Mark Schlabach

  (2:09 PM)

Sorry I'm a few minutes late. Laptop wasn't cooperating, for whatever reason. Here we go. Hope everybody had a good weekend.

Dave (NJ)

Will ND just look for a way to hire Brian Kelly and get rid of CW before Kelly goes on open market?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:10 PM)

It will be interesting to see what happens. I think Navy was the one game Weis couldn't afford to lose. Brian Kelly, Chip Kelly, Jon Gruden, etc., would all be in play there. But we'll see what happens. What if ND beats Pitt, U Conn and Stanford and finishes 9-3? What if the Irish lose all three? I don't think a decision has been made.

Ryan (Kentucky)

Mark, my top 3 Heisman list is Mark Ingram, Colt McCoy and C.J. Spiller...would you agree with this and that Tebow has not put up the numbers to be a leading candidate?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:10 PM)

I don't think you can forget Case Keenum, either. He's put up huge numbers, has Houston in the top 15 and led three game-winning drives. Tebow would be at the bottom of the top five. I think McCoy puts up big numbers the rest of the way and wins it.

eric (gator nation)

who would you favor right now in the sec championship game?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:11 PM)

I've seen Florida four times and Bama once. I think Bama is better on offense because of Mark Ingram. Have to get Julio Jones more involved and McElroy has to play better. He was better against LSU, but I'm not sure that's good enough to beat Florida. Both teams are stout on defense; Florida's probably a little bit better on special teams, although both are great there. Toss up at this point.

matt (slc)

Who do you like out of TCU and Utah on Saturday? I think TCU is that good and they win by 21.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:12 PM)

I think TCU is playing as well as any team in the country right now. Wouldn't want to play them. And Horned Frogs will have last season's game in Salt Lake on their minds.

Jonathan (Ohio)

Since the No. 2 is playing well right now, does Brian Kelly make the move back to Tony Pike and risk the hot streak?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:13 PM)

Tough decision, but I don't know how you can take Collaros out now. Playing unbelievable football. Hard to believe Pike can go from Heisman Trophy to backup, but it's a sign of how good of a coach Kelly is.

Travis (Dallas)

Mark, good work all around. OU question...is this year a blip or is it a harbinger of a possible slide (comparatively speaking) for the Sooners? They have shown that they aren't dominant offensively at all this year. Bradford/Grisham aren't coming back and Landry is sketchy at best. Thoughts on them moving into the next few years?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:14 PM)

Blip because of injuries. No team can lose Gresham and Bradford, along with the top two receivers and four offensive linemen from last year, and expect to stay on the same level. Sooners will be fine, but injuries killed them.

J T (Alabama B'ham)

Could we have a lot of coach's hopping around from one school to school this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:15 PM)

I think there are two jobs that could really start the dominoes, but I'm not fully convinced either will open up. Michigan and Notre Dame. If one or both come open, there will be a lot of movement. Otherwise, it's jobs like Virginia, Memphis, W. Ky., UTEP?, San Jose State?, etc. I'm not sure you'd see as much movement with those.

Matt (PA)

Mark, is it possible that if Iowa lost to Ohio State and beat Minnesota they could take a BCS bowl with a 10-2 record?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:15 PM)

I had Iowa in the Fiesta Bowl, assuming they'd lose at Ohio State and beat Minnesota. That leaves them with a 10-2 record and a fan base that really likes to travel. I think Iowa needs USC to lose once more and go 1-1 in the last two to have a shot.

Nate (Madison)

Two quick questions: 1. Who do you see on the sideline for Virginia next season (head coach)? 2. Do you see anyone taking Boise St up on their 2011 offer? Thanks!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:17 PM)

I think there are three candidates if Groh is fired or resigns: Temple's Al Golden, Richmond's Mike London and Louisiana Tech's Derek Dooley. Wake Forest's Jim Grobe (a UVA alumnus) could also emerge as a candidate, although he seems to be pretty happy at WF. ... I don't know what Boise State is asking for in terms of guaranteed compensation for playing a road game.

