Graham Watson

  (1:01 PM)

Welcome to the chat. I know there are going to be a lot of questions about the bowls, but I'd also like some help on the All Non-AQ team that I'm working on. It's difficult to pick 24 players from 54 total teams. So, any nominations would be great. I'm also going to be working on a list of top freshmen, so send those guys my way all well. You can also hit me up on Twitter @ESPN_Others.

Graham Watson

  (1:02 PM)

All right, now that the public service announcement is out of the way, let's get started.

Ryan (SLC)

TCU, Utah, and BYU win their respective bowl games... will the MWC have 3 teams start next season in the top 25 again?

Graham Watson

  (1:03 PM)

I think that's totally possible, although BYU might get docked because it loses so many key players from this year. But I think there will be high expectations from TCU and BYU.... And Boise State, since it loses just one starter.

Ryan (Utah)

Why does BYU have to go back to Las Vegas again? Do you think it is good for a bowl to pick the same team year, after year, after year?

Graham Watson

  (1:04 PM)

BYU went to the Holiday Bowl for seven straight years in the late 70s and 80s, so it doesn't seem to be that big of a deal. Also, Oregon State is a great matchup. One of the only non-BCS bowls featuring two ranked teams.

Loren (boise )

hey graham who is the lock for the heisman and why was kellen moore not invited to NY for the awards show was he in your top 5 if not why?

Graham Watson

  (1:06 PM)

He was not in my top five and it mostly came down to competition. He had great numbers, but it was hard to pick him above some of the other guys who ended up going. I also had Spiller on my list. I think, and we at ESPN talked about this yesterday, Moore will start next season as one of the favorites for the award.

Eric (Jacksonville, FL)

Why doesn't Notre Dame send an invitation to Skip Holtz? Do you think that would be a good hire if they can get him?

Graham Watson

  (1:07 PM)

Not a better hire than the guys ND is currently looking at. It's hard to jump from ECU to Notre Dame, even if you're family has experience with ND. ND, while not as successful as it used to be, is a whole different animal in the coaching world.

Charles (Greenville, AL)

How much do you like like the TROY vs CMU matchup for the GMAC Bowl?

Graham Watson

  (1:08 PM)

I like it a lot, actually. I think it's going to be a pretty good game. CMU hasn't faced an offense as good as Troy's and Troy hasn't faced a non-AQ team as talented as CMU. I think it's going to be a fun game to watch.

Nate (SLC)

Boise St. Vs TCU? Seriously? Why do you think these two teams were paired up? Who would you have rather seen them play against?

Graham Watson

  (1:10 PM)

I know a lot of people are disappointed in that matchup, but statistically, this is the best game that those two teams could have asked for. I'm not sure beating Iowa or Cincy would have given either team the same clout. I know that sounds crazy, but both Boise State and TCU are widely respected as top-tier programs. Look where Boise started in the polls at the beginning of the season and people were touting TCU for the national title. I know we all would have liked to see them play Florida or whatever, but statistically, this is the best game.

Jared (Boise)

If u had to guess today on what youve seen the last couple weeks whats ur guess on the outcome of the Fiesta Bowl?

Graham Watson

  (1:12 PM)

I've seen both teams play a bunch this year and if both those team get up for this game, I like TCU. However, I'm not totally sure how much TCU is going to get up for this game. That's my fear on this one and they can't coast like they did against New Mexico and Wyoming.

Jeff (Denver, CO)

BYU's Dennis Pitta landed on the AFCA All-American team, is he also a shoe-in for the Mackey Award?

Graham Watson

  (1:13 PM)

I think he should win the Mackey, yes. I wouldn't be surprised if he was a consensus All-American as well.

steven (florida)

is GT gonna look very strong based on who they play

Graham Watson

  (1:14 PM)

Honestly, yes, they should beat Iowa. But man, that might be one of the most un-sexy games in the BCS in quite some time. That's nothing against GT or Iowa. Both are really good teams. But putting them together just doesn't do anything for me.

David (San Francisco, CA)

Graham, is there any more of an update on the whole situation regarding TCU's potential out of conference game at Jerry World next year (been reading rumors of it being a Pac-10 team), and also, what's the current status of UCLA's game at Texas.

Graham Watson

  (1:16 PM)

No update on either game, though TCU's potential opponent would be an Oregon school and likely replace next year's game against Texas Tech. But that not even close to being a done deal. And I'm not really sure if it's going to get done.

Dave (Las Vegas, NV)

Why wouldn't TCU get up for the game? Because they played Boise State in Poinsettia last year? Or because they might be disappointed in not playing in the big one?

