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Pat Forde

  (2:01 PM)

Hello and welcome to the last football chat of the season. Seems like it was just yesterday we were debating Clemson vs. Alabama and Ohio State vs. USC -- to name four teams that won't be appearing here in Miami tonight. Let's get to it.

Sylvain (Calgary)

Hey Pat, Are you and Ivan going to be watching the game together? If so do you see you guys pouring it on each other when each team makes a big play?

Pat Forde

  (2:02 PM)

Sylvain: We'll probably be sitting together but won't get a chance to rip the guy who backed the loser because Gene Wojciechowski will be getting in all the shots first. No matter which way it goes.

Okeechobee florida [via mobile]

You think harvey is gonna be 100% tonight??

Pat Forde

  (2:03 PM)

Florida says he's about 90 percent, which is better than no Percy of course and should be enough to make Oklahoma very nervous. But we won't know for sure until pregame warmups.

Larry hagerstown md [via mobile]

do you feel that this bcs national championship game has lost its "luster" because of all the texas, usc, and utah talk for the title?

Pat Forde

  (2:05 PM)

Larry: I think there are legit arguments to make over who really is #1, and that does raise questions about what this game truly settles. This season has been another great example of why we need a playoff -- five teams can make a claim to being #1.

Matt

Who do you think the #1 College Football team right now? There are about 5 claiming it right now...

Pat Forde

  (2:06 PM)

Matt: As of right now I'd probably go 1. Florida, 2. Utah, 3. Oklahoma, 4. USC, 5. Texas. I reserve the right to change that after tonight.

Anthony, Denver Colorado

If Tebow comes back is it too early to talk about Florida playing for 3 titles in 4 years?

Pat Forde

  (2:07 PM)

Anthony: We'll have all offseason to talk about that.

Michael (Gainesville, FL)

Hey Pat. What do you think is the single biggest gamechanger for both teams?

Pat Forde

  (2:09 PM)

Michael: To me the most important thing will be turnover margin. Both teams have excelled at protecting the ball and taking it away -- they're 1-2 in the nation in turnover margin. I am amazed at OU only losing two fumbles all season and throwing seven INTS. But the Sooners will face a significantly better and more physical defense than any they've seen in a while. Beyond turnover margin I think special teams could be major -- and the strong edge there goes to Florida.

Kevin (Boston)

Pat, my gut tells me to go with OU in this game because they have been cruising all year, but I have been horribly wrong picking Big 12 winners this bowl season. With the failure (Texas Tech) and the struggles (Texas) am I crazy to think OU is well rounded enough to win this game or will Florida exploit them like the other Big 12 teams this bowl season?

Pat Forde

  (2:11 PM)

Kevin: Don't forget Oklahoma State losing as a favorite as well in its bowl. The Big 12 South has come up a little soft -- but if Oklahoma brings its A game then I expect a close, well-contested classic. Problem is, Oklahoma hasn't brought even its C game to several recent bowl games. So we'll see.

Alex, Ann Arbor, MI

You will certainly have to change that Top 5 after tonight, no way can you keep a two loss Oklahoma or Florida team ahead of USC, Texas or Utah. Wouldn't you agree?

Pat Forde

  (2:12 PM)

Well of course. But we haven't played that game yet.

Jared (Boston via Gainesville, FL)

Hey Pat. The word gamechanger is thrown out there alot and all the big names are covered. My crystal ball says Riley Cooper will have a stellar game. Do you agree?

Pat Forde

  (2:13 PM)

Jared: I'm thinking more Aaron Hernandez, the tight end. But Cooper had a big play in the SEC title game and could do it again.

Michael (LA)

Pat, I personnally think Jermaine Griffen (the TE) is the most talented player on the field (at least from an NFL perspective) and I don't believe Florida has an answer for him. Do you think Stoops will utilize him early to open it up for the other WR?

Pat Forde

  (2:14 PM)

Michael: Jermaine Gresham is the TE. And yes, he is phenomenal. He'll be involved from the outset, I have to think. If he's not an NFL tight end, I'll eat my socks.

WB (Boston, MA)

Where do you see Bradford having the most success tonight in terms of play calling?

Pat Forde

  (2:18 PM)

WB: Florida's secondary has played very well all year, but it will really be challenged by Greshman, Juaquin Iglesias and Manny Johnson -- all potential NFL guys in my mind. I think OU will continue to throw some quick stuff to them -- slants and outs that don't subject Bradford to a lot of pass rush -- and see if they can break tackles.

Greg (Naples, Florida)

Between the two heisman winners who do you think has more pressure on him tonight? By the way Go Gators!!!!

Pat Forde

  (2:19 PM)

Greg: I'd say Bradford. He's the one trying to back up the trophy this year against a guy who thought he should have won it. And Tebow already has a championship ring, while Bradford has OU's recent history of bowl futility to overcome.

Lisa Cairo, Ga

Hey Pat. Don't you think Demps is going to run wild on the Sooners??

Pat Forde

  (2:22 PM)

Lisa: I don't know about running wild, but he's a long-distance threat every time he touches it. If Florida can block it up and get him outside in space he can score. But Oklahoma knows that, too.

