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Tim Griffin

  (1:01 PM)

Even some cable construction can't keep me down today. Thank goodness for my handy wireless stick to let me participate today. Three cheers for Verizon! Let's go with some Big 12 questions.

Jordan (Pasadena Tx)

With Texas remaning schedule being so weak, does Colt McCoy have the best chance to win the Heisman if he can produce say 200+ passing yards and 2 TD's in each game?

Tim Griffin

  (1:02 PM)

Jordan: I think he's going to have to do much better than that. Say in the neighborhood of 300 yards and three touchdowns. Most Heisman voters realize the kind of schedule that McCoy has in front of him. He needs a late blitz to separate himself from Ingram, Tebow and the others. And of course, a Big 12 championship is something he needs as well.

Kenny (Atlanta, GA)

Jerrod Johnson is second in the country in total touchdowns and he has the best touchdown to interception ratio in the Big XII. What does he have to do to get some respect?

Tim Griffin

  (1:04 PM)

Kenny:I think he's getting more respect as the season continues. I was looking at the stats the other day and his 20-3 TD/int ratio is the best in the conference. You could argue and say that JJ has better stats than any other Big 12 quarterback. But I think most voters who will be considering will likely go to the team that wins -- like McCoy or Reesing if the Jayhawks win the North. But JJ's stats are just as good as anybody else's in the conference -- if not better.

Dan Williams (Hanover, NH)

Is there any reason to think Nebraska's (moderate) improvement in Waco last week will translate to enough offense to beat Oklahoma this weekend?

Tim Griffin

  (1:05 PM)

Dan:It's gonna be a test. The OU defense will be the toughest the Cornhuskers have faced this season. Their blitz packages will be an eye-opening experience for Cody Green if he plays. And when you say improvement, I guess you are only talking about the first half, right?

Go Buffs (San Francisco, CA)

Given the recent transfer of Darrell Scott from the CU football program, the natural question on all Buff fans minds is, "Is this the beginning of the end for Dan Hawkins?" We all know about the expensive buyout to Barnett, and know there would be another expensive buyout for Hawkins, but can the Buffs afford not to? What coaches are out there who might be a good fit for the program?

Tim Griffin

  (1:07 PM)

Go:I hate to speculate too much, but it would be obvious that a coach like Kevin Sumlin from Houston would be idea. Other Big 12 schools have made splashy hires in the past. Would somebody like Brian Kelly be attainable from Cincinnati. I would guess not. And not only would it be an expensive buyout for Hawk, but you've also got to pay the new coach, too. That's known as a double whammy.

Ashtyn (Jefferson City, MO)

Can we finally put something to rest? The fact that Suh and Crick are the best DT combo in the country.

Tim Griffin

  (1:08 PM)

Ashtyn:I think so, although Texas and Oklahoma both have strong pairs, too. But Suh and Crick are above them all.

Ashtyn (Jefferson City, MO)

I have noticed a complete lack of trick plays used by Nebraska this year. Or even unusual formations. Do you think we might see a few more offensive wrinkles this weekend from the Huskers? Seriously, anything to confuse or surprise the Oklahoma defense would be nice to see.

Tim Griffin

  (1:09 PM)

Ashtyn:I'm just wondering if Shawn Watson can remember to throw to the tight ends again. Remember when Mike McNeill was supposed to be the best at his position after Jermaine Gresham got hurt? He isn't showing it this season.

Robert (San Antonio, TX)

Tim do you see Texas AandM pulling off an upset in Norman or on Thanksgiving day?

Tim Griffin

  (1:13 PM)

Robert:Both those tasks are going to be a challenge. I know some Aggie fans are writing to me about a possible upset on Thanksgiving night at Kyle Field. I know the Aggies are playing well on offense, but they haven't seen a defense anything like they will face in Texas. So I think the chances of AandM getting an upset in either of those games is pretty slim.

