ESPN

Ivan Maisel

  (2:01 PM)

Hi, everyone, thanks for showing up. Let's get going.

Monte (Ohio)

I think VT is playing for the BCS title shot this weekend. If they beat GT, I see them running the table. Then Texas would have to lose one and they get the FL-Bama winner in the title game. What do you think?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:03 PM)

I think Virginia Tech is that good, too. However, they have had a knack for losing a game (or two) that they shouldn't come November. But the Hokies will rock in the BCS. Playing Alabama and beating Nebraska means that the Hokies will be the king of the one-loss teams as long as they keep winning.

Justin (Austin)

Texas or OU and why?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:04 PM)

I'm leaning toward taking Texas but I haven't made up my mind yet. Even with Bradford back,and with DeMarco Murray showing up a little in the slot, I'm concerned that the Sooners don't have the offensive weapons they'll need in this game.

Jake (Boulder)

Favorite player to watch in '09, offense and defense.

Ivan Maisel

  (2:05 PM)

Defense, I'd say, either Suh at Nebraska or Rolando McClain at Alabama. Offense, probably Eric Decker at Minnesota. Wherever he runs his route, that's where the action is.

Jake (North Carolina)

How do you think Jimmy Clausen will do saturday vs SC?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:06 PM)

Tell how much time his offensive line gives him. That's what it will come down to. This one won't be about Clausen's performance. Given time, he will perform.

kent (atlanta)

Ivan, why has WV fallen off the radar of everyone in the media? Does Stew scare people that much? I agree that losing to ECU and Colorado last year got him off to a bad start, but since then he is 12-3 and should have beaten Auburn and be undefeated.

Ivan Maisel

  (2:08 PM)

They lost to Auburn by 11, and Auburn got discredited last week at Arkansas. The attention in the Big East is going to Cincinnati and USF, as it should, and if Pitt beats Rutgers on Friday night, the Panthers have the Bulls coming into Heinz Field next week. So the Mountaineers will be ignored for at least a couple of weeks more.

Ivan Maisel

  (2:08 PM)

I will say, though, that watching Noel Devine with the ball in his hands is a lot of fun.

Mike (Denver)

How do you see Nebraska's defense holding up against Texas Tech's pass-happy offense this weekend?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:09 PM)

I am sold on Nebraska, and I am not all that sold on Texas Tech. I know the Huskers have had their issues with Mike Leach's offense, but I think that comeback at Missouri last week will give the Huskers a big push as they head deeper into their Big 12 schedule.

Jake (Boulder)

Sarkisian's quote in your ND-USC article states that there is a considerable talent gap in USC's favor. UW has played both. In your opinion, is this Pac-10 homerism or The Truth?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:10 PM)

I took him at his word. Sarkisian always has answered me honestly.

Jeff F. (Baton Rouge, LA)

Seriously Ivan...if Boise or Cincinnati played in the SEC, what would their records be?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:11 PM)

I think the same way you probably think. They wouldn't be undefeated. On the other hand, Utah had its way with Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, so we both could be wrong.

Tony (Lobo Fan)

Ivan, alot has been written about Mike Locksley and his woes at New Mexico. Do you believe he will turn out to be a good coach there or will he last no more than two seasons? With the way things are now (no wins and being suspended), I would think it would be the latter. Thanks!!!!

Ivan Maisel

  (2:12 PM)

Locksley is known as one of the best recruiters in the nation, and that reputation will be tested. If he can get players to come there after the first six weeks of this season, he may be the best recruiter ever.

Ruvin (Phildelphia )

I've now gotten used to calling it the Red River Rivalry, but what was so bad about Red River Shootout? Was it really that politically incorrect?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:13 PM)

It never bothered me but I always just assumed it was a decision based on political correctness. I never heard a different explanation that I can recall.

keith trawick (NJ)

What would you like the BCS bowls games to be?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:15 PM)

I'd say Rose, Sugar, Fiesta, and one of the Florida bowls. I don't really care which one. And if I were running the show they'd all be on Jan. 1. I grew up with New Year's Day being the most important day of the year in college football and I miss that.

Matt (Iowa)

Why is Iowa getting a lack of respect in the polls? Undefeated and won a conference road against against a top 5 team.

Ivan Maisel

  (2:16 PM)

The Northern Iowa game meant that the Hawks didn't get out of the blocks well, and the Arkansas State game slowed them down. I know that Iowa got off to a comfortable lead in that game and coasted but the final score is what it is. I think Iowa should be ranked higher, too.

Pat (West Caldwell, N.J.)

What's your take on the new Bowl Lineup for the Big X and the game at Yankee Stadium? I still think there's too many bowls!

Ivan Maisel

  (2:17 PM)

there is no such thing as too many bowls. That's like being at the beach in July and complaining that there's too much beer.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

You're answers aren't posting!

