ESPN

bruce

  (2:12 PM)

Sorry for being late.. Trying to do a TV hit for CF Live from home.. This will be officially the most overdressed chat I've ever done. Must. Get. This. Tie. Off! now..

michael bucek (nashville, tn)

At some point this season, Jerrod Johnson from Texas AandM is going to need to be recognized as a gifted QB. I respect your opinion more than most and would like you to bring his name up for discussion if possible. Maybe an article that says "best players no one is talking about"? Keep up the good work. Thanks.

bruce

  (2:13 PM)

Not a bad idea. He's a big, mobile, heady guy who keeps putting up good numbers. Talked to him in the spring and was very impressed.

John (Granger)

will ND be in contention for the National Championship game if tate and Clausen come back?

bruce

  (2:14 PM)

Possible. It would obviously be a huge help if they could beat someone good in a bowl game to get the elephant off Weis' back.. Losing three O-linemen and two OTs won't be easy to replace and the D needs to get a lot better before we can talk BCS title game tho.

Dave (NJ)

What do you think of Tom Savage - the next Rutgers savior? Will he be a college star (possible NFLer), good college player or overhyped prospect?

bruce

  (2:15 PM)

So far so good. He's a big strong guy who looks like the prototype NFL QB prospect.

Stephen (Iowa City, Ia)

Bruce,In your opinion does Lsu have a legit chance at beating Alabama Sat?

bruce

  (2:17 PM)

Sure, they have a ton of athletes and the D has gotten better but I wonder if their O-line can hold against Saban's D.

bruce

  (2:17 PM)

Hold on..

bruce

  (2:27 PM)

Sorry TV hit... am back

Pete Carroll (So-CAL)

Hey should i make a trip across town andtry to get Norm Choi back

bruce

  (2:28 PM)

Ha.. I don't think he's coming back to USC any time soon. Besides, right now the issues are with the inexperienced D as much as anything.

Robert (Idaho)

Whats going on with the lack of answers to questions? You were a little late to chat, but it also seems like something is going on that is keeping you from continuing it?

bruce

  (2:28 PM)

Sorry, it was a couple of TV things for today. I'll stay late on the other side.

Brandon (Cleveland)

10 linebackers and no mention of Sean Lee.......I understand he has been hurt but when he plays and is healthy he would have had to make your list...Correct?? Cant wait to see my nits beat those bucks on Saturday its gonna be a great atmoshphere...

bruce

  (2:29 PM)

But he's been hurt a portion of the season. I didn't have Dont'a Hightower either and he'd be deserving.

Lane (Dallas)

Would you put Case Keenum in new york? And if so should he win it in your opinion if he wins out?

bruce

  (2:30 PM)

If he keeps this up I think either he or Kellen Moore probably get to NYC assuming it's not Ingram/Tebow and Colt on top of the top three team wise.

Robin (Indiana)

Is there a clear dominating team this year? . . . it seems that there are 4 or 5 good teams, but not a great team.

bruce

  (2:31 PM)

I don't think there is this year. Bama's passing game is shaky. Texas doesn't run the ball that well. Florida doesn't pass it that well.

Tyler Kaluza (State College, PA)

Bruce, I really big dilemma. There is a really cute girl in my history class and I think I like her. The problem is, she is an Ohio State fan! What should I do!?

bruce

  (2:32 PM)

If she's really cute and you think it'd help, wear a sweater vest if you have to.

Sam (Dallas)

Do you think Urban Meyer had Spikes keep himself out the 2nd half of Saturday's game to save face?

bruce

  (2:33 PM)

Not sure. I wondered about that in my blog today. Who knows for sure. I suspect Urban would like to have that decision back from a few days ago.

Cal (Vienna, Austria)

Bruce, am a big fan of your analysis. You should get more airplay on ESPN. Do you think that the calls in the IU Iowa game made the difference in the outcome of the game? They seemed to be real IU momentum killers from my perch in Europe.

bruce

  (2:34 PM)

Thanks! I agree. I think momentum is such a huge factor in college sports especially and Indiana looked like it just ran out of gas.

Hagler ((Murfreesboro, TN))

Bruce- I can't believe you would say Florida doesn't pass the ball well....that is a criticism of Tim Tebow, which is not allowed by the media!

Jared (Virginia)

Why is Tebow the Heisman front runner? I wasn't aware that defenses could win Heisman's . . .

bruce

  (2:35 PM)

He's run the ball well this year and he's the leader of an undefeated team. He's not my frontrunner right now and if Ingram were to play like he did in the first half of the season and Bama wins out, he's going to be my #1 guy.

Jason (Cleveland)

Is Texas's defense really as good as the stats indicate? They are ranked first against the run, but haven't played a team ranked in the top 40 in rushing.

bruce

  (2:36 PM)

I'm not sure anyone is ever as good as their stats indicate in college.