Randy (Houston)

What are the prospects of Oklahoma winning the Big 12 South next season with the rebuilding going on at this time, in your opinion? Also, did you think that OU would do as well as they have considering all the inhuries they have sustained this year?

Tim Griffin

  (1:15 PM)

Randy:The Sooners will have a pretty good shot as they will have an experienced quarterback and the Longhorns likely will not in Gilbert. It starts there. Texas does have a strong incoming recruiting class, so it should be a dogfight again. And I've not been surprised by the job that Stoops has done in keeping this team together. It's something he's done throughout his coaching history. They came closer to beating Texas than any team this season so far. Their three losses are by a total of five points. It's been a strong season, again, for Stoops.

Rob H. (Omaha, NE)

Hey Tim! So I'm in my business stats class right now learning to basically crunch numbers with different variables which sparked a question I had for you. With a new QB (assuming Green starts for Nebraska) what is the chance Nebraska beats OU? When was the last time Nebraska even lost 3 home games in a row? Also, how does the season shake out should Green remain Nebraska's starting QB? Thanks!

Tim Griffin

  (1:17 PM)

Rob: Be sure to study hard for me. The Cornhuskers haven't lost three straight games at home since 1968. And I don't like the Cornhuskers' chances with an inexperienced quarterback. Ask Colt McCoy about those blitzes that Brent Venables like to throw at opposing teams. And McCoy has started 45 games. This would be Green's second.

Thomas (Columbia, MO)

Like the chats and the blog. With the remaining schedule that Mizzou plays do we have a chance to win out? I think its more than possible, maybe likely, considering we have more overall talent than anyone we play and everyone else seems to be on losing streaks and/or playing poorly.

Tim Griffin

  (1:19 PM)

Thomas:It wouldn't surprise me. The Tigers have a very workable schedule down the stretch. Gabbert is healthy.The defensive line is picking up. And that two-back running attack seems to be moving the ball. That being said, how often do you think that Gary Pinkel has replayed that fourth quarter against Nebraska. They hold that lead and the Tigers would be clear favorites for the Big 12 North.

Tim Griffin

  (1:19 PM)

Thomas:It wouldn't surprise me. The Tigers have a very workable schedule down the stretch. Gabbert is healthy.The defensive line is picking up. And that two-back running attack seems to be moving the ball. That being said, how often do you think that Gary Pinkel has replayed that fourth quarter against Nebraska. They hold that lead and the Tigers would be clear favorites for the Big 12 North.

michael (viola, ks)

tim love the blog. What is your take on the actual chance K-State has to win the north. This team seems to get better every week.

Tim Griffin

  (1:20 PM)

Michael: I like the pluckiness that K-State has shown this season. I thought it was interesting when Bill Snyder told me his team was a rag-tage collection of players. But they've been impossible to beat at home. If they win their two remaining home games and Nebraska loses twice, I think they have a chance to win the North. I don't think KSU is the North's best team, but I think they have the best chance to win the title.

Jeff (Pensacola)

Tim, Love the blog, cant go a day without it. Nonetheless, It seems like OU and Texas have the 4 and 5 star recruits locked up every year for the big 12. what do my Huskers and the brothers Pelini need to do to start getting in the mix and be succesful at it?

Tim Griffin

  (1:22 PM)

Jeff:Interesting question. Since Nebraska doesn't really have a strong in-state recruiting area, they need to go outside. Not only challenge Texas, OU and all of the other South teams in Texas, but also go to California. And the best quarterback the Cornhuskers have had in my opinion was Tommie Frazier. He came from Florida. So it makes sense, I believe, for Nebraska to have a national recruiting presence because of what they can't fill in their own state.

Kevin (Houston, Tx)

Tim, Let me start out by saying I'm a huge fan and read your blog daily. In recent weeks the Longhorn secondary seems to be stepping up and becoming a strength on the defensive side of the ball. No one has stepped up for Texas more on defense than Safety Earl Thomas. He was just announced as a Thorpe Finalist. Is he your favorite to win the award? If not, who is? and why?

