ESPN

Mark Schlabach

  (2:06 PM)

Thanks for stopping by again. I'm out in Phoenix for tonight's Fiesta Bowl, then headed to Miami for the title game. Here we go...

James, Ca

How do you see the Golden Gophers of Minnesota doing next season? Improving or were they a one year wonder?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:06 PM)

My colleague, Adam Rittenberg, thinks they can be pretty good. Not a great way to finish the season, but I thought Tim Brewster did a good job after that tough first season.

Michael (Evansville, IN)

Does Utah deserve at least a few #1 votes in the Final polls? Their wins against Oregon St., TCU, BYU, and Bama, are comparable to just about anyone elses top wins plus they're the only undefeated team in all of College Football.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:07 PM)

I'd put them as high as No. 3, maybe No. 2. But I think the winner of Florida and Oklahoma deserves to be No. 1. Utah is probably behind Texas and USC, too.

Eric (Venice, CA)

Hi Mark, So you predict that USC is not going to be in the 10 Ten? They have 10 starters returning (assuming Sanchez comes back which he most likely will) on offense from the Rose Bowl team that scored 31 1st half points on the #5 defense in the country and have you ever seen Pete Carroll have a bad defense? Not only will USC be a top 10 team but have a great shot at #1 IMHO. Thanks.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:08 PM)

I think it's going to be really, really tough to replace all 11 guys on defense if Mays leaves. The offense looked good against Penn State, but it wasn't that great through much of the season. What about replacing Sarkisian? The schedule flips and gets much tougher. It's hard to replace a ton of All-Americans in one year. Ask LSU. Look how much they struggled after their defense was gutted.

Rory (Denville, NJ)

Do you ever see Rutgers becoming a year in year you BCS contender? With the emergence of stars such as Ray Rice and Kenny Britt, Our program is on the rise. NJ has tons of high school talent, if Schiano can keep it in state where do you see this program in 5/10 years?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:10 PM)

I think he's done a really, really nice job in a short time. If he can continue to recruit the Northeast like he has, Rutgers will be a Big East contender every year. Great way to finish the season this year. Terrible start, but nice finish. They have several good young running backs, and Underwood is very good, too. Greg has recruited very well.

Ben (Charlotte)

I already know the answer to this question, but what's your prediction for the Fiesta Bowl tonight?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:10 PM)

I like Texas, but I think Ohio State is capable of keeping it close. I really think the Buckeyes will play well because they seem more relaxed. If Wells gets going, Ohio State is good enough to win. I think it depends on how motivated Texas is to play in the game.

Blake(Miami)

If Texas blows out Ohio Stae, do you think they deserve a split national title regardless of the outcome of the national title?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:11 PM)

No, I thought Texas deserved to play in the Big 12 title game because the Longhorns beat Oklahoma during the regular season. I think Florida and Oklahoma are the two best teams right now, and the winner should be No. 1.

jim bedford oh

I think the key for the Buckeyes tonight is getting Beanie 25 carries to have a chance to win. What is your key for them to win?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:12 PM)

Block Texas' defensive line. Ohio State's offensive line didn't play well in the last two BCS title games and has been overmatched by fast, athletic defenses. Wells has to get going, and they'll have to do a good job of protecting Pryor.

Mike

How far away is Miami in your opinion to returning to a top 10 team (consistently)?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:15 PM)

Pretty close, especially if Randy Shannon keeps recruiting like this. Changing offensive coordinators was a good move, and I think Jacory Harris is the right guy at quarterback. They can make up a lot of ground in the ACC pretty quickly.

Nick (Dallas)

What's the most underrated position in college football?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:16 PM)

Tight end. Look what Oklahoma does with Gresham, and Missouri with Coffman, etc.

ken

After the bricks laid by Texas Tech and Oklahoma State, do you think it puts to rest the arguments of where is the defense in the Big 12, and are the offenses really that good?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:17 PM)

I argued from day one that the Big 12 defenses weren't very good, except for Texas. Texas Tech played a good offense. Ole Miss is really on the way up with Snead. Missouri's defense was terrible from the start. We'll see what happens tonight and Thursday night. I haven't heard as much from the Big 12 fans who were bashing me in midseason.