Pete (Tampa)

The amount of criticism Urban Meyer and the Gators have taken from the media this year seems a little excessive. Whether its not winning games pretty, Meyer's explanation of the Tennessee performance, playing Tebow after he was cleared, getting "help" from the referees in the Arkansas game, and the Spikes suspension. Is it usual for the number 1 team to face this much criticism?

bruce

  (2:38 PM)

Depends how you look at it. The rest of the country thinks the media has a lovefest with Tebow and all things Florida, and the expectations around this team preseason were ridiculously high, and unfair..now the pendulum has swing back some.. hence the criticism. One thing I think lots of people have grown tired of especially is the talk and video of the emotional pep talks, etc. It's not like Iowa and Boise and Bama don't have emotional leaders too or like Colt McCoy never gave an inspired speech. It's not like Florida begged for the attention though either.

Jeremy Abramson (Redondo Beach, CA)

Heya Bruce! We've been missing you at Sharkeez for the games! No mention of Sean Spence in the linebacker column?

bruce

  (2:39 PM)

Sean Spence has been banged up and hasn't made as many plays this year. If anything I think Colin McCarthy has been UM's best LB this year so far.

Grant (Chicago)

Pete thinks Florida's criticism is bad?!? How about Iowa's? 9-0 with three wins (two on the road) against currently top 25 ranked teams. Why do they get no respect? Why does everyone focus on the narrow wins and ignore the fact they've beat some good teams?

bruce

  (2:41 PM)

It's because it feels like they're always hanging by a thread and our first image of them was barely hanging on against an FCS team. I suspect if UF almost lost to Charleston Southern, they wouldn't be ahead of Texas or Bama right now.

Josh (Knoxville)

How much fun will the SEC East be with Lane Kiffin in it? I am truly enjoying being the team throwing the barbs rather than taking them.

bruce

  (2:41 PM)

He's definitely made things interesting. It's like a little touch of the WWF has come to the SEC.

Marc (Charlotte)

Bruce, the UNC D seemed to have gotten some bite back last week against VT after the FSU debacle. Can they slow down the dook passing game this Saturday?

bruce

  (2:42 PM)

Wouldn't surprise me. They've got a nasty front seven and Duke isn't very big inside. The young Duke WRs are good and Thad Lewis might be the most underrated QB in the country.

John (Birmingham)

Speaking of Lane Kiffin, if he is successful and becomes the hunted, how will he like the constant needling? It seems he enjoys dishing it out rather than taking it

bruce

  (2:44 PM)

I think he'll be fine with the needling. He doesn't mind attention.

Lawrence (La Crescenta, CA)

Do overtime statistics count toward the season total or are they omitted from the season total? Can a college football game end in a tie in our modern era?

bruce

  (2:44 PM)

They count on individual stats.. and no we can have a 10 OT game or whatever but the go-for-two stipulations make it harder to sustain that pace.

Daniel (Birmingham, AL)

Does Slive come down on Urban or does he turn his eyes away from this incident?

bruce

  (2:45 PM)

I think he fines him because he has to after just making that edict last week. This all though has gotten to be a silly little soap opera and I'm sure Slive is embarrassed by all of it.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

First I have to commend Iowa for getting the job done in Happy Valley earlier in the year. That said, would you say the Nittany Lions are playing better football than Iowa right now?

bruce

  (2:47 PM)

Honestly, I don't know. Statistically they are but that's not worth much... Anyhow, it's irrelevant as long as Iowa keeps winning. This is different from the Oregon-Boise thing because they're in the same league. Also Iowa played a much tougher nonconference schedule (Arizona) and Iowa won at PSU.

Bobby (Atlanta)

Any chance that Jonathan Dwyer is heisman worthy? The guy plays like a man among boys.

bruce

  (2:48 PM)

Not this year. No one is talking about him any more.

Ethan (Alabama)

Greg McElroy hasn't been so hot against SEC defenses. How do you think he will do this weekend against the LSU D?

bruce

  (2:48 PM)

I picked Bama to win by more than a TD, so I think he'll do OK.

Sam (Oregon)

What do you think of BSU's attempts of hiring a PR firm to help them get into a BCS bowl? Crazy, right?

bruce

  (2:49 PM)

Good luck to em. Don't think it will help. Playing in the WAC is hurting them more than anything. if they were in the MWC, the computers at least would like them more.

Rob (Athens, GA)

First thought when you saw UGA come out in the black helmets in Jacksonville?

bruce

  (2:51 PM)

Well, they got blown out, so I think it was terrible. It doesn't bother me whenever a team shifts around it's uniforms. They could've come out in those old Vancouver Canuck V uniform and I wouldn't care.If the players want it and the coaches are OK with it so be it.

