ESPN

Tim Griffin

  (3:00 PM)

All right:Let's get started ...

Jerod (Fort Worth, TX)

What is your take on Baylor coach Art Briles leaving the door open for the possible return of Robert Griffin later this season?

Tim Griffin

  (3:02 PM)

Jerod: I'm not surprised he would do that, but I'm thinking that if the injury is as severe as I've heard, it would make sense to try to rehab Griffin and get him ready for next year. The other thing too, unless they are playing to become bowl eligible or something, but that would likely kill any hopes of being able to get an injury waiver for this season if he comes back. s

Scott (Austin, TX)

Tim, after collapsing in their loss to BYU, the sooner o-line seems to have done a much better job protecting the QB. Is this due to lesser competition, less aggressive pass-rushing teams, or have they actually pulled it together?

Tim Griffin

  (3:03 PM)

Scott: I think it's a little bit of all that you mentioned. Obviously, Idaho State and Tulsa aren't as athletic as BYU. But I think the Sooners have kind of "circled the wagons" the last couple of weeks after Sam Bradford's injury. You notice that they haven't allowed a point in either game that Bradford has missed.

Joshua (Lincoln, Nebraska)

Do you think Nebraska is deserving of being dubbed "The Best Team in the North", and do you think they have what it takes to run the table in the North division this year and make it to the Big 12 Title game?

Tim Griffin

  (3:04 PM)

Josh: Still thinking that Kansas is just a tad better than the Cornhuskers, but a case could be made for either of those teams or Missouri. I think it will be an extremely competitive race this season. I can't wait to see how it plays out.

Ryan Jones (Scottsdale, AZ)

Tim, Love your blog. But why did ESPN or most other national media outlets not even give nebraska fans the time of day for celebrating our 300th consecutive sellout? Both sportscenter and college football live did'nt even give it a mention let alone a highlight. Why the disrespect when nebraska fans are nothing but good for college football? thanks

Tim Griffin

  (3:06 PM)

Ryan:I think it went largely unnoticed because the Cornhuskers were playing Louisiana-Lafayette. It wasn't a sexy matchup and I think the game's national attention suffered because of it.But that being said, the 300-game sellout streak is one of the most notable in college football. I mentioned it in my Monday follow up for how impressed I was that it has endured over the years. The Cornhuskers' fan support endured recessions, bad weather and even Steve Pederson/Bill Callahan. That says something, in my opinion.

Leslie (Austin, TX)

Do you think Texas Tech QB is the real deal? I'm not convinced but friends say other "great" college QB's had inconsistent, shaky starts like Potts is having. What is your take?

Tim Griffin

  (3:08 PM)

Leslie: I thought Potts took a step back Saturday night against Houston, but his whole team did. They really looked like they wore out in that cauldron at Robertson Stadium. But other players had early struggles, like you said. I think it's growing pains and an adjustment to how fast the game is once they start playing.

Steven (Lincoln)

With the non-conference part almost over, do you possibly feel that the Big 12 South may be a little overrated, and the Big 3 North (Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri) a little underrated?

Tim Griffin

  (3:09 PM)

Steven: I don't think so. Remember that the Big 12 South teams lost to some good teams - Oklahoma State and Texas Tech to Houston, Oklahoma to BYU.I still give the Big 12 South the edge, but it will be interesting if the North can cut into that margin this season. It was pretty one-sided last season.

Zach (College Station)

Tim, with a 3-0 start for the Aggies, do you think we should have higher expectations since a couple of blowout wins? What is your prediction for the A

Tim Griffin

  (3:12 PM)

Zach: Think the Aggies got exactly what they were looking for with the quick start. I talked earlier today with Jerrod Johnson and Von Miller for a future post. Both seem very confident going into Saturday's game against Arkansas. I think the next two games are among the most critical of the season for the Aggies. If they lose to both Arkansas and Oklahoma State, I think they'll have trouble making a bowl trip. But the injury to Robert Griffin weakens Baylor and makes them even more susceptible. So I think the Aggies will win at least six games -- with the offensive improvements and Miller leading them back to a bowl game.

Dubber (Clinton, MO)

Tim, Is Nebraska better or worse than their Ranking? Also, who wins the Mizzou/Nebraska Game?

Tim Griffin

  (3:13 PM)

Dubber: Great question. I think the Missouri-Nebraska gamme will be a great one -- hint to my bosses, I'd really like to go. The matchup between the two young quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and Zac Lee will be interesting. the fact Missouri is playing at home and Nebraska's banged-up secondary is a concern for me. I still haven't made my mind up.

