ESPN

Mark Schlabach

  (3:08 PM)

OK, here we go. Sorry I'm a few minutes late. Hope everybody is excited about the weekend. Thanks for joining the chat again.

Anthony (Mayes)

Mark, is it just me, or are people not talking enough about how well VT's defense matches up with Bama's offense?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:09 PM)

Very experienced DL against a rebuilt OL. Good linebackers and a very good secondary. Key is getting pressure on McElroy, and finding a way to shut down Mark Ingram. Mike Johnson, Bama's guard, told me earlier this week that James Carpenter would be a very good left tackle.

ED (Washington DC)

Who needs a big game tomorrow night for Alabama?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:10 PM)

I think Ingram needs to run for at least 75 yards to take pressure off McElroy. And somebody has to step up to become a complementary receiver to Julio Jones. Of course, the three new OL need to play well, too.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Mark, thoughts on the LaGarrette Blount situation? Should he be suspended for the rest of the season?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:11 PM)

Rest of the season might be a little too harsh. What he did has no place in college football, though. I know he had some other problems earlier this year, so Chip Kelly needs to take control quickly because he's just starting his tenure as head coach.

BDiddy (Tuscaloosa)

I am of the belief that T-Taylor will have to have a stellar performance 150 passing yrds

Mark Schlabach

  (3:11 PM)

He told me earlier this week that his mechanics are much better. It will be interesting to watch. He has to become a better passer for Va. Tech to win Saturday night and contend for a BCS bowl.

Stephen (Atlanta)

Everyone is talking about the 3 offensive weapons Oklahoma State has, and the 2 offensive weapons Georgia lost. Does OSU have the supporting cast to beat the Bulldogs? Will Georgia be able to find replacements for Stafford and Moreno?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:12 PM)

I think Cox will be fine -- as long as he recovers from the flu. I know Mark Richt is very excited to see what Richard Samuel can do. The OL will be very good. Some young receivers are going to have to emerge to take pressure off A.J. Green. I think it comes down to defense and getting pressure on the quarterback. Willie Martinez told me earlier today that he was very happy with Rod Battle and DeMarcus Dobbs during camp. They'll have to get pressure on Zac Robinson, but stopping Kendall Hunter is going to be the key.

Tim (St. Paul MN)

A question about the Blount sucker punch at Boise. Was Boise State attempting to incite a riot by showing the reply over and over on the video board? A mindless decision on my part, and whoever did that should be fired. Idiotic. That put fans, players, and security personnel at risk.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:13 PM)

I agree. Should have never been shown on the jumbotron.

Columbus Cane (Columbus OH)

How is VTech ranked in the Top Ten when they haven't proven they can pass the ball? To beat Tech, make Taylor one dimensional and restrict him to the pocket.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:13 PM)

That was the recipe for stopping him last year. I saw him play at Nebraska and was pretty impressed. Remember, that Va. Tech receiver corps was really, really young last year. Those guys can help him if they play better this year, too.

Jim Crozier (Boise, Idaho)

Mark, why is everyone so quick to explain that last night's game between Boise and Oregon was proof that Oregon was overrated rather than proof that BSU is legitimate? Nobody was arguing with Oregon's ranking preseason. The consensus was that they ended last year on a tear and were poised for a big run this year. Could it be that Oregon looked that bad because BSU MADE THEM look that bad?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:14 PM)

I was definitely impressed with Boise State. Especially the defense. Oregon lost some key OL from last year, but I would have never expected the Broncos to shut down the Ducks like that. Masoli didn't look comfortable the whole night....Enjoy the Fiesta Bowl.

Demitri (South Carolina)

i know South Carolina didnt look that great last night but from previous seasons..their running attack looked more healthy most of the passing game looked decent and the defense and special teams looked awsome for the gamecocks what did they show u last night?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:16 PM)

They showed me they're going to be very, very good on defense again. They played without a couple of key DL, and one of them (Geathers) will be coming back next week. Ellis Johnson is a very underrated defensive coordinator. I thought Giles showed some good speed and bursts, and the offensive line looked better than last year. They're obviously going to miss McKinley and Jared Cook. I thought Garcia looked pretty average at quarterback, though.

Steve (Portland)

Please tell me this isn't the Oregon offense that we can expect all year! Looks like the offensive line problems are true.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:16 PM)

OL definitely looks to be a big problem. I can't believe Blount didn't have more room to run. But give Boise State some credit, too. Defense played pretty stout.

Rich Brooks (Lexington)

Hello, Mark. If you follow me on Twitter, you know i like tomatoes. Also, did you know I'm shooting for a school-record 4th consecutive bowl trip and 15th consecutive non-conf win? Not bad for an old guy at a Basketball school!?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:18 PM)

The Wildcats are one of my sleeper teams this year. A couple of JUCO transfers will help, and Trevard Lindley is fantastic. Tough division, but I think the 'Cats go bowling again.

Christopher C. (Arlington VA)

Mark what can you tell me about Va tech's O-line.. Is it much better or about the same as last year? The hokies need this win and Better O-line play need to exist to make this happen..

Mark Schlabach

  (3:19 PM)

A couple of Hokie coaches have told me they think it's the best O-line they've had in a while. More athletic and a little quicker than the past few seasons. Sergio Render is going to be very, very good.

Scott M. (Gainesville, FL)

What do you expect from the Razorbacks this year? Could they surprise in the SEC West?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:20 PM)

I think the Hogs will be one of the most improved teams in the country with Mallett taking over at QB. It's only a matter of time before Petrino has them contending in the SEC West, but the schedule is brutal this year. A 6-6 record and bowl game would be quite an achievement, in my opinion.