Ryan (Houston,Tx)

What are the chances of Colt still bringing home the Heisman?

bruce

  (2:52 PM)

Decent.. he needs to keep playing like he has in the last two (81% completion).. Now if Ingram runs wild Sat and then against Auburn and UF, I think he'll be tough to beat. Otherwise, I think Colt is in pretty good shape.

Todd (Denver)

How can you penalize a team for their conference when it is out of their control? Boise State would jump ship if anyone would give them a chance

bruce

  (2:54 PM)

It's the word.. penalize... then let's say the voters are going to reward the SEC and Big 12 teams more for not having Utah St and SJ State, etc in there.I think if Boise could join the MWC, it would help a lot.

Matt (Liberty U)

Hey, just because I go to LU doesn't mean I can't be an LSU fan right? I know it is a slim shot this year but do you see Jefferson taking LSU to a national championship before he is done? Is he the real deal?

bruce

  (2:55 PM)

I like Jefferson and I like the receivers.. I think the OLine has been a disappointment but I wouldn't count out LSU's hopes for the next two years especially since Tebow is gone after this season. Although Bama will be very tough.

Bradford (Boise, ID)

Bruce, as you know, 10 "elite programs" have turned down offers to host Boise State in 2011. The Broncos are always punished for their SOS, but now teams are too scared to play them. What's your take? Thanks.

bruce

  (2:57 PM)

Not sure who exactly those 10 programs are who turned them down. Again, it's playing in the WAC that really is hurting Boise the most compared to the rest of the top 10.

Jake (Honolulu, HI)

If LSU beats 'Bama, are they the new top 1-loss team?

bruce

  (2:57 PM)

Probably so. Them or the Ducks.

Kip (West Point, NY)

Army and Air Force have a showdown this weekend. Gameday will be in Colorado Springs. Who are you taking, Bruce?

bruce

  (2:58 PM)

AFA has been really good on D so I'm leaning that way, although I'd like to see Army keep making strides. Been awhile since they've been pretty good.

TJ (Mississippi)

Do you think FSU has a chance at all in Death Valley this weekend?

bruce

  (2:59 PM)

Sure, provided their D doesn't give up like a half-dozen 50-yard plays to Spiller and Co... Am curious to see how they respond to the Andrews announcement this week.

David (Chicago)

OSU vs PSU....who wins and what is the score.

bruce

  (3:00 PM)

I went with PSU. My reasoning is in the picks column on ESPN.com.

Josh (Knoxville, TN)

Jerrod Johnson has better numbers than Colt McCoy in every category but completion %? Well, that and wins I guess, but Johnson doesn't have the same defense as McCoy either. Unless McCoy has a monster finish to the season he shouldn't win the Heisman.

bruce

  (3:01 PM)

Well, if you go strictly by numbers Case Keenum is winning that trophy in a runaway. And Leach probably has about five Heismans in his office instead of that Trump photo, the talking pirate and Geronimo's death certificate.

Trey (Las Vegas, NV)

I can't win any parlays with your picks!!! I lost a lot of money because of your blasted picks!!!

bruce

  (3:02 PM)

I don't get how you lost money on my picks. I'm 11 over .500 against the spread this year.

Brandon (Cleveland)

You never answered my question just posted it....Lee top 10 when healthy yes.......where would you put him....

bruce

  (3:03 PM)

Not sure. Do you think he's better than Bowman?

Mike C. (Portland, Or.)

If the Ducks do end up jumping ahead of Boise State in the BCS standings, assuming both teams go unbeaten the rest of the way, should Boise State blame their conference, or should the BCS be blamed? Also, what would your reaction be if this occurred?

bruce

  (3:03 PM)

They should blame their conference.

Matt (Austin)

I think Bruce hates the University of Texas!!! What do you think?

bruce

  (3:04 PM)

Bruce disagrees. But thanks. Now I think I've been accused of hating 23 schools this month.

Doug (Fairfax, VA)

Bruce, Lets talk clemson tigers. Do you think DeAndre McDaniel deserved to be a Thorpe Award Semi Finalist? He leads the nation in ints and his tackle numbers are way up there too. And clemson is a very good D, why no love?

bruce

  (3:05 PM)

Hard to argue with McDaniel's production. My hunch is the three guys with the hype who get to the last round will be Berry, Mays and Earl Thomas. Although T-Sash from Iowa has had a great season as well as McDaniel.

Vinnie (ATL)

I know I am not liking Georgia much this year. What is the problem?

bruce

  (3:07 PM)

Bad on defense. Worn down by injury on offense. Inexperienced in key places. Not a good mix.