Paul (Atlanta)

Paul Johnson to Notre Dame?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:17 PM)

I think it would be a smart move, if Notre Dame comes open and Johnson would take it.

Mark (Boise)

Boise State in the BCS?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:18 PM)

I think they're going to be tough to pass up at 13-0 and in the top six of the BCS standings. If you can match them up with someone like Iowa, USC or Florida/Bama loser, you'd have a compelling matchup for TV ratings and wouldn't have to worry about selling tickets.

Sam (Nevada)

If Texas manages to lose to A&M and also in their conference title game, do you see a SEC conference title rematch for the national championship, or a team like TCU, Cincy, or Boise making it?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:19 PM)

I think the odds of an SEC rematch are slim. I don't think you could pass up undefeated TCU or Boise State or Cincinnati. Plus, Florida didn't play a very tough nonconference schedule (if the Gators were to lose to the Tide).

Jonathan Barth (Altanta)

I'd gouge out my right eye if Paul Johnson left GT for ND.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:19 PM)

You wouldn't be the only one. But again, the Notre Dame job isn't open and I don't even know if he'd be interested. The guy is making a lot of big schools look pretty silly for not hiring him sooner.

Brandon (Utah)

Mark, Do you think that a BCS bowl will choose Boise State over a 10-2 USC for an At-Large selection?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:20 PM)

I think there's a pretty good chance of it, if Boise State finishes unbeaten. I personally think USC loses again, either to Stanford or at Arizona.

rich (evanston)

Mark- you seem to a straight shooter. Why was it when the Umos were blowing calls in the baseball playoffs ESPN was all over it, but nary a word on the website about the horrendus call in the LSU-Bama game? Could ESPN's contrast with the SEC be playing a role in the non-coverage?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:20 PM)

You obviously aren't aware of the new SEC rule: you have to have three feet in bounds when you're playing Florida or Bama! Just kidding. Horrible call. I thought he had both feet in.

Tim (Houston)

Who do you like in the national championship game (if they play) Texas or Alabama?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:21 PM)

Two great defenses. Texas is better at throwing; Bama is better at running. Tight game, could go either way. Let's see what happens the rest of the way first.

Joe (Fla)

The Bowden situation at FSU has become downright embarrassing. At what point does Bobby lose "the right" to decide when to retire? So much talent - so few wins.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:22 PM)

Have a feeling -- and it's just a gut feeling -- that Coach Bowden will be back on the sideline next year. But I think Jimbo Fisher picks the next defensive coordinator.

Jeff (Phoenix)

USC plays Arizona at home, and there is no way they lose either of those games.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:24 PM)

Sorry, you are correct. And they could lose either of those games, though. Didn't look very impressive against Arizona State. The Trojans simply aren't that good and have no business being in the top 10 right now and especially have no business being ranked ahead of Oregon.

Russell (Dallas TX)

Just wishing you and your family Happy Holidays... and stay away from all that turkey... wouldnt want you sleeping through all those good games coming down the pipe.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:24 PM)

Thanks, Russell. Happy holidays, too. Wondering if I'll spend Thanksgiving in College Station.

Clay (Charlotte)

Did you, like me, think Best was dead after he hit the ground?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:25 PM)

Scariest thing I've seen on a football field maybe ever. Glad to see he's out of the hospital and doing well.

Guy (Houston)

Mark, how can anyone possibly take the polls seriously, considering the relative rankings of Oregon and USC. Has the bias ever been more obvious?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:26 PM)

Hard to figure that one out.

RCH (Memphis)

Who do you think would be a likely (and realistic) replacement for Memphis' Tommy West?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:27 PM)

Hearing Memphis will go after a high-profile coach, maybe Tommy Tuberville, Phillip Fulmer, Terry Bowden or someone like that. Want to raise their profile in football.

Tommy (LA)

SEC is a very overrated conference after Florida and Bama.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:28 PM)

Definitely not as good as the last couple of years. But Big 12 and ACC and Big Ten aren't as good, either. Pac-10 is probably most improved league in the country, but USC isn't nearly as good as it's been.