John, DC

I'm interested in your view on this question--do you think most fans care about relative conference strength or just their team? Do you think OU fans will be pulling for Texas and Michigan fans pulling for Ohio State? I just find that hard to believe.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:18 PM)

The schools you mention are bitter rivals, so I doubt they're pulling for each other. But I do think there is an awful lot of conference pride out there. I'm sure most SEC fans were pulling for Vandy, Kentucky, Ole Miss, etc. Same thing for Pac-10, Big Ten, ACC, etc.

J.T.(Columbus,OH)

Mark,If my Bucks we're to take a woodshed whipp'n tonite,do you think it could be a gutt shot to our succsess in recruiting southern states ? Teams like the Tarheels and Clemsons could start pulling these same kids.Whats your thoughts ?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:19 PM)

I think they'll continue to recruit the South and have some success because Ohio State is one of the sport's traditional powers. I think they need more players from the South. There's no doubt that where the faster players are right now.

Joel (Tempe)

Hey Mark,Glad to have you in the Valley of the Sun! If you want to smoke a fine cigar while you are here in town, I got one on the house this afternoon at Churchill's Fine Cigars.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:20 PM)

Thanks for having me. Great city. Beautiful scenery. Wish you'd been a little more hospitable to my hometown Falcons! Thanks for the offer.

Nick (FL)

Why is Miami treating Robert Marve so harshly? They don't even play some of the teams they are blocking his transfer to. They look desparate and pathetic, right?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:20 PM)

Could have been handled better by both sides. Glad they lifted some of the restrictions.

Andy (San Antonio)

Are you surprised at all by how well Darren Sproles has played? What kind of a recruit was he coming out of high school?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:21 PM)

Don't recall what his recruiting ranking was, but the guy can flat-out play. Gives hope to smaller running backs out there.

Eric (Venice, CA)

If Oklahoma loses it's 5th BCS Bowl game in a row can we please never, ever bring up the nickname "Big Game Bob" again and maybe even change it to "Back Door Bob"?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:22 PM)

Very nice...I've said before that there are 117 coaches out there who would take Tressel's last three years and Stoops' last five years. It's hard to get to those bowl games.

Dan - San Jose

Not that it matters (since by rule they're not permitted to win a championship) but who are the best non-BCS teams going into 2009?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:22 PM)

Same old story, probably. Utah, Boise State, TCU....

Tyler Tampa,FL

Do you think the Gators casn stop the offence of Oklahoma

Mark Schlabach

  (2:23 PM)

I think the Florida defense is pretty underrated. They're much better than I thought they'd be this year. Spikes is a great linebacker, obviously. Secondary has held up well. Oklahoma will score some points, though. You're not going to shut them down. We'll see if OU's defense can slow down the Gators' offense enough.

Steve (Blacksburg, VA)

Love your projection for us to beat Alabama to start the season off next year! How do you see the Hokies doing next year?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:24 PM)

If Tyrod Taylor continues to develop as a passer, I think they're the favorites again in the ACC. Frank Beamer really showed what he can do this year. I thought they'd take a big step back and they end up winning the league and the Orange Bowl. They were very young in the backfield and at receiver. Defense is always going to be solid under Bud Foster. They were pointing to 2009 and 2010 with this team.

John, DC

I'll admit, as an OU fan, that the Big 12 defenses by and large haven't been great this bowl season, but that Alabama showing the other night didn't say much for SEC defenses. As you said, Texas has a nice defense, and I think OU's defense is good in fits and starts and has great potential--remember, it is young, and lost not only Curtis Lofton to the NFL last year but Ryan Reynolds in the Texas loss.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:26 PM)

No question loss of Reynolds hurt them, particularly in the Texas loss. Alabama's performance was bad. Georgia's defense played well against Miss. State. Vandy did a nice job on Boston College (which wasn't very good on offense without Chris Crane). I thought Ole Miss did a nice job on defense against Texas Tech.

Craig (AL)

Hats off to Utah. I do not believe that a school that is undefeated and beat a fourth ranked team does not get at the least a #2 ranking or a share of the title. You can not at this point say that someone else is better. Everybody else has lost to account for. That is why they play the games. Utah is playing just as good as anyone in the Nation. This is coming from a BAMA fan.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:26 PM)

Utah is very, very good. They were battle tested going into that game, having beaten Oregon State, BYU, TCU, etc. I'm taking nothing away from them. But I think USC, Oklahoma, Florida and Texas are better.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Mark, what is your opinion on the Sugar Bowl? Would Alabama really have won if they had Smith?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:27 PM)

I think they would have played much better on offense. They lost their second-team left tackle to injury, too. But it still doesn't explain their problems on defense. Utah cruised down the field in the first quarter...