Tim Griffin

  (1:23 PM)

Kevin: I think that Thomas is playing the best of any defensive back in the country. But that doesn't necessarily win awards. I still think Eric Berry of Tennessee is the favorite for the Thorpe because of his career achievements. But if Thomas keeps building on his recent performance, he'll have a shot.

Michael (Long Beach, CA)

Tim, what happened to DeMarcus Granger this year? I didn't hear he entered the draft, but haven't seen him on the field.

Tim Griffin

  (1:31 PM)

Michael:Granger has been out all season with a back injury. His appeal for an injury hardship was denied last week. He's a redshirt senior and out of eligibility after this season. Looks like he won't be playing for the Sooners any time soon.

Brandon Carter (Lubbock)

Should I go with midnight passion or deep onyx for my makeup this weekend?

Tim Griffin

  (1:31 PM)

Brandon:You know you aren't playing this week, don't you? I'd stick with resting that leg that was hurt last week so you can get ready for OSU next week.

Trey (Columbia, MO)

Tim-I want to ask you a question concerning next season in the Big XII. Who do you see coming out of each division next year and ultimately contending for a national championship?

Tim Griffin

  (1:32 PM)

Trey: For next season, how about Nebraska and Oklahoma. I think both races will be close. Missouri will be tough in the north and Texas in the South.

Skyline Chilli (CincY OhIo)

Hey tim do you think texas is the best team in the country and do you think florida is overrated Go Uc have a good one tim

Tim Griffin

  (1:34 PM)

Chili: Love your concoction. Always get it when I swing through the Queen City along with some Graeter's Ice Cream. I do think Texas is playing like the best team in the country at this point of the season. They need to work on their running game. And they haven't faced the consistently strong competition of either Florida or Alabama. But I think the Longhorns will be a good challenge for whoever emerges from the SEC. And remember, Texas has never lost in the Rose Bowl in a bowl game.

Lamar Lewis (College Station)

Tim, what do you think Von Miller's chances are about declaring for the draft by the end of the season?

Tim Griffin

  (1:36 PM)

LL: He says he will consider it after the season. I'm thinking after talking to a couple of NFL scouts that he might be perceived as a "tweener." Not big enough to play DE and not fast enough to play LB. If he does turn pro, he will need some big combine workouts to boost his draft status. But he's had a strong season for the Aggies. Joe Kines has done a nice job of getting him involved to make plays from the Jack spot.

Greg (Omaha)

Tim, what do you REALLY think will be the score in Lincoln this weekend? All I see are these bs conservative Vegas strategy predictions, but I don't think it will be as close as 'experts' say.

Tim Griffin

  (1:37 PM)

Greg:I think it will be close. I like the matchup of Oklahoma's quarterback over Nebraska's quarterback. Nebraska's defense has the edge on the front, but OU might have a better overall defense.Don't discount Alex Henery in this one. He could be vitally important. But I'm picking OU by 28-24 or something like that.

Raj (Austin)

Who do you think is this year's best WR in the Big 12 when healthy (and active)? Shipley, Broyles, Bryant, someone else?

Tim Griffin

  (1:38 PM)

Raj:Got to go with Bryant. When he was healthy, he was the best player. I thought he was even better than Michael Crabtree down the stretch last season. Every time Bryant touches the ball, he's got the potential to make a big play.

Fred (Soda Springs, OK)

Tim, Is it fair to say that the win for Texas against OSU was great but without Bryant they are half the team they are with him. Example Bowl game with Oregon last year? Your thoughts?

Tim Griffin

  (1:39 PM)

Fred: Exactly. I think Bryant's presence could have made that game different. Take the dropped touchdown and the fumble by Anyiam. Add a couple of big special teams plays and who knows how that might have turned out. For sure, I don't think Texas has four picks against OSU if Bryant is playing.

