ESPN

Richard Durrett

  (2:05 PM)

Hello, everyone. We can talk about whatever is on your mind in Dallas sports. We've got a big game in the Big 12, the Cowboys are trying to win another game, the Stars have had a nice start and the Rangers are looking for a hitting coach.

Pablo (Union, NJ)

hey Rich- now that teams need to account more for Miles Austin, will Jason Garrett and Romo try and get Roy E.Williams more involved in this offense?

Richard Durrett

  (2:08 PM)

I was thinking about that this week. Miles Austin has really taken advantage of the opportunity. And Roy Williams did not play well on Sunday. But as more teams figure out how to better defend Austin, Williams has to step up. Austin can't carry this team at wide receiver. Williams has to find touches and Patrick Crayton too. That means Williams has to do a better job of getting open, Garrett has to put Williams in position to do that and it also depends on how teams defend them.Sunday should be interesting to see how both the Cowboys and Seahawks approach Dallas' pass game.

Brad (Austin)

prediction for the showdown in stillwater this weekend?

Richard Durrett

  (2:12 PM)

I honestly think Texas wins by 10 or so. At some point, the injuries (and suspension) have to catch up with Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have done a tremendous job considering the top running back and wide receiver are out.But Texas found itself some on offense last week and I bet that gives that unit some momentum. OSU will hang around. I know some people think this will be a blowout, but I don't. I do think Texas will take control late and get it done. And I think they'll run the table to the national title game.

Colin (Texas)

What type of game do you expect the Texas/OSU game to be? Defensive slugfest (UT-OU)? Shootout (OSU-Houston)? Blowout (UT-Missouri)? Crushing upset (08 UT-Tech)?

Richard Durrett

  (2:13 PM)

How about none of the above? I don't think it will be a shootout, but I don't see a defensive struggle either. Something in between. And no, I don't see a blowout.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Hey Richard, I'm a long-time fan of Shawn Marion. He seems to be adjusting well with the Mavericks. Your thoughts please?

Richard Durrett

  (2:16 PM)

Way too early to tell on any of that. My buddy Tim MacMahon has a good column up about Marion on ESPNDallas. He said he looked good for the first seven minutes, but ran out of gas.I still like the move to bring him to Dallas. But it will take time to see how he adjusts.

Chris (Frisco)

You think this is the week that Texas gets tripped up? Or is UT's defense good enough to stop Okie State's firepower?

Richard Durrett

  (2:17 PM)

No doubt Texas could get tripped up. OSU is good and they are at home. But I've got the Longhorns. I think the defense is just too good and the offense is starting to find itself. And look out for those Longhorns special teams.

Tommy Boy (Allen, TX)

Richard, can Colt McCoy win the Heisman?

Richard Durrett

  (2:19 PM)

Yes. There is really no true frontrunner. Look out for C.J. Spiller at Clemson. Many more folks are talking about him now and taking notice of his all-around game.McCoy had a nice game last week. If he has a big one in front of a national TV audience this Saturday, his stock will keep going up.Clausen, Ingram and Tebow are also in that mix. A few others probably too.

Mark (Irving)

Who's your favorite for the national title this season? The Heisman? Does Colt have a chance, or is it too little, too late?

Richard Durrett

  (2:20 PM)

I'll stick with Alabama. I've said since early in the season that I believed they were the best team and despite last week's lucky win over Tennessee, the Tide are solid. USC is playing well and could be dangerous if someone ahead of them loses. But my bet remains that it's Alabama and Texas in the championship game.

Ludwig Kielbossen (Amsterdam)

Hello Richard. I really enjoy your work. Do you think TCU has a chance to play for a national title?

Richard Durrett

  (2:22 PM)

Ludwig, I think that's a real long shot. But it's fun to look at scenarios. What if:Iowa lost to Ohio State, USC lost to Oregon, Texas got beat by OSU, and Cincinnati lost to West Virginia or Pittsburgh. A TCU team that wins out could make things interesting.But an Oregon win would also help Boise State's stock and TCU must get ahead of Boise to play in a BCS bowl, much less the national title game.I just can't see this system allowing TCU (or Boise) to play for a national title. But it's fun to talk about. And I think TCU can play with anybody.

K (Detroit)

Have you watched the movie Superbad? you look so much like the Mclovin guy in tht movie

Richard Durrett

  (2:23 PM)

You are not the first to mention this, K. I don't think I look too much like him, but some of my friends think I do.I'd be happy to play him in a future movie, if they'll send me the paycheck.

Charlie (Lake Worth)

Hey Richard, do you think TCU could beat Texas if the played on a neutral location?

Richard Durrett

  (2:25 PM)

Interesting. Randy Galloway, from GAC on 103.3 ESPN Radio here in Dallas, would like to see those two teams play for a mythical state championship.I like to fully disclose that I am a TCU alum. I also like to think that doesn't cloud my judgement. I can tell you that Gary Patterson would find a way to contain the Texas offense. But could TCU score enough points on the Texas defense?I'd love to see that matchup. On a neutral site, no doubt TCU could win that game. I'm not saying they would, but they could.

Big Bill (Houston)

Richard, I love the Horned Frogs. Any chance they ever get to join the Big 12?

Richard Durrett

  (2:28 PM)

Wow. Wouldn't that be fun to see for Frog fans? I can't see that. It's a shame TCU wasn't invited when all of this started in 1996, but that was understandable then.What TCU fans should focus on is getting the Mountain West Conference into the BCS. Why can't the system allow other conferences in based on team rankings, beating other BCS teams, etc.? If you struggle to do that for 3 or 4 years, you get bumped for a better conference. The MWC should be in the BCS. That way, TCU wouldn't have to hope that voters and computers give them a shot at the big payday of a BCS bowl.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Sorry Richard, you posted my Shawn Marion question but didn't answer. Than you if you can.

Richard Durrett

  (2:30 PM)

I did answer, but maybe there was a glitch. I would recommend you read Tim MacMahon's column on Marion. It's a good read and mentions that Marion looked good for 7 minutes and then ran out of gas.I still think bringing Marion to Dallas was a good move. He'll fit in fine, but it may take time to get used to his teammates and how things work out there. Still, it's an improvement. And I think he's fun to watch.

Eric (Dallas)

Richard, how many Big 12 teams could Andy Dalton start for?

Richard Durrett

  (2:31 PM)

Dalton, TCU's quarterback, doesn't do anything too flashy. But in his third year at the helm, he better understands the offense and knows the plays he can make. The Big 12 is full of good quarterbacks. He's not starting at Texas or OSU. Now that Sam Bradford's out, I could argue he could start at OU. I'm not sure he's the type of QB that would work in Tech's system. But Dalton is a good player only getting better. And TCU has him for 2010 too.

Richard Durrett

  (2:33 PM)

Thanks for all the questions, everyone. Join me next week and we'll talk some more.