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Mark Schlabach

  (2:00 PM)

I hope everybody had a great weekend. I'm back from the great white North, where I saw Iowa keep its dream season alive with a TD pass on the last play. Great ending to an otherwise ho-hum game. Hope everybody's team won and here we go...

Alex (Miami, FL)

Who is the best QB in the State of Florida right now?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:01 PM)

I think Christian Ponder is the best NFL-ready quarterback right now. Tebow still has a chance to win the national championship and Heisman Trophy, but Ponder is playing the best right now (and Jacory Harris might even be playing second-best).

Dax (Jackson Hole)

Mark, I'm over all the media hype surrounding teams not winning big? Maybe the comp is just better this year? Maybe? Time for the media to quit dogging teams and enjoy the season for what it is. Style points are ruining college football. A W is a W. The current BCS system is so based on cash and traditional powers it sad. I'm a Texas Longhorns fan (bleed orange), but I think any NCAA Division 1 (FBS) team should be able to win the National Championship. PLAYOFF!!!!!!!!! ESPN used to dog the BCS, but now that ESPN needs to broadcast these games the agenda has changed. The people are not happy. Show some guts and enjoy the game of football, not the sappy big point wins of the past.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:02 PM)

I love parity and the little guys having a chance. That being said, I don't think Bama or Florida is playing great football right now. Those teams keep hurting themselves, and it's not as much about what the opponent is doing. Texas didn't look great until Missouri. Should be a fun finish, though.

Dahz (Michigan)

Mark, interesting question here. Who do you think is "America's Team" of College Football? My friends and I argue about this all the time.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:03 PM)

Notre Dame? The only school with its own TV contract, and NBC isn't shelling out millions for nothing.

Brad (Milwaukee)

Iowa blocks 2 kicks and it's lucky. Alabama blocks 2 kicks and they're clutch. Am I missing something? Is the fact that Iowa's close wins have been against opponents with a combined 38-22 record lost on everybody?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:05 PM)

I think they were both lucky to win. One difference, though, Bama actually played an FBS team in that specific game. Iowa played Northern Iowa. That being said, I'd describe Iowa's play at the end of the Michigan State game as "clutch." Not sure how good Iowa really is, but the Hawkeyes always find a way to win.

Robert (Atlanta)

You are the opposing coach, do you kick to CJ Spiller? Where is he on your heisman poll?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:05 PM)

No. 5 on this week's Heisman Watch poll and moving up quickly. No, I don't kick it to him. And if I'm Dabo Swinney and Billy Napier, I get the ball in his hands every other time.

Bill (Atlanta)

Mark,What's up with Florida not being able to score in the Red Zone? Do we chalk this one up to our wonderful new O-Coor?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:07 PM)

I don't think you can blame it solely on Steve Adazzio. Tebow is holding onto the ball too long; offensive line hasn't protected that well. No receivers have really stepped up other than Riley Cooper and Aaron Hernandez. I still say the lack of an every-down, bruising tailback -- and it's clear they still worry Emmanuel Moody is going to fumble -- is Florida's biggest deficiency.

Nathan (Wilson)

Mark is there a hotter offense right now than the Rambling Wreck? How high do you see them becoming in the polls with such a weak SOS?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:08 PM)

It's impossible to stop. Paul Johnson is making a lot of schools look dumb for not hiring him sooner. He constantly adds wrinkles to an offense he's been running for 20 years, which makes it even tougher for defenses to defend. Tech's schedule strength won't get better -- Vandy, Wake Forest, Duke, Georgia -- so I think a BCS bowl bid is as high as they can go.

Phil (Chicago)

Since no one is reaching out and grabbing the Heisman shouldn't the most consistent performer (Jimmy Clausen) this year be the front runner? I'm sure your going to say he should have pulled out the game against USC. When he puts up 34 and 27 in the 2 loses its hard to blame him.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:09 PM)

He has a chance, along with everyone else with a pulse and some stats. It's up for grabs. But do you give him the Heisman Trophy based on fourth-quarter comebacks vs. Michigan State and Purdue? I don't know. He's No. 4 on my ballot this week.

Alex (Chicago)

Paul Rhoads for Big XII coach of the year?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:10 PM)

Either Rhoads or Bill Snyder. Both incredible turnarounds.

