Pat Forde

  (2:00 PM)

Howdy folks, welcome to the new and improved Tuesday chat, moved over from Thursday. I think this will be our more-or-less regular spot, so mark it down. Let's get to the questions!

Stan gable (gainesville)

So will the Florida-Tennessee Game be over in the first quarter or the second quarter?

Pat Forde

  (2:01 PM)

Stan: Second quarter -- if Crompton avoids throwing picks. If he gives them up in the first quarter, this could be a true massacre.

Will (Boston)

How great was it to see Minnesota playing outdoors and on-campus this past weekend? Do you think they have any shot against Cal on Saturday?

Pat Forde

  (2:03 PM)

Will: I'm always in favor of on-campus, open-air stadiums. So that was sweet. And I like the possibility of some serious weather games later in the season. As for Cal: Minny will have to play better than it has first two weeks, especially in the first half. Eric Decker will be going against a very good secondary, led by Syd'Quan Thompson. That will be a fun matchup to watch.

trevor (blacksburg)

strongest acc team, miami, vt, gt, or unc?most to prove as a ranked acc team miami, vt, gt or unc?

Pat Forde

  (2:04 PM)

Trevor: So far I'm still willing to give the nod to VTech, though I've liked what I've seen from Miami and (for the most part) Georgia Tech. Carolina won last week, but didn't impress.

Mike (Las Vegas)

Assume a loss to MSU and USC. Will Wies complete the season?

Pat Forde

  (2:05 PM)

Mike: I don't see any scenario at all in which he doesn't finish the season, unless they lose about six straight starting this weekend. And I'd still say Weis has a decent chance to keep his job after this year. But a loss to Michigan State would really ramp up the pressure.

Nick F (Birmingham)

Is Auburn the best team in the SEC West?

Pat Forde

  (2:07 PM)

Nick: Um, no. Beating Louisiana Tech and Mississippi State is nice, but I'd say beating Va Tech on a neutral field (Alabama)is slightly more impressive. As is beating a Pac-10 team on the road and a 2008 bowl team from the SEC (LSU). And I still think Ole Miss is better as well. That said, Auburn has looked strong so far.

Matt (Orem, UT)

Does BYU have any problem with Florida State this Saturday?

Pat Forde

  (2:08 PM)

Matt: I sure wouldn't just chalk it up as an automatic W. FSU's horrible game against Jax State was, in my mind, a product of playing a huge rivalry game only five days earlier. That was a total sleepwalk effort by the Seminoles. Don't count on seeing that same team in Provo Saturday.

Mike (Akron)

How should Ohio State feel after Saturday? It shows me that they can play with the Big Boys (Texas and USC) but can they get over the hump. What do you think?

Pat Forde

  (2:10 PM)

Mike: Good question. I think Ohio State fans are still trying to decide how they feel -- other than bummed out about losing. Clearly, the Buckeyes were not outmanned in this game the way they were last year in LA or against LSU and Florida. But that only makes the questions about gameplan and use of Terrelle Pryor all the more pointed and painful. Ohio State has not maximized Pryor's talents at all, and I think that's partly on the player and partly on the coaches.

Jimmy (New Orleans)

Do you think its unprofessional of lane kiffin and unfair to his players that he was the one who shot his mouth off and they are the ones that are going to bare the brunt of the retaliation? I know this is a rivalry game, but he's taken it to a whole new level and the players are the ones that are going to pay the price.

Pat Forde

  (2:12 PM)

Jimmy: Good point. As I've been saying, his mouth wrote a lot of checks that his players can't cash. Kiffin will look bad, too, if the expected beatdown happens, but he put his players in an even more difficult position than they expected going into the Swamp.

Tyron (Seattle, WA)

Can someone please tell Tressel that it's ok once in a while to kick a long FG, go for it on 4th and short in opponents territory and ESPECIALLY at the goal line. Those were the 3 major chances they had to put USC away and they played conservative, and I think everyone knew USC was going to score eventually.

Pat Forde

  (2:12 PM)

Tyron: Exactly. Ohio State had great field position all night and kept playing not to lose, instead of playing to win. Sometimes you've got to go for it.

Will (D.C.)

The Huskers come into VT this weekend. What do the Huskers have to do to leave there with a win? I'll be adding to the sea of red this weekend!

Pat Forde

  (2:15 PM)

Will: Nebraska will have to do a better job stopping the run that it did in home games against pushover opponents. Va Tech has run it well even without Darren Evans and stopping them will be Job One. Also, the Huskers must keep their poise playing a road game for the first time this year in a very hostile setting against a quality team. Cannot afford turnovers or other mental errors.

Paul (Sacramento, Ca.)

How is LSU ranked so high?

