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Mark Schlabach

  (3:02 PM)

OK, hope everybody is enjoying the end of summer. I'm sure we'll have lots of questions about the mock draft. I understand I'm pretty popular in Iowa today. Here we go....

Satan (New York)

Schlabach, your picks yesterday sucked. Should've known - you're from Georgia. It explains a lot. I went to a Falcon's game in the Georgia Dome last year, and their IQ was zero.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:02 PM)

Go to the college games in Georgia. More people have college degrees.

Kris (Lakeland)

What u think about the gators repeating.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:03 PM)

I definitely think Florida is the team to beat in the SEC and nationally. Tebow is back, along with top 22 guys on defense. Defense should be really, really good. Schedule isn't overly difficult, either.

Brandon (Cleveland)

Live in Ohio and Love Penn State...................Question why is everyone picking the Bucks to win the Big 10....PSU has one 2 of the last 4 and we beat OSU head to head....We won at the shoe last year, and have a better QB, RB, TE, LB.....With possibly a better DL with Odrick in the middle......Plus its gonna be at Happy Valley at 4pm so by the second half it will be dark and there is nothing like Happy Valley at night..........So why no love.....

Mark Schlabach

  (3:04 PM)

I think Penn State is the team to beat in the Big Ten. Non-conference schedule is a joke, and they have Royster and Clark coming back. Have to replace the WRs and some of the OL, but offense should be good. Sean Lee coming back at LB. Ohio State should be good, though, especially if Pryor improves as a passer.

Keith (NC)

Do u think oklohoma is overrated this year.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:05 PM)

I think it will be difficult to replace the OL. But Bradford, the RBs and Gresham are as skilled as any offense in the country. Defense should be pretty solid. I think it will be Texas and Oklahoma in the Big 12 again.

Jacob (Charlotte)

Everyone is talking about Ole Miss winning the SEC west this year and while i agree they have a good team and most (if not all) of the starters are coming back from a great year in 2008 i still don't see them beating out LSU or Bama for the west champs. easy schedule, verteran players, and the media all say ole miss, but why don't i beleive its really going to happen?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:06 PM)

I don't think it will be a cake walk by any means. But Ole Miss' schedule is very favorable. Snead is the best pure QB in the league (Tebow is the best player). Have to replace Oher and Perry, but should be pretty good on both sides. Bama and LSU will both be tough outs, too. Ole Miss has to handle the hype and expectations, something it hasn't had to do in a quite a while. We'll see how Houston Nutt handles it.

Tom (Jacksonville)

Why is no one giving Wake Forest any love? I know the defense has lost a bunch of players, but that offense is going to be one of the best in the ACC.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:07 PM)

Played golf with Riley Skinner last week. He likes his team coming back. Great OL. Deep at RB. Defense lost some studs, but I learned never to underestimate a Jim Grobe-coached team. Deacons will challenge in the ACC.

Steve (Atlanta)

Coach Kiffin has brought a lot of energy to both the Vols on the field and the Vols in the stands. 5 Years from now, where is Tennessee?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:07 PM)

Better than they are now. Kiffin and Orgeron can recruit with the best. But the cupboard needs to be restocked in Knoxville. I think the first couple of years might be a struggle. I could be wrong, but I think he'll get some top talent there.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Mark, do you think the last 10 in was the toughest part of the whole process? To me there were about 10 - 15 other programs you could've easily put in as well.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:08 PM)

No doubt about it. I thought TCU, Pitt and Colorado and maybe North Carolina were the biggest snubs. It was difficult over the last 15 picks. Obviously, I had different values than Pat and Ivan. I thought it was interesting to watch, though.

joe (chicago)

whats the point of all this? sectioning off the 'top 40' teams into imaginary conferences? why? i wish you had some solid news to report.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:09 PM)

Just having some fun. And the response has been tremendous. Camps open this week. News is coming. Read our conference blogs. Loaded with breaking news from camps.

Alex (D.C.)

