ESPN

Mark Schlabach

  (12:56 PM)

Thanks for joining my chat today. I'm sure everybody is excited about the season finally starting -- only two days away! Here we go...

joe (chicago)

USC has lost bunch of guys to injury and the draft, how in the world are they still being predicted to go all the way to the NC game?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:00 PM)

I thought this might be the season when USC is finally vulnerable in the Pac-10, and that was before they lost a few guys to injuries and academics. The schedule is really, really tough, especially with a true freshman playing QB.

joe (chicago)

Does RichRod just have terrible luck, or do you feel he somehow brought this witch hunt on himself?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:01 PM)

I think the way he left West Virginia left him open to criticism. I think it's a matter of him getting his own players there. It's obvious many of the players that Lloyd Carr recruited to Michigan aren't as fond of their new coach.

Ryan (Fairfax, VA)

Do you think people are underestimating VA Tech since the loss of running back Darren Evans? How do you envision their two freshman back-ups Williams and Wilson performing on the big stage against a stout Alabama defense?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:02 PM)

Tyrod Taylor has to throw the ball better to take some of the pressure off the running game. But Billy Hite, the VT RBs coach, told me Ryan Williams was pushing Darren Evans before Evans was hurt. Williams is going to be a pretty special player for them.

Brian O (Birmingham AL)

So what do you think about the outcome of the UA VT game this saturday.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:03 PM)

I'll probably go with Alabama. I want to see if Taylor is really throwing the ball better than he did the last two years. I think if the Hokies are one-dimensional on offense again, like they were last year, then Bama's defense will shut them down. I think it's tough to beat Saban when you give him six months to prepare. I'm not saying Beamer and his staff aren't great coaches, but Saban had Bama ready to play against Clemson last year.

Dana (Ann Arbor/MI)

Mark,How many other teams in division IA work more than 20 hours a week?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:04 PM)

I would say 90 percent of them probably do, but don't make them "mandatory" (wink-wink). I don't think the 20 hours is a big deal. I think the bigger deal is that Rich Rod's players turned them in. That's a bigger issue if I'm a Michigan fan.

Brent (Greenville, NC)

The SEC West has become extremely tough. Are you suprised Dan Mullen chose Mississippi State over an ACC or Big East school as his stepping stone?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:05 PM)

A little surprised, but at least it's in the West so he won't have to face Urban Meyer every season. It's a tough place to win, especially since Bama, LSU and Ole Miss have good programs in place. It's only going to be a matter of time before Petrino has Arkansas rolling, too. There's a lot of ground to be made up in Starkville.

clay (oakland, ca)

big 12 north question: two teams lose their qbs and top receivers, but return productive tailbacks and an all american each on defense. So why are many writers quick to write off Mizzou while accepting with ease that 'Nebraska is back'? Historical pedigree?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:06 PM)

Maybe, but you also have to consider losing Maclin and Coffman, etc.

Thomas (Thibodaux, Louisiana)

Hi Mark, big Auburn fan here. I was wondering what your analysis was pertaining to Chris Todd being named the starting QB over Burns. Was it a good move?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:08 PM)

Probably the most surprising development in any SEC camp. I talked to Todd last week and he told me his arm is about 95 percent. It was killing him last year and he had no arm strength. He told me Burns stepped up that day and told the team to support Todd. He's hoping it keeps the team united...

Skip (Atlanta)

FSU/UM pick?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:08 PM)

I'll be at that game Monday night. I think it could go either way, but I'll go with FSU at home. I think the offensive line is going to be good, and Jimbo Fisher keeps telling me he really likes Christian Ponder. Young at RB, WR and big spots on defense. We'll see if they continue to get better.

ray (NOLA)

after a 8-5 last year do u think that LSU is being overlook like they dont have a chance in the west.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:09 PM)

I think they're as talented as Ole Miss and Bama. The key will be how well Jordan Jefferson plays. No defense can overcome the mistakes LSU's QBs made last year. Chavis will make a big difference on defense.

goose (urbana)

how do you pronounce 'keapernick'? like 'caper-nick'?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:09 PM)

correct.

Tim (Las Vegas)

The Michigan strength coach Barwis is bragging that WVU was the strongest team in the nation when he was there. Does he realize that strength and speed don't always win games (i.e. WVU didn't win anything)?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:10 PM)

Apparently, the Mountaineers weren't as strong as Pitt in 2007.

goose (urbana)

Many think ND will win some games this year solely because their schedule is weak, but do you think this could also be the year they put it together and play some legitimately good football?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:10 PM)

I think they have some nice pieces in place -- Clausen, Tate, Floyd, etc. But the offensive line has to play much better. I think ND can win 9-10 games.

