Tim Griffin

  (3:00 PM)

Tim Griffin

  (3:01 PM)

I'm ready to go. I promise I won't agree on money terms and then balk on four other terms of our conversation. So let's go.

Chris Duel (San Antonio, Texas)

Tim, Did my Voodoo hex on Mike Leach somehow have a lingering effect beyond the huge loss to OU and might it have an impact on Leach's being fired by Texas Tech? Chris Duel ESPN 1250 "The Zone" San Antonio, Texas

Tim Griffin

  (3:02 PM)

Chris: It's funny how things have turned for Leach since that infamous curse you put on him. Things have turned remarkably for the Tech program in the last four months - roughly the time of your curse.

Mike (Richmond, VA)

What redshirt freshman and true freshman do you see making an impact this season for Texas?

Tim Griffin

  (3:06 PM)

Mike: I think Chris Whaley eventually has a big chance for playing time with the Longhorns. I'm also curious about Tre Newton and also true freshman Alex Okafor at defensive end.

Branodn, NE

How good will nebraska be this year top 15? I thought they should have been ranked at the end of this season bu tno love for the red.

Tim Griffin

  (3:07 PM)

Brandon: Don't know if the Cornhuskers will be top 15 good, but it wouldn't surprise me if they were in the top 25. And their hopes of being ranked at the end of last season was done in by the fact that several teams who were similarly in the polls beat a little better team than Clemson.

Michael (Houston)

How many wins for A&M this year? And how much playing time will Christine Michael see?

Tim Griffin

  (3:09 PM)

Michael: I see the Aggies winning four or five games. It might be a little much to think they can challenge for a bowl game because of the strength of the Big 12. And I think Christine Michael will see a lot of playing time this season - if he's as good as Mike Sherman seems to think he is.

Tim Griffin

  (3:10 PM)

Pat: I look for them to challenge for the Big 12 North, but I still don't know if they are at the national title yet. They are still probably a couple of recruiting classes away from being at the national title level yet.

Ryan Smith/ Texas Tech Alum

Tim, this is absolutely unreal. If Coach Leach is fired, how many incoming recruits would you guess end up transferring? I don't know, but I kinda like being nationally ranked. I guess Tech want to be ranked 114th in the nation and this time it would have nothing to do with their pass defense!

Tim Griffin

  (3:12 PM)

Ryan: I don't know if they would fall that far, but it would have drastic ramifications for the program. I don't know an exact number, but most recruits that I've talked to seem to think that their coach is usually one of the most important reasons they picked their school. So if Leach leaves, I would anticipate some if not many players would consider other options.

Keoffry (Decatur Ga)

Who do you go with SEC or Big 12?

Tim Griffin

  (3:12 PM)

Keoffry: Based off the bowl season last year, I've got to go with the SEC. The Big 12 still lags behind them - particularly on defense.

Caleb (Little Rock, Arkansas)

Can Baylor win more than 3 games this year in Big 12 play?

Tim Griffin

  (3:15 PM)

Caleb: I would bet that Art Briles would take three Big 12 victories right now, because it likely would mean they have made a bowl trip. I think their best chances at wins are Iowa State, Texas A&M and Texas Tech. I think that might be their limit and it could be more likely they end up 3-6.

DAVE (CA)

HAVE YOU HEARD ANYTHING ON RB BROWN ON WHERE HE MIGHT GO? I HEARD THAT MIAMI U IS OUT?

Tim Griffin

  (3:16 PM)

Dave: Check one of my blogposts later this afternoon, but I've also heard the Hurricanes are set to rescind their offer to Brown. It likely means he ends up at Oregon, Tennessee, Auburn, Southern California and Kansas State. He also plans an unofficial visit to LSU in the next several weeks.

Bobby (Kandahar, Afghanistan)

Tim, as a Sooner fan I'd rather see my team get a W in a lesser bowl than another L in a BCS bowl, do you think they will make another BCS bowl this year and if so can they get the ever elusive W?

Tim Griffin

  (3:18 PM)

Bobby: I think the Sooners have a great shot to end up in a BCS bowl - either whether they win the Big 12 title or end up as an at-large team.

Travis, Houston TX

any chance the TTU BOR says goodbye to Meyers in tomorrows meeting and restart the negotiations with Leach's agents?

Tim Griffin

  (3:20 PM)

Travis: I don't see that happen. I think that Gerald Myers is only doing what his regents, the presidents and chancellor want him to do. Although I think there has been a clash of egos betwen Myers and Leach over the years that has made the negotiations difficult.

Josh (Oklahoma City, OK)

Tim, have you heard anything as to what the Big 12 might do with its funky 3-way tie breaker this off season?