What are the chances that my Hokies surprise everybody and come out unscathed (or one loss) and play for the NC?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:09 PM)

Tyrod has to throw the ball better than he did last year. Evans is a stud and the young WRs should be better. They really like their OL. Defense is always good. Schedule is tough, though. Bama in Atlanta. Nebraska at home. At Georgia Tech. It's a difficult schedule.

louis (pittsburgh)

You were doing so much better than your compatriots yesterday. They took PSU leaving you Alabama. They took ND and Ga. leaving you Michigan. They took VT leaving you FSU. And then... you went ntus? Utah? Boise St. BYU? What?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:10 PM)

A little love for the little guys. I get accused of being a BCS snob. I would have taken Georgia over Michigan. They've already rejected my alumnus card for picking the Gators.

Andy (Rochester, MN)

I'm a graduate and diehard football fan of the UM Canes. I have a choice to go back for only one game this fall, should I go to the game against the OU Sooners, or homecoming against UVA?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:11 PM)

Oklahoma. Unless you want to see the Canes win.

Alan (Charlotte, NC)

Do you think that the lack of stand out receivers at Alabama (aside from Julio Jones, of course) was due more to the fact that the Tide really don't have any other good WR's or the fact that JPW always locked onto one receiver and never looked anywhere else?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:11 PM)

It would be tough for a QB not to look for Jones every time. But they do have to find some complementary receivers. Jones will get a lot of attention from defenses this year. A solid running game takes the pressure off him, too.

bob (allegheney)

for the record, i applaud ivan maisel for taking nd at number nine. smart guys, those stanfordians.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:12 PM)

Hard to ignore the history and tradition. I actually grew up outside South Bend. The Irish need to get it turned around. They'll have a chance to do it this year.

Ben (Columbus, OH)

Mark, as a Utah alumni, I'm thrilled at the #17 selection. However, like the rest of the country, I'm wondering why so high of a pick? Over programs like Mizzou, Texas A

Mark Schlabach

  (3:15 PM)

Two undefeated seasons and won two BCS bowl games. Those other programs haven't accomplished that....I put a lot of stock in recent success...Probably more than Pat and Ivan did.

College Football Fan ((Everywhere))

Oh my God! You are such an SEC homer. You are ridiculous!! How do you have a job at ESPN???Oh wait, you like Penn State to win the Big Ten. You're the best. I love your work!

Mark Schlabach

  (3:15 PM)

College football fans are definitely a fickle bunch. Utah fans hated me last year, now they love me. If only I could get the Iowa fans to settle down. Can't we all have some fun?

justin (cali)

florida state i think is getting overlooked in the acc they have the best o-line one of the top defenses because of mickey andrews and they reload every year on defense offense we will be relying on the running game

Mark Schlabach

  (3:16 PM)

I agree the OL will be very good. Jimbo Fisher tells me Ponder will be one of the best QBs to play at FSU. But the RBs and WRs will be young. The defense has some major holes to fill. FSU will be better, though. They've gotten better the last couple of years, even though the record didn't exactly reflect it.

Robert (sc)

With the stellar recruiting classes south carolina has brought in do you foresee them contending for the sec title anytime soon? And will the ol' ball coach be there to witness it?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:17 PM)

Great question. I have to think Spurrier is getting a little frustrated. He doesn't like losing and probably thought Carolina would be there by now. They've made strides, but their overall lack of depth really caught up with them at the end of the last couple of seasons. Keep recruiting and build depth. That's all he can do.

Jim Crozier (Boise, Idaho)

Why NOT so high of a pick for Utah? Two undefeated seasons and two BCS bowl wins in the last five years. As a fellow non-BCS school...they deserved a high pick. They're good NOW (like BSU) rather than at some point in the distant, mythic past.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:18 PM)

My argument as well. You'll also see I took Boise State and BYU. My colleagues -- a Mizzou grad and Stanford grad -- ignored them.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Hey Mark, PERSONALLY, did you give more weight to recent success or overall historical success? Thanks!

Mark Schlabach

  (3:19 PM)

Tried to balance the two, although my picks probably reflect more emphasis on recent success. But I tried to look at a list of things: facilities, recruiting base, coaching staff, fan support, etc.

Ben (New York)

Why did you not select TCU yesterday? They had a great bowl game in the postseason and have been in the top 25 since 2000. Love the imaginary conferences though. If only college football were like now. My question : Do you think USC have a ligit chance at winning a National Championship with a new QB running the offense?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:20 PM)

I probably should have picked TCU at the end. Could have taken them over Oklahoma State (which I picked too high, kind of like Alfonso Soriano in fantasy baseball) and Kansas. USC has a lot of holes. Pete Carroll recruits as well as anyone, so they have guys ready to play. But I'm not sure if you can replace that many NFL guys in one season.

