Beano Cook

  (3:04 PM)

Good afternoon and welcome. I bring a 3-1 record into this week thanks to Washington. I will have a pick at the end of the chat and it is not USC-Notre Dame...

Terry (Atlanta)

Is Georgia one of the most disappointing teams this season?

Beano Cook

  (3:06 PM)

They are disappointing. The Bulldogs played two good non-conference games and still have Georgia Tech. They lost to LSU and Mark Richt could be feeling the heat after the season. Tough when you lose Stafford and Moreno, and then the OL injury early in the campaign...Georgia still has to play Florida and Auburn too.

Beano Cook

  (3:06 PM)

If you just woke up after sleeping for 30 yeras, and you saw the non-conference schedule, you would know Vince Dooley is not the coach any more.

George (Memphis)

Is Iowa for real? I watched the game against Michigan last week and I am still not totally sold on the Hawkeyes.

Beano Cook

  (3:08 PM)

Iowa won at Penn State and beat Michigan. We will find out since they have to go to Madison, East Lansing and Columbus. The Big Ten has the most interesting conference race of the major conferences. Iowa also struggled vs. Northern Iowa and Arkansas State, so the resume has mixed results. I like Kirk Ferentz as a coach and always have.

Danny Kelly (roselle park nj)

Hi Beano love the chats!!!I know it will be tough for The Irish, but will there be an upset brewing in South Bend at about 6:15 PM Sat night? With a win, would that be the start of a run for the National Championship for the 10 season for The Irish?? Take Care and God Bless!!

Beano Cook

  (3:09 PM)

I picked Notre Dame-Florida to play for the national championship this year, so I am going with the Irish. The people is Las Vegas think otherwise, and I hate to say this, but they are usually right.

Jason (Bmore)

Did you order your Pirates season tickets yet?

Beano Cook

  (3:10 PM)

I am going to wait to see who they pick up in free agency. I am not expecting too much.

Davebo (annapolis)

Beano you are always late. Put down that Primanti Bros. sandwich and join the chat! Who would win Florida vs. Redskins?

Beano Cook

  (3:11 PM)

It depends where the game is played.

TJ (Portland, Oregon)

Are you surprised that Oregon has turned things around after losing to Boise State?

Beano Cook

  (3:12 PM)

Yes, I am. Oregon could be in the Rose Bowl. First-year coach Chip Kelly has done a nice job. The win over California was very impressive, and they won at UCLA. The key game is USC in Eugene.

Kim (Louisville, KY)

Do you take a 1-loss Texas team or a 1-loss VT team to the NC?

Beano Cook

  (3:14 PM)

That is a great question because Va. Tech lost to Alabama. You can make an argument for Tech since Alabama will finish 13-0 or 12-1. If I had to pick between the two, I would say Texas. Interesting question and you can make a strong case for Frank Beamer's team. Va. Tech went 10 years ago and lost.

Chase (Lexington)

Is Petrino a great coach or was he just the on the lucky end of being in a bad conference in the Big East? His sucess at Arkansas has been limited.

Beano Cook

  (3:16 PM)

The Big East is the weakest conference. It is hard to answer that. Arkansas looked pretty good against Auburn and certainly Bobby Petrino has a shot at making noise this week at Florida.

Brandon (MWC)

13-0 Boise State, or an 11-1 MWC Champion in a BCS game? Who earned it more?

Beano Cook

  (3:16 PM)

I would say Boise State at 13-0. To the victor goes the spoils.

Jeff (Pennsylvania)

Have you ever heard "#5 ranked team" and "pivotal game vs Tulsa" ever muttered in the same sentence in your experience with college football?

Beano Cook

  (3:17 PM)

Great question...you have a sense of humor. Maybe in the 40s when Tulsa was very good, but not lately.

Jeff (Louisville)

Do you think the judge was extremely tough on the Seinfeld characters on the final show? It still bothers me.....

Beano Cook

  (3:18 PM)

Well, I would have led Elaine go and put the other three in prison. Or make them watch local news for six straight months.

Jack Manheimer (Bluffton, SC)

What does the Big 10 have to do to become a competitive conference? Even the Big East has better teams! How about getting Pitt, ND or West Virginia and get a Conference Champioship game!Love Beano's perspective's and overall view points!