Matt (Omaha, NE)

If you were Bo or Shawn Watson who would you start at QB on Saturday for Nebraska? Who do you think gives NU a better chance to win?

Tim Griffin

  (1:40 PM)

Matt: Tough, tough choice. Lee has more confidence against the blitzes he will see. Green has more natural talent. I would probably start Green and see how plays the first couple of series. If he starts fast, I would keep him in there. If he struggles, I might have a quick hook.

chris (stillwater ok)

what bowl game do u think ok state is going to this year

Tim Griffin

  (1:42 PM)

Chris:How about Cotton or Alamo. They run the table and they are going to the Cotton Bowl. They lose a couple and they could end up in San Antonio. Either one is a pretty good bowl trip.

Jared Crick (Lincoln)

Tim, I've got a couple years ahead of me do you think I'll be better that the Suh man next to me?

Tim Griffin

  (1:43 PM)

JC:Hey, thanks for the interview earlier this week. I enjoyed it. But to be better than Suh, you've got a lot of development over the next couple of years.

Mike (Lubbock, TX)

Any chance the players at Texas listen to their fat little girlfriends too much and lose any game from here on out?

Tim Griffin

  (1:43 PM)

Mike:Don't see it happening. I think Texas is pointed to the BCS title game the way they are playing. I think this team's makeup reminds me a lot of the 2005 title team. It will be interesting to see if they can duplicate that team's success.

Saam (Los Angeles, CA)

Is the 2009 Texas team better than the 2005 Texas team?

Tim Griffin

  (1:47 PM)

Saam:Great question that I think I analyze a little closer to bowl time. I think Colt McCoy is steadier than Vince Young, but VY had the flair for big plays with his running and passing. The 2005 team had a better TE in David Thomas and a better running game. This team has better players along the defensive front and better linebackers. Got to give the 2005 team the edge at DB, even with the strong performances so far this season. And I think this team has the better special teams. The 2005 team had a knack for answering challenges when it was tested -- against OSU during the regular season and USC during the BCS title game. We haven't seen that out of the 2009 team yet, because they really haven't been tested like that, other than the Oklahoma game. I'll reserve my final judgment until a little closer to bowl time.

Mike (Iowa)

With OK State, CO, and MO left on the schedule, do you think IA State has a chance at making a bowl game this year? And if so, does Rhodes get put into B12/National Coach of the year discussion?

Tim Griffin

  (1:48 PM)

Mike: I do see the Cyclones winning one game during the rest of the season and making a bowl trip. How about the Independence Bowl against Gene Chizik and Auburn? Rhoads has done a nice job with ISU, but I've got to put Snyder ahead of him -- particularly if the Wildcats win the Big 12 North.

Roger (NYC)

Who's your Big 12 Offensive POY so far?

Tim Griffin

  (1:50 PM)

Roger:Tough choice. Many candidates. I think you could include Jerrod Johnson, Colt McCoy, Jordan Shipley, Daniel Thomas, Todd Reesing, Zac Robinson, maybe even Alexander Robinson and Ryan Broyles. I guess I would give the nod to Shipley at this point, barely. And he needs to finish strong. I'd also consider Daniel Thomas if he powers KSU to the North title or if Banks keeps making big plays like he has this season. And Broyles does lead the nation in TD grabs, despite missing nearly two games with injuries.

David (Columbia, MO)

What are the odds that Mizzou plays the whole game this week? They have yet to do that this season.

Tim Griffin

  (1:51 PM)

David: This would be their best chance. All of their strengths are Baylor weaknesses - like rushing the ball and rushing the passer. This might be the week that Pinkel's team puts everything together.

Brad (Long Beach, CA)

Thanks for giving this West coast fan some great Big 12 sports insights. Supposing Texas is among a bunch of one-loss teams, but Iowa, Cincy, Boise St. and TCU remain unbeaten, who would you personally vote for to play in the championship game?