Roddy (Hickory, NC)

Tim, after Dez Bryant, who do you think is the biggest play maker at WR in the Big 12 so far this season?

Tim Griffin

  (3:14 PM)

Roddy: How about Dezmon Briscoe or Jordan Shipley? Both are big-time deep threats for their teams.

Matt (Dallas, TX)

Nebraska @ Missouri--aren't the possible concerns with Nebraska's secondary nullified by the improved play of their front seven? And does Virigina Tech's subsequent success against Miami raise Nebraska's stock any?

Tim Griffin

  (3:16 PM)

Matt: If they are consistent, I can give Nebraska an advantage.They've got to attack on every play. Because if you let up just a bit -- like on Tyrod Taylor's TD pass - you'll pay for it in the ned.

Travis (Murrieta, CA)

Speaking of KU, it appears to me Reesing is pressing just a bit. Its hard to tell because "pressing" is the style of the offense. But it almost feels like he knows he has all these weapons and isn't settling into the natural rhythm of the game, but rather trying to force the rhythm. It was nice to see the defense step up when it had to because the offense was a bit off track. I think, getting a week of rest and Sharp back will help the Jayhawks find their groove for conference play.

Tim Griffin

  (3:18 PM)

Travis: I've noticed that, too, in watching the Jayhawks the last couple of weeks. Some of it might be because of the type of quarterback he is. He reminds me a lot of Fran Tarkenton the way he creates plays for the rest of his team. But I think the KU offense struggled a little bit because Sharp was gone. Getting all of them together will help in their consistency and it's coming at just the right time with conference play starting.

Blake (Abilene, TX)

Tim, How about the old SWC? They would be looking strong this year. Texas, TCU, Houston, Texas AandM, Arkansas, Texas Tech, Baylor, SMU.

Tim Griffin

  (3:19 PM)

Blake:Houston and TCU especially. Maybe we can see either of them hook up with Texas in a BCS bowl game for a little SWC throwback

Stephen (Amarillo, TX)

Hey Tim, What are your thoughts on The AandM-Arkansas game this weekend @ Jerry World?

Tim Griffin

  (3:21 PM)

Stephen: I've really been studying the Aggies the last 24 hours or so. Great record and statistics this season, but they haven't played anybody. I think Arkansas has overscheduled early with Georgia and Alabama. Because of that, I think this will be an interesting game. Still haven't made my mind up on who's winning yet.

Dave (Los Angeles)

Kansas? I'd say they should enjoy being ranked while it lasts. Have you seen their schedule? I'd be surprised if they win 2 of their final 6 games - what do you say?

Tim Griffin

  (3:22 PM)

Dave:That might be a little harsh, but that three-game South gauntlet will really be challenging. They've got to stay healthy on offense and hope the defense keeps improving the last half of the season. I've been impressed to this point.

dave (lancaster, ca)

Tim, looking at this weekend for KSU, how important is it for them to pull off a large victory? Also looking at the recruiting class that Synder has built up so far how does that class look?

Tim Griffin

  (3:24 PM)

Dave: Huge weekend in Kansas City for both KSU and ISU. I know it will be busy at Stroud's on Friday night. I think the winner of the game catpults its way into possible bowl contention -- particularly if it's ISU. KSU playing two gimmes from FCS will make it more difficult for the Wildcats.I like Snyder's underrated class so far. It will bring a huge infusion of speed to the program, which is important.

shane (iowa city)

word association. your word- iowa

Tim Griffin

  (3:25 PM)

Shane - Underrated pork tenderloins. Actually, Hawkeyes are very good this year. I just heard Bob Stoops talking about how impressed he was with the Hawkeyes' victory at Penn State the other night.

Mark (Chicago, IL)

How do you see ESPN's Thursday night matchup between CU and WVU going? I have a strange feeling CU may pull off the upset.

Tim Griffin

  (3:27 PM)

Mark: They won't be intimidated after last year. The Buffaloes also have played well as daunting underdogs in recent seasons under Hawkins at places like Georgia and against Florida State in Florida. They need a big, mistake-free game from Cody Hawkins. Don't know if he can give that to them.

