Graham Watson

  (3:00 PM)

Hey folks, welcome to the chat. I'll be right with you.

Graham Watson

  (3:02 PM)

OK. Back. Let's get started.

Tim (Greenville, NC)

Any chance Notre Dame goes after ECU's Skip Holtz for the empty head coaching position?

Graham Watson

  (3:03 PM)

I don't think so. I think the Irish are looking at some bigger fish. However, I think Holtz will get some looks from the other coaching vacancies.

Mike S (CT)

Graham, what do you make of Nevada? They looked weak against the major conference schools, rolled through the WAC, then were getting smacked by Boise before catching some injury breaks. Can this club beat a legit team in a bowl game?

Graham Watson

  (3:05 PM)

I think, and I actually said this to coach Ault, that Nevada got real tight when the game was with eight points. That's something it's going to have to fix when it plays a good bowl team. Otherwise, I think the Nevada running game - and offensive line - is pretty darn good.

Mitch (Columbus, GA)

Do you think Mark Ingram still deserves to win the Heisman even with his miserable showing against Auburn?

Graham Watson

  (3:05 PM)

I think he should be in the conversation, but I think it's going to be tough for him to win.

Steve (OHIO)

Graham, the Bobcats made it to the MAC Title Game (how cool is that?), can our "Fighting Frankies" beat Central Michigan?

Graham Watson

  (3:06 PM)

This is a rematch of the 2006 game and I think the Bobcats have a better team this year. However, CMU is really good. I'm not sure there's any MAC team that can beat the Chippewas.

John L (Boise, ID)

As a fan of Boise State, how far (in your opinion) will the loser of the Florida-Alabama game fall and will it have any benefit to BSU?

Graham Watson

  (3:08 PM)

I don't think it will fall that far because that team is either losing to the No. 1 or No. 2 team in the country. No shame in that. However, I don't think that game has any bearing on Boise State's postseason.

Tony (Athens, GA)

Any chance Chris Petersen leaves Boise after this season? If so where does he go?

Graham Watson

  (3:09 PM)

There's not an open job right now that Petersen would be a candidate for that is better than where he is now.

Chris (Ohio)

Graham, I think that before the next time that the BCS contract needs to be signed, Boise State, TCU, BYU, and Utah are going to leave their current conferences, create a new one, and try to apply to be a BCS conference. What do you think the odds are of that happening?

Graham Watson

  (3:09 PM)

Very slim.

Nate (SLC)

Graham,Which is more impressive:Max Hall's performance in overtime or Max Hall's stupidity in the post-game interview?

Graham Watson

  (3:11 PM)

I haven't been shy about talking about how disappointing his postgame comments were. I know his family was harassed last year, but Hall is one of the faces of the conference and he needs to rise above that.

Jim (Richmond)

How is Ryan Williams from VT not on anyone's heisman radar. Look at his stats and he did it against one of the toughest shedules in the nation.

Graham Watson

  (3:11 PM)

Because he came on late. Many believe he will be the frontrunner next year.

Daniel (Ft. Worth, TX)

Graham, If there were a non-AQ-only Heisman, who would be your No. 1 pick? For me, it would be too close to call between Kellen Moore and Case Keenum.

Graham Watson

  (3:12 PM)

I have to agree, though Keenum has played against some better overall competition, so I think he might get the edge there.

Ross (Orlando)

what do you think about bobby bowden retiring? I think it's a shame because he built that program into what it is today

Graham Watson

  (3:13 PM)

I think it's sad. I understand doing it to try and bring new life in the program, but without him that program could have been relatively irrelevant.

David (Alexandria, VA)

Best Freshman RB in the country, LaMichael James, Ryan Williams or Dion Lewis?

Graham Watson

  (3:14 PM)

I like Dion Lewis.

matt (detroit)

I see a lot of bowl projections having CMU facing notre dame in either the GMAC or Pizza Pizza bowl. How do the Chips match up with the Irish?

Graham Watson

  (3:14 PM)

Not sure that's going to happen with the Gator Bowl available for Notre Dame. And honestly, I'm not sure ND goes bowling.

John (Orlando)

Which conference is stronger, CUSA or WAC.

Graham Watson

  (3:15 PM)

Top to bottom? C-USA.