Hunter (Virginia)

Who do you pick to win the chick-fila kick off game?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:20 PM)

Let's get through a few weeks of preseason camp. See who gets hurt and who steps up. I promise it will be closer than last year's game in the Georgia Dome.

Cooper (KC MO)

Predictions in the Big 12 North? Everyone is talking about Nebraska and KU but Nebraska has to go to Mizzou and KU has a tough schedule. Mizzou has won it two years in a row but are they the darkhorse this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:21 PM)

I'd say they're a darkhorse after losing Daniel, Maclin, etc. Pinkel has recruited well. They won't fall off the map.

Daniel T. (Arkansas)

Other the Virgina Tech, who would you pick to win the ACC?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:22 PM)

I think Georgia Tech can challenge if the Jackets replace the DL they lost. North Carolina might be ready to make a move. FSU will be there. As I said earlier, never count out Wake Forest. I think NC State is a real sleeper. Wilson is a very underrated QB.

Matt (Louisiana)

Do you think LSU gets back on track this year with new def. coordinator Chavis in the mix and Jefferson coming on strong this year? Will they contend for the SEC Title?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:23 PM)

I think the Tigers will be very much in the hunt. Jefferson needs to continue to improve, but the OL will be very good and Scott is a very good RB. Chavis will make them more fundamentally sound on defense. If they can get Jefferson, Sheppard and Holliday on the field at the same time, they'll have a lot of speed to contend with.

Stephen (Knoxville)

What do you think of Bobby Johnson and the recruiting job he has done so far this year? It is nothing short of amazing to me.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:23 PM)

Kind of like Jim Grobe, one of the most underrated coaches in the country. Probably coaching at the toughest place in America to recruit.

Brian (Chicago)

Top 3 QBs not name Tebow, McCoy and Bradford are . . . .?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:25 PM)

Robert Griffin at Baylor. Jevan Snead at Ole Miss. Case Keenum at Houston is very good. Zac Robinson at Oklahoma State.Todd Reesing at Kansas. Clausen, Kellen Moore and Ryan Mallett are guys to watch.

Jake Taylor (Portland, OR)

Some are predicting Notre Dame to get to 10 wins this season with a fairly playable schedule. Please tell me that this will NOT be the case.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:25 PM)

Very well could be the case if the Irish win toss-up games like Purdue and Michigan State. 10 wins=BCS bowl game.

Brandon (Cleveland)

With the Bear Bryant Conference and the Knute Rockne conference who gets out and into the semi-final to play each other and who drops into oblivion of the Sub 40 division.......

Mark Schlabach

  (3:27 PM)

I'd go with Florida vs. Ohio State/Penn State winner. Auburn and Clemson? fall out. Both those teams have QB issues.

Michael (Atlanta)

With 4 home games to start off the season (3 at night in JHS), I could see Malzahn finding a QB and an identity for the AU offense. Put that with AU's always strong defense and I see a surprise team. Are you with me Mark?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:27 PM)

Not there yet. Gus is good, but not sure he has the QB to work with right now. Running game will be solid. Defense is solid.

Paul H. (Texas)

What team could make the BCS that are not being talked about. Florida State? Utah? others?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:28 PM)

TCU. Boise State. Notre Dame. California.

mike (New Orleans)

Surely when you say Vandy is the toughest place to recruit in America, what you mean is the toughest place to recruit in the SEC or in Tennessee or something. There must be 50 places tougher to recruit in the MAC, CUSA, etc.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:29 PM)

Should have clarified to say BCS conference school. Tough academics. Small school. Playing SEC competition.

Louis (Montreal)

You cannot choose Auburn and Clemson, they're in the same division, you gotta choose one from the knute rockne division

Mark Schlabach

  (3:29 PM)

Sorry, Auburn and Boston College....

Lance (PA)

Kentucky would have won the Big Ten three times????? You're a crackhead.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:29 PM)

It was tongue in cheek. My days as a comedian are over. No one has a sense of humor.