Richard (Greensboro, NC)

Since Alabama is young on the offensive line, what do you see their major weakness on the line being? Is the power run game that is taking a serious step back or is it the pass protection that will suffer most?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:11 PM)

Won't know until I see them play Saturday night. It's going to be tough replace Andre Smith. Look at how much of a struggle it was in the Sugar Bowl. Two good players there, but one of them has to step up. Caldwell was really, really good, too.

chris moss (little rock)

i really think florida is going to get knocked down off the mountain pretty early.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:12 PM)

By who? Charleston Southern? Troy? Tennessee? They don't play anyone overly difficult until they go to LSU in Week 6.

Lenny B (Ann Arbor)

Mark, you laid out a bevy of games to watch this season...if you had to be like your colleagues and only pick 5 of them to watch, which ones would you choose?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:15 PM)

Ohio State-USC. Texas-Oklahoma. Florida-LSU. USC-Cal. Boise State-Oregon. Could have gone with a couple of others, too.

Jonathan (Westerville)

Do you have Georgia or Oklahoma State in Week 1? And do you think Virginia Tech can pull an upset without Evans at tailback?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:16 PM)

Again, I think Williams will be as good as Evans at RB in the Va. Tech offense. I think Georgia has a chance if the Dogs run for 150 yards. Have to take pressure off Joe Cox. I think Georgia will use the tight ends a lot more than they have in the past, and its OL can control the line of scrimmage. We'll see how much better Oklahoma State's defense plays this season. Bill Young will make a difference, but it's a lot of the same personnel. But that Poke offense is going to be very difficult to stop. Georgia has to get pressure on Robinson and can't give up big plays to Bryant. OSU has decided edge in kicking game, too.

Daniel (New York)

Why won't anyone at ESPN speak about the possibility of a Reporter at the Free Press that hates Rich ROdriguez and reported a flimsy story with no evidence.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:17 PM)

The guy made up the quotes? I seriously doubt it.

Joe (Stamford, CT)

Your colleague Pat Forde wrote today that he thought Boise had the best chance of any team in the WAC to "be upset" on Thursday. Amazing to think that we live in a world where Oregon over Boise State could even remotely be considered an upset.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:17 PM)

Boise is favored and is playing at home. Oregon replacing a lot of good players.

Matt (Oklahoma City)

Mark, do you think the Sooners can beat Texas and win the National Championship

clay (oakland, ca)

big time college football game, final four, or masters...choose one of the 3 for your next vacation, no work just be a fan. What is your choice?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:18 PM)

Masters every year. No question. 60 miles from my house.

Josh (Reno)

Mark, how probable is a Nevada upset on September 5th?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:23 PM)

Not a complete shock if it happens. Nevada is pretty good.

Justin Furland (Cedar Falls, IA)

What rivalry game(s) do you think will be the best, hardest fought game(s) of the year?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:24 PM)

Red River Rivalry will be very good. Civil War will be very good. Bedlam will be very good. Backyard Brawl might be very good. Georgia-Georgia Tech will be good. FSU-Florida will hopefully be more competitive. Hopefully Ohio State-Michigan will be better.

Josh (Boca Raton)

Jacory Harris is the next Ken Dorsey at the U. Canes will start 3-1. Your thoughts.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:24 PM)

I think Harris will be pretty good. But that four-game stretch to start the season is brutal. If I'm a UM fan, I'm happy with 2-2. That's ridiculous.

bob (ny)

Do you think that the whole michigan violations story is over blown. Everyone knows they will claim workouts were voluntary. Also is it surprising that the players who have ties to Lloyd Carr apparently dislike Rich ROd. Do you think Lloyd will make some comment on the situation since he is still involved in the athletic department?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:28 PM)

Again, I think it's more telling that Michigan's players reported the violations. There seems to be some serious division inside the locker room.

len (los angeles)

Mark, USC usually is a good judge of QB's who can play within their system why would a freshman QB be any different?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:28 PM)

I think Barkley is clearly the most talented QB at USC if Pete Carroll is starting a true freshman.

Nate (Houston)

I noticed you had high expectations for BYU last year. What is your prediction for them this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:29 PM)

I think they'll be very good again. I don't think they'll beat Oklahoma on Saturday, but they'll challenge TCU in the Mountain West.

Kevin (ATL)

Mark, am I nuts to think that Tennessee can go 9-3 this year? Besides Florida, Alabama, and Ole Miss, I believe UT can win all the others...your thoughts?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:30 PM)

Very favorable schedule. Crompton will have to be much better than he was last year.

andrew (little rock)

are the hogs better than 7-5 this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:31 PM)

The Hogs will be a much better product on the field with Ryan Mallett playing QB. I'm not sure the record will be much better because the schedule is so difficult.