Chris in a biology class at boise state [via mobile]

Graham, your chat is saving me from a boring biology class so thanks for that first off. Outside of Nebraska beating Texas, is there any way Boise State doesn't get into a BCS game? And how much does the Pettis injury hurt us in a bowl game?

Graham Watson

  (3:17 PM)

Aw, I miss school Chris. I was one of those nerdy people that loved college and not just for all the partying... Anyway, I don't think there's another way Boise State is left out. There's not another team deserving. As for Pettis, if he's back for the bowl game, I don't think it hurts at all.

Matt (Philadelphia)

Is Nevada more likely for the Hawaii Bowl since Fresno State was already out on the islands this year?

Graham Watson

  (3:18 PM)

I don't think that matter. Nevada people seemed to think they'd be in New Mexico against Wyoming.

Kolby (St. George)

any chance New Mexico State pulls off a HUGE upset over Boise St. this weekend? with pettis being out?

Graham Watson

  (3:19 PM)

Let me think about it... No.

chris (boise)

did watching the BSU - NEV game in person change your perspective of how good BSU's defense is??

Graham Watson

  (3:20 PM)

I never had a bad opinion of the Boise State defense. However, I'm not ready to declare it the best I've ever seen. It's been good all year, though.

Adam (Boise)

Graham! Is it safe for me to reserve my hotel room in Glendale?

Graham Watson

  (3:21 PM)

Popular opinion seems to be Boise to Fiesta, but I think that depends on the ACC championship game. I don't think a TCU-Clemson rematch is a very attractive matchup.

elvis (the ATL)

Wait-how many ESPN people have ties to Mizzou? Is the a non-BCS school D coordinator that you'd send to fix UGA's D? I heard TCU has some guy.

Graham Watson

  (3:22 PM)

I don't think TCU is going to let go of Dick Bumpass any time soon. Sorry.

Bill C (NYC)

Graham I beg to differ on the assessment of K. Moore's competition vs. C. Keenum's. I would stand Oregon, Fresno St. and Nevada, against the three strongest teams Houston beat (OSU, TT, and MSU). We need to view the game in the moment and not in the context of what we know from the past 25 years of college football. The times they are a changing.

Graham Watson

  (3:23 PM)

I have a tough time putting up Fresno State and Nevada against Oklahoma State and Texas Tech. Oregon is the best opponent of the group. No question.

Chris (Provo)

As a BYU fan I could care less whether we play in Vegas or San Diego... can't that just make a deal so we don't play Arizona for the 4th year in a row and the Utes don't play Oregon St for the 3rd straight year?

Graham Watson

  (3:24 PM)

The USC-Arizona game will determine the bowl destinations. I believe Craig Thompson said the winner of that game to SD and the loser to Vegas.

Kolby (St. George)

Any chance of TCU vs Boise State in a BCS bowl? A rematch of last year?

Graham Watson

  (3:26 PM)

That would be awful. I hope that doesn't happen. It doesn't do either team any good.

Kolby (St. George)

What are the chances Dennis Pitta wins the Dave Mackey Award?

Graham Watson

  (3:27 PM)

Is the Dave Mackey Award some new award? He might win the John Mackey Award, though.

Graham Watson

  (3:27 PM)

OK. I have one rule in the chat. Anyone care to cite what that is?

Paul (Calif)

If Pitt takes down Cincy..how far will Cincy fall?

Graham Watson

  (3:29 PM)

Cincy will probably be out of a BCS bowl. Maybe the Gator Bowl will go with them instead of Notre Dame. I haven't really studied the Big East bowl scenarios. However, they don't bring enough fans to warrant an at-large berth.

Chad (Las Vegas)

No repeat questions over and over again?

Graham Watson

  (3:30 PM)

Chad answered first. But yes, no repeat questions. Maybe send it again if you think it got buried, but sending a question 15 times IN A ROW guarantees that it WILL NOT get answered.

Paige (ID)

In a hypothetical Boise State vs. Iowa match up, who do you see being favored?

Graham Watson

  (3:31 PM)

Boise State, and the Broncos should win that game. Iowa won't be able to keep up with Boise especially if Boise's defense is stout like it has been most of the season.

Ryan (Boise)

Graham - we all know the BSU/TCU matchup would be a bummer...but you're the insider....are you hearing/reading anything that tells you it may happen? That's the real question...