David (Athens, GA)

Mark, what are your thoughts on the Georgia/Auburn game this weekend? If Georgia loses, what kind of backlash should I expect?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:28 PM)

I think Georgia will have problems stopping Auburn's offense, and vice versa. Big game, actually. Auburn could be in contention for Cotton or Outback or Chick-fil-A bowls with a win. Same for Georgia, given how other SEC teams are struggling.

Brett (Winston-Salem)

Tell me you won't laugh if Phil goes to Memphis. I will die laughing as a UT alum.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:29 PM)

I think Fulmer would be the least possible candidate there. He might be a good fit at Louisville, though. Good talent in Memphis, just have to sign them.

Kevin (OH)

Watching Pryor win his first big game...is this a sign of more to come or just a win over an overrated Penn St team?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:29 PM)

I wasn't sure how good Penn State was because of its weak schedule, but Pryor played well. Came up with three big plays, which was all Ohio State needed. Glad to see them open it up a little bit for him. He'll be fine.

Eric (Chicago)

Oregon has just proved everything wrong with college football, re-instating Blount...I know you'll disagree, and maybe the eye gouging incident of Spikes should be made lounger and could have blinded that RB, but a punch to the jaw is a punch to the jaw and Blount should have never been re-instated...the NCAA should step in and re-suspend him for the remainder of the season!

Mark Schlabach

  (2:31 PM)

I don't think you ruin a guy's life for five or 10 bad minutes. I thought his post-punch rant was as bad, but the public humiliation and counseling, etc., was a pretty big price to pay.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:32 PM)

Accidentally deleted the last question. I don't think Bama has too many problems at Miss. State, although the Tide are coming off a big game and the Bulldogs have moved the ball on everyone this year. Auburn is a rivalry game and you never know what's going to happen. I guarantee you have no problems with Chattanooga, though.

Bill (Indiana)

Everyone saw what Navy was doing to ND. Why didn't ND see it and stack the middle to avoid that big horse from running right up the middle for big chunks? That was an awesome display by Navy of power football.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:33 PM)

Was stunned Notre Dame didn't go into the game with a different game plan.

Sam (Dallas)

What do you think of Blount's reinstatement in relation to the Dez Bryant deal. Was Bozworth right, NCAA = National Communist Against Ath?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:33 PM)

Bryant got a raw deal. But he should have been truthful to NCAA investigators. But that's a steep price to pay.

tim (ky)

WKU just fired there football couch...

Mark Schlabach

  (2:34 PM)

Tough break. It's hard making the transition from FCS to FBS. He might have done most of the hard work, and someone else will eventually reap the benefits.

CLW (H-town)

Does Jordan Shipley win the Biletnikoff? And does he take any votes away from McCoy for Heisman?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:34 PM)

Not sure if he'll get many Heisman Trophy votes. Most of them will go to McCoy. Biletnikoff is between Shipley, Freddie Barnes from Bowling Green, Golden Tate from Notre Dame, AJ Green from Georgia and a couple of other receivers.

Mark (NYC)

Mark, honestly, what the heck is wrong with Notre Dame? Navy doesn't have one player ND tried to recruit. What' s going on ?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:35 PM)

Was surprised to hear Notre Dame wasn't prepared on defense. Give Navy credit: its undersized players play really, really hard. That game is their Super Bowl every year, along with Army.

mark (deridder)

LSU got robbed on that clear as day interception. It seem as though they want florida and alabama to play in the SEC championship

Mark Schlabach

  (2:36 PM)

It was a bad call, but do you really believe Jarrett Lee was going to drive LSU down the field? The Tigers had nine yards of offense in that quarter before that play.

Brian (Arkansas)

Lane Kiffin talked the big talk before the season even started (talking about calling out the Gators). Do you think he has proven himself worthy of being an SEC coach?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:36 PM)

No question about it. Tennessee has a lot of momentum right now. Kiffin has people excited. They'll recruit well. If I were him, I'd make sure my dad doesn't retire anytime soon.