Sergio Kindle (Austin)

how come UT and I arent getting any love from you pat?? It takes an eternity to get a question posted..,Now that i finally got a few sacks, will people get off my back and start recognizing me as the FREAK player that i am... i mean, im going in the 1st round, right??HOOK EM

Tim Griffin

  (3:28 PM)

Sergio:Don't lead with your head when you hit the quarterback. I think your hit on Taylor Potts might be a penalty if it happened again.

Paul Fritsch (Brighton, IL)

Tim, is the key for Mizzou getting a better running game going (as Coach Pinkel said) or having their defense play better and make stops against good teams?

Tim Griffin

  (3:29 PM)

Paul: I think both. Derrick Washington wasn't as good as I expected against Nevada, but the Wolf Pack were packing the box with eight defenders. It opened up the passing game for Gabbert. I don't see that happening much in the Big 12. I think the Missouri is going to have beat people in the trenches. That will be a challenge for them.

Mike (Kansas City)

How have you been impressed with Kansas' defense?

Tim Griffin

  (3:30 PM)

Mike: Yes I have, particularly in the fourth quarter against Southern Mississippi. That was one of the biggest things I carried away from that game was how well the Jayhawks played against an underrated offense late in the game.

Olaf (Boerne, TX)

Simple question -- is Texas dominant enough this year to run the table?

Tim Griffin

  (3:31 PM)

Olaf:If Sunday's game is any indication, yes they are. But they'll have to do it against opponents much more challenging than UTEP.

Travis C. (Lake Highlands)

Are Case Keenum and Jimmy Clausen now the biggest contenders to upset Colt and Tebow in the Heisman?

Tim Griffin

  (3:32 PM)

Travis:Also throw in Pike from Cincinnati. And as as strange as it might seem, how about Sam Bradford he comes back and leads the Sooners on a tear -- particularly if McCoy and Tebow both don't step forward.

Blake (Abilene, TX)

Tim, I think Dan Buckener is the reason the Texas offense has started to play well the last few weeks. Has he filled in the void that Cosby left? Also at the flex position he has been a huge match-up problam for teams so far. Do you think that will continue?

Tim Griffin

  (3:34 PM)

Blake: It will be interesting to see if he can keeping doing it as teams game-plan to stop him. Shipley did it last season under similar circumstances. Buckner is a matchup problem for most college teams. He's too quick for linebackers and too big for safeties.

michael (san marcos, tx)

who in your opinion has the best defense in the north?

Tim Griffin

  (3:34 PM)

Michael:I'll give that to Nebraska, mainly because of their defensive line.

Petey (SA)

Speaking of Texas receivers, are you surpised by Malcolm Willams slow start compared with last year?

Tim Griffin

  (3:35 PM)

Petey: I did expect Malcolm Williams to emerge as a big-play threat. It still hasn't happened yet, although it could.

The Don (TEXAS)

Tim, With the obvious discord in Lubbock, which do you think is more likely: TTU finishes season with 5 losses or Mike Leach leaves by end of 2010? BC

Tim Griffin

  (3:35 PM)

The Don: Leach has to find a place that would take him. I think the Red Raiders finish 7-5 this season -- still good enough to go to a bowl, but not a real attractive one.

Erick (Kansas City, MO)

Tim: best place to eat in Manhattan, KS?

Tim Griffin

  (3:36 PM)

How about the Hibachi Hut, which I always thought was a strange name for a Cajun-inspired place.

Mike (Houston, TX)

Tim, talk about Jerrod Johnson. Last week he had 3 TD passing and 3 TD rushing. He is in the top 5 in the nation in total yards averaging 385 yards per game by himself. He is 75-111-0 (67.6%) for 961 yards and 9 TDs passing with 38 carries for 196 yards and 4 more TDs on the ground. All this through only 3 games. How was he not the Offensive Player of the Week last week again?

Tim Griffin

  (3:37 PM)

Mike: I had him with one of my helmet stickers. Accounting for six TDs is pretty salty, whoever you do it against.

Matt (Austin)

How many more kickoff return TDs do you think DJ Monroe will have? And will there ever be anyone on the field (other than maybe Marquise Goodwin) who can catch him?

Tim Griffin

  (3:38 PM)

Matt:It will be interesting to see how often teams keep kicking to him. I would think a squib would work to keep it away from him.

Jeff (Washington DC)

Do you think Alex Henery will play on Sundays?

Tim Griffin

  (3:40 PM)

Jeff: Considering Nebraska's success in putting kickers in the NFL, I think he's got a great shot. And he might be just as good as a punter as a kicker.

