber chic restaurant in ball caps and carrying plastic cups). The whole scene for the past few days has been totally crazy, but both teams have been well represented.

Patrick (Mobile, AL)

Graham, have you made it over to the Tropical Isle for a Hand grende yet? or Pat O'briens for a Hurricane? either one is strongly recommended....

Graham Watson

  (4:00 PM)

I've been here a couple times (once on NYE) and so those were my first stops. The Sugar Bowl had its media party at Patty O's last night. Always a great time in New Orleans, but after a few days it's time to go home.

Graham Watson

  (4:00 PM)

My internet connection is slow because I'm on a wireless card.

Graham Watson

  (4:01 PM)

OK. I'm out. Enjoy the game everyone.