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Bruce

  (1:59 PM)

Thanks for stopping by. It should be a fun week of games. My picks for this weekend are up at the link near the top of the page. Anyhow. I just scarfed down a protein bar and am ready to talk some college football, so let's get into it.

Seth A (Iowa City)

Here's an interesting situation. Most people say the winner of the Oregon/USC game this weekend will win the Pac-10 and still be in the National Title hunt. If Iowa goes undefeated, and Arizona (who plays both USC and Oregon still) beats the winner of the Oregon/USC game, does Iowa (based on S.O.S.) pass Texas in the polls?

Bruce

  (2:01 PM)

Seth, Glad you mention Arizona. I talked about them yesterday on ESPNEWS. People forget the Cats are still in the Pac-10 race and control their own destiny. Obviously them winning out would be a big plus for Iowa given the early season win. I still don't think there's much shot that Iowa would then leapfrog Texas if UT is still unbeaten, even though perception wise you could then easily make a case that beating Zona would be more impressive than say having beaten Oklahoma this year.

Jason (Miami)

What does Miami need in order to make it to a BCS bowl game?

Bruce

  (2:04 PM)

Beat Clemson and then ... oh wait that didn't happen. Miami just needs to focus on beating Wake Forest. I think moreso than any other program there is so much talk about whether Miami is back or whatever that things jump ahead and they stumble. If Miami won out, they'd still need Ga. Tech to fall apart and some help from Va. Tech too. I don't think that's going to happen.

Scott (belmont ONtario)

hey just wondering ur thoughts on the southern mississippi vs houston and who is going to win

Bruce

  (2:06 PM)

USM is 0-3 on the road and Houston is too explosive. I think UH wins in a shootout.

Connor (Gainesville, FL)

Bruce, who wins in Jacksonville this weekend?

Bruce

  (2:11 PM)

Florida big.

Chad (Las Vegas)

Is the new movie about Oher anything to do with your book?

Bruce

  (2:20 PM)

It's not. It's based off the Michael Lewis book. I didn't start reporting Meat Market until the year after Oher got to Ole Miss.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Having issues with the chat, Bruce? Seems kind of slow on our end.

Bruce

  (2:20 PM)

Sorry.. Had to take a call.

Scooter (Atlanta)

No Mark Whipple on your top coordinators list?

Bruce

  (2:21 PM)

Nah, he's been a MAJOR upgrade from Pat Nix but statistically, UM is still too far down in a lot of key offensive categories.

Ryan (Boise, Idaho)

Oregon keeps winning, doesn't that show that Boise is the real deal?

Bruce

  (2:21 PM)

It does, but the rest of Boise's schedule will be held against them.

Ken (CA)

Wow Bruce! No wonder Charlie Strong can't get a head coaching job. As great a job as he does year after year, he was an afterthought to make your top 10 list!

Bruce

  (2:22 PM)

Charlie Strong is ON that list. Not sure why people didn't see it now. It was updated within an hour of being posted yesterday morning.

Keith (Union County Florida)

Do you think Florida's offensive woes are pernament or do you think they will be fixed anytime soon?

Bruce

  (2:23 PM)

I think they'll get remedied by seeing the shaky UGA defense this week although it's obvious they miss Louie Murphy and Harvin big time.

Matt (Philadelphia)

Hey Bruce, why no Finebaum appearance yesterday?

Bruce

  (2:24 PM)

I got bumped because there was a bribery scandal in Birmingham politics. At first I thought it was related to the SEC refs when I heard about it...I'm on today at 505 CT.

Corey (MS)

Which is more likely to happen??????? Oregon OVer USC or OK state over Texas!!!!!!!!! WHY?????????

Bruce

  (2:26 PM)

Good question.. I'll say Oregon because USC has lost three in a row in the state of Oregon and Colt McCoy has more experience than Matt Barkley.

Dennis (Airville, PA)

BRUCE, in regard to your answer to Ryan of Boise, the Oregon/Boise game was the 1st of the year, new coach, etc., for Oregon. Yes Boise looked strong, but if they played again tomorrow, who would win?

Bruce

  (2:26 PM)

Tough question. I'd probably pick Oregon. Then again, I picked the Ducks the first time and was wrong. Boise is really well coached and underrated.

DJ (Cuse)

Everyone is talking about Tebow and McCoy but isn't Ponder the best QB in college right now?

