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Mark Schlabach

  (1:59 PM)

OK, thanks for joining the chat again. Hope everybody had a good weekend. I saw a great game in the Swamp and headed to Big Ten country this week. Iowa at Michigan State. We'll see if the Hawkeyes can remain in the hunt!

Dan (Atlanta)

You didn't mention TCU as a NC contender in your column, even though you (and most everyone else) think they'll pass Boise State if they go undefeated. I think they've got the best remaining schedule among the "outside" undefeateds (BSU, Cincy, Iowa, TCU). Who has to lose for them to get to #2?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:02 PM)

I think TCU has a chance to move past Boise State; in fact, I'd be shocked if they didn't if they win out and beat BYU and Utah. I guess all but one of the following teams would have to lose again for TCU to have a chance: Bama, Florida, Texas, Iowa, Cincinnati, USC, LSU and Miami.

Nathan (Louisville, KY)

So you think there's no chance Jon Gruden goes to Louisville. I can't say I disagree. But what about Tommy Tuberville? Isn't he a better fit, anyway?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:03 PM)

I just don't think Gruden would leave the MNF booth for a job like Louisville....Tubs would be a good fit there. I think Phillip Fulmer would get a look, too.

Mitch (Dallas, Tx)

Hi Mark. Why the disparity between Bama/Florida and Texas?If Bama or Florida struggle offensively and their defenses/special teams step up and score points in a victory, Bama/Florida are "finding ways to win." And in the SEC, that apparently is the mark of a great team.If Texas struggles on offense and the defense/special teams get it done, the focus is on the lack of offense. Apparently for Texas, it only means they are over-rated. Texas D was lights out Saturday. They held OU to -16 yards rushing. That was an SEC-esque effort on Saturday. Is defense only a commodity in the SEC?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:04 PM)

I think Texas' nonconference schedule has a lot to do with it (not saying Florida's is much better, though). Bama should be No. 1 based on who they've played so far (Va. Tech, Ole Miss, South Carolina). Texas has to beat Okie State and Kansas, obviously, but the Big 12 isn't as deep this year. I think the 'Horns are fine as long as they win out.

Johnny James (Denver, Colorado)

Without a Texas loss, do you see anyway Iowa gets into the NC game?? Currently the computers love the Hawks and have them 3rd behind FLA and Alabama, wouldn't this potentially put them as the next team in??

Mark Schlabach

  (2:05 PM)

Iowa's strength of schedule will help. Who would have thought they'd get that much mileage from a win over Arizona? Still have to play at Michigan State, which is getting better, and at Ohio State. I think Texas would probably stay ahead of them in the human polls, based on tradition and preseason ranking. We'll see what happens.

Neal (Blacksburg)

Ryan williams has 5 100+ yrd games and 10 TD's. heisman candidate next year?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:06 PM)

Definitely. How potent will that Va. Tech backfield be with Evans, Williams and Wilson? Still a pretty young Hokie team at the skill positions.

B-COAK (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)

Hey Mark, If both Oregon and USC run the table (except their head-to-head meeting obviously), what are the chances that both get BCS bids?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:07 PM)

There might be a chance. If Oregon beat USC and won the rest, they'd obviously go to the Rose Bowl. USC would probably still be line for an at-large. Would the Rose Bowl take USC to play the ACC champ or a team like Boise State, TCU, etc.?

Brian (Hawkeye Town, CT)

I know that the trend right now is to bash the Big Ten and even I as a Hawk fan know that Alabama and Florida are terrific. However, when will people actually watch games instead of just assuming the Big Ten sucks. If Iowa, and I know it is a big if, if they win out and then win the BCS title game, would people then stop with the Big Ten bashing?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:08 PM)

The Big Ten really isn't that bad. I don't think the SEC or Big 12 are as deep as they were last year (see Oklahoma and Kansas in the Big 12; Georgia, Auburn, Tennessee in the SEC). Ohio State's loss to Purdue killed the Big Ten, though. I don't see any way they get two teams into the BCS now. I think it's Iowa or Penn State and that's probably it. Although BCS bowls might have a hard time passing the one-loss Hawkeyes because their fans travel so well.

marty (iowa)

Hypothetically, if Texas ends with one loss and obv. Florida or Alabama will have one loss when they meet in the SEC Champ. game. Will Iowa move into the Natl. Title position?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:09 PM)

If Texas loses and Iowa wins out, I'd have to think the Hawkeyes would move to No. 3 over Cincinnati, Boise State, TCU, USC, etc.