JJ, Virginia

What should I eat during tha game?

Pat Forde

  (2:22 PM)

JJ: Chicken wings and/or ribs are my suggestion. Get cooking.

Jared, Midland, TX

Mr. Forde do you think that the OU defense is really that soft? I mean in all thier "tough games," with exception to Texas, it looked like thier defense was there to play. Out of thier last 5 games the only team to put up "real" points was OK State

Pat Forde

  (2:24 PM)

Jared: I would not call OU's defense soft, no. And it has played better later in the season. But I think there is some susceptibility at linebacker, in the secondary and even up front with the loss of Granger. I think Florida will move the ball and score plenty.

Desmond (Dallas, TX)

Do you see this game playing out similar to the OSU vs UT game with Florida controlling the ball eating up the clock keeping OUs offense off the field?

Pat Forde

  (2:26 PM)

Desmond: I do think Florida's very good running game will be a key and I'm sure the Gators would like to crank out some lengthy drives like they did in the SEC title game to keep Bradford and Co. off the field. But Florida also has quick-strike capability with all its speed.

David (gainesville, FL)

Will we see Cornelius Ingram at all?

Pat Forde

  (2:27 PM)

Only in a victory formation at the end of the game if Florida gets to that point, I suspect.

Matt (Ft Collins)

It's a near consensus that UF's defense is better than any in the Big 12. Looking at OU's schedule, is TCU's great D comparable to UF? Can UF hold them to low 30s? Thanks

Pat Forde

  (2:28 PM)

Matt: My prediction is Florida 35, Oklahoma 31 -- so, to answer your question, yes UF can hold them to the low 30s in my mind.

Mike (Beverly, Ma)

4D - Has Florida's pass defense been good because they haven't played against any good QBs? Wait, there was Snead...

Pat Forde

  (2:29 PM)

Mike: Does the name Matthew Stafford ring a bell? If not, check the NFL draft top 10 come April.

Mark: (Hobart,IN)

Hey Pat....Two of the best Coaches in the world lock it up tonight. This could be one for the ages. Chris Brown seems like a real key for boomer sooner. What do u think of his chances of a big night?

Pat Forde

  (2:31 PM)

Mark: I agree that Brown is really important, and so is backup Madu. They're both good -- but so is the Florida defense. If Brown goes for 100 on the ground or Oklahoma rushes for more than 150 as a whole, I'd really like OU's chances.

J.R. (C'ville VA)

My prediction: UF 27 OU 17 am I crazy?

Pat Forde

  (2:31 PM)

More points, JR. I'd be shocked if Oklahoma only scores 17.

Damien (oklahoma)

Hey Pat, Do you think the comment from D.Franks are gonna have any effect on Tim Tebow?

Pat Forde

  (2:32 PM)

Damien: Yes I do. You could almost see the light in Tebow's eyes when it came up on Media Day. I think he loves being doubted. Similar to Michael Phelps in that way -- he's plenty motivated but always looking for a little more.

Omar (Durham, NC)

Pat, Would you say that now is a time for a playoff? After tonight there will still be an arguement on who the "Best Team" in college football is.

Pat Forde

  (2:33 PM)

Omar: It's ALWAYS been a good time for a playoff. I hope the arguing intensifies. And I kinda hope the AP votes Utah #1 to ratchet it up even more.

Bill: (Richmond, VA)

Do you think the drama with Dan Mullen leaving is going to be as big a deal for this game as people make of it?

Pat Forde

  (2:36 PM)

Bill: Probably not. Let's face it, Meyer is an offense-first guy who probably spends plenty of time in the offensive meetings and breaking down film on that side of the ball. So he's probably been involved a little more with that in the last month, which is not a bad thing. And Mullen is very close with Tebow and wants to see their time end well, so I'm sure Mullen has put in a sincere effort on the preparation front. Also, Tebow is so familiar with the offense that I don't think he needs a lot of coaching at this point.

Mike (Lexington, KY)

Do you think the fact that most everyone is picking UF and putting down OU's defense that it could be a big factor for OU in tonight's game?

Pat Forde

  (2:38 PM)

Mike: I do know this, when OU's defensive players met the media for the first time here on Sunday morning, the first 20 or so questions they all got were along the lines of, "Isn't Florida fast?" "Isn't Tebow great?" "Why aren't you guys better on defense?" "Do you have any chance of stopping them?" I could sense they felt insulted, and with good reason. So I think the motivational fuel has been flowing all week for the OU defense.

Kevin (Auburn, AL)

Pat, what do you think of Florida having a kickoff return for a touchdown. Oklahoma has poor special teams coverage.Florida clearly has the advantage in that area.

Pat Forde

  (2:40 PM)

Kevin: Correct. Keep an eye on Brandon James, who has taken two punt returns to the house this year and can break a big kickoff return as well. I'll be interested in seeing whether OU attempts a gimmick kick -- squib or pooch -- to keep it out of his hands, or just tries to kick him to the corner between the hash marks and sidelines and hopes to pen him in.

Keith (Dallas)

Bradford could have been playing flag football for most of the season but when OU had to deal with elite pass-rushing ends (Hughes and Orakpo), Loadholt can't handle them and Bradford hasn't been Superman. Does Florida have anyone that can put consistent pressure on the QB from DE?