Weston (Spanish Fort, AL)

With florida having such a light schedule compared to last year, do you think they might drop in the rankings even when going undefeated for while, like Georgia did last year?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:30 PM)

Not if they win them all and the SEC championship game. They play enough difficult games.

Kevin (Boise)

Are you coming to Boise for the Oregon game? Thought I'd ask, but the only person i'm excited to see show up is Erin Andrews. Who are you picking in that game?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:31 PM)

No, I believe Ivan Maisel is making the trip. I've been to Boise a couple of times. Very underrated city. And they love their Broncos. Too early for a prediction. But I'm as excited to watch that game as any other in the first few weeks of the season.

Rolly (Kuwait)

Do you think that Riley Cooper sounds like a girl's name?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:31 PM)

I'll answer your question because I assume you're serving overseas. I actually have a buddy with a daughter named Riley. But that kid is one tough cookie. Catches balls over the middle and blocks really well. Florida did good to get him back for one more year.

Kevin (Charlotte, NC)

NC State gets no love like usual. Do people realize this team went 4 for 5 to end the season and their only loss was to Rutgers in a bowl... In which they were dominating until their star QB (who only threw 1 pick all season) got hurt before halftime? Can't wait to show everyone who is the biggest ACC threat in years to come.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:32 PM)

One of my sleeper teams for the year. Always well coached under Tom O'Brien. Wilson is very underrated. Need to get Irving back, though, on defense.

john (cincinnati)

would osu or penn st like to play an away game at uk...? hmm....hmmmm? sounds all quiet from the big ten.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:32 PM)

Posted this one for the next one...

Brandon (Cleveland)

Being a Big 10 guy will we ever see a Florida, Ga, or SEC powerhouse coming up to play up north for once, Bama is finally going to Happy Valley but how about someone else playing in Beaver, Shoe, Big House, Kinnick these would be great for ratings.....Also would like to see it in November when it gets cold and see how good they really are....

Mark Schlabach

  (3:32 PM)

You guys duke it out.

Preston (TN)

Honestly what do you think are Eric Berry's chances of winning the heisman? I mean he is the best safety in the nation, is about to break an NCAA record for return yardage, hits like a train and is now playing under the best defensive mind in the game. So what do you think?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:33 PM)

As realistic of a shot as Charles Woodson, who won it. Taylor Mays is just as good as Berry. Both are phenomenal players.

steve (stillwater)

What are the chance of Oklahoma state making a serious challenge to the south this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:33 PM)

Let's see how much they improve on defense under Bill Young. Great opener.

George P. Burdell (Atlanta)

Hey, thanks for picking my team, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Which team do you think least deserves to be in the top 40 and who would you replace them with?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:34 PM)

There are a few that could have been left out -- South Carolina, Arizona State, etc. I mentioned earlier that I thought TCU, Colorado, Pitt and North Carolina could easily be in there.

Alan (Indianapolis)

Is it safe to assume, as a Boiler fan, that I'll have to see a step back this year before Purdue makes any leaps forward, what with a new coach and questions at QB?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:35 PM)

Yes, but the learning curve won't be as high with Danny Hope. He knows the Tiller system.

Neil (Houston, TX)

I am an ASU alum and was fairly shocked they snuck in right at the buzzer. How do you think they made it in? How do you think the middle of the PAC plays out with OSU, ASU, UA, Stanford and UCLA? Personally I think Jake Locker himself could be the difference in about 4 of 5 wins for Washington. Your thoughts?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:36 PM)

You'll have to ask Mr. Forde. I think he likes Tempe too much, although it is a great city. I like Oregon State among the teams you mentioned. Stanford and UCLA are still a couple of years away, and Arizona made strides last year. USC, Cal and Oregon are the class of the league.

Al (Titletown USA aka Winnersville)

Why does GT have a great chance of succeeding with their offense? Short time for DEF to prepare? Right talent for that offense?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:37 PM)

Great coach who knows the system better than anyone. Great tailbacks who could play for anybody. Short turnaround is difficult for any defense. You want to play them to start the season or in a bowl game. Nesbitt has to get better throwing the ball. It's a great system, and I'm glad to see it succeed in a BCS league.