Zach (San Diego, CA)

Does Iowa remind you of Ohio State's national championship in 2002? No one gave OSU a chance and they won without style points and needed "luck" to win them all...they won with defense and not committing errors...sounds like Iowa this year. Shouldn't Iowa be given a chance?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:10 PM)

I'd say being No. 4 in the BCS standings is a "chance." Keep winning. If they win at the Shoe, they'll definitely be in the hunt. Will be the first team in if one of the SEC's top two or Texas loses.

Nick M. (Atlanta, GA)

Has Georgia missed the window for challenging for the national title for the foreseeable future? Can they shock the Gators on Saturday?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:11 PM)

It would have to be the most productive off week in the history of college football. Florida is definitely beatable, but I'm not sure this Georgia team is good enough to do it. Good Georgia teams have gone to Jacksonville and been steamrolled. This isn't a very good Georgia team. Florida isn't great right now, but it's still better than the Dogs.

Steve (Chicago)

I was also in attendance for this weekend's Iowa game. I bleed black and gold but that being said I am not sure we are one of the top 5 teams in the country. However, Iowa wins football games and with some magic at the Shoe has a legitimate shot at running the table. Can you deny the Hawks the national title game if they go undefeated?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:12 PM)

Only if Florida, Bama or Texas -- two of them --finishes undefeated. Otherwise, you can't deny Iowa a chance to play for the BCS title.

Mike W (Chicago)

How does Univ of Cincinnati beat a conference rival by 30+ points with a backup quarterback drop 3 spots in the BCS? USC jumped them and they have 1 loss and beat Oregon State at home by less points than UC beat Oregon State on the road.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:13 PM)

Strange movement in the BCS standings. I understood TCU jumping Boise State after beating BYU so soundly, but Cincinnati shouldn't have dropped after dominating Louisville. Cincinnati played much better against Oregon State than USC did. But it's never apples to apples. Oregon State might be better than they were earlier in the season.

Saam (Los Angeles, CA)

Does this 2009 Florida team have the same feel as the 1998 Tennessee team where they are lucking their way to the National Title?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:13 PM)

Yes, but so does Bama and Iowa.

Sonny (West Seneca NY)

Notre Dame...BCS or no BCS? So I guess pretty much the question is does ND beat Pitt?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:14 PM)

Notre Dame has to finish 10-2 to have a chance at a BCS bowl game. They have to finish in the top 14 of the BCS standings, I believe, to receive a BCS at-large bid, and it's hard to imagine all of the BCS bowl games passing up 10-2 Notre Dame.

keane (eugene)

scenario: florida loses to 2 loss lsu in sec champ. iowa, cinci and tcu lose. oregon wins out convincingly. anyway the ducks jump boise for the nat'l championship?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:15 PM)

A lot would have to happen, but I'll be honest: it would be hard for me to ignore the head-to-head meeting in the opener. I know Boise State hasn't played a tough schedule, but those teams still played on the field and the Broncos won.

Tyler (Cyclone Country)

How do you feel about Iowa State and their chances to win the Big 12 North after that amazing win in lincoln this week?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:19 PM)

Cyclones probably have as good of a chance as anyone else in the Big 12 North. All those teams have at least two losses in Big 12 play. Iowa State still plays at Texas AandM and Missouri and gets OSU and Colorado at home. Probably need to win at least two. Kansas State plays at OU and Nebraska, gets Kansas and Mizzou at home. Probably tougher. Nebraska plays OU and K-State at home, Kansas and Colorado on the road. Kansas plays three of last four on the road. Wide open.

Ben (UNT)

Do I have any hope of seeing a competitive football team here ? If so, will it be before I finish my Ph. D.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:19 PM)

Don't stick around to watch more football. Finish your Ph. D.

Ty (Detroit, MI)

Why Does everyone seem to think it's forgone that ND will get to 10-2? they still have very good Pitt and Stanford teams on their schedule. My guess is they lost at least one of those.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:20 PM)

Or to Connecticut. Irish still have three tough games left, including road games at Stanford and Pitt. Could easily lose both of those games. 10-2 is by no means a foregone conclusion.