Mike (Canton, OH)

Why can't college analysts ever mention anything other than speed? Do they not understand the game enough to truly describe what is happening?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:28 PM)

I think so...but it's hard to argue there's a more important factor in college football other than speed. And I'm not just talking about fast receivers, running backs, etc. Speed on the defensive line and at linebacker causes more problems than speed on offense.

Mike (Beverly, Ma)

Mark, I don't think many people were arguing that Texas Tech and Oklahoma State had great defenses. I will argue that OU and Texas will both show that their defenses are good enough to get it done. OU will create turnovers and get to Tebow. Texas will wreck havoc on OSU tonight with a steady pass rush.

Dave (LA)

FYI - Mark, if Mays leaves USC will have to replace 10 starters on defense, not all 11. Nose Tackle Christian Tupou is a sophomore. Plus CB Pinkard has applied for a 6th year. Might be splitting hairs, but thought you should know.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:33 PM)

You're right, and I stand corrected. Should have been 10, unless Pinkard gets the NCAA waiver. Thanks for the info....

JAMES ( AUSTIN, TX)

Who do you think had the harder road to the Championship the Gators or the Sooners???

Mark Schlabach

  (2:35 PM)

Both played tough schedules. Oklahoma's non-conference schedule probably a little bit tougher with TCU.

JC (Columbus,OH)

What is Ohio State's greatest asset coming into the game tonight?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:35 PM)

Beanie Wells and a chip on their shoulders...

Richard (Greensboro, NC)

What do you think is more important in a football program: recruiting skilled players OR molding solid players into good starters as juniors and seniors?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:36 PM)

I think it definitely starts with recruiting. It's nice to have juniors and seniors who became solid players, but it all starts with talent.

Chris ( Atlanta, GA )

Hey Mark, Some rumors have been going around that Pryor and Boeckman would be playing on the same plays, How do you think this would change the game?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:36 PM)

Don't know how much we'll see it tonight. Obviously, Pryor at running back or wide receiver gives Ohio State another fast weapon. I don't think we'll see Boeckman running pass routes, though.

ken, CA

You can add Kentucky to the list too, they had a pretty stout D in their bowl win.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:37 PM)

Yes, played very well against East Carolina. Kentucky defense was underrated all year. Very good up front.

Stephen (Knoxville, TN)

Mark, what do you think about Tennessee opening the checkbook big time for assistants? Is this going to change assistant coaches salaries across the board or is it just an anomaly?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:38 PM)

I think the cost of doing business in the SEC just went up drastically. Auburn and LSU are throwing big-time money around for assistants, too.

jim bedford oh

For the Cleveland Browns umpcomming draft how does this scenario sound. Malcom Jenkins with first pick then trade Derick Anderson and next years first round pick for whoever takes Beanie Wells? A popular scenario for Cleveland fans, what do you think about it?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:38 PM)

Two good players. I'm sure Browns fans would be excited.

Eric (Venice, CA)

Maybe 115 coaches. I don't think Urban Meyer and Pete Carroll would trade with anyone.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:39 PM)

Correct, although I'm sure Carroll would have liked a chance to play for the last two BCS titles.

Mesafint (Atlanta,GA)

What are the chances that Nebraska is a top 25 team next year?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:39 PM)

Nice win over Clemson in the Gator Bowl. They have to continue to get better on defense, which I'm sure Pelini will get done. Should challenge for the Big 12 North title next year, with Missouri taking a step back.

Blake(Miami)

Mark, in your predictions, you said that Texas would lose to the Gators in the national title next year and Mack Brown would retire, but if Texas wins the national title next year, do you think he will retire?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:40 PM)

Great way to go out, no? I think it's one or two more years at most. Just a hunch.