Ivan Maisel

  (2:17 PM)

Try manually refreshing your browser.

Jeremy P (tuscaloosa, al)

I realize that nick saban spent 2 years in the NFL, but even still, if Alabama wins a national championship this year, is saban the coach of the decade? after all, he revived TWO programs and turned the SEC west into possibly the toughest division in college football

Ivan Maisel

  (2:18 PM)

That's a good argument, but it's a tough sell compared to Meyer and Carroll, both of whom spent all 10 years in college football and won two national championships.

Bryan (Leesburg)

Just read your 3 point stance about Ryan Williams. Where would rank him among other running backs in the country right now?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:20 PM)

He's on the short list with Jacquizz Rodgers of Oregon State, Toby Gerhart of Stanford, C.J. Spiller of Clemson and Mark Ingram of Alabama. I'm sure I'm forgetting someone, and I'm sure y'all will let me know.

Mark M (Silicon Valley)

Will USC make another statement this weekend towards their title run?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:21 PM)

Title run? I'm not convinced the Trojans are in the title run. Not based on what I've seen. That's why I'm glad I'm going to South Bend. I want to see them in person.

Brandon (Utah)

Is Harvey Unga on that short list of running backs?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:22 PM)

See, I told you I'd forget someone.

Kane (Alabama)

What happened to For Argument's Sake. It used to be my favorite column of the week.

Ivan Maisel

  (2:23 PM)

Gene Wojciechowski and I have adapted that format to the ESPNU College Football Podcast that we post every Monday. Don't forget, I podcast with Beano Cook on Wednesdays for a historical, and usually hysterical, twist. On Fridays, Todd McShay breaks down the weekend's games. This week, Todd and I welcome in Pat Forde on his way to Texas-OU.

Jay (Michigan)

I'm subbing for a 4th grade class right now, which coach's mentality should I take on to send a message to these brats?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:24 PM)

Go Saban on 'em. Of course, they'll be crying and shaking at their desks. But you'll get your point across.

Nick (iowa)

If there are 4 undefeated teams...which could happen (Texas, Boise St., Iowa, Florida/Alabama) what 2 teams would be left out of the NC game?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:25 PM)

Boise State and Iowa, I think. But the Hawkeyes winning at Ohio State may resonate. Here again, the fact that Texas would have a 13th game to make an impression on the voters would really help the 'Horns.

Rob (Charleston, SC)

Ivan, How do y ou see the VT-GT game playing out? Will Bud Foster come up with a scheme that slows the triple option down or is this going to be shootout?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:26 PM)

What worries me re the Hokies is the tackling issue. They've gotten better since the first few weeks of the season, but if you don't wrap up the Yellow Jackets, they run forever.

Rob (Vermont)

There was a ton of early talk about Oklahoma's defense being (possibly) the best in the country. From what I've seen, it's not too special - they haven't really played any evenly talented offensive teams - were they overrated?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:27 PM)

I think it's still one of the best in the country. One of Miami's three touchdowns came after OU fumbled inside its own 20.

Andrew (Toledo)

I assume you are a big fan of the BCS. Wouldn't the NCAA feel more pressure to switch to the fair playoff if more of your ilk (ie journalists) applied constant public pressure?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:28 PM)

No. There has been plenty of media pressure for a playoff, Andrew. You need to get out more. The commissioners don't want to surrender the BCS because in this format, they control all the money, they preserve the bowl tradition and just to make sure you understand, they control all the money.

ryan (virginia)

last year eric berry was all over the field and always in the right place at the right time, but this year it seems to be just the opposite with only 1 int. what are your thoughts?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:29 PM)

If I were the opposing offensive coordinator, I would make sure that Eric Berry was on the opposite side of the field from the ball, too.

Andy (Pleasanton, Ca)

Ivan, how do you feel Matt Barkley is progressing at USC this season?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:30 PM)

He's much farther long than I expected he would be, even when you consider he has had to deal with that shoulder injury.

Bradford (Boise, ID)

Ivan, what is your prediction for the Boise State vs Tulsa game tonight? Thanks.

Ivan Maisel

  (2:32 PM)

I think Boise will win. Tulsa is good but I don't think they are good enough to beat the Broncos, even at home.

Bill (NYC)

Who are the AP voters and have they ever played a down of tackle football?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:33 PM)

I think Kirk Herbstreit and Craig James did. But Bill, you've got to come up with a better argument than that. The AP has been handing out a national championship trophy since 1936. It remains, in my mind, the best poll. And I don't say that because I voted in it from 1987-2002.