Tim Griffin

  (3:23 PM)

Josh: I expect it to be a large discussion point at the Big 12 meetings in May at Colorado Springs. And I would frankly be surprised if it isn't changed when the conference officials meet at that time.

David (Wichita)

Tim, I'm a Jayhawk fan and I wanted to know if you think it would be more beneficial to run a Dime defense or something similar for the Hawks because they have a better secondary and it would alleviate their pain after losing all their linebackers?

Tim Griffin

  (3:24 PM)

David: An intriguing concept, although most Big 12 teams can run the ball a little, too. I do think that Kansas has more depth in the secondary rather than at linebacker, where they are completely rebuilding their starting lineup. It will be a big challenge for the Jayhawks to fix those holes during spring practice.

Jack (Austin)

Tim, do you think Leach will end up getting fired or do you think they will let him stay on without an extension?

Tim Griffin

  (3:25 PM)

Jack: I hate to speculate like that, but it wouldn't surprise me if he was let go at Friday's meeting. But it also wouldn't surprise me if he stays for another year. I'm torn on both sides.

Jesse/Lubbock TX

If for some god awful reason Coach gets fired where will he end up coaching next season and will they be contenders right out of the cage?

Tim Griffin

  (3:27 PM)

Jesse: If Leach was let go, I doubt he would coach next season. I think he likely would sit out a season and hover over a lot of other coaches as a potential candidate if they could stumble. Immediately, I could him becoming a presence at places like Tennessee, Indiana, Louisville and maybe even Notre Dame.

Charles (CU Alum)

Is this the year that Hawkins needs to win in Boulder? Or do you think they'll let the mediocrity continue?

Tim Griffin

  (3:28 PM)

Charles: I do think the Buffaloes will end up winning enough games to go to a bowl game next season. But I think the North Division will be very balanced. So I would be surprised if the Buffaloes can win more than eight games.

Derek Dunkel (College Station)

What's Mike Goodson's draft status? Why did he go pro if his junior season wasn't that great?

Tim Griffin

  (3:29 PM)

Derek: Goodson has declared for the draft and will be headed to the NFL Combine. I don't think he got along with the A&M coaching staff and their plans for him in their offense. That's the main reason he decided to leave.

Scott (Austin, TX)

Tim, do you think this might be the year we see John Chiles or even Sherrod line up in the slot? It looks like Texas is going to be stacked at QB for a while.

Tim Griffin

  (3:30 PM)

Scott: I expect position changes to likely be addressed during the spring. With Gilbert coming to the program, he becomes the top candidate. And guys like Chiles and Sherrod might be more valuable at other places.

Tom (PA)

You think Tennessee would only give Lane Kiffen one year if he struggles?

Tim Griffin

  (3:31 PM)

Tom: Considering some of his gaffes, I think Kiffin might be under a short leash.

Andy (New York)

Tim... You are a top coach taking a new job... Taking in to consideration prestige, talent, location, facilities... Rank the Big 12 jobs you would want... Has Baylor passed A&M?

Tim Griffin

  (3:32 PM)

Andy: I still don't think Baylor is past A&M, considering all of the tradition, history and facilities there.

Seth (New Braunfels, TX)

Is there any Chance that Snyder can get some big time recruits like he got towards the later end of his first run with the cats like Roberson, Sproles, Leber, Kelly, Newman, Simeneao...?

Tim Griffin

  (3:33 PM)

Seth: That will be the challenge. And recruiting in the Big 12 is much more competitive than the Big Eight was when many of those candidates came along.

Jack Malone (Chicago IL)

How many games will Notre Dame win this season?????

Tim Griffin

  (3:34 PM)

Jack: I look for the Irish to win 8 or 9 games this season. Should be enough to get them to a New Year's Day bowl game.

Erik (Trinity University)

Who will be stronger in 2009, Texas or OU? I know it's over 7 months away, but early Red River Shootout prediction?

Tim Griffin

  (3:34 PM)

Erik: How about Texas 24, Oklahoma 17

DAVE (CA)

HAVE YOU HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT BRYCE BROWN? I HEARD THAT MIAMI U IS OUT OF THE HUNT?

Tim Griffin

  (3:36 PM)

Reports are that Miami has taken the offer off the table. We'll see where he ends up.

Banks (Charleston, SC)

Tim-- a two questions in one for you...Do you feel Emmanuel Moody will emerge as the go-to guy in Florida's stall of backs this coming year and help them repeat with Tebow still at the helm??

Tim Griffin

  (3:37 PM)

Banks: Do think that Moody will be the go-to guy for the Gators. And his speed will be a nice compliment with Tebow and his receivers.

Lewy (Boston)

How will the Big 12 do in the NFL draft..are the lions gonna take Crabtree...haha!