Matt (CA)

Cant there be something said for teams knowing how to win those close games. Last year, Iowa lost four games by a total of 11 points.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:21 PM)

I think it says a lot about a team's chemistry and toughness, no question about it. Iowa is what it is. It isn't great offensively, but they play sound defense and don't make many mistakes. And, most importantly, they find a way to win games.

Jason (IA)

Can you honestly say there are only three teams better than the Hawkeyes?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:22 PM)

Talent-wise, probably not. But if Iowa wins all of its games, it will be hard to say it's not one of the best three or four teams in the country. They'd be competitive and have a chance to beat anyone.

Jacob (Athens, Ga)

Hey Mark, I know you have already talked a little about Georgia, but given this storied rivalry, you mean to tell me that the fact that no ones gives Georgia a chance to beat Florida doesn't make them very dangerous?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:23 PM)

It makes Georgia dangerous and the fact they're coming off a bye week helps. But Florida traditionally gets its act together before playing Georgia. Spikes will be back on defense. Georgia has to protect Cox, run the football and get the ball to AJ Green. Georgia's defense has to tackle. It has to play sound special teams, which it has rarely done. Georgia can win the game, but it has to avoid the mistakes that has plagued it all season.

Zach Adkins (Fayetteville, WV)

Hey Mark, Do you think Noel Devine, WVU running back, should get any Heisman consideration?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:23 PM)

He's on the radar. Devine, C.J. Spiller, Mark Ingram are probably the top running backs right now.

Gil (Here and there)

Do you really see this season as a bust or are you just trying to generate some buzz with a "controversial" article? I think its incredibly interesting that so many teams are playing so well and have a legit shot at playing for the title. I also think its great that we're talking about guys like Case Keenum for the Heisman...

Mark Schlabach

  (2:25 PM)

I've been disappointed. Every one of the marquee games has been a 15-13 or 16-13 game. Top teams haven't looked great. Heisman race between the three QBs has been a flop. It's great that teams like Iowa, Cincinnati, Boise State and TCU are in the hunt, but are people going to be really excited to see those BCS bowl games outside of the fans of those schools? I don't know.

Grant Garrett (Southlake, TX)

How much, if any, of Tebow's performance in the past 3 weeks would you chalk up to his concussion?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:26 PM)

I think he's a little gun shy in the pocket. His line hasn't done a great job of protecting him, but I think that's an easy excuse, too. Florida doesn't have the weapons it had the last couple of years. There isn't a consistent running threat other than Tebow and there's no real deep threat in the passing game. I don't think it's Tebow's fault. I just don't think the Florida offense is very good right now.

Kris (Boise)

Can you see the BCS taking both BSU and TCU this year? If TCU does finish ahead of BSU and BSU gets left out thats 2 years in a row an undefeated BSU will have been left out.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:27 PM)

I had TCU and Boise State in BCS bowls in my projections this week, but I don't know if the BCS bowl executives would do it. There first priority is selling tickets and getting high TV ratings. Not sure if that happens with those teams in the BCS games.

Jeff (Vegas)

If the NFL draft was tomorrow, who would you take as your QB of the future?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:28 PM)

Right now, I'd probably take Colt McCoy or Jimmy Clausen. I'd still draft Tebow in the first round and figure out what to do with him. I'd want him in my locker room and huddle.

Digger (LA)

Honest opinion of LSU

Mark Schlabach

  (2:28 PM)

Very good on defense and getting better on offense. Jefferson had his best game against Auburn, and they're getting Sheppard more involved. Still need to run the ball better.

Dave (Florida)

Hey Mark, How do you see the Heisman race panning out this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:29 PM)

Your guess is as good as mine. Right now, I've got Mark Ingram No. 1, but McCoy will have a chance to put up really good numbers the rest of the way. I think he'll get a lot of votes because a lot of voters will think it's his turn. Might leave Texas as the all-time winningest QB in NCAA history.

Jason (Washington)

Hey, Mark. Who you think will win the Big East? Do you think WVU can beat Cinn and Pitt?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:30 PM)

It's going to be a great race down the stretch. Those are definitely the top three teams. If Pike comes back, UC might be the favorite, but Pitt and West Virginia seem to get better every week. Should be a great Backyard Brawl.