Graham Watson

  (1:17 PM)

The latter. Find the AP story and read their quotes for the day the game was announced. They weren't exactly thrilled. Granted, we're a month away and things change. Also, TCU is still playing to be No. 1 in the AP, a split national title is absolutely possible.

joe (morgantown .wv)

hi i think the gator turned into the pitty bowl for boby bowden it a shame that the best teams got over looked just because florida state college begged for boby to play his last game on new years day it shows that the gator bowl really dont care about to good teams going against each other they by passed three teams who really deserved to play against west virginia yeap it now call the gator bowl what it is this year the "pitty bowl"

Graham Watson

  (1:19 PM)

Actually, I thought it was a great gesture on the part of that bowl. Think about what Bobby Bowden has meant to college football. He deserves to go out with a bang. I thought it was pretty classy and I think the teams that were passed understand that it's bigger than just a game.

lisa (SLC, UtaH)

can the Utes make the national title game next year?? with wins over potentially highly rated pitt, tcu and a byu team that is now always in the top 25, and road wins at iowa st and Notre dame?? can they make a bcs bowl if they have one close loss on that schedule?

Graham Watson

  (1:21 PM)

I think that schedule is similar to what TCU played this year in terms of how good those teams will end up being. Not sure what to expect from BYU and Iowa State and Notre Dame both lose a lot of key players.

Natalie (Chapel Hill,NC)

Case Keenum threw 3 INT's against East Carolina last Saturday. How do you see Ryan Mallet doing against the Pirate secondary in the Liberty Bowl?

Graham Watson

  (1:22 PM)

ECU's secondary has been opportunistic against teams that like to throw the ball and Mallet hasn't exactly be Mr. Ball Security. I think it's a good matchup for the ECU secondary, especially if it plays like it did the last couple weeks of the season.

Matt (Philadelphia)

Was the Troy to Mobile move done to avoid a rematch in the New Orleans Bowl or to get a better matchup for the Trojans against CMU?

Graham Watson

  (1:23 PM)

Get a better matchup. One is started to become apparent that CMU and Troy would likely win their conferences, the GMAC started talking with New Orleans to force a switch.

Darrell (Orlando)

With a relatively weak rb draft class and Marshall in transition, do you think it would be best for Darius Marshall to leave for the NFL this year?

Graham Watson

  (1:25 PM)

That's a tough call because I think he's a little immature to leave. However, he's a great back with nice skill. He should ask the NFL undergrad advisory board to review his draft status and decided based on their projection.

BSCisBest (Pittsburgh)

I think a split NC is warranted......why not? No one loses..... What do you think needs to happen for us to see this and who are the possible candidates? I assume Boise St is out.....

Graham Watson

  (1:27 PM)

For that to happen, I think Texas has to win. Cincy and TCU could lay claim to an AP national championship with wins. I don't think Boise State will earn the votes because they're so low in the polls right now. I think Florida would jump them with a win over Cincy. Fair? No, but that's what I see happening.

Graham Watson

  (1:27 PM)

Did that make sense?

Gerry (Sacramento)

How are you evaluating DBs? Most valuable to team, best NFL prospect or best overall skills? Kyle Wilson is a no brainer if that's the criteria. True of False?

Graham Watson

  (1:30 PM)

All of the above and stats, though stats can be deceiving. Take Utah's Robert Johnson. He doesn't have great stats, but that's because teams avoid throwing to his area. Wilson's numbers were a little down this year. I think he'll make the non-AQ team, but I'm looking at what, 216 starting DBs?

Rodney (Madison)

Isn't Florida already ahead of Boise?

Graham Watson

  (1:31 PM)

Yeah, which is why I'm saying that they'd likely stay ahead regardless of whether Boise beats TCU.... As long as Florida beats Cincy.

Rob (Idaho Falls)

I've been reading and it seems that TCU just assumes that they will blow Boise State out like they did BYU and Utah. So do you feel that Boise State is just anther BYU or Utah that will just get abused int he Fiesta Bowl?

Graham Watson

  (1:34 PM)

I'm not going to lie. I haven't been as impressed by this Boise State team as I was last year. I saw them play Oregon, Tulsa, Nevada and I think one other team, but can't remember and I came away kind of lukewarm. They weren't nearly as dominant as TCU has been this year. Boise State is a top-notch team, no doubt, but I felt like they were able to close out games better last year.

Burn the Horse (Alabama)

How will the bowl tie-ins change for the Sun Belt now that the GMAC Bowl is coming on board?

Graham Watson

  (1:35 PM)

From what I'm hearing, the Sun Belt will keep the New Orleans Bowl and add the GMAC (they're only entitled to two guarantee bowl tie-ins). They'll also have a secondary agreement with the Motor City, though that's not complete yet and it would involve several conferences.

Rob (Boise)

Should Boise State pull this one out, does that set them up for a legit national title run next year? They lose very little and have a much improved schedule...

Graham Watson

  (1:38 PM)

Similar to my answer about Utah... I'm not sure Boise State will have the schedule to lay claim to an NC next season, especially if there are other undefeated teams. The WAC just kills them. Obviously, it will all depend on what the rest of the country does, but I think we could see another MWC jump them again with an undefeated campaign. Those teams just play better schedules and the non-conference skeds of TCU and Utah are pretty decent.

David (San Francisco, CA)

Graham, given how few seniors the Oregon Ducks have this year, do you think they start next year not only as the favorite in the Pac-10, but also on the short list of national title contenders?

Graham Watson

  (1:39 PM)

I think they will. Kinda wish that Boise State-Oregon game was being played again to start next season. That would have been a heck of a game.