Lou (Rockville, MD)

Bruce, would you rather the Big Ten expand and have a championship game or move to a 10-game round robin?

bruce

  (3:07 PM)

Expand.. I'd love to see ND go there but I know that won't happen.

Jon (Iowa City)

Defensive MVP of Iowa is Adrian Claybourn, Tyler Sash, Pat Angerer or someone else?

bruce

  (3:09 PM)

I don't know. It's usually a good thing for a team when you can't decide that question. On offense, it's usually not such a good barometer.

Joe (FL)

Can UVA rebound from the freefall their currently in?

bruce

  (3:09 PM)

Yeah, after they fire the head coach.

Phil (Tuscaloosa)

Who is your favorite defensive player to watch this year? McClain?

bruce

  (3:11 PM)

Am a huge Eric Berry fan. He's great at everything. I like G-McCoy and Suh for how disruptive they are. I like Mays because he is such a hitter... too many guys to mention.favorite offensive guys are Noel Devine and Daniel Porter and Golden Tate.

GAVIN (MS)

IS there any way that CHIP KEllY is not National Coach of the year???????

bruce

  (3:13 PM)

Huge Chip Kelly fan, but Al Golden from Temple and Robb Akey have to get consideration too.

Snyde (Jville)

Bruce, are pretty much all the major individual college football awards based solely on hype? It sure seems that way nowadays...

bruce

  (3:13 PM)

Much of it, yes.. Christian Ponder doesn't even make the final 15 for the Davey O'Brien QB award?!?

Nathaniel (Bristol, VA)

Heard Greenville is very rowdy right now, what are their chances of beating a lifeless Virginia Tech tonight?

bruce

  (3:14 PM)

Gotta say I'm surprised the line is as high as it is. I would've thought it'd be a TD, but it's almost twice that. Weird considering VT's D has been so shaky against the run of late.

Chip (TN)

Would ND or Michigan fire their coach this year to get a shot at Brian Kelly or risk having him go somethere else? He seems like a perfect fit at ND.

bruce

  (3:15 PM)

Nah, they fire their coach when they realize they have no other choice.

Charlie (San Francisco)

Arizona always comes up with a HUGE home win - highly ranked UCLA, Oregon and CAL have been recent victims. Oregon has to head to Tucson in a couple weeks...can the Wildcats do it for a fourth year in a row?

bruce

  (3:16 PM)

They have the offense to do it, although I think Stanford has a better shot to upset Oregon because of the emotional swing. Plus two weeks off.

Ryan (NYC)

2 1/2 years in, what's you take on the job Randy Shannon has done and the future at the U?

bruce

  (3:18 PM)

He's done a phenomenal job off the field from a discipline standpoint. Can't fault the results there. Recruiting-wise I think he's been good, and he's made some good hires although the Pat Nix hire was not a good move. I think with so many sophomores and freshmen in the mix now they're poised to be a national title threat in 2010. To be where they are despite the youth and all the injuries on D is impressive.

Paul (Out West)

Playing Chatanooga, Arkansas State, UC Davis, Charleston Southern, Louisiana Monroe should not warrant consideration for the BCS Title game..makes no Cents..or does it? Guess who I am talking about..

bruce

  (3:18 PM)

Um, who???

Donnie (Oklahoma)

Who will be the next coach at Colorado? Sumlin maybe?

bruce

  (3:20 PM)

That'd be a good choice. Not sure they'd get Gary Patterson. Maybe they'd consider Brent Venables from OU. Money will be tight I heard.

bruce

  (3:21 PM)

three more questions...

Lawrence (La Crescenta, CA)

Do you think most voters in the AP, Coaches', and Harris Polls have a "boxing mentality" where if a team is the reigning champion and undefeated they should be ranked #1?

bruce

  (3:21 PM)

Yeah, I'd say that's kinda accurate.

Alex (Richmond, VA)

True/False - the University of Richmond could beat 2/3 of the FBS teams?

bruce

  (3:23 PM)

False, maybe 1/5 though.

Sean (DC)

Is Moe's Burritos any good? I'm a Chipotle guy, but I've been getting pressured to try Moe's. I'd hate to be let down on Steak Fajita Burrito day.

bruce

  (3:23 PM)

Not sure.. I'm a Chipotle fan as well.

Joe (Boise)

Why aren't any of my questions going through?

bruce

  (3:24 PM)

this one did, but it's the first I saw from you.

Mike (LA)

If Boise joined the MWC, would you consider it better than the Big East?

bruce

  (3:26 PM)

Yes, that'd mean four top 25 caliber teams, matching up well with Cincy, Pitt, USF and WVU.

bruce

  (3:27 PM)

Thanks for all of the questions. If I didn't get to yours send it to me via Twitter at BFeldmanESPN... Enjoy the games!