Tim Griffin

  (3:38 PM)

Lewy: Crabtree will be a high pick, but I don't think he'll be in the top 4 or 5. The Lions have been burned in the past by wide receivers picked in the draft.

Adam (Austin, TX)

Tim, two questions. First, do you think Colt McCoy will be able to repeat his success from last season, and maybe win the Heisman this year? Second give me a prediction for the massacre they're calling a football game on Sept. 19th in Austin.

Tim Griffin

  (3:41 PM)

Adam: I do see that Colt can challenge for the Heisman if the Longhorns are a factor in the BCS title hunt. And I think the Longhorns really benefit by playing Texas Tech sooner than later. Getting the chance to play Tech in Taylor Potts' first road game will be at Austin. And the Red Raiders' current uncertain coaching status can't help them, either.

Brett Manhattan

Any chance Bryce Brown ends up here?

Tim Griffin

  (3:41 PM)

Brett: A chance, but not a good one.

Scott (St Louis)

Tim, what do you see from the Big 12 North next year? Is Nebraska the odds on favorite to win the division?

Tim Griffin

  (3:44 PM)

Scott: I do see the Cornhuskers as the favorite to win the North. But I think the North will be very close with schools like Kansas, Missouri, Kansas State and Colorado State. It will be very competitive.

Darrell (Orlando, FL)

Before signing day you mentioned that UM transfer QB Robert Marve was likely to go to OSU or OU. Is that still being negotiated or was that just a rumor?

Tim Griffin

  (3:46 PM)

Darrell: He had said he was interested in both schools. Texas Tech also was mentioned. But I think a more likely candidate like USF or Purdue rather than the Big 12 schools.

Tim Griffin

  (3:47 PM)

Steve: It does break up a difficult schedule, but also starts it earlier, too. I bet whoever will be coaching Tech would prefer that Potts' first road start comes against Houston rather than Texas.

Mark

How do you guys feel about OSU this year.

Tim Griffin

  (3:48 PM)

Mark: I like them a lot. I have them figured as the third best in the Big 12. I predicted they would finish 10-2, losing only to Texas and Oklahoma. That likely would have them headed to the Cotton Bowl.

Gary (College Station)

Based on your predictions, do you really think there will be no improvements for the aggies next season?

Tim Griffin

  (3:51 PM)

Gary: It's gonna be hard, mainly because of all of the other good teams from the South Division.

C. One (Spur, Texas)

Tim, If Sherman does win only 4-5 games this next year, does his seat start getting warm, or with his 7-year contract, is he safe for a while?

Tim Griffin

  (3:52 PM)

C.One: It will mean his seat could get a little warmer, particularly if they don't show improvement.

Jacob (VA Beach)

how many teams are going to bowls?

Tim Griffin

  (3:53 PM)

Jacob: Just like a typical season, I expect there will be 7 or 8 teams that make bowl trips from the Big 12.

Keith (Austin)

Wouldn't it be wiser to have Gilbert redshirt? One of the biggest problems with Mack is his inability to get the backup QB into games except when UT is leading by 40 with 6 minutes to play (see John Chiles).

Tim Griffin

  (3:53 PM)

Keith: He might be more willing to play a quarterback like Gilbert because of his talent.

Ryan (Pittsburgh, PA)

How do you feel about Frank Cignetti leaving Cal for Pitt?

Tim Griffin

  (3:54 PM)

Ryan: I think it's a big move for the the Panthers' staff. He will help out.

Matt (Dallas, Tx)

Tim, if Leach was let go Friday, who would they bring in to run that program? This just seems like program suicide if TTech pulled the rug out from under Leach.

Tim Griffin

  (3:56 PM)

Matt: Among the coaches I would think would have a chance would be Art Briles or Sonny Dykes. They would be immediately palatable to Tech fans because of their history with the program.

Tony (MD)

will WVU ever get back to where it "could" have been had Coach Rod not left?

Tim Griffin

  (3:58 PM)

Tony: I think it's gonna be tough. But the Mountaineers are poised because of the Big East's balance to be a contender.

Phillip, Texas

First of I am from Lubbock and a Texas Tech Alumni, but do you think Oklahoma State can take the big 12 south this year?

Tim Griffin

  (3:59 PM)

Phillip: Might be a tad too much to expect that, considering the strength of Texas and Oklahoma.

Patrick (Waco)

Do you think that Baylor will go to a bowl game? After all, they only lose 4 starters and return every skill starter.

Tim Griffin

  (4:01 PM)

Patrick: Going to be a challenge for the Bears, considering two of those starters are their starting offensive tackles. Most important job for the Bears at all times will be to protect Robert Griffin.

Tim Griffin

  (4:01 PM)

Got to run now. Thanks for all of the questions. We'll chat again really soon.