Pat Forde

  (2:43 PM)

Keith: Phil Loadholt did indeed struggle with the speed of Orakpo -- but a lot of OTs struggled with him. However, clearly, that will be an area Florida will try to exploit. Florida DEs Dunlap and Cunningham have a combined 22 tackles for loss on the season -- but the Gators probably don't have a superstar pass rusher.

Ben (Omaha)

Pat-HEADS OR TAILS!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Pat Forde

  (2:44 PM)

Ben: I always call heads.

Matt: (Las Vegas):

If Notre Dame played that exact same schedule that Utah did, and went undefeated they would be a unanimous #1 by a mile, right? Isn't the whole thing just a glorified beauty pagent?

Pat Forde

  (2:45 PM)

Matt: Pretty much, yeah.

alex (dallas)

Pat, do you predict Bradford bolting for the NFL?

Pat Forde

  (2:46 PM)

Alex: I don't have any special insight into this, but it would be tough to turn down potentially being the #1 overall pick in the draft. Then again, that means you play for the Lions .... maybe he should finish that degree.

Greg (Japan)

Tebow's last stand at UF?

Pat Forde

  (2:48 PM)

Greg: I really don't know. A lot of scouts doubt him as an NFL QB, so coming back for one more year to hone his passing might help him. But he's losing his QB coach he's very close to. My guess is that he stays but I would not be shocked if he goes pro.

Daniel (Tulsa, OK)

Most of the hype around this game has surrounded the offenses of the two teams, but I think there's a pretty good chance both defenses will come prepared to dominate. Do you think there's any chance of this game turning into a defensive struggle with a much lower score than most of the predictions? If that happens, how does that change your prediction?

Pat Forde

  (2:50 PM)

Daniel: I just don't see defensive domination. Too many good playmakers behind excellent offensive lines. And regardless, I'll stick with Florida as my pick.

John Starkville

Coach Dan has done a great job balancing both jobs. Great Hire Pat?

Pat Forde

  (2:50 PM)

John: Yes, great hire. I think Mississippi State hit a home run.

Darnell (El Paso)

Does Texas really have a legitimate argument to claim the #1 spot? They barely beat osu in the last minute

Pat Forde

  (2:52 PM)

Darnell: I think that close escape against the second-best team in a bad Big Ten cost Texas a legitimate claim to #1.

Mark Kansas City

Do you think Ou's linbackers can contain Tebow?

Pat Forde

  (2:54 PM)

Mark: OU's linebackers will be tested, but not just by Tebow. They'll need to really fly to the outside to stop those Florida jet sweeps by Harvin, Demps and Rainey. That could be the biggest challenge. And if Oklahoma is worried about a speed deficit and gets into overpursuing, watch out for reverses. Meyer has always liked to throw a few reverses into the gameplan.

Phillip

Pat. I have been in an argument with my friend about this bowl season. I say if you arent playing for the same goal (a TRUE national title) then comparing bowl results is not comparing apples to apples. Do you tend to agree or disagree with that?

Pat Forde

  (2:55 PM)

Phillip: I tend to agree -- but that's really all we've got to form our final impressions. Another reason why we have a flawed system in place.

reg memphis

Pat, I love college football but the bowl season is stretched out way too much. I almost don't even care about wattching the game now. Am I crazy.

Pat Forde

  (2:56 PM)

Reg: I think the bowl folks have made an error to stretch out beyond the start of the NFL playoffs -- too many people tune out or lose interest over this last week.

Tom (Kansas)

Pat, Assuming a close game tonight, will you cast your AP vote for Utah?

Pat Forde

  (2:57 PM)

Tom: I don't have an AP vote. Just a vote in the ESPN.com power rankings, which will be on our site Friday. I'll see what happens tonight before making any decisions.

Brian (Orlando, FL)

how much do you think the TTU/Ole Miss game swayed popular opinion about this game, if at all?

Pat Forde

  (2:58 PM)

Brian: I think a lot of people went into that game thinking it would be a good barometer for this game, so yes, I think it did sway opinion to a degree. I can't find many sports writers here who think OU is going to win, possibly because of what happened in that game.

Nick (Dallas)

Offensive and Defensive MVP?

Pat Forde

  (2:59 PM)

Nick: Since I'm picking Florida, I'll say Tebow and Brandon Spikes. But I think there also will be a big Florida play in the kicking game that could have a major influence on the outcome.

Chris NC

Pat, are you finding great eats in Ft. Lauderdale? My recommendations are Rustic Inn for Garlic Crabs, Catfish Dewey's for stone crab, Cielito Lindo's for mexican (the one on Dixie Hwy), Ernie's BBQ and Southport for conch.

Pat Forde

  (3:00 PM)

Chris: I appreciate the tips -- but I'm flying home tomorrow, brother. I needed you a week ago! I'll keep those in mind for next visit, though.

Pat Forde

  (3:00 PM)

OK folks, thanks for all the great questions all season long. Good stuff. ESPN.com has a smart readership and we appreciate y'all. Enjoy the game tonight!