The Don (TEXAS)

Was The Mensa Pirate as rude as evidenced in Omaha article when you asked about suspension of their current best player?

Tim Griffin

  (3:40 PM)

No harm, no foul. Other coaches have done the same thing over the last 28 years.

Daniel (Raleigh)

Michael: Best venue outside of the B12 that you have visited?

Tim Griffin

  (3:42 PM)

Daniel: Absolutely love the Rose Bowl. It always seems to be 72 and sunny there all the time. But I also like Neyland Stadium and the Swamp. And I was fortunate enough to cover that Ohio State-Michigan at the shoe a couple of years ago when OSU was No. 1 and Michigan was No. 2. It was a special atmosphere.

Janet (Floresville)

Higher-level question here: did the makers of the Big 12 ever envision UT-OU as the biggest rivals in the south? Or for that matter a complete collapse by the north?

Tim Griffin

  (3:43 PM)

Janet: I can't speak for them, but I would think that the founding fathers would have considered Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska the three programs with the easiest path to success because of tradition. Throw in good coaches and you have dynasties there.

jim (houston, tx)

Why no love for roy helu jr. since he is the leading rusher in the big 12?

Tim Griffin

  (3:44 PM)

Jim: Helu had a great game against Va Tech. I think he's the best back in the conference. It will be interesting to see if he can keep it up once conference play begins.

Bryce (Newcastle,OK)

Is OU's defense good enough to keep them in the game against Texas if their offense plays inefficient?

Tim Griffin

  (3:45 PM)

Bryce: Most definitely. McCoy has shown a tendency to interceptions this season. If the Sooners have their A-game on defense, I think they have a real shot.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Is the NC game pretty much between SEC/BIG 12 teams?

Tim Griffin

  (3:46 PM)

J.B.: I would think so. Pac-10 looks down with USC struggling (for them). Big Ten doesn't really impress me. ACC will beat each other up and Big East doesn't have a team that matches with the Texas/Oklahoma/Florida/Alabama/LSU concentration at the top. Closest team I've seen so far is Boise State. It will be interesting to see if they can run the table.

Rob (Norman, OK)

OU's Ryan Broyles is getting better all the time, and has 8 TDs through three games I believe. Why aren't more people talking about him?

Tim Griffin

  (3:47 PM)

Rob: Broyles has really taken off since Landry Jones has taken over. I thought he would be a big-time player ever since his arrival. Will be interesting to see if he keeps it going when/if Bradford returns.

Steve (El Paso, TX)

How does the Robert Griffin injury and Brandon Carter suspension affect the division races?

Tim Griffin

  (3:48 PM)

Steve: I think it makes the Texas/OU/OSU grouping at the top of the Big 12 South look a little more secure. I think Baylor is going to scramble to make a bowl trip and Texas Tech will win seven games. I now think the Aggies have a great shot at a bowl game, particularly if they can get a split in the next two games against Arkansas and Oklahoma State.

Patrick (NYC)

What stadium is the biggest home field advantage in the B12? What's the best atmosphere?

Tim Griffin

  (3:50 PM)

Best atmosphere is Kyle Field for AandM. But I think the biggest homefield advantage is at Oklahoma. Granted, Stoops' teams have always been really good. But they still have lost only twice at home during the entire time he's coached there.

Mo (Bastrop)

Four weeks in to the season, care to predict what the dominant Big 12 storyline will be remembered as for this year?

Tim Griffin

  (3:51 PM)

Mo:If Oklahoma doesn't repeat and Texas doesn't win the national championship, I think the injuries to Bradford/Gresham/Griffin will be pretty memorable.

Adam (Missouri)

Tim, do you think Brandon Banks has a shot to make an NFL team as a returner?

Tim Griffin

  (3:51 PM)

Adam: Just got finished talking to Brandon just before the chat started. What a good kid. And if Saturday is any indication, I think he has great shot.

Jordan (Austin, Tx)

This is the fifth or sixth time I've submitted this. Please answer. What does Texas have to do to get some respect? Our ranking as a number 2 team was questioned the first three weeks of the season, then we run through UTEP, an albeit weak opponent, and lose a number 1 vote in the AP poll, plus 8 points. Why is it that our stock drops as well the same weak 4-6 and 9 go down? Why didn't we pick up their points?

Tim Griffin

  (3:53 PM)

Jordan: It's tough to climb to No. 1 when you are No. 2 and the No. 1 team looks as good on tv as they did. But I still think Texas' performance against UTEP was pretty remarkable. The defense allowed no offensive points and the Longhorns went over 300 yards passing and rushing in the same game for the first time in school history. That's an impressive stat to me.