Will (Washington DC)

Hows it going Mark. I love your columns. I got a question. I am a huge Ole Miss fan. Lets say Jevan Snead found his stride like he did last season and they win out the rest of the season big....this would mean they are the best 2-loss team in the country right? If there is such a thing.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:10 PM)

Boy, I don't know. They'd have some quality wins, but they've fallen off the face of the earth after losses to South Carolina and Bama. At least Snead played well against UAB. Maybe his confidence is restored.

Jackson (IA)

Wow...lot of hawks fans today. I'd have to COMPLETELY disagree with Brian from Hawkeye town (go figure, he thinks the hawks are great!) There biggest win is over a highly untested PSU team (whos biggest wins are over Minnesota and Illinois!), and a Wisconsin team that got pounded by an OSU team that just lost to Purdue. While the polls have them 6th or whatever, I'd bet my house on a 3-loss Oklahoma team to beat them...and I'd give points.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:10 PM)

Go Cyclones. I'll see Iowa on Saturday. Could be a tough game. Sparty is playing well.

Chris (LA, California)

Hey Mark do road victories not stand out like they should anymore? I mean SC won on the road at Ohio State and just last weekend at ND and if they beat Oregon as well plus over Cal. That should put them over any 1 loss team in any conference.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:11 PM)

They should definitely account for something. But should you be penalized more for losing to team that had lost 17 of its last 18 games (or whatever the streak was)?

Rick (Clemson)

Who do you think has the best chance of winning the ACC atlantic division?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:13 PM)

It's impossible to figure out right now. I think Clemson probably has the most momentum right now. I was stunned at how poorly Wake Forest played vs. Clemson. BC keeps getting it done, but I'm not sure they have the talent to keep it up. Spaziani has done a remarkable job. Lost his QB. Lost his best player, Mark Herzlich, the ACC Def. POY. Remarkable job.

Chad (Las Vegas)

How would you describe CFB this year...Parody or Mediocre.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:13 PM)

I see a lot of mediocrity ... and parity. But most mediocre football teams. Even the best teams have noticable flaws.

Blake (Abilene, TX)

Is what Will Muschamp is doing going un noticed (Nationally). It has been a long time sence Austin has seen a Defense like what Texas has displayed this year. It is only his seconed year and the Texas defense is verry young loaded with Sophmores.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:14 PM)

I don't think it's going unnoticed. He's getting the Texas job when Mack retires, right? Defense is what separates UT (and Oklahoma) from the rest of the Big 12.

Anthony (Miami, FL)

How do you think the ACC Coastal division will end up?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:16 PM)

Most of those teams have played most of their most difficult games. Georgia Tech has a scary one at Virginia. Cavs are playing well right now, and GT has never had success up there. Miami still plays at Wake and UNC, and the regular-season finale at South Florida could affect it because of BCS rating (if the three teams are tied). Va. Tech's schedule isn't overly difficult, either.

Alex (Indiana)

Where do you think ND will end up after losing to USC last weekend?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:17 PM)

I have them in the Gator Bowl. Still have a few tough games left -- Pitt, U Conn, Stanford.

Bear Bryant (Heaven)

Is this season's Alabama team better than last season's Alabama team?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:17 PM)

Ingram is a stud. Offensive line is playing better than I thought they'd be. Defense is really good. McElroy has leveled off a little bit the last couple of games, and Julio Jones needs to become more of a threat.

Ted (San Antonio TX)

What do think happened with Florida against Arkansas. I think they played as they probably practiced last week thinking if they played another conservative and take it easy on Tebow they would be able to beat Arkansas. But Arkansasa came to play.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:19 PM)

I personally think the Gators have issues. Tebow doesn't seem comfortable standing in the pocket, and the OL isn't doing a great job of protecting him. He's a big running threat, but they're not using Demps, Rainey, Moody as much as I thought they would. Cooper and Hernandez are the only consistent pass catchers. I think they have issues on offense. Not sure if anyone on the remaining schedule can exploit them before SEC championship game.

Phil P (The Woodlands, TX)

What do you think of some of the calls that went against Arkansas? I personally thought they got screwed!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:19 PM)

I thought at least two of the calls -- pass interference in end zone and personal four against Sheppard -- were a joke. A couple of other calls (and non-calls) were very questionable. Not a good season for SEC refs.

Brad (North Carolina)

Explain please, how Bama isn't #1 in the BCS? Really doesn't matter, as UF will be exposed in the SEC championship (if not before).

Mark Schlabach

  (2:20 PM)

Computers love the Gators.

Mark (WV)

Do you think Texas' biggest final test was over the weekend? Or do you still think another team will give them fits en route to the Big 12 Championship? And, what do you think about the play of the Texas defense so far this season.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:21 PM)

I think the trip to Oklahoma State in two weeks could be really dangerous, especially if Dez Bryant comes back. UT used to exploit OSU's defense, but I'm not sure the 'Horns are good enough on offense to do it this year.