Bruce (Dallas)

Whats your take on Greg McElroy from alabama?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:24 PM)

I've talked to him a couple of times and he's a very, very bright kid. Played at Southlake Carroll in Texas behind Chase Daniel, so he knows football well. You don't have to be a great QB to be successful in that system. I think he'll manage the game like John Parker Wilson did, and throw it to Julio Jones as much as possible.

Ben (Carrollton, GA)

Early thoughts on this Thursday's Georgia Tech - Clemson matchup?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:25 PM)

Let's wait until after the openers. I will be curious to see if defenses are better equipped to handle Tech's offense. But I think Nesbitt and Co. will be better running it in Year 2, too. Tech has to replace the DL, but I think they'll have the upper hand against Clemson's OL.

Joe ((Dallas, TX))

Will OU's loss of Gresham to injury change the game at all between BYU and OU?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:27 PM)

I'll be curious to see what they do with Brody Eldridge. The plan was for him to play center mostly, with some tight end, because they feel that's their best OL right now. Without Gresham, he might be forced back there a little more, but I think they'll go with the younger TEs. It's a big loss for OU if Gresham doesn't come back quickly. They're going to have a tough time replacing Manny Johnson and Juaquin Iglesias.

Mike (Belvidere, IL)

Can Big Blue get past the coaching drama and have a rebound year? Who do you see finishing the year at QB?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:28 PM)

I think Michigan has to be better, but I think Western Michigan will give them a good fight in the opener. Forcier apparently has the upper hand at QB, but Robinson could be the best long-term solution.

Tyler (USA)

Russell Wilson sure had a rough night? Time to change quarterbacks at NCS?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:28 PM)

No, way too early. He's a very good QB. I'd take a look at the OL...

Will F (Salt Lake City)

After seeing Utah put up 519 yards of total offense, with a brand new QB throwing 20/30 for 286 yards and beating an improved USU 35-17 despite 3 turnovers... Did Utah prove they filled the holes in the offense or was USU too easy of a first test?

Greg (Tampa Bay)

Could Tim Tebow pull off a hiesman and national championship win this season?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:31 PM)

Definitely a possibility.

Teddy (Orlando)

I read online in the local Gainesville paper where tickets are still available for the UF game. Is this happening everywhere?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:31 PM)

No I think that's what happens when you schedule a 73-point underdog for your opener.

Matt (Mt. Pleasant)

Could you see CMU being a sleeper this year, with senior QB Dan LeFevour?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:31 PM)

If they stay healthy. I think CMU and WMU are teams to beat in MAC, but you had to be impressed by Bowling Green's win over Troy last night.

Beau (Fort Walton Beach, FL)

A lot of people are saying Alabama has the best D in the nation. Are they better than a Florida defense that returns 11 starters from last year?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:32 PM)

Both are very, very good. Both have very good DL and LBs. Florida secondary might be better.

Tom Parker (Philadelphia, PA)

Can you PLEASE pass along a message to everyone at ESPN to stop saying Vaaaaaaaa Tech. You wouldn't say Gaaaaa Tech or Laaaaaaa Tech. It's Virginia Tech. Period.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:32 PM)

But it's easier to write Va. Tech when you're trying to answer as many questions as possible in a short amount of time.

jason (nebraska)

answer please who wins florida vs rachel alexandra

Mark Schlabach

  (3:33 PM)

the horse...

William (Richmond)

Mark, do you think freshman Ryan Williams can run against the Alabama 3-4?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:33 PM)

Billy Hite tells me he's going to be dynamic. Says he was pushing Darren Evans for job before Evans was hurt.

Amin (Austin)

Does Georgie's D have enough to stop Oklahoma State's O on the road? How much of a concern is OSU defense in this game?

Mark Schlabach

  (3:34 PM)

Dogs have to stop Kendall Hunter and get pressure on Zac Robinson. Can't give the Pokes the opportunity to use play-action so effectively. Big test for what was a questionable UGA defense last year.

Will J (Portland, OR)

Mark, do you think college football should have pre-season games? It would give players a chance to get their feet wet, before the "real" season starts.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:35 PM)

No, I can't stand watching NFL preseason games. They're ridiculously boring.

John (Oklahoma City)

Watching the videos of the incident with Boise St./Oregon. All the focus in on Blount. I no way was he right for what he did. Some blame should be on the Boise player. He was still taunting Blount , but his coach grabbed him which distracted him. And Why has nothing been said about the fan who actually reaches out at hits blount in the shoulder?( The man is seen exchanging words with Blount. Then walks around towards him and swings...)

Mark Schlabach

  (3:36 PM)

I thought Chris Petersen did a great job of saying "it takes two to tango" and his player shouldn't have said anything. Taunting is bad, but it's certainly not justification for decking someone with a sucker punch.

Sutton Neal (Lincoln, NE)

How come Kansas isnt getting any respect in college football? I think they're going to be pretty good this season.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:36 PM)

I think they'll definitely challenge Nebraska for Big 12 North. Reesing definitely gives them a chance.

STEVE HEINDL (LAKEPORT,CA)

If Boise St goes unbeaten, will they play in the Rose Bowl for the national championship>

Mark Schlabach

  (3:36 PM)

Not unless Texas, USC, Florida, Oklahoma, etc., all lose more than once. Boise State's schedule is too weak. Enjoy the BCS bowl game, though.

Mark Schlabach

  (3:37 PM)

Folks, gotta run. Enjoy this weekend's games. I'll be at Virginia Tech-Alabama and FSU-Miami on Monday. Have a great holiday.