Bruce

  (2:28 PM)

He might be. Not his fault his defense is awful and they can't run the ball. Maybe in addition to the Davey O'Brien they should have an Archie Manning or Dan Marino type award for the QB who does the best with the least.

Corey (MS)

Will the BIG TEN conf. past hurt IOWA in hunt for BCS title game???????/

Bruce

  (2:29 PM)

Probably so. 10 years ago when the Big Ten had teams all over the top 12 and the SEC had nothing, I couldn't imaging the unbeaten top team not being in the top 3-4.

Scott Arogeti (Atlanta)

A.J. Green or Julio Jones?

Bruce

  (2:29 PM)

AJ Green.

Davis (Chicago)

Does ND win out?

Bruce

  (2:29 PM)

Regular season? Yes, I think so. Getting Mike Floyd back will help a lot too.

DJ (Cuse)

How did Ponder not even make the semi finals of the Davey O' Brien? Who picks these guys and do they watch football?

Bruce

  (2:31 PM)

I don't know. That's an award I stopped voting for this year.

Jamie (CT)

Answer the Daryl; Clark question!!!

Bruce

  (2:31 PM)

What was the DC question? didn't see it

Bruce (Alabama)

Is th Heels Va Tech matchup gonna be broadcast on ESPN tonight

Bruce

  (2:31 PM)

Yes, love Lane Stadium on Thursday nights.

Scott (Fort Worth, TX)

No love for Dick Bumpas yesterday?

Bruce

  (2:33 PM)

Thought about having him but with certain schools the HC is almost the de facto DC and Patterson is so hands on with the D whenever I've been out there. I feel like that's how Saban's D operates.

Sarge (Lees Summit, MO)

Just checked your assistants blog, and Charlie Strong is not showing up. I'm guessing he should be #4A? You have Bryan Harsin as 4B, but no 4A.

Bruce

  (2:34 PM)

He's on there. They put it in italics rather than bold because it was an updated entry. It probably would've been simpler to just have it bolded. That wasn't my call.

Derrick (Decatur)

Beating Arizona (at home) more impressive than beating OU (at neutral site in rivalry game). Do you even watch these teams play?

Bruce

  (2:36 PM)

Did you read what I wrote??? I said if Arizona wins out and that would include beating Oregon and USC on the road plus Oregon St. and Cal on the road, they'd be 10-2 and that probably is more impressive than what Oklahoma would be this year.

Clark (Knoxville)

Bruce, everyone knew the VOLS could recruit, but I have been impressed with how good they are at coaching. They are 3-4, but how much have they improved from last year? Have they met your expectations, exceeded them?

Bruce

  (2:38 PM)

They must finish strong and actual win games. Being competitive against the top two teams in the SEC on the road is big. Kiffin and Jim Chaney deserve a lot of credit for the improvement Jonathan Crompton has made during this season, especially with such a thin group of receivers. I expected 7-5 this year and I think that's about what they'll finish at.

Justin (Texas)

Is Texas still the best recruiting state?

Bruce

  (2:40 PM)

I think Florida is the top state, followed closely by Cal and Texas, although Texas is tops for college QBs. My reasoning is if you looked at football's elite players (those who made the Pro Bowl last year) an overwhelming number came from Florida, much more so than any other state.

Austin (South Bend)

Looked up the numbers and from 2007-2009, Notre Dame had 27 ESPN 150 recruits, with USC coming in at 31 and Florida at 30, so why doesnt ND put hardly any guys in the NFL?

Bruce

  (2:42 PM)

Let's see what happens 2-3 years from now when those recruits are older and NFL age. Recruiting rankings though need to be taken with a grain of salt. If they were great indicators, ND, FSU, Tennessee and Michigan would've won a lot more titles this decade.Miami had better teams when recruiting analysts downgraded their classes. Once UM started landing hyped classes, the team went backwards.

Dan (LALA Land)

Ryan Mathews is leading the nation in rushing and seems to be under the radar. Why??? I watched him last year against UCLA before he got hurt and he looked like a Sunday RB.

Bruce

  (2:43 PM)

He's a bigtime talent. Watched him run all over Boise State. I think he's an NFL RB. I heard he really helped himself by changing his diet this offseason and took a more mature approach to his career.

Dan (Virginia)

USC's defense lost focus in the second half with big leads the last two games? or USC's defense exposed?