Beano Cook

  (3:20 PM)

I don't say the Big East has better teams. The Big Ten should play better non-conference games. Penn State's non-league schedule is a joke. They should play nine conference games but the coaches would prefer to play eight plus an easier non-league game.

Vince (Maryland)

I miss the Pitt/Penn St rivalry. Would YOU like to see this renewed? Have any information as to why this has not been renewed?

Beano Cook

  (3:21 PM)

I would like to see it come back and I think it will eventually. Auburn and Alabama did not play for 35 years and eventually they got back together.

Tim (IL)

I heard on Colin Cowherd's show this morning that CFB fans are eternal optimists, if that is so what is the deal with FSU fans?

Beano Cook

  (3:21 PM)

Patience.

Tray (Georgia)

Beano.. first of all, I miss seeing you on television. Hope all is well on your end. My question... do you think Georgia Tech has a chance against Va Tech this weekend

Beano Cook

  (3:24 PM)

I think this will be a very good game. One of the best games of the weekend. Miami is rooting for Georgia Tech for obvious reasons. If Beamer's team wins, it looks like the division is wrapped up. That was a wild win over Florida State last week for Ga. Tech. I wonder if Virginia Tech is sorry it played Alabama? Give them credit for that.

Beano Cook

  (3:24 PM)

Although the odds are against it, Florida and Alabama could play for the SEC title and the national championship.

Francis (Semper Fi, NC)

Lighten up on the Big 10 Beano. We don't want no stinkin ND anyway. They would be a mid-level team anyway. Bring on the Panthers of Pitt!

Beano Cook

  (3:26 PM)

Number one, Notre Dame will never join a conference. The Big Ten can get by with 11 teams. It should play better non-league competition.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Mr. Cook: Does Cincinnati or Ohio State win on a neutral field?

Beano Cook

  (3:28 PM)

I think Cincinnati would have a heckuva chance. Brian Kelly has done an incredible job there. Cincinnati-South Florida is a great game Thursday on ESPN.

Rick (Fayetteville)

I think Arkansas will give Florida a tough time because Mallett can throw...thoughts?

Beano Cook

  (3:29 PM)

Arkansas will not be easy. Mississippi won at Florida last year. The Razorbacks did look impressive last week, and that was not the case against Alabama or Georgia. This is why this is the toughest league in America and Florida has to be ready for every test.

Tom (Nebraska )

Mr. Cook, In your opinion, can a deffensive player like Suh have a real shot a the Heisman Trophy ?

Beano Cook

  (3:30 PM)

No. Tebow, McCoy, Clausen. After Saturday night, I believe Tebow will be the winner. If Clausen beats USC, I still feel Tebow gets it if Florida goes 12-0.

Marc (Seattle)

Beano, who's your candidate for coach of the year?

Beano Cook

  (3:32 PM)

Right now, Kirk Ferentz, Brian Kelly, Jim Levitt but we have only gone through six weeks...there is a lot of time left.

Matt (Texas)

Can you explain to me why Texas Tech isn't ranked?

Beano Cook

  (3:33 PM)

They have lost twice. After you rank the 20 teams, the next 10 squads are all capable of making it to the next five in the poll...that's how close they are.

Stevlovsky (lincoln)

How does a 150 yard performance by Tebow get him the Heisman?

Beano Cook

  (3:35 PM)

It is about beating LSU on the road. The Tigers have won 32 night games in a row. Florida would have to go 12-0 for him to win, and if they do that it will be because of him.

Jack (Lynchburg, TN)

Did Tennessee turn a corner last week, or is UGA that bad?

Beano Cook

  (3:37 PM)

Well, it was a big win for Tennessee and the critics of Georgia have more ammunition now. The loss by Georgia at home vs. LSU was a devastating loss. As I said earlier, Georgia has tough games remaining.

Russ (Indianapolis)

Beano, Why is it that the Big 10 continually gets knocked for talent, but yet the consensus best player in the SEC might be a tight end in the NFL????Go Hawks!

Beano Cook

  (3:39 PM)

It isn't the Big Ten is bad, it is the other conferences are better. The SEC, Big 12 and Pac-10 are better. The SEC is by far the best league, there is no way you can argue that.

