Bruce Feldman

  (2:03 PM)

Hey..thanks for dropping by.. I'm happy to talk some college football on a Friday in Feb.

Jon (Baton Rouge)

What have you heard with regards to Bryce Brown's last official visit? Any way LSU signs him and solidifies there number 1 recruiting ranking?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:05 PM)

He's at Tennessee now and goes home tomorrow. He's supposed to let USC and LSU know by Monday what he's planning on doing with that last official visit.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:16 PM)

sorry.. gotta phone call..

Bruce Feldman

  (2:17 PM)

hang with me for a few minutes...

Bruce Feldman

  (2:25 PM)

Sorry.. had a coach call and then some TV thing to tape

Anton (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Bruce, what do you think of Miami's murderous opening stretch of games next year? (FSU and Va Tech on the road, Ga Tech and Oklahoma at home)On paper, their overall schedule, after throwing in UNC and South Florida, is the hardest overall ACC schedule I've ever seen.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:28 PM)

It is brutal. It'll be the roughest start of any program in the last 7-8 years. But not the toughest ever. I'll have more on that later today in my blog. Good thing for UM Jacory Harris is solid at QB, but the O-line is a big question mark and how will new DC John Lovett get that run defense together and can he get some plays out of those young DBs?

DiRaimo (Dallas, TX)

You said you spoke with Mike Leach the other day about his contract. Any insight on his emotions about the whole situation?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:30 PM)

I think he would love it if this deal got done. He loves his staff and his players and Lubbock. It's crazy that this thing has dragged on. Most contract negotiations take 2 weeks. This has been a year.. I think this weekend he was heading to Wales to watch some big rugby match.

Gerry, NYC

Love your blog/column. Do you forecast Ohio State playing a major role in the National Title picture at all this year? and next year?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:31 PM)

Thanks. I think OSU lost a few too many key players and I think they're gonna be a year away from making another run at the top five.

Mike (stillwater, Ok

What is the national perception of Oklahoma State and how far can they go next football season?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:32 PM)

It got a lot better this year. They're a dynamic offense. Now we need to see what Bill Young can do with that D. I think they're a top 15 team and then some.

Yatin (LA)

Hey Bruce. Do you think Kevin Riley and Cal's underachieving WRs have it in them to compete w/ USC for a Pac 10 crown?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:33 PM)

I think they're behind USC and Oregon and losing OL coach Jim Michalczik is a big blow in addition to Alex Mack up front.

Dane (Denver)

Is Hawk on the hot seat this year in Boulder?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:33 PM)

Not hot, but it could get warm. He made some big predictions. If he doesn't win at least eight this year it'll get pretty warm.

J-Dub

Will Kansas be a contender in the Big 12 in 2009?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:34 PM)

I think they're in the mix, but it's still coming out of the Big 12 South with OU, UT and OSU.

Rhett

When will the wolverines get rid of Rich Rodriguze????????????

Bruce Feldman

  (2:35 PM)

No, I think he has them in the right direction. He has done well recruiting. Their offense will be OK this year now they the linemen have some seasoning. I'm not sure the D could be any more disappointing and they have options at QB now.

George (NYC)

What do you think about a new proposed rule that would make excessive celebration penalties a live ball foul and take away points? Would anyone like this change?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:36 PM)

I've always thought the celebration penalties were overblown. If the coaches of those players wanted to cut them off they could.

Dane (Denver)

How short of a leash is Jimmy Clausen going to be on this year? I have also heard that Crist has more potential than Clausen. Your thoughts?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:38 PM)

Every coach I've ever talked to who has seen Dayne Crist is very high on him. I think Clausen will get pushed, and that's a good thing for ND. He has two terrific receivers and a good tight end and a very very experienced O-line. Plus, the schedule this year is incredibly easy. There are no excuses. It should be a big year for Clausen I think.

I'm at work (Athens, GA)

Horrible rule change!

Bruce Feldman

  (2:39 PM)

Thanks. I agree.

Eric (buffalo,NY)

How did Buffalo recruiting class finally come out? Is there anyway Turner Gill decides to stay and build up the program like schiano did at Rutgers?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:42 PM)

By all accounts it was the deepest class he had, although getting Starks and Roosevelt early proved to be quite a coup. I don't think he can get UB to the level of Rutgers because Rutgers has better recruiting location and a conference tie to the BCS and more money. I suspect Gill moves on to a more high profile job in the next two years depending on what's out there.