Barry (Newport Beach)

Why do people complain about Cincy/Iowa being behind USC in any of the rankings? If you put those teams on a nuetral field in a week USC would be favored by at least 10 points. That should tell you all you need to know as to who's better.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:31 PM)

But I thought USC was a three-touchdown favorite over Washington. Or was it more? Anything can happen on any given Saturday.

Matt (Bham)

Do you think Auburn can pull off the Halloween win over Ole Miss at home?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:31 PM)

Auburn's lack of depth is really hurting it right now. Chris Todd seems to have hit a wall, too, and McCalebb is no where to be found right now. I think Ole Miss wins out.

Nick (Florida)

Is the concern about Tebow overblown? He was solid against LSU, solid against Arkansas (amidst 4 Florida fumbles) and solid against Miss St. except for the 2 interceptions on tipped passes (only one of which he could/should have thrown away).

Mark Schlabach

  (2:32 PM)

Four turnovers and nine sacks in two games. That's a little cause for concern. It's not entirely his fault, but he hasn't been really sharp since coming back from the concussion. Still found ways to win the games, but the Florida offense hasn't been hitting on all cylinders, to say the least.

Ryan (Baton Rouge)

Is there any other conference that has a sure shot of getting 2 teams in the BCS?I would assume the SEC will get 2, but who else if any?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:33 PM)

No, I think the ACC had a chance before Miami lost to Clemson. Big 12 isn't as good as I thought it would be, but Texas and Oklahoma State could get in, I guess. Pac-10 could send Oregon and USC. Big Ten could still send Iowa and Penn State, I guess. Question is if TCU and Boise State go.

Mike W (Chicago)

Man USC fans think they deserve a title shot every year. Did you know USC has 1 more loss than UC. UC beat the one team they have in common by more points on the road. AND UC has scored 285 pts to 96 given up while USC has only scored 220 pts and gives up 106. Just saying.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:34 PM)

And I hear ya'

Steve (Denver)

Mark, do you think a one loss Florida or Texas would still jump an undefeated Cincy or TCU team to get into the title game?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:36 PM)

Not sure. Neither team played a great out of conference schedule. And the SEC and Big 12 haven't been as good as we all thought they'd be.

Ryan (Portland)

At what point does the media accept that the big 12 might be the worst bcs conference this year?? Outside of Texas (who hasn't looked great) is there one team that could compete for a conference title in the SEC, PAC 10, or ACC?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:37 PM)

Oklahoma State is still pretty good, but no question Texas Tech, Oklahoma (because of injuries), Kansas and Missouri have taken big steps back. Nebraska has limped through its last two games, too.

DCDuck (Behtesda)

I'm not saying Oregon should be #4 but should they really be 7 and 8 spots behind USC in the human polls? Oregon just crushed the team USC lost to on the same field. Shouldn't the polls be partially reflective of how the teams are playing at this point in the season?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:38 PM)

I don't think Oregon should be that much lower than USC, either. Ducks are playing very well right now. Ducks lost at Boise State; USC lost at Washington. I think Oregon settles it on Saturday, though. I'd be surprised to see USC win in Eugene.

Gregory (Virginia)

Hey Mark, did i miss the memo about Ohio State being out of the running for the Big 10 Championship, why is everything PSU and Iowa, correct me if I am wrong but the Buckeyes still have to play both of them. Are you telling me those are easy wins for PSU and Iowa?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:38 PM)

They're not out of it, and I was impressed with how soundly they beat Minnesota. But I still can't get the Purdue loss out of my head.

Jim (Pittsburgh)

You're not going to mention Dion Lewis as one of the best backs in the country??

Mark Schlabach

  (2:39 PM)

yes, he's definitely in the top 10. and he's only a freshman. unbelievable.

Lauren (Norman)

Do you think Bradford should have stayed at OU for another year? Without him where do you see Oklahoma next year in the rankings?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:40 PM)

I admire the reasons why he came back to OU- to win a national championship. Sad to see how it turned out, though. But I think he did the right thing in coming back. I wish more guys would do it, but this is another example of why you turn pro when you can.