Pat Forde

  (2:16 PM)

Paul: I agree that LSU is overrated so far. I don't think I have the Tigers in the top 10. However, they have played two semi-legit opponents, one on the road, as opposed to two directional schools. I'll give them credit for that.

Mayor (Syracuse)

How happy should I be with SU's performance the last two weeks?

Pat Forde

  (2:17 PM)

Mayor: Moderately happy. Cuse has not been dump-trucked yet, so that's a good thing. But still only seven points since halftime of the first game, which makes clear that it will take time to overhaul a low-talent offense.

Michael (Chicago)

Michigan looks to have a two-headed monster with freshman quarterbacks Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson. With Forcier establishing himself as the new golden-boy, how does Rich Rod keep Robinson happy and on the field?

Pat Forde

  (2:19 PM)

Michael: Good question. Robinson is so athletic that he can obviously be used at other positions ranging from RB to WR to DB to returning kicks -- if he's open to that. He might not be. Might have his heart set on playing QB. If I were Rod I would appeal to him to try other positions this year and help the team perhaps do something special after being picked to have a mediocre season, then revisit where he'll play for the long term after the season. He might want to transfer, I don't know.

KB (New York City)

Rate the development of Jacory Harris between last season and this season??

Pat Forde

  (2:21 PM)

KB: He looked awesome against Florida State -- looks like he's come a long way. Todd Blackledge said it on the telecast: he's really good at using his athleticism to elude the rush but still keeps his eyes downfield. And that's when you make big plays happen, as coverages break down in reaction to scrambling. I think he's headed for a really big season.

Andrew (Searcy)

Will the Razorbacks get by the Bulldogs on Friday and can Arkansas throw at will against a lackluster Georgia secondary?

Pat Forde

  (2:23 PM)

Andrew: I like Arkansas' chances. Bobby Petrino has Ryan Mallett dialed in at QB and there are some playmakers at the skill positions. Georgia has been tested so far and should be ready for the challenge of a trip to Fayetteville -- but the Bulldogs are also a bit beaten up. I'm calling a Hogs victory.

Paul (Houston,TX)

Pat, what are your thoughts on the Texas Tech/UT matchup this weekend? Night game at home for the horns...bad news for Tech?

Pat Forde

  (2:24 PM)

Paul: More importantly, revenge game at home for Horns. I think they blow Tech out.

Greg (Champaign, IL)

How is it that Penn St. is able to put up with such a tough schedule week after week? Akron, Syracuse, and now Temple? Give them a break, right?

Pat Forde

  (2:25 PM)

Greg: It's clearly too much to ask the Nittany Lions to keep getting up for such a murderous slate. Amazing they even keep showing up week after week to play.

Vince (Florida)

What would you say to someone who said that Christian Ponder is a Davey O'Brian hopeful?

Pat Forde

  (2:25 PM)

Vince: I'd say there are a lot of hopefuls out there.

Joe (DC)

Is Houston legit or was Okla. St. WAY overrated?

Pat Forde

  (2:26 PM)

Joe: Somewhere in the middle, I think. But I do like Houston.

Kenny (Cincinnati)

Other than mentioning Florida, you haven't answered a question about a team better than the Cincinnati Bearcats. I doubt you have watched them but they are something special this year.

Pat Forde

  (2:27 PM)

Kenny: I watched Cincy crush Rutgers and I'm impressed by the Bearcats. Brian Kelly is The Man. But I'm NOT QUITE ready to rank Cincinnati No. 2 behind Florida.

Trey (Atlanta)

BTW, your extra point in next weeks Dash should be from Guerro's Taco Bar if you haven't been there. It's on South Congress.

Pat Forde

  (2:27 PM)

Trey: Thanks for the tip, but I won't be in Austin this week. Will be in Gainesville for Vols-Gators.

Sam (Austin)

Cincinnati looks real good this year, will they get by Oregon St. on the road? or will Jacquizz Rodgers have a big game?

Pat Forde

  (2:30 PM)

Sam: I think that game will come down to turnovers. Cincy is doing what Cincy does -- ranks second nationally in turnover margin. If Oregon State holds onto the ball it should be able to ride Rodgers and win, but that's easier said than done. Should be one of the best games of the weekend.

joe (chicago)

what will be a good measuring stick for the fan to use this year in rating Weis's progress thus far at ND (aside from beating usc)?

Pat Forde

  (2:30 PM)

Joe: This weekend is a good measuring stick game. Charlie is 1-3 against Michigan State. At home, it's time to step up and beat the Spartans.

Brady (Austin)

Does Sam Bradford have a chance of winning the heisman next year, should he return?

Pat Forde

  (2:31 PM)

Brady: If Sam Bradford comes back to college again next season I will slap him. He'll have his degree. Go pro and get paid.

Nate (SLC)

Pat, should I chalk up Utah's "performance" at SJSU as looking forward to Oregon? Or are there some real issues with this team?