Bruce

  (2:44 PM)

Lost focus, I think. Plus, they were playing against two future NFL QBs in Clausen and Canfield.

bryant Carlton (Austin texas)

Can Tennessee return to its championship form under Kiffin?

Bruce

  (2:46 PM)

I think so. As long as his dad's running D, they're going to be a headache for everyone they face. but they must find a bigtime QB. Maybe Tyler Bray is that guy, but I suspect he'd still be 2-3 years from leading an elite offense.

Jeremy (Iowa City)

Better hire: Gene Chizik or Paul Rhoads?

Bruce

  (2:47 PM)

Tough call. Rhoads has quietly done a great job there especially winning without the Big 12's leading rusher and Arnaud the starting qb.

Fred Segal (Ft. Lauderdale)

What's worse for a UF fan: Losing to UGA in the Cocktail Party or losing to FSU in the swamp on Bowden's last game?I have a bad feeling both are going to happen this year.

Bruce

  (2:47 PM)

I think losing to FSU would sting more, especially since it'd be Tebow's last home game.

Johnstone (Wicker Park)

Does Mike Leach provide your favorite sound bites from a college head coach?

Bruce

  (2:48 PM)

Yes, he does.

Marc (Knoxville)

big Notre Dame fan here, why does Notre Dame's defense continue to regress? It seems like every year its the same thing with this team.

Bruce

  (2:50 PM)

If I had to guess, I'd say it's because they are pretty average up front talent wise. And while Manti Te'o is a big-time athlete at OLB, from talking to coaches who have faced them, they say ND just has average athleticism up the middle of their D.

Jay (NC)

If Tebow continues his current trend of lackluster performances, yet still wins the Heisman based on preseason hype, would it cement the Heisman's place as the most flawed award in sports?

Bruce

  (2:50 PM)

That cement was set years ago.

Matthew (Chico)

Hey Bruce, I'm still here. Wish you'd help me out with any of my questions regarding Cal. Don't make me climb a tree.

Bruce

  (2:50 PM)

And it was?

Blake (Abilene, Tx)

Bruce, Colt McCoy is 4 wins away from beeing the Winningest college QB. Do you think that will have any influence on the Heisman race.

Bruce

  (2:51 PM)

Some. If he plays well and they win this weekend, I suspect he'll come out #1 in most people's lists on Monday.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Of the Big Ten teams, how many can you realistically see winning a bowl game this season?

Bruce

  (2:52 PM)

This may be a copout but I think it really does depend on match ups. Certain teams are ripe for certain schemes.A friend made a really compelling argument about why if Michigan had faced UF three years ago instead of Ohio State, the Big Ten probably wins that national title.

Steve (hoboken)

What made you put Golden Tate on your Heisman ballot over Clausen?

Bruce

  (2:54 PM)

I think more people need to take note of the phenomenal year he's had. People are already talking Clausen, but they seem to overlook that even after Floyd went down, ND is still so explosive and he's a huge reason for that. USC was in position to make a lot of plays, and Tate just made super effort plays to get it done.

Chad (Las Vegas)

Does Bama have to beat LSU for Ingram to have a shot at the Heisman or if Ingram puts up 130 plus and 2 td's but loses is he still in it?

Bruce

  (2:55 PM)

He probably has to beat Florida and I think he needs McCoy to come out flat or lose.

Jamie (CT)

So Colt McCoy is #1 for Heisman..what makes him better than Daryl Clark? Cant point to strength of schedule here?

Bruce

  (2:56 PM)

I like Clark a lot but in the biggest game of the season, a home game against Iowa, he was 12-32 with three INTs and only 1 TD.

Rahn (Columbia SC)

WHAT DOES CAROLINA NEED TO DO TO SUPPOSEDLY UPSET TENNESSEE THIS WEEKEND! I THINK NORWOOD MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT FOR CROMPTON

Bruce

  (2:58 PM)

Yes, pressure Crompton into mistakes and also get some running game going. Carolina also needs to do a better job on D because UT is physical and has two tough backs-- Carolina is just 70th against the run.

Rob (Austin, TX)

Why is he screaming at you?

Bruce

  (2:58 PM)

Not sure.

Johnstone (Wicker Park)

Those numbers that Clark had sound a lot like the numbers Colt had against OU. OU blew that game, Texas didn't win it.