Don (Auburn, Alabama)

I think Auburn has been overrated since the start of the season. The last two games have shown their obvious weaknesses. Just glad to see the "hype" all the local papers/media have given Auburn up til lately, is just that. BTW, Roll Tide! Ingram may just be this years Heisman winner.................

Mark Schlabach

  (2:21 PM)

I think Auburn's lack of depth -- they're about 10 scholarship players below the NCAA max -- finally caught up to them. They opened the season with four straight home games, so the record might have been a little inflated.

Mark (Baton Rouge)

Mark, if LSU wins out except for Bama and ends with 2 losses...what bowl do you think they would make? And what bowl do you have them in right now?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:22 PM)

I think LSU is in great position for the Capital One Bowl or Cotton Bowl. I'm assuming Bama and Florida play in BCS bowl games.

Urban Meyer (Gainesville, FL)

What would it take for you to get back on the Gators bandwagon?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:23 PM)

Impress me on offense. Defense and special teams are great. Seem a little discombobulated on offense right now. Gator teams of the past would have buried Tennessee and Arkansas when they were given the chance.

Dave (Chicago)

It's very possible that South Carolina will lose the last 4 games of this year (@ Tenn, @ Ark, FLA, Clemson). How much longer is Spurrier going to put up with all this losing???

Mark Schlabach

  (2:24 PM)

South Carolina is much better than last year. One play away from being 6-1. Like Auburn, I still think depth is an issue. They've lost some important guys on defense. We'll be curious to see how well they hold up down the stretch.

tony (iowa)

so what would happen if iowa goes undefeated but texas also goes undefeated? wouldnt there be a ton of uproar over iowa? would it be co-champion in iowa won their bowl game

Mark Schlabach

  (2:25 PM)

We'd have a lot of controversy and debate, but Texas would probably get the nod because they're in the Big 12, which is better than the Big Ten this year. Plus, the 'Horns got jobbed last year. Won't happen two years in a row.

Drew (Gainesville, FL)

Mark, I know what is wrong with the Gators' offense. Steve Addazio! He has no idea how to get the offense in flow or personnel groups. Moody never runs up the middle, always Rainey/Demps, and no such thing as a sophisticated passing game. The Gators are missing Dan Mullen than Percy Harvin in my opinion, do you agree?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:26 PM)

I think they've made some changes to the offense, but you can't pin it all on Adazzio. They brought in Scott Loeffler to work with Tebow, and it looks like they made some changes to the passing game, too. Young WRs. But they really miss Harvin and Murphy. Thompson is the only guy who can stretch the field. He caught one Saturday, but the closest Arkansas defender was in Ocala.

Eric (Austin, Tx)

Texas defense vs. Alabama offense in the NC? It looks like Earl Thomas and the secondary are bringing the pain and seeing that Bama is struggling with the pass, there option would be to go to Ingram. What do you think?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:27 PM)

At this point, I think Texas might be better on defense, though Bama is very, very good. Bama looks better on offense. I'm stunned at how poorly Texas runs the ball. Thought it would be better in that department this season.

Nathan (DC)

Mark, the Big Ten is a lock to get two at-large BCS bids assuming Iowa gets at least a share and either PSU or OSU finish with no more than 2 losses. Few schools bring more fans and more cash to the table than PSU and OSU. I would think that PSU would be a slightly more popular pick amongst the BCS execs.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:28 PM)

Ohio State is done after losing to Purdue. And I think Penn State had to finish unbeaten given its ridiculously easy nonconference schedule. Big Ten schedule won't help their schedule strength this year, either.

David (OR)

Mark, I noticed on your bowl projections you have oregon in the Fiesta and USC in Pasadena. Let's say that Oregon beats UW in Seattle and USC at Autzen; how would your prediction pan out from there?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:29 PM)

I'd have to flip them. Oregon would win the Pac-10 and go to the Rose Bowl. I think USC would still be in contention for a BCS at-large, but it'd be in a pool with teams like Ga. Tech, Penn State, etc.

Lawrence (La Crescenta, CA)

Is Tebow a SOLID LOCK for the Heisman if the Gators go undefeated? Is it the year of the intangibles rather than statistics?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:30 PM)

I still think he's one of the most valuable -- if not the most valuable player -- to his team in the country. But his stats are down and he didn't play well vs. Arkansas. Hard to ignore what Mark Ingram is doing right now.