Pat Forde

  (2:32 PM)

Nate: I honestly didn't expect much from the Utes going into this year with a new QB, new WRs and some key defensive losses. So I haven't been much surprised by their mediocre performances to date. I'm thinking the Ducks get Utah this week.

A guy not named Ralph Bolden (West Lafayette)

Hey guys. Why no heisman love. I'm only leading the nation in rushing.

Pat Forde

  (2:34 PM)

Ralph: Keep running, and we'll keep an eye on you. Come back in a few weeks if you're still No. 1 in rushing and you've got a case to make. Right now, who cares about Heisman love? It's Sept. 15!

Matt (Philadelphia)

Thoughts on the Thursday nighter? I think it's the best game of the week, but have no idea what the heck is going to happen.

Pat Forde

  (2:35 PM)

Matt: I really don't know what's going to happen either. I was impressed that Ga Tech rallied after blowing that lead and beat Clemson. I was impressed with Miami's never-say-die gusto in beating FSU. I like the fact that GT has had a full week to prep and Miami should be well over its FSU hangover. So no real excuses for either side. Miami MUST tackle better if it's going to contain the GT option game.

Jon (NorCal)

Forde, Contrary to all the hype, I don't think SC looked national title caliber on Saturday. I also am not drinking Florida's Kool-Aid this season until they play someone tough. And Texas looks vulnerable to me as well. What I'm saying is, I think this year is a wide open race with no proven dominance just yet.Am I crazy?

Pat Forde

  (2:37 PM)

Jon: It's wide open for now. Which is the way it should be in mid-Sept. But if Florida flexes against Tennessee and Texas shows out against Tech, I think you'll see a pecking order develop. Not to say it can't change on a time at any time, but those two have first dibs at the top IF they win and look good this weekend.

Jack (Philadelphia)

Illinois should stop scheduling Missouri just as Temple should stop scheduling Villanova. Maybe Illinois and Temple should sit down over beers...

Pat Forde

  (2:37 PM)

Jack: I will call the White House and try to get it arranged.

David (Folly Beach, SC)

Does Michgan deserve a Top 25 ranking?

Pat Forde

  (2:39 PM)

David: Sure. I had a hard time finding more than 21 teams I wanted to rank in the ESPN Power Rankings this week, and Michigan was definitely in that group. Authoritative win over WMU and a big win over a ranked team to follow up. Now they've got to do it on the road.

Jared (Iowa)

Pat, what is your feeling on the Arizona/Iowa matchup this weekend?

Pat Forde

  (2:41 PM)

Jared: Another very interesting intersectional game. Arizona has done pretty well so far pounding the ball with Nic Grigsby. Iowa looked horrendous in week one but rebounded well against Iowa State. I think Arizona might be better, but playing on the road will be a challenge for a team with a new QB and several new offensive linemen.

Zach (West Virginia)

Who wins Saturday night? West Virginia or Auburn?

Pat Forde

  (2:42 PM)

Zach: Based on performance to date and home field, I have to go with the Tigers. But Jarrett Brown has been impressive.

Greg (Champaign, IL)

Can Northwestern actually finish with 2 or 3 losses this year?

Pat Forde

  (2:42 PM)

Greg: I cannot get that fired up yet about a team that was life and death to beat Eastern Michigan -- which lost to Army by two TDs the first week.

Mike ( Florida)

If you could watch any two teams play in any venue, who would you pick and where would they play it?

Pat Forde

  (2:44 PM)

Mike: Wow, what a question. I'll say this: in 1988 I saw golden-era Miami play ND in ND Stadium and that was preposterously good. I saw USC-Texas in the Rose Bowl in '05 and that was awesome. I'll say this: since the championship game is in the Rose Bowl, let's match up USC and Florida there. Winner is national champ AND team of the decade.

Jordan Casey (St. Louis)

Why is is that Charlie Weis has such a longer leash than Ty Willingham had a Notre Dame? (Translation: why is he allowed to struggle and not Ty?)

Pat Forde

  (2:44 PM)

Jordan: Don't get me started.

Jon (Laguna Beach, CA)

What is your score prediction for USC vs Washington this weekend?

Pat Forde

  (2:45 PM)

Jon: USC, a lot closer than most people think. Seven-point game.

Tim (Oakland)

Is it just me or is Matt Barkley getting way way to much hype a mediocre performiance at Ohio State? Does it have a lot to do with how bad Terrell Pryor played?

Pat Forde

  (2:47 PM)

Tim: I don't think it has anything to do with how Pryor played. Here's the deal: USC was down and damn near out -- second and 19 from its own 5 against a very good defense in an absolute madhouse. That's a bad situation if you're name is Colt McCoy or Tim Tebow -- for a true freshman? That's death. But he got it done. He did not have a great overall game, but he was money when it mattered -- and that's the special thing. There are a lot of QBs who are good when the pressure is low; to be good when it's thru the roof is special. Reminded me of some Joe Montana drives in his ND days to win games.

steve (columbus)

How does Tressel get fired?!?!