Graham Watson

  (3:32 PM)

I'm hearing absolutely nothing that says that will happen. In fact, people close to the situation have said that they will fight to make sure that doesn't happen. In my opinion, it's disrespectful to both teams.

Jon (UTAH)

If the MWC added Houston, Boise St. and Fresno ST. to its conference and had a championship game, wouldn't the BSC consider the MWC as an automatic bid?

Graham Watson

  (3:33 PM)

I've said many times that adding teams isn't going to help. There has to be subtraction... which won't happen.

Mike Donovan (Portland, OR)

MWC awards are in. Dalton won OFFPOY, Hughes won DEFPOY, Kerley STPOY, Carta-Samuels won Frosh. Any disagreements?

Graham Watson

  (3:35 PM)

I thought Matthew Tucker should have been Frosh of the Year... But I don't have a problem with Austin being there. I think all of the other awards are deserving. I think Hall might have shot himself in the foot with his postgame rant the other night.

Casey (Fort Worth)

I heard Jerry Jones is trying to match TCU with a PAC-10 team in the Jerry Dome next Labor Day weekend, possibly Ore St. Thoughts?

Graham Watson

  (3:38 PM)

This is true, though nothing has been worked out yet. It's a similar deal to what BYU and Oklahoma did. I don't think Oregon State is the only team being mentioned. This would replace that Texas Tech game. However, and I can't stressed this enough, the Texas Tech game is not off the books yet. TCU wants to see which team it might play before any decisions are made.

Daniel (Ft. Worth, TX)

Graham, The Dave Mackey Award was recently announced as the non-AQ-only Heisman equivalent! =D I suppose that Andy Dalton should make the list of those invited to New Braunsfels for the presentation?

Graham Watson

  (3:39 PM)

Does the winner get a free trip to Schlitterbahn?

Paige (ID)

In your opinion, who should the WAC POY awards go to?

Graham Watson

  (3:40 PM)

Kellen Moore. I don;t think there's any question about that. If Colin Kaepernick wins last week's game, then it should have been him.

Aubietiger77 (Atlanta)

I just read ur profile and now understand why my SEC questions aren't getting answered. How are the Hawaii (Rainbow) Warriors going to shake out next year?

Graham Watson

  (3:41 PM)

I try not to answer questions that aren't in the non-AQ realm because this is a non-AQ chat. I will answer other questions from time to time, but people come here mostly to talk about the non-AQs and I want to be true to that forum.

Ken (CA)

You think Boise State is a better job than ND? I don't necessarily disagree with you (other than the paycheck), but I am suprised to hear someone finally say that ND isn't the best job on earth

Graham Watson

  (3:42 PM)

Not necessarily... I wrote "jobs that Petersen was up for." I wasn't aware that Jack Swarbrick's private plane had landed in Boise...

Patrick (Boise)

I've heard rumors of a Boise State-Nebraska one and one in the future. True?

Graham Watson

  (3:43 PM)

Rumor for now. Maybe further down the road, but not anytime soon.

Ian (Fresno, Ca)

How do you over look Ryan Mathews for POY for the WAC?

Graham Watson

  (3:44 PM)

I think Ryan Matthews was awesome this year, but I don;t think he gets the nod over Kellen, who is a potential Heisman candidate.

Brandon (Philadelphia)

I sense that non-AQ schools root for each other more than BCS schools do only because they are all red-headed stepchildren. If the Mountain West gets into the BCS circle (with or without Boise State), will the cry for a playoff disappear and leave the rest of the non-AQ conferences perpetually out in the cold?

Graham Watson

  (3:45 PM)

Craig Thompson actually addressed this today. He said there would be no politicking the BCS this offseason. No point to it. The system is locked for the next four years.

Wes (Moscow)

Who plays Idaho in the Humanitarian Bowl?

Graham Watson

  (3:46 PM)

Too early to tell. There are a lot of teams still available for that bowl.

mike (new orleans)

No offense to Max Hall, but Dalton is the OPOY and POY in the MWC regardless of any postgame rants. It's not even close.

Graham Watson

  (3:46 PM)

I don't disagree, but in case anyone was on the fence, Max pushed them to Dalton's side.

Acacia (Arkansas)

Do you agree Chris Johnson is the best running back to comeout of any college in a long time? Isn't it great how small schools got great recognition after him?

Graham Watson

  (3:47 PM)

I do agree. He has three touchdown runs of 85 yards or more this season (I think)? That's unreal.