Bill (South Bend)

If the Heisman is supposed to go to the Most Valuable Player, how can you argue against Jimmy Clausen? If you take Tim Tebow away from Florida, are they still undefeated? Probably. If you take Clausen away from Notre Dame, they are 1-5. Add on Clausen's stats (14 td's and 2 ints) with turf toe minus the best receiver in the country Michael Floyd. The Heisman isn't about being on a National Championship team, losing one or two games and winning the Heisman hasn't been mutually exclusive, just ask the four loss Tebow winner 2 years ago

Mark Schlabach

  (2:31 PM)

Completely disagree. Florida doesn't throw the ball as well -- or run the ball at all -- without Tebow on the field. That's why I think he's the most valuable player to his team. But Ingram is running the Bama offense right now, playing tailback and working out of Wildcat formations. Clausen is very, very good and has played really well. Throw that TD on the last play vs. USC and he probably wins the Heisman.

Adrian (Ohio City, Idaho)

I hear you mention tradition as a factor in determining who would advance to the BCS, etc. Should this matter? Shouldn't games be decided based on record and on-field product rather than how the talking heads dictate and past school history?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:33 PM)

Yes, but reality is it usually doesn't. I think Texas would get the nod over a team like Iowa in the current system. I'm not saying Iowa is better than Texas....If both were undefeated, I'd say the Longhorns would go. (Iowa did have to block field goals on consecutive plays to beat FCS foe Northern Iowa).

Erik (Atl)

What does GT have to do to earn respect?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:34 PM)

Keep winning. They have one of the four or five best coaches in the country right now.

Andrew (Nashville)

Tebow is averaging 160 pass yards a game. Isn't the fact that he's even in the Heisman discussion vindication for all the critics who say the Heisman is more about hype than substance?

Jesse (Chicago)

Why did Virginia Techs respect go out the window after a 4 point loss?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:35 PM)

Because it was their second loss. I don't think respect went out the window; only their national championship hopes. Hokies are still a very good team.

Joe (Chattanooga)

Do you give my Vols a chance against Bama on Saturday? Upset special???

Mark Schlabach

  (2:35 PM)

I'd be surprised. UT doesn't have enough offense, in my opinion. Great defensive matchup, though. Saban vs. Monte Kiffin.

john (INDY)

If ND wins out will they get a BCS invite

Mark Schlabach

  (2:39 PM)

Quite possibly. Would be tough for BCS bowl execs to pass up 10-2 Notre Dame.

Paul (iowa)

Iowa is the only team with 3 wins against the BCS top 25, and two of these are on the road at Penn St. and Wisconsin. No way should Boise St. and Cincy be ahead of them. As for Texas, why are they #3? Their name is their trump card. I disagree with you the Big 12 is stronger than the Big Ten. Ok. St. and Tech are average, along with Nebraska. Don't include Oklahoma, as I will not look at a 3 loss team.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:40 PM)

I think Okie State and Oklahoma and Texas Tech would give teams like Penn State and Wisconsin and Ohio State (and probably Iowa) a run for their money. And teams like Kansas and Missouri aren't as good as NW and Michigan State? Granted, Texas AandM is as bad (or worse) than Illinois right now.

Jason (State College)

Yo what's up it's your boy Jason. I've got Ndamukong Suh fever. Suh for Heisman baby! Suh for Heisman!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:41 PM)

It was fun for a week. Thanks.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:41 PM)

It was fun for a week. Thanks.

Eric (Iowa)

Who do you think has a tougher road ahead, Alabama (with LSU) or Texas (Okie State)?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:42 PM)

Who would you rather face in a conference title game: Florida or Kansas/Nebraska/Missouri?

Paul (Sac, CA.)

If Washington goes to a bowl, with an upset of Oregon, can't this help USC?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:42 PM)

Sure it would. But I'm not sure Washington will do it. Tough loss at ASU.

Andrew (San Diego, CA)

Will USC have a top 5 recruiting class this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:43 PM)

Always do

Matt (State College)

Penn State vs. Michigan? who you got?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:43 PM)

Penn State. Defense too strong for injured freshman QB.

Mitch (Dallas)

Hey Mark...Texas' D is giving up 215 yards per game in the air, 31 on the ground and 14.6 points. Are they one of the best defensive units in the country?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:44 PM)

Definitely. Certainly the best D in the Big 12.

Blake (Abilene, TX)

I had no idea this many people even lived in Iowa?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:44 PM)

Nor did I. I think my colleague Bruce Feldman has talked with quite a few of them, though.

Dave (Punxsutawney)

When is Dion Lewis from Pitt going to get some attention, only a Freshman and one of the leading rushers in the country avering over 5yds per carry?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:47 PM)

He was on my Heisman ballot this week. Best freshman RB in the country.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:49 PM)

Folks, gotta run. For JT in Athens, who asked if I thought Georgia could beat Florida in two weeks (I accidentally deleted his question), please wait until 5 p.m. It's too early to start the cocktails on a Monday afternoon. Have a great week.