Toby (Eugene)

What is the biggest game in the Pac-10 remaining?

Beano Cook

  (3:40 PM)

I said it earlier, USC at Oregon. There are some other good ones in between.

Cornhead (Lincoln, NE)

12-0 because of Tebow? Um, Mr. Cook, don't forget about their defense! Besides, when was the last time Florida left the state of Florida for a non-conference game? Come on up to Lincoln in November and we'll play some football. Suh is a better college football player this year than Tebow. Not even close. Give some love to the Corn.

Beano Cook

  (3:40 PM)

I am well aware of the Florida defense. Spikes is one of the best defensive players in America and the secondary is outstanding.

Aaron (Here)

Tony Pike is the next Roethisberger. Where do you think he goes in the draft?

Beano Cook

  (3:42 PM)

Pike has been outstanding this season, but ask Mel Kiper about his draft status...

Rich Rod (Ann Arbor)

People who whine about their players need to get lives.

Beano Cook

  (3:42 PM)

I guess...

BT (VA)

Who is the best running back in the Country right now?

Beano Cook

  (3:44 PM)

I am going to go with Mark Ingram of Alabama.

Michael (Austin, Texas)

Texas-OU, who's your pick?

Beano Cook

  (3:45 PM)

I like Texas, but would it be a shock if Oklahoma won...no. I like the way Texas has stopped opponents on the ground and slowed the Sooners last year in the run during the 45-35 win. I know Bradford threw almost 50 passes last week vs. Baylor...Oklahoma needs to establish the run to win.

Nathaniel (Chattanooga, TN)

Is Ryan Williams the best player in 2009 who didnt play in 2008?

Beano Cook

  (3:46 PM)

Ryan Williams of Virginia Tech and Noel Devine of West Virginia certainly rank high among top running backs so far this season, but Ingram is my choice so far.

Lou (Rockville, MD)

Beano, given the building fiasco that is happening at FSU, doesn't JoePa look even smarter for not messing with a succession plan right now?

Beano Cook

  (3:48 PM)

I think the succession plan at Florida State was not a good idea. Jimbo Fisher must feel like Prince Charles, who has waited for his mum to retire. It's good to be the King or Queen. It puts everybody in an awkward position. My guess is he will be back in 2010 and that will be his last year.

Bob (MIT)

Who has the best overall fans in the country (polite, loud, knowledgeable, travel well)?

Beano Cook

  (3:49 PM)

If I had to pick somebody, I would go with Nebraska.

Beano Cook

  (3:49 PM)

Slippery Rock would be number two.

Chris (Arlington,Va)

If my fighting irish can't get the job done at USC is coach weis on the hot seat?

Beano Cook

  (3:51 PM)

Game is at Notre Dame, first off. I think Weis is on the hot seat if he doesn't win nine games. If the Irish are 8-4, a change may be made but that is not definite. Notre Dame wants a national title. It is over two decades and that is just too long for a power like that. It is hard to believe that the last one was 1988 against West Virginia. With all of the advantages Notre Dame has, that stat is unreal.

Jeff (Houston)

Is college football a more violent game today then say 25 years ago?

Beano Cook

  (3:53 PM)

Absolutely. The players are bigger and the helmets are used as a weapon. If they had leather helmets today you would not see as much high tackling.

Mike (Raleigh)

How ugly is NC State's loss to Duke?

Beano Cook

  (3:54 PM)

Very ugly. It had to be humiliating for the Wolfpack. It was the first ACC road win for the Blue Devils since FDR was in the White House. That puts in in perspective.

Dave (Baton Rouge)

It's the Third Saturday of October Beano - say something about Michie Stadium and Army.

Beano Cook

  (3:55 PM)

Army is on the road this week...

bob (minnesota)

they had leather helmets 25 years ago? thats 1985

Beano Cook

  (3:56 PM)

I was saying that if they had leather helmets, not that it was 25 years ago. The players are faster and stronger and there are so many knee injuries now. It is a much more physical game now.

Beano Cook

  (3:57 PM)

Time for the pick. I take a 3-1 record and I admit I was lucky on the Washington pick. I hope I stay lucky. Maryland is around a four-point underdog to Virginia. Maryland 28, Virginia 21. See you next week...