Keivan (Chicago, IL)

Whats up with Mack Brown? How does he manage to clean up in February every year.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:44 PM)

It's Texas. Anyone who has ever been to that campus and that football set up knows how awesome it can appear. To me it's the most ideal recruiting situation in the country. Plus, Mack Brown has very good people skills. I suspect he makes a very strong impression on most kids and their parents.

Jay (San Bernardino, CA)

Who will start at QB for USC this year?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:46 PM)

My hunch is Aaron Corp although the arrival of new QB coach Jeremy Bates probably is a good thing for Mitch Mustain.

Rhett (Detroit, MI)

When will the bigten conference be back to winning National Titles???

Bruce Feldman

  (2:47 PM)

Maybe OSU can make a run in 2010 plus Tebow will be safely in the NFL by then. I think Rodriguez will turn Michigan into a legit title contender in the next 3-4 years as well.

Dave, memphis, TN

Bruce, great job! Every year there seems to be one non-BCS team playing in a major bowl, usually a school out west. Do you foresee a C-USA or MAC school ever making a BCS game?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:49 PM)

Thanks. I think a C-USA school might have an outside shot. Maybe two years from now Southern Miss. They've landed some great young players that SEC schools wanted. Once those guys mature they could be dangerous. Also Tulsa and Houston have potential.

Josh (Knoxville, TN)

On Leach: In the San Antonio Express-News yesterday Buck Harvey was saying that Leach's agent has accepted the monetary portion of the new contract, but Tech wants Leach to agree to "termination compensation, personal property rights, buyout guidelines and a penalty for interviewing without permission," which Leach does not want to do. So, we'll see.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:50 PM)

I know. And two of those terms especially are unheard of. It's not going to happen.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Texas is a more ideal recruiting situation than USC? How so?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:51 PM)

It has much better facilities. USC has a weight room that looks like it's for a junior college.

Keith (Dallas)

Bradford had his least impressive games last season when he actually faced a good pass rush (UT, TCU and Florida). With that O-line now decontructed, why not strike the NFL iron while it was very hot?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:53 PM)

Interesting point, although it's always funny when someone says the key to slowing down so-and-so (great QB) is to try and get pressure on him... I guess he just enjoyed his college life and didn't feel he was quite ready. No shame in that.

Mike (Lubbock)

Bruce, today apparently Tech's AD Myers has refused to even respond to Leach's counteroffer. What do you see happening here? What is your take on all of this? Am I crazy for being fuming angry at Tech's administration over this garbage?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:56 PM)

The AD is the former basketball coach. I honestly think he'd be fine if the football team went 7-5 every year and he didn't have to deal with any attention. Leach has brought a ton of attention to Lubbock. Heck, 60 Minutes did something there. Maybe it's attention they might not all be comfortable with.

Dale (Richmond, Texas)

Who are the main legitimate contenders for the national championship in your opinion?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:57 PM)

Man, I'm gonna leave somebody out.. UF, OU, UT, LSU, Ole Miss, VT, USC, ORegon, Ok St... I think that covers it.. maybe Boise.

Ben (Atlanta)

What's so "unheard of" in Leach's contract offer from Texas Tech? Most coaches have buyout clauses bigger than his, BC fired their coach for interviewing around, so really isn't this all about property rights?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:59 PM)

That's one of them. For a school to claim that if a guy goes on a speaking engagement or writes a book that they get the money is bizarre and the payback of his deal is down to 12%. The Big 12 average is like 50% and Brown, Stoops, Mangino and Snyder all have deals where they get everything.

Blake (PA)

Why don't you think Penn State is a BCS contender???

Bruce Feldman

  (3:00 PM)

Too many good players leaving on the offense. I think Shipley was very solid and they lose some experienced receivers.

Matt (NYC)

Hey Bruce, How would you rate Bill Stweart's job at WVU to date? Do you think he can win a NC their?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:01 PM)

Can't knock it. Did well in both bowls. They've done a nice job of recruiting, but now it gets tricky because they have to replace the great Pat White.