Tim Griffin

  (1:53 PM)

Brad: It would be tough for me to elevate a one-loss Texas team above undefeated teams across the country. The team that has impressed me the most from the unbeaten group you mention above is TCU. I really like their defense and offensive experience. Iowa and Cincy, not so much.

Jerrod Johnson (College Station, Texas)

Tim, honestly what do I need to do to get heisman consideration. I have the best numbers in the Big XII.

Tim Griffin

  (1:55 PM)

JJ:You needed to stay away from that three-game losing streak in the middle of the season. My advice would be to start building for next season with a strong finish -- starting by beating Texas Thanksgiving night on national TV. You do that, I guarantee you will get some national publicity.

bruce (dallas)

If Mack wins his second NC in last 4 years this year, do you see him turning over the handle to Will within next three years and then becoming the AD when Doss retires? Mack would make a great AD!

Tim Griffin

  (1:56 PM)

Bruce: I think that is the grand plan somewhere down the line. But I don't know if Mack Brown wants to give it up after three years. And like you said, I think Brown's skills would ideally translate to be an athletic director. Remember, he was already one earlier in his career at Tulane.

Chris (Ames, IA)

With the very realistic possibility that 10 teams end up bowl eligible from the Big 12 this year, including five from a North division that is nationally noted to be mediocre, which teams are getting to six wins and and are still left out of postseason play?

Tim Griffin

  (1:57 PM)

Chris: Remember that KSU has to get to seven wins to be bowl eligible because the Wildcats played two FCS schools in non-conference play. But I think Dan Beebe and his group would do a good job to get every Big 12 team that has six victories and is bowl eligible to post-season play. I don't see Big 12 schools sitting on the outside.

Michael (Houston)

Grif,If Shipley is your Off POY, why is he not in the Heisman talks and why is McCoy? McCoy is probably the 4th best passer (THIS year) in the league. I know he has an impressive body of work, and his career stats are great, but in 2009, he has been less-than-Heisman worthy in my opinion... Who would be your Big 12 1st Team QB so far?

Tim Griffin

  (2:00 PM)

Michael:I'm going around and around on that, specifically for the reasons you mention. How hard would it be to discount Colt McCoy's value if he wins the Big 12 title, breaks the national record for career wins by starting quarterback and has a strong season. But like you said, Jerrod Johnson, Todd Reesing, Zac Robinson and even Landry Jones all have similar numbers this season. It will be a tough All-Big 12 choice. I'd still give it to McCoy because he's the quarterback on the best team.

Tibor (Houston, TX)

Not to look past Iowa St (your weekely prediction looks about right to me), but I think TX Tech is the toughest game left on the schedule for OSU. I think the score of OU vs TX was a result of poor play from TX not good Sooner ball. How do you see Bedlam turning out?

Tim Griffin

  (2:00 PM)

Tibor: Awfully tough to beat Bob Stoops at Owen Field. It's happened once in his tenure there in conference play -- to Les Miles and OSU. I'd make them a favorite in that game.

Robert (Austin)

How come very little is being said about Colt's chance to become the all time wins leader in NCAA history? Also, I think this secondary is better than the '05 one. If not now, it will be before they are all gone. Aaron Williams and Earl Thomas will be some of the best to have ever played at the new DB U.

Tim Griffin

  (2:01 PM)

Robert: I think it's close, but Mack Brown says the 2005 DB corps is better. They had a lot of guys drafted in the NFL. I think this group will, too, but they still have some growing to do. Could be better than the 2005 group. They have that much upside.

Robin (Indiana)

Do you think there is a no clear dominating team? . . . it seems that there are four or five good teams, but not a great team.

Tim Griffin

  (2:04 PM)

Robin: That's a good way to end this chat. I agree that the top four or five teams are all about equal. All of them have strengths and all have weaknesses. It will be how they play on a specific day that determines which one is best. Thanks again for all of the questions. We'll see you guys again next week.