Greg (Pittsburgh)

How do you think the Big East has done thus far as a conference this season? I feel as though we may be better than other BCS conferences like the ACC or the Big Ten.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:40 PM)

I think it's a league that takes a lot of undeserved criticism. I think they're probably better than the ACC right now. Pitt, West Virginia and Cincinnati are solid teams.

jason (charlottesville)

What is your take on Clemson and Swinney for the long term? ( the rest of this season and beyond ie... good hire?)

Mark Schlabach

  (2:41 PM)

I feel better about the direction now than I did a couple of weeks ago. They have a good, young QB and need to continue to put talent around him.

James (Ohio)

Whose the best freshmen in the country?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:45 PM)

Dion Lewis at Pitt for starters....Matt Barkley. Ryan Williams.

Ben (Alabama)

How good do you think Trent Richarson is? When asked about him, Ingram said that Richardson was way better than he himself was last year.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:45 PM)

I think the Tide has three backs who could start for a lot of teams. Richardson is very, very good. He doesn't get as many carries because Ingram carries such a big load.

Jason (Charleston)

What is ESPN's beef with the Big East? Why all the negative commentary all the time. Did we hurt someone's feelings by not dissolving after the ACC raid? Nobody else gets the constant barrage of negativity aimed at them from ESPN the way the Big East does. Why is that? Can you give me a legitimate reason?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:46 PM)

I've been as fair to the Big East as anyone. The conference didn't look good early, but I think it's on the way back up with the way Cincinnati, Pitt and West Virginia are playing.

Tim (ATL)

Florida and Alabama have been flirting with disaster lately... do you think it will catch up with either of them, or do you still expect them both to be 12-0 for the SEC championship game?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:47 PM)

I think both of them need to get better in the red zone or they're each capable of losing a game before the SEC championship game.

Chad (Fort Myers, FL)

Is Penn State really one of the best 25 teams in the country? Their signature win is against 5-2 Michigan!!!!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:47 PM)

I think Penn State is a very good team, but it's hard to ignore its schedule strength.

Dan (San Jose)

Devine, C.J. Spiller, Mark Ingram...great backs. Ryan Mathews is better. He's an absolute beast, even vs. Wisconsin, Cinncy and Boise. Some NFL team is going to score big when he drops to the 3rd round because he doesn't play in a cartel conference.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:49 PM)

Most underrated player in the country, probably. A workhorse and very, very consistent. Fresno State is rounding into form, as expected, after a tough non-conference schedule.

Tom (D.C.)

Uh oh... I think I see the Tebow for Heisman meme starting to take shape - congrats!"Florida doesn't have the weapons it had the last couple of years. ... I don't think it's Tebow's fault."

Mark Schlabach

  (2:50 PM)

I'm not making excuses for him. I said he hasn't been sharp and has held the ball too long, which is a reason he's getting sacked. But he's carried the Florida offense, too. They aren't as good as they were last year -- no Percy Harvin, no Louis Murphy. He's having to carry an even bigger load this year.

Matt (Ames, IA)

Why does everyone keep bringing up UNI as a way to bag on the Hawkeyes? UNI played in their championship games last year, and could probably do well in D1. Also it was the season opener, when almost no team can know how well their team will matchup.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:51 PM)

I brought it up because someone brought up Alabama's blocked FG vs. Tennessee. If you haven't noticed, the Vols can play defense.

Aaron (San Luis Obispo)

Will you please answer one of my questions?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:51 PM)

I think Cal Poly has an excellent chance to make the FCS playoffs.

Ben (Atlanta)

What do you make of all the whining coming out of Blacksburg regarding GT's blocking schemes? Sounds like they need to trade in the lunch pail for a "man purse"

Mark Schlabach

  (2:51 PM)

Ouch.

Mike (Tucson)

Is there any team that you have seen that actually looks like a National Champion? Would any this season have competed for the past few years?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:52 PM)

No, that's basically what I wrote this morning. Even the best teams have warts. This Florida team isn't as good as the Gators teams that won titles in 2006 and 2008. USC isn't close to Reggie Bush/Matt Leinart. Alabama isn't close to '92 title team. More parity, but no great teams, either.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:53 PM)

Folks, gotta run. Have a great week. Hope your teams win on Saturday. Take care.