Charles (Dayton, Ohio)

MarkWhat about Terrelle Pryor ? Doesnt he go on that list

Mark Schlabach

  (3:37 PM)

Yeah, could be on the list. Like Tyrod Taylor, Pryor needs to improve his passing skills. He's young and obviously a phenomenal talent.

James (Detroit)

Do you think Michigan State is on the right track under coach Dantonio?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:38 PM)

Definitely. They were very good last year. Still lack a little in terms of depth, but they throw the ball better than many Big Ten teams and run it well. They're tough on defense.

James (Portland Oregon)

In the Top40 teams you completely ignored the most important factor, Revenue. Washington, Arkansas and Kentucky pull much more money than BYU, Utah and Boise State. And isn't money what it is all about?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:38 PM)

Not in my fantasy world. Everybody's equal, except for Oklahoma State.

Lance (PA)

Mark, decent picks. My only gripe... how could you possibly leave out Pitt (Marino,Dorsett,Martin) and let in Ole Miss? Very disappointing.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:39 PM)

You've never been to the Grove. Great scenery for tailgating. Pitt should have been on the list.

Donald D (Eugene)

I am a die-hard Duck but I am at a loss to figure out why you wouldn't want a trip to Husky Stadium for you 40 team league? UW can't be bad forever.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:39 PM)

But they've been so bad recently.

Micheal ((Warsaw, IN))

If Notre Dame has a good season, will Charlie Weis get any credit for talent that he has assembled or will people just say that it was because of the so-called soft schedule

Mark Schlabach

  (3:40 PM)

He'll get some credit. I saw Warsaw High play basketball once. Jeff Gross? Mr. Basketball.

Riley (Virginia Beach)

If Texas, Florida, and Virginia Tech all finish undefeated who gets into the NC? That VT schedule is really tough.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:41 PM)

Getting way too far ahead of ourselves. Practice just started this week.

Justin (Atlanta)

With Notre Dame looking like they have finally turned it around. How many games do you think CW has to win to not be on the hot seat?? And do you think "one day" Urban Meyer will coach ND??

Mark Schlabach

  (3:41 PM)

I think Urban's new contract means he's staying at Florida for a long time. I think Charlie will be back next year. I think Notre Dame wins 9-10 games.

Nate (SLC)

Did you pick Utah so high because you're an SEC boy and you witnessed what the Utes were capable of first hand in January?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:43 PM)

And what Urban Meyer did there. They beat some good teams last year -- TCU, BYU, Oregon State, etc.

Clay (Oakland, CA)

If Blaine Gabbert lives up to the hype this year and has a similar sophomore year to Chase Daniel's, will the perception of Gary Pinkel's program shift from 'good every now and then' to 'consistent national program'?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:43 PM)

It would help. But I think the system's in place and Missouri will be a contender in the North for a while. (Forde didn't even have to pay me to say it).

Ken (CA)

If your 40 BCS schools is a list of "recent meritocracy" as stated during the draft yesterday, how does ND rate a top 10 pick?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:44 PM)

Again, that was my reasoning in the selections. I think Ivan and Pat put more stock in tradition, history, etc., than I did. They're also much older than me.

Finch (Atlanta)

I wouldn't rule out ole Gus finding a QB on the Plains of AU this season. Who had heard of Tulsa's QB until last year? Give a little respect...

Mark Schlabach

  (3:45 PM)

You're correct. We'll see if he gets it done.

Hunter (Virginia)

Hey Mr. Schlabach, why does Johnathon Dwyer and Cj spiller get more national attention than Darren evans, he rushed for 1,200 yrds and 11 TD's

Mark Schlabach

  (3:45 PM)

They're all three great tailbacks. Team record will have a lot to do with it. Evans is very, very good.

Lance (PA)

Who are your darkhorses in B10, P10, SEC this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:47 PM)

Big 10: Iowa (please stop sending the emails; Hawkeyes will be good)Pac-10: Oregon State (Riley always has a good team)SEC: Arkansas (Petrino always builds a winner and he really likes Mallett, schedule is brutal, though)

Brian (Wisconsin)

Mark, have you ever left the Southeast?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:47 PM)

Was actually born and raised in Indiana....Grew up on Big Ten football. Try to get west of the Mississippi River a few times a year, along with some trips north of the Mason-Dixon Line.