Matt (Costa Mesa, CA)

So much is made of Alabama losing an offensive lineman. Why doesn't anyone mention that Utah's best LB was out with an injury? Utah had 8 sacks. Aren't top-caliber BCS teams supposed to have more depth than MWC teams? Yet, Utah completely shutdown Bama's offense without having. Like Bama, Utah was forced by injury to play back-ups. You say that USC, Texas, Oklahoma and Florida are all better than Utah -- but you also included Bama in that group before the Sugar Bowl.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:41 PM)

Bama was paper thin as far as depth all year. Not making excuses for Bama. Utah deserved to win the game. Again, Smith's suspension had nothing to do with Bama's problems on defense.

Vincent(Tulsa)

From an Oklahoma fan, this should answer your question, "Go Longhorns"

Mark Schlabach

  (2:41 PM)

Wow.

Nick (Dallas)

How's the weather?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:41 PM)

Gorgeous. I'm hoping for the same in Miami.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:42 PM)

Oooh. Nick Holt leaving for Washington, according to Joe Schad.

Mike (Clearwater, FL)

Despite all the big criticism, isn't Gene Chizik doing a very good job setting up his Auburn staff?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:44 PM)

Yes, Chizik has done a nice job setting up his staff. Malzahn is a nice hire on offense, although they still need a quarterback to run the offense. Curtis Luper was a nice hire, too. Wasn't Trooper Taylor interviewing yesterday?

Gregg (cincinnati)

Mark, i relize the big 10 is down, but dont you think it somewhat has to do with the players they recruit and how the teams are built ? teams like USC Florida Texas ect never play in cold weather games. if you look at teams in the NFL that play in the north or mid-west (Pitt, Balt, Chicago) they are build by running the ball and Defense. teams from the south and west in the NFL struggle when the have to play in the cold why would it be any different in college ? point is this, all you hear about is speed speed speed, well i would like to see the team down south play in a cold weather game to see how they would do.. thoughts ?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:45 PM)

It's a legitimate argument, but why recruit those players if you know bowl games are going to be played in warm-weather climates? The Big Ten doesn't play games after Thanksgiving, so there's only three or four weeks where inclement weather is a big factor.

lyle (dallas)

from a longhorn fan....go gators

Mark Schlabach

  (2:45 PM)

That's what I was expecting...

Mike (Beckley, WV)

If the either MWC or WAC were given a BCS autoberth, which league would lose theirs: the ACC (2-9 all-time, 1-3 last four years) or the Big East (6-5 all-time, 3-1 last four years)?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:46 PM)

Neither one of those leagues will lose their auto BCS bids...

Will J (Portland, OR)

Mark, while I think you're right about recruiting being a priority, Mike Riley has had a solid program, and he rarely gets even 4-star recruits.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:46 PM)

No, Riley is a great coach and obviously has an eye for talent. How many Texas schools wish they had the Rodgers brothers right now?

Darryl (Oakland, CA)

You said that you believe Oklahoma and Florida are the two best teams, didn't you mean two most deserving teams because a blind man could see that USC is the best team.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:47 PM)

Yes, but I can't get the Oregon State game out of my mind....Florida lost to a pretty good Ole Miss team. Oklahoma lost to Texas. Oregon State was pretty good, too, but Penn State destroyed them early. USC is very, very good. No question. I'm not ready to say they're the best team in the country, though.

Andy (New York)

Mark, how do you think Pryor will perform tonight on the big stage, given he has protection from the front lines? Will he choke or shine?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:48 PM)

The kid has exceeded my expectations for him this year. I think he'll handle the pressure. But OSU's offensive line has to protect him.

Will J (Portland, OR)

So are you saying that Ole Miss is better than Oregon St?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:49 PM)

Maybe. Maybe not. Would be a good game, if the Rodgers brothers are healthy.

Jeff (LA)

Who will take over as defensive coordinator if Nick Holt leaves? Ken Norton?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:52 PM)

I would think he'd be up there. Pete can handle the defense....

Drew (Gainesville, FL)

I love Bob Stoops from his time here in the 90's, but Mark, why would he ever let one of his players trash talk Tim Tebow? Tebow's proven over and over again he thrives on that.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:53 PM)

I don't think it was a coincidence that Franks wasn't at media day today. I'm sure Stoops wasn't happy about it.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:53 PM)

OK, folks, I have to run. Enjoy the rest of the season -- only three games left. Hope your teams win. Thanks...