Bob (Mobile Alama)

How does Troy's Levi Brown stack up in your mind versus other non-AQ QB's?

Graham Watson

  (3:49 PM)

I'm a big Levi Brown fan. I think he's a great quarterback. However, I don't think he'd put up the same numbers in the MWC. A little tougher competition there. However, still a quality QB that will get a shot at the pros.

Glenn (Tampa FL)

Who is a better matchup for Boise St. in the Fiesta Bowl...PSU or Iowa? Thanks.

Graham Watson

  (3:49 PM)

Doesn;t matter. I think they could beat both teams.

Matt (Nawlins)

Watson... is LSU headed towards a period of mediocrity under Les Miles? Does he have what it takes to keep the Tigers on championship levels?

Graham Watson

  (3:51 PM)

I think he does. he needs to get that offense fixed, though. That offense won't fly in that conference.

Chris (Provo)

Just for the record Hall's record isn't tarnished with most cougar fans, I was cheering him on! You isolate and make fun of a player for an entire year, expect a swift kick in the rear when he beats you. Utah fans asked for it. Reputation tarnished? Hardly. Just solidified him in my book.

Graham Watson

  (3:51 PM)

Good to know he's a hero in Provo. Not sure he made a similar impression on the rest of the country.

Crissie (Boise)

Hey Graham - you coming to Glendale with us now that you're a BSU fan? I'll save you a burger at our tailgate. Seriously, I hope that you had some time to enjoy our beautiful city, our wonderful football program and the best fans in college football.

Graham Watson

  (3:52 PM)

Not sure where I'm heading this postseason. I'll take either Miami or Glendale. Warm weather is good. We're getting snow here this evening.

John (Idaho)

If BSU were in the MWC this year where would they be ranked?

Graham Watson

  (3:52 PM)

Second.

Daniel (Dallas)

What do you think is the most attractive bowl matchup for the MWC top 3 (TCU, BYU, Utah)?

Graham Watson

  (3:53 PM)

I'd like to see BYU and USC, quite honestly.

Blake (Crystal River, FL)

If Texas were to lose the championship game this weekend, could you see the Fiesta matching Texas up with Boise State over Penn St/Iowa?

Graham Watson

  (3:54 PM)

I think Texas would play TCU, which would be awesome.

Golden Tate (South Bend, In)

Graham where is my Heisman love?

Graham Watson

  (3:55 PM)

QB's always get the glory, Golden. You could win the Billetnikoff, though.

Graham Watson

  (3:55 PM)

I think I butchered the spelling on that last award.

Jeff (Cedar Rapids)

Boise has a great defense? The same D that gave up 33 to Nevada, 35 to Louisiana Tech, and 34 to Fresno State? The Hawkeyes have a great defense and we're looking forward to playing BSU in Glendale!

Graham Watson

  (3:56 PM)

The Boise State fans here welcome your challenge, I'm sure. I'd like to see it. I just think a Big Ten team would be an ideal matchup for Boise. The worst would be the SEC loser.

Trevor (UCF)

Now the UCF officially has qccepted the invite to the St Pete Bowl, what are the chances that we'll line up against USF??

Graham Watson

  (3:57 PM)

Didn't USF play in that bowl last year? Not sure they'd want to be there two straight years.

Ken (CA)

Graham - If Texas loses, the Fiesta won't get the second pick, and Brad Edwards says that Texas would likely be picked by the Orange.

Graham Watson

  (3:58 PM)

Texas vs. TCU in the Orange, then. I want to see it happen. Though, I'd also like to see TCU in the national championship. Both scenarios, I fear, are dreams.

Steve (OHIO)

Graham, any word at all on Theo Scott's status for the MAC Title Game?

Graham Watson

  (4:00 PM)

Questionable as of yesterday. I haven't talked to Solich yet. On my list of things to do today or tomorrow.

Harlow (Green Bay)

TCU should never get a BCS bid no matter what happens!! They play pushover teams who beat up their own divisions!!! Im betting Tennessee could take them

Graham Watson

  (4:01 PM)

Even I have to laugh at that one... That game would be violent and not in Tennessee's favor. You must have never seen TCU play.

Graham Watson

  (4:02 PM)

OK. I gotta go. Thanks for all the questions. It was a good time. Back to 1 ET next week.