Stephen (Knoxville)

Which freshmen will have the greatest impacts for thier teams this fall?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:50 PM)

The tailback in your hometown will be very good. Matt Barkley at USC, if he eventually wins the QB job. Rueben Randle and Russell Sheppard at LSU. Richardson and Fluker at Alabama. Manti Teo at Notre Dame. Orson Charles at Georgia. I'm sure I'm missing dozens of others, those are just a few.

Blake (Abilene, TX)

Is Malcom Williams (WR Texas) flying under the radar? Do you think he will have a great year with the attention going to Shipley?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:50 PM)

Has to emerge as a deep threat for McCoy. And the 'Horns have to find an every-down back.

Mark (Japan)

What is your take on the Big East this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:51 PM)

Japan..beautiful. Wide open. Rutgers, West Virginia, Pitt all good enough to win it. Cincinnati will contend. So will U Conn. Those teams are coached too well to fall off the map.

adam (arkansas)

so mark, how do u see Bama doing this year with a revamped offensive line, new qb, stable of good running backs and a very fast stingy defense?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:52 PM)

They'll be fine. Greg McElroy will be fine. You don't have to be a star QB in that system. Have to rebuild the OL. That's the biggest concern. Defense will be one of the best in the country.

Matt (Philadelphia)

Bigger question mark...OU's O-line or UT's D-line? Seems to me that'll be the key matchup in Dallas.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:53 PM)

Both have to be rebuilt. I really like Kindle and they're high on Okafor. OU's line will be fine. Should be a great game once again.

Chris (Cheseapeake, VA)

Mark, enough already of all the talk on the big boys. East Carolina returns alot of players from last year's team. If they were called North Carolina, they would be picked by everyone in the Top 15. But, going 9-5, beating West Virginia and Virgina Tech, won their conference and being called East Carolina, everyone still has them outside the Top 25. How about actually doing some research as a reporter, and realize they have 18 starters back, and easily are the class of CUSA. So, ECU? Worthy to be mentioned on your chat or not?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:53 PM)

I talked about them on TV last week. I wouldn't be surprised to see them beat either UNC, Va. Tech or West Virginia this year. Pinkney is very good. Pirates are no pushovers.

Jacob (Tupelo, MS)

I am not a Southern Miss fan, Ole Miss actually, but I was stunned that the Golden Eagles were not even mentioned in the top 40. They have the longest above .500 winning streak in all of D1 football. Why were they not considered?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:54 PM)

Program is in good hands with Chip Kelly. Really like the QB. A lot of key guys to replace, though. Tough opener. Tough first four games, if memory serves me correctly. No honeymoon for the new coach.

Josh (Roanoke, VA)

Putting more stock in recent accomplishments, 4 straight bowl wins (2 BCS) during the Pat White era, wasn't enough for you to put WVU in the top 20?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:55 PM)

Pat Forde grabbed them before me....

Justin (Decatur, AL)

Do you think UGA will try another blackout this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:55 PM)

How about a whiteout? At least they could have whited out the halftime score against Alabama.....

Corey (Atlanta)

Labor Day Miami or FSU?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:56 PM)

I'll be there. It's too early for predictions.

James (Blacksburg, VA )

Love the "Divide and Conquer" articles. In the Rockne article you say "Ironically, most of the schools in the conference missed the telegram about the former Notre Dame coach's revolutionizing the forward pass more than 80 years ago."Is there really anything wrong with that (besides the fact that teams running the spread offense seem to be racking up national titles)?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:57 PM)

No, it was more of a play on words. There's nothing wrong with winning games with a running attack and defense. It's the way football has been played for ages. Just sort of ironic, I thought.

Elias (Nashville, TN)

Mark, you're the best .com writer on here, and you've covered the SEC.... so tell me: What do you REALLY think of Lane Kiffin and what he's going to do at Tennessee? Will he eventually have the Vols back at a championship level?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:58 PM)

Too early to tell. I think it's going to take 2-3 years to see what Tennessee really does. Again, cupboard is a little bare. First couple of years could be rough, or he might surprise all of us. Man, he looks and sounds so young. But at least he's confident.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:59 PM)

OK, folks, have to run. Thanks for joining the chat. I'll be around more often now that CFB is cranking up again. Enjoy the rest of your summer.