T Rod (Ann Arbor)

If you had to give a percentage what would it be for Michigan winning the Big Ten. Remember both Ohio St and Penn St lost a lot of offense so they could be FLAT.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:31 PM)

10-percent chance. They're playing three QBs on Saturday. Usually, if you're playing three, that means you don't have one....

Ben (Carrollton, GA)

In his first season at GT, Paul Johnson led the Jackets to a 9-4 record while inheriting only 7 returning starters and installing a radically different offensive system that none of the players were recruited to play in. In 2009, GT has 18 returning starters, including all 11 on offense who started the final 6 games of 2008. What does Paul Johnson do for an encore? ACC Championship?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:32 PM)

Very much a possibility. Have to replace the tremendous DL, but Dwyer and Jones are back and Nesbitt should be better in Year 2 in that offense.

Craig (Boston)

Apparently, two freshmen also reported the violations. So much for RichRod getting his own players in there.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:32 PM)

Didn't see that. Not a good sign if it's true.

Derek (AL)

Which team is your dark horse this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:34 PM)

A few to watch: NC State, Stanford, Baylor, Rutgers, Michigan State and Arkansas. Not saying they'll be BCS contenders, but better than most people are expecting.

Robert (Atlanta)

What is Florida's biggest weakness?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:34 PM)

I think it's going to be the lack of an every-down back again. Demps and Rainey can take it to the house, but you have to pound opponents at some point.

Tyler (Eugene)

If the UW beats LSU in Seattle on Sept. 5th, how far will that game go in restoring national respect for the program?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:35 PM)

Uh, it would be immediate respect and attention for Steve Sarkisian.

Bob (GA)

Does anybody besides McCoy, Tebow, or Bradford actually have a shot at the title this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:36 PM)

Assume you're talking about the Heisman Trophy. Jonathan Dwyer, Jahvid Best, Dez Bryant could be in the mix.

Joe (Charlotte)

Would you rather have a gun blazing offense or a stone wall defense? Which wins more games in CFB?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:37 PM)

I'd say both of Florida's most recent BCS titles came because of the defense...I like defense and strong running games.

Pete (NC)

Will we ever see another DB win the Heisman, a la Charles Woodson?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:37 PM)

Eric Berry? Taylor Mays? Probably won't happen, but both will be legit candidates this year.

Alex (Richmond, VA)

Isn't the biggest QB question in the VT - AL game about McElroy and not Tyrod Taylor? AL lost their best RB, best OL, and McElroy is making his first start against VT's defense.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:39 PM)

No offense to John Parker Wilson, but you don't have to be Joe Namath to run Bama's offense. He didn't put up unbelievable numbers last year, and Bama still won 12 games. McElroy will be fine. The bigger question to me is Bama's OL and if it can give him enough protection.

Ben (Carrollton, GA)

After all the Saturday games this week are complete, what will we have learned?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:41 PM)

My predictions on what we'll learn: Bama and Georgia didn't fall off the map after losing a lot of personnel. Boise State is a legit BCS buster. FSU is further along than Miami in returning to the top of the ACC. Sam Bradford is as good as last year.

TJ (Jacksonville, FL)

Bigger reason the big east gets no respect, amount of teams or amount of talent?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:41 PM)

Number of teams...and not enough in huge markets.

Nathan (Santa Cruz CA)

What happens if a team has a swine flu outbreak? Will they just cancel the game altogether or reschedule it for a later date? Does that count as a forfeit if it's not played.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:42 PM)

A few teams have actually been affected already. They quarantine the players for a few days and don't let them return to practice until they're cleared by doctors.

Matt (OK)

With some big games in the first 2 weeks will we see some big jumps in the top 10 rankings?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:42 PM)

I'd say the Georgia-Okla. State and Va. Tech-Bama winners could jump up pretty high in Week 1.

Colin (Oregon)

Who has the best shot at winning the Pac-10 title, not named USC?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:43 PM)

I'd go with Cal right now, but I think Oregon is going to be pretty good, too. Ducks have a very tough start to the season, though.

Alex (Miami, FL)

Who do you think will win the ACC? The media picked VT, Kirk picked GT, and Lou picked FSU...who you got?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:43 PM)

I'm sticking with Virginia Tech, but I really, really like Georgia Tech, too. Winner of that game clearly has the edge in the Coastal.

Vinnie (ATL)

What will have learned about Pryor and Barkley after week one going into week 2?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:44 PM)

Pryor is going to be better than last year. Barkley is going to be a stud. Maybe the best QB to ever play there.

Clay (Charlotte)

Mark, want to take a guess at what tricks Urban has in store for Tenn on Sept. 19? Besides a trip to the woodshed.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:44 PM)

Flea flickers. Reverse passes. Timeouts in the final seconds. Two-point conversions. Won't be pretty.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:45 PM)

OK, folks, have to run. Enjoy this weekend's games. Can't wait to get them started. Talk to you again next week.