Jared (GA)

What did you think about Nebraska's defense this weekend?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:37 PM)

Pretty dang impressive. I thought Oklahoma would win that game. That's what I've expected to see from a Bo Pelini-coached defense all year. They could win out.

Jason (Atlanta)

How does Jonathan Dwyer stack up compared to other RBs? And who are the top 5 RBs in the nation right now?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:37 PM)

He'll make a great NFL back. Big body, decent speed and breaks tackles.

Chris (Tally)

Mark, you mentioned Jimbo hiring the new DC, but will he get to make changes to the assistants if he see's fit?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:40 PM)

That's the tough question. Does Bowden keep Amato, Haggins, etc., around with Mickey leaving? Or is there a complete overhaul. Something has to be done with the defense.

Tim (Italy)

How does LSU move up a spot after losing? I can't think of any good teams they have beaten this year. Why does the SEC continuously get the benefit of the doubt when there are 1 loss teams more deserving?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:40 PM)

They lost to the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the country. A bunch of teams lost in front of them.

Ken (San Diego)

Expectations for EJ Manuel, rest of this year and in the future?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:41 PM)

Finish up the season on a good note, and hand it off to Ponder again next season. Maybe get enough experience to run some specific sets next season. Ponder is too good.

David (Texas)

Does Ted Miller cry when USC loses?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:42 PM)

Only when Richmond loses. Probably a tough weekend around the Miller household, I'm guessing.

Tyler (Florida)

After Alabama's game with Lsu..... Do you think that the two touchdown passes against a good Lsu defense resparked Alabama's offense????

Mark Schlabach

  (2:43 PM)

I think McElroy probably gained some confidence. I think they realized they don't have to throw it 30 yards down the field to Julio Jones every time. He had the grounding call in the end zone and bad pick near the half, but overall I thought he played much better.

Mike (Roseville, CA)

How is Toby Gerheart not in everyone's top 5 in the Heisman race? Last I checked, the definition of the award was the most outstanding college football player, not the player from a top 5 team having the bes year.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:43 PM)

He's a stud. So is Ryan Matthews from Fresno State.

John (Columbus)

How do you explain the large number of injuries for Miami the last few years? Could it be the way they practice, or S&C?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:44 PM)

I think it's bad luck. But I also think you commend Randy Shannon and Co. for not using injuries as an excuse. They're going to be really good next year.

steve (nyc)

mark whats the best college football game over the last 5 years you have seen. Id vote for Michigan v OSU in 2006 when they were both undefeted and osu snuck by. 2nd game would be USC v Texas in the 05 rosebowl with vince young.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:44 PM)

Rose Bowl with VY. Maybe the best game in the last 50 years.

Grant (Omaha, NE)

Cincy surrendered 45 points to UConn, can they stop a very talented Pitt offense? Or compete against UT of UF if they make to the title game?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:45 PM)

Tough question. They really let UConn back in that game after it seemed to be in hand. Give Randy Edsall and the Huskies credit. They're playing really, really hard after a tragic event. Hoping they make a bowl game.

Andrew (San Antonio)

Have you ever heard of Jacquizz Rodgers or Oregon State University?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:45 PM)

Yes, absolute stud. I think USC remembers him, too. Can't wait for the Civil War.

David (Atlanta)

Who do you think wins a Georgia Tech-Clemson rematch for the ACC championship?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:46 PM)

Was at the first game. Both teams are playing really, really well right now. If Spiller stays healthy (or as healthy as he's going to get), Tigers would have a chance. Tough to stop that triple option, though.

Jason (TN)

What do you think about all of the injuries in the LSU - Bama game? Some of them were definitely real (broken bones of course) but it seemed as though some players walked off the field only to get right back on after the next play.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:48 PM)

Folks, gotta run. I'm headed to Tuscaloosa to speak at the Tuscaloosa QB Club tonight. Hope everybody has a great week. Talk to you next Monday.