Topes (Lose})

No love for team above the Mason-Dixon line in the East?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:02 PM)

I'm getting there..sorry. Those calls threw me off my game.

jason nebraska

my next year bcs championship game will be usc vs florida

Bruce Feldman

  (3:02 PM)

I think you're half right.

Nathan (Washington, DC)

How do you see Ed Orgeron meshing with the egos on Kiffin's coaching staff?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:04 PM)

He'll get along great with Kiffin. They are very close and I know he thinks the world of Monte Kiffin. I think the best thing for them will be getting to the actual games so all of this other stuff fades into the back at least to some degree.

Mo (NYC)

Ole Miss a contender and not the Crimson Tide? What gives?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:04 PM)

Two big things: Ole Miss has a star QB in Jevan Snead and Bama has a big question mark.. also Bama has to go to Oxford this year.

Dane (Denver)

Texas vs Florida?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:05 PM)

I would go with that or OU-UF.

Rhett (Detroit, MI)

Has Michigan landed a decent QB to run their spread offense?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:07 PM)

Forcier has the speed and the moxie to run it, but he needs to get physically stronger. I've heard Denard Robinson who gets there this summer has big potential. He can really fly and his arm is strong, but how quickly can he pick up the system? Worse comes to worse, Threet will be much better than he was last year.

Blake(PA)

Do you think people are glad that Joe Pa signed a 3 year contract or do you think he should retire????

Bruce Feldman

  (3:08 PM)

I think JoePa should coach forever. It's not like PSU was in disarray last year. That staff knows how to work within the situation and people love what Paterno stands for.

Gregory (Houston)

Bruce, what on earth has Lane Kiffin gotten himself into?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:09 PM)

He's certainly not shy. He's brought the spotlight on his program and he could take some lumps early. It'll be fascinating to see how this plays out.

Mike,Pa

Do you see pryor getting any better as a passer this year? Horrible as a Freshmen!

Bruce Feldman

  (3:11 PM)

YEah, although losing experienced receivers will make it harder. The thing I heard from coaches is he has to learn to trust his system and be better at anticipating when guys are going to come open rather than wait till he knows for sure. Or else just tuck it for a 7-yard scramble.

Darryl (Oakland, CA)

Best defense in the Pac 10 next year: USC or Cal?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:12 PM)

It's early on that, but USC has to replace everybody but Taylor Mays so I doubt it'll be them.

Dane (Denver)

Any chance USF contends for a Big East title in the upcoming years?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:12 PM)

Sure why not this year? They have some good players back and their best recruiting class yet with some plum JC imports.

gainsville ,florida

how will florida do next year

Bruce Feldman

  (3:13 PM)

They should be the consensus #1 with Tebow and everyone back on D. Plus Stafford and Moreno bolted UGA.

Phillip: Jackson MS

Will Jevan Snead be a heisman contender in 2009 or 2010?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:14 PM)

He has a shot. He has very good receivers and people started to get to know him. Plus NFL types will sing his praises. I think he has a big '09 and then has to think about the NFL.

Alex (rockville, MD)

Bruce, Why do you think Oklahoma has a shot, they lost almost the entire O line and have no WR threat. I suspect UT will not revenge on OU stiffing them last year...your thoughts?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:15 PM)

Bradford's back and Gresham's back which helps the receiving corps and they have some very promising young OL. Plus they have some great DLs back led by Gerald McCoy.

Bruce Feldman

  (3:16 PM)

Three more questions..

Working (Richmond, VA)

Can VT win the ACC without a loss?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:17 PM)

I like their backfield. The one thing I've always worried about Tech is they tend to be at their best when the expectations are lower. When they hype surfaces, they tend to struggle.

Steiny (NYC)

Is James Casey going to succeed at the next level?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:18 PM)

I think he could be a very good Hback. He's versatile and a good athlete. I'd love to have him on my team.

Ferriss: Oxford, MS

Who will be playing in the SEC Championship game in '09?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:18 PM)

I'll say UF vs. Ole Miss (the Rebels get both LSU and Bama at home)

Bruce Feldman

  (3:19 PM)

Thanks for all the questions. If you have others I didn't get to. Send them into my blog inbox. Enjoy the weekend.