Bobby (Hemphill, TX.)

Tim how do you think the big 12 stacks up this year against the other BCS Conferences?

Tim Griffin

  (3:54 PM)

Bobby: As of now, still a little behind the SEC. But other than that, I think it ranks with any conference in the country.

Sandra (H-town)

Does the high-profile quarterback injury curse stop beginning this week?

Tim Griffin

  (3:55 PM)

One would hope. I'm almost scared to watch the highlight shows and read the paper on Sunday fearing who might have been clipped the day before.

The Don (TEXAS)

Tim, Does it drive you nuts that fans clamor for RESPCT in September...whether they be Horns like me or Aggies or in between?

Tim Griffin

  (3:56 PM)

B.C.: Not really. That's what makes college football so great is the passion of the fans. No other sport has it like this one. That's what makes covering it so much fun.

Bobcat (At my Desk)

How is Leach's suspension of Carter and lock down on the internet affecting morale in Lubbuck?

Tim Griffin

  (3:56 PM)

Bobcat: It can't be good. Although I was impressed by Leach's firm hammer yesterday.

Jimmy (New Jersey)

Last year Mizzou had a great team, and this year theyre not so great. To me that shows that Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin were pretty much the whole team. Do you agree?

Tim Griffin

  (3:57 PM)

Jimmy:You did see the Nevada game, right? I think at 4-0 Missouri qualifies as one of the biggest surprises in the conference.

Macy (St. Louis)

What does Blanie Gabbert have to do to get some Heisman attention?

Tim Griffin

  (3:57 PM)

Wait a couple of years and ditch the View Masters when he's a candidate.

Jeff (Quechee, VT)

Your prediction for the attendance at Arrowhead for KSU/ISU, please. Will it be half of what Jerry World gets for AandM/Ark.?

Tim Griffin

  (3:58 PM)

Jeff: Considering both teams won last week that are playing at Farmageddon, I'll say 65,000-70,000. And at AandM-Arkansas, I'll say 74,000

Omar (Davidson)

If you were Bob Stoops, who would you start Saturday: Sam Bradford, or Laundry Jones?

Tim Griffin

  (3:59 PM)

Omar: I would probably start Jones and get Bradford ready for the start of conference play the following week.

Ben (Provo)

Do you think Boise State is for real? They only beat Oregon by 11 and Oregon was way overrated, and they only did that because Oregon couldn't get their running game going. How can people take Boise State seriously?

Tim Griffin

  (4:00 PM)

Ben: You did see Oregon play Cal last week, correct? I think that win only makes Boise look that much better.

Gary (Houston)

Tim - does Sergio snack on Bradford's shoulder in the 1st or 2nd qtr of the RRR?

Tim Griffin

  (4:00 PM)

Gary: He'll try. Don't know if he'll get there, however.

Gance (Lincoln)

For being so open with the media (allowing various writers to follow him around), has Leach ever justified limiting his players in-season exposure to questions?

Tim Griffin

  (4:01 PM)

Gance: I've never heard him give a good explanation. I know it didn't help either Crabtree or Harrell make it to the Heisman presentation last season in New York City.

Rob (Omaha, NE)

Love the blog Tim, keeps me occupied during work! How do you see the season shaping up for Nebraska?

Tim Griffin

  (4:01 PM)

Rob:How about 9-3 and a trip to the Holiday Bowl in San Diego?

Jon (Topeka, KS)

Are u more in favor of the south cause u live there?

Tim Griffin

  (4:02 PM)

Jon: I like all the teams the same -- just like if I had 12 children. Thankfully, I don't. One is keeping me occupied enough.

Zacc Graham (Texas)

What do think of Sam Bradford as an NFL draft prospect ?What do you think will come out of him as an NFL quarterback ?

Tim Griffin

  (4:03 PM)

Zacc:Still think he's a top prospect. Mel Kiper had him No. 1 a couple of weeks ago. Don't think he's dropped much, if any.

Ben (Provo)

So, who would you take if Boise State went up against BYU, Houston or TCU on a neutral field?

Tim Griffin

  (4:04 PM)

Ben:On a neutral field, all of those teams would be very equal. Boise is ranked higher because of their early victories. But I like TCU's defense the most out of any of those units.

Tim Griffin

  (4:04 PM)

Thanks for all of the great questions and check back again next week.