Pat Forde

  (2:47 PM)

Steve: He doesn't. Don't bother trying.

steve (columbus)

Can you argue Pryor didn't play badly as much as the coaching staff simply did not set him up to win (scheme, prep, playcalling...)

Pat Forde

  (2:49 PM)

Steve: I can't quite make that argument. I didn't like the OSU gameplan for a couple of reasons; thought the coaches took some weapons out of Pryor's bag, especially in the run game where he is most dangerous. But Pryor threw some very bad passes as well, especially in key situations. Enough blame to go around.

Stephanie (Tallahassee, FL)

As an FSU alum, I of course look at Coach Bowden as the best, but right now, there is no better coach than Pete Carroll, agree?

Pat Forde

  (2:49 PM)

Stephanie: Carroll or the Noles' favorite rival coach, Urban Meyer. Take your pick.

Jonathan (New York)

How would you rate the atmosphere at the 'Shoe on Saturday? I've been to many sporting events in my life, but I can't remember anything like that. Utter insanity.

Pat Forde

  (2:51 PM)

It was awesome. But I'm not sure it was any better than the Shoe when it was Ohio State-Michigan in '06 or Texas-Ohio State in '05. But there are a lot of great atmospheres. My personal favorite remains Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, first home game after Katrina vs. Tennessee on a Monday night. Getting goose bumps typing about it. It was SO loud and emotional that I think everyone was exhausted by the second half.

Steve (Dallas)

Tony Pike - could he potentially be a Heisman sleeper?

Pat Forde

  (2:51 PM)

Steve: Not out of the question. But he'll need to play spectacularly while his team wins 10, 11 or 12 games.

Matt (Cedar Falls, IA)

IYO, who are the best offensive and defensive coords in the country?

Pat Forde

  (2:54 PM)

Matt: These are always very tough questions to answer, and they tend to be colored by what-have-you-done-lately. But DC, I have Charlie Strong and Bud Foster. OC, maybe Kevin Wilson. Though I like some of the HCs who are OCs in hiding like Rich Rodriguez and Bobby Petrino.

Bret (Oly, WA)

Other than the bule truf, what knocks will keep Boise St out of the NC game when they run the table?

Pat Forde

  (2:54 PM)

Bret: Miserable schedule, that's what.

Urban Carroll ((Califlorida))

If you had to choose one coach to win ONE MUST game, who would you pick then, Carroll or Meyer?

Pat Forde

  (2:55 PM)

I want you -- Urban Carroll. Both. Urban runs the offense, Carroll runs the defense, both get to recruit, and my team never loses another game.

Josh (New York)

If I'm trying to get on God's good side this Rosh Hashanah and only watch ONE CFB game during the weekend, which should I do?

Pat Forde

  (2:56 PM)

Josh: I don't have much experience as a religious counselor, but I think God would understand if you chose either Florida-Tennessee for the bloodsport aspect or Horns-Tech for greater relevancy.

Justin (OC, CA)

What are your opinions of UCLAs win in Knoxville as well as their outlook for the season...I think Coach Neu has us going in the right direction

Pat Forde

  (2:58 PM)

Justin: Very good win for the Bruins. Hate to lose Prince to the broken jaw, but there is no doubt Neuheisel has established a greater toughness in that program all the way around. Watch out for a letdown Saturday, though. Fortunately for the Bruins, K-State looks terrible so far.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Fair comment about Boise State but if PSU runs the table they'll probably play for the title and their schedule has already been blasted in this chat.

Pat Forde

  (2:59 PM)

JB: Penn State's schedule at least includes Ohio State and a road game at Michigan. That's better than anything Boise will see in the WAC.

Kevin (Columbus)

Please tell me you didn't just compare Barkley to Montana. I was there Saturday night and Joe Mcknight was THE reason USC drove down the field. I've seen a lot of true freshman throw dump passes (even RB's in the wildcat) that guys run with. If Mcknight isn't in that last drive, USC loses

Pat Forde

  (3:01 PM)

Kevin: No, I didn't compare Barkley to Montana. I compared that drive to the kind of thing Montana would pull off at Notre Dame at the end of a game wherein he had otherwise struggled. Joe McKnight was huge on that last drive -- but the pass to the tight end for 26 yards was no dump pass. And the pass to Damian Williams on the slant was a good ball. And the QB sneaks were huge. And he is a TRUE FRESHMAN. That deserves credit.

Pat Forde

  (3:01 PM)

OK folks, 61 quality minutes in the book. Thanks for all the questions: 1,335 and counting! Awesome turnout. See you again next week.