Bruce

  (3:00 PM)

There's a big difference between three INTs and one INT. Also one guy completed completed more than 50% of his passes while the other guy had about 1/3.

Theo (mass)

I've been trying to get his question in. How will jordan shipley do in the NFL, is he a hesiman candidate

Bruce

  (3:01 PM)

I think he'll be a good slot receiver and returnman. He's quick, got soft hands and is tough. He's not a Heisman candidate though.

Dilan (Oregon)

Ok another quick question. Why is LaMicheal James not getting any credit. The kid is an explosive runner 6.9 ypc and consistently runs for 100+ ypg.

Bruce

  (3:02 PM)

If he has a big game this weekend against USC, he'll start getting credit. I really don't think much of the country has seen the Ducks since they lost at Boise opening night.

Marc (Charlotte)

Bruce, will you tell Rahn that Carolina plays tonight and South Carolina plays Saturday?

stephen (st. simons is)

Please answer some of my questions. I think my dawgs have a shot at the upset Saturday. You don't? Why not?

Bruce

  (3:02 PM)

I dont think it's much of a shot because their defense has been so shaky.

Nick (Boise)

Can you ask J.B. from Dunmore, PA if he has a job? I see that guy gets a question in on every chat I go to

Mitch (Dallas)

Why does everyone say that OU/Texas was a sloppy game, when a 12-10 game in the SEC is considered a defensive masterpiece.?

Jared (Charlottesville, VA)

Although Ohio St.'s offense struggles mightily, but their defense has been dominant, so why do they get no love? Gibson and Heyward were no were to be seen on defense award lists . . . Will they get some respect if they can win out against Penn St./Iowa/Mich?

Bruce

  (3:04 PM)

They are good on D. They gave USC fits up front, but it's because of their record and losing to 1-5 Purdue really hurt in that regard.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Can you tell Nick that I obviously have the same job as him since he's here every chat.

Theo (mass)

Do you like pizza?

Bruce

  (3:06 PM)

I really like the Chicago style pizza the most, but I probably only eat it 2-3 times a year.

Dave (Boise)

Can you tell Dennis in PA to stop making excuses for why teams lose to Boise State? 'They weren't ready, they couldn't get up for the game, it's the first game of the season'! It was Boise State's first game too and beat them with a bunch of Sophomore's!

Sarah (Toledo, OH)

Ohio State's offense is not going to win against any good teams...

David (O'Fallon,IL)

john clay for heisman in 2010 realistic or not?

Bruce

  (3:08 PM)

possible if he finishes the year the way he ran early. Lots of options for the 2010 Heisman depending on who returns... Ingram, Keenum, Noel D, Moore, Clausen, Ponder, Harris, Barkley, Lewis, etc.

Marc (Charlotte)

Bruce, why do people believe that a low scoring game always means defensive masterpiece. The OU/UT game was marred with penalties and turnovers. That doesn't mean good defense.

Bruce

  (3:10 PM)

This is all perception stuff. Don't great defenses force turnovers? And couldn't great D-linemen draw holding penalties and false starts?

Bruce

  (3:10 PM)

3 more questions...

Andy (Kansas City)

With the miracle he's in the middle of pulling off at Temple, any chance Al Golden gets picked up by a bigger school this year?

Bruce

  (3:11 PM)

Maybe he'll be the next coach at Illinois?

Kyle (Chicago)

Tell Marc in Charlotte that last weekend's game between Iowa and MIchigan State WAS a defensive masterpiece.

Scott (Provo, UT)

Bruce, do you guys at ESPN use your Heisman poll to pick who you think "will" win the heisman trophy or who "should" win it? I'd love to see your top 5 players who "should" win it. Thanks!

Bruce

  (3:13 PM)

Great question Scott. I use it by who I think should win it. Had this conversation a few weeks ago with a buddy who does his list on who he thinks will win it and to me that's flawed because all you're doing is analyzing supposed analysis.

Chris (Owasso, OK)

Is East Carolina actually the best of the Carolinas?

Bruce

  (3:14 PM)

It might be them or Duke right now. Cutcliffe has got Thad Lewis and that passing game playing very well.

Bruce

  (3:15 PM)

Thanks for all of the questions. If I didn't get to yours, send it to me via the blog on ESPN Insider or via my Twitter account BFeldmanESPN. Enjoy the games this weekend!