Mike (AL)

could there be a situation in the bowl season where Bama and USC play each other? and if that happens who do you think would win?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:34 PM)

They could play only in the BCS Championship Game, which would be a rematch of the Tide's lsst appearance in the Rose Bowl 64 years ago.

Josh (Knoxville, TN)

Did ESPN make you (and Forde and Schlabach) come up with football-pun names for your columns before you got hired?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:35 PM)

Clever, huh? Maybe not.

Adam (Chicago, IL)

Does Jim Tressel need to hire an offensive coordinator? I can't shake the feeling that every time I watch the Buckeyes, they seem to be trying to do too many things on offense - and end up doing none well.

Ivan Maisel

  (2:37 PM)

Ohio State seems to be doing fine. Yes, the offense isn't great but it wasn't great when the Buckeyes won a national championship, either.

Mark (Texas)

Do you think Dez Bryant should get to play college football again?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:37 PM)

Absolutely.

Cory (Houston)

You didn't mention the Cotton Bowl earlier when you mentioned your BCS Bowl games. I would think the Cotton Bowl has more tradition than the Fiesta Bowl.

Ivan Maisel

  (2:39 PM)

It does, and if they put the Cotton Bowl in the BCS rotation, I would be delighted. But the Rose and Sugar both do a great job. The Fiesta does the best job of any of them. And the BCS will never give up Florida. The Orange Bowl has come on strong in the last few years, too.

Art Vandelay (NYC)

Who you got Thursday night in the battle of two 5-0 teams, Cincy or South Florida?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:40 PM)

Cincinnati but I wouldn't be surprised if USF pulls it off.

Vinnie (ATL)

Which bowl is the best to attend for the entire event? I say Rose with the parade.

Ivan Maisel

  (2:41 PM)

The weather is more appealing than the parade. Having grown up in Mardi Gras country, I never understood the appeal of a parade where no one threw me candy.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Mr. Maisel: You mentioned in this chat that there can never be too many bowl games. Do you really want to watch two 6-6 teams playing a game in Tuscaloosa in December?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:42 PM)

Yep. What else is there? The NFL? Early-season NBA? Expense accounts?

Doug (socal)

Ivan,lets talk about bias'... If the pac 10 teams all played a DII school and then played some other tier 3 team adding 2 wins each to their records each year.....do you think they would have 2 to 3 teams in the top 10 almost every year like the SEC.

Ivan Maisel

  (2:43 PM)

Doug, I get your point right up to the part where SEC teams have dominated the last three BCS Championship Games.

John (NJ)

If Miami and USF both run the table before their meeting in late November how huge is that game for both teams?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:45 PM)

Good thought. That's interesting. USF would have its BCS Championship Game hopes on the line. Miami would need the win to stay in the running for an at-large BCS bid (assuming VT keeps humming along). That day is looking pretty strong: Texas-Kansas may both be undefeated that day, too.

Blake (Abilene, TX)

Has Jordan Shipley played his way in to you Heisman top 5?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:46 PM)

Shipley can make a strong case as an all-around Heisman candidate but Clemson's C.J. Spiller has better numbers doing the same thing.

Stephen (South Bend)

Ivan, what is your response to my statement that this campus refuses to lose this game? Would you believe me if I told you that the will of this university will upset the Trojans?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:47 PM)

At any other place, I would say you need some fresh air. But at Notre Dame....

Ben (Little Rock)

Ivan, it was great having you at the LR touchdown club last year. What do you think of the Arkansas-Florida game this weekend? Does Arkansas' high powered offense have a shot at upsetting the Gators in FL like Ole Miss did last year?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:48 PM)

Having seen what the Bama defense did to Ryan Mallett, I dont foresee him shredding the Gator secondary, which is the best in the nation.

Andrew (Miami)

Why did you lose your AP vote?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:49 PM)

The AP doesn't give more than one vote to any newspaper/tv/radio outlet. Herbstreit and James both vote because Herbstreit does a radio show in Columbus. When I got to ESPN in 2002, some guy named Fowler had ESPN's vote. I don't know what became of him.

Molly (Norman)

Ivan I have come around...earlier in year I was knocking Texas for it's weak non-conference schedule and praising OU for it's tough non-conf schedule.....but looking back I wish OU had played Texas schedule as they would be undefeated and in NC race...what do you think?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:50 PM)

Well, if Sam Bradford hadn't gotten hurt, the Sooners would be 5-0 and ranked ahead of the Longhorns. I think OU has the smarter philosophy.

chuck (ocean city)

hey ivanif florida wins another national title that would give urban meyer three titles in five years. Any other coach ever done that in modern college football history?

Ivan Maisel

  (2:51 PM)

Tom Osborne won three in four years (1994, 1995, 1997) at Nebraska.

Ivan Maisel

  (2:51 PM)

That's it, everyone. Thanks. Talk to you next week.