Mark (Nebraska)

If Boise St blows out TCU. And Florida beats Cincinnati. And Texas wins. Could Boise St. get a share for the title.

Graham Watson

  (1:39 PM)

A) I don't think Boise State will blow out TCU. Just don't see it happening. B) I don't think they'll get past Florida in the AP poll.

Mat (Harvest, AL)

Which team will be the home team in the BCS NCG?

Graham Watson

  (1:40 PM)

Alabama

Tom (Texas)

I have not heard anyone say TCu will blow out Boise State. I have heard if TCU is as good as they think they are, they should win the game fairly easily. But I agree with Graham, I hope they show up to play. Do you think Patterson can accomplish that?

Graham Watson

  (1:42 PM)

I think he's telling his team the same thing I'm telling you guys. A split national title is out there for the taking. That's a really big deal. And you know what? This is the school's first-ever BCS game. A chance for these players to immortalize themselves in TCU history. I think that's going to be hard for these guys not to embrace.

Brad (Dallas)

How do you see the Hawaii bowl turning out? Does SMU have a chance to stop Nevada or are they just happy to be there?

Graham Watson

  (1:43 PM)

I actually think Nevada should win that game pretty easily. They're used to playing on the island and won;t be starstruck by the bowl atmosphere. Not to mention, the Wolf Pack have the nation's best running game and SMU has a terrible rush defense.

RONALD JOSEPH (ALABAMA)

DOES NDAMUKONG SUH REMIND YOU OF REGGIE WHITE?

Graham Watson

  (1:44 PM)

White was an end. So, no, not really. It's hard to find an interior guy that stacks up to what Suh has done this season.

Hayden (Logan, Utah)

wyoming or fresno?

Graham Watson

  (1:45 PM)

Fresno. I think Wyoming will have a ton of trouble with Ryan Mathews.

Jimmy (Boise)

As a Bronco fan who lives less than half a mile from the stadium, how do I cope with my neighborhood being flooded with Vandals for the H-bowl? Can I heckle them, or is that just mean?

Graham Watson

  (1:45 PM)

Awww, let them have their moment. They haven't been to a bowl in 11 years.

Jeff (Seattle)

Who do you like in the Army Navy game Saturday?

Graham Watson

  (1:46 PM)

It's hard not to like Navy especially with Army guaranteeing a win.

Jackson (IA)

What happens in the unlikely event of a Cincinnati blowout? Any chance of them getting a piece of the title?

Graham Watson

  (1:47 PM)

I think that would depend on what TCU does because TCU is ranked higher.

Hayden (Logan, Utah)

what bowl are you most excited to watch? cincy FL should be a good shootout

Graham Watson

  (1:48 PM)

Of the BCS bowls? Other than the NC, I think Boise State-TCU is the best game. I'm not sure Cincy-Florida is going to be a game. I think Florida will rally hard around Tebow and make sure his last game isn't a loss.

Bill C (NYC)

Graham, I know you are a bit "lukewarm" on Boise State this year. I would ask you to take a close look at the stats from the Oregon game, and then hypothesize that the game took place last week? How lukewarm would you be on Boise State then? Then compare how Boise St. and Cincinnati did against their two common opponents this year (Fresno St. and Miami of Ohio.... Still lukewarm?

Graham Watson

  (1:51 PM)

Still lukewarm, yes, because you can't compare the way that Boise-Oregon game turned out with the way it would turn out now. Both teams are different. Boise State would be playing with no Pettis or Harper in that game if it was played last week. Oregon would have a credible one-two punch at running back and Masoli would be playing with a ton of confidence. I actually think it would be a much better game than it was at the beginning of the year. Regardless, BSU showed no killer instinct against Tulsa or Nevada. Maybe they were bored or playing to the level of their opponent, but they won't be able to have that quarter lapse against TCU.

Jackson (IA)

So, let's say Boise St actually comes out and pounds TCU. Even with their conference schedule...wouldn't wins over the pac-10 champ and a top 5 team in TCU put them in the title mix?

Graham Watson

  (1:52 PM)

Not over Florida.

Graham Watson

  (1:52 PM)

I think Texas would win both outright.

Hayden (Logan, Utah)

how about non-bcs bowls? Im excited for PSU LSU, LSU is going DOWN!! I hate LSU

Graham Watson

  (1:53 PM)

I think that's a good one and Stanford-OU, although it's too bad Andrew Luck might not play.

parker (salt lake city)

How is Byu and Utah going to fare in their respective bowl games?

Graham Watson

  (1:53 PM)

I think Utah can beat Cal. BYU is going to have a little trouble with the speed of Oregon State, I think.

EdK (Houston)

How is it that in all the talk about the BCS, somehow folks haven't noticed that Texas and Cincy moved up (yes, up) in the "computer" element, based on their impressive 1 point victories? How is it possible that noone has pointed out how silly it is that the BCS requires that the tu 13-12 win over NU and Cincy's 45-44 win over Pitt are treated exactly the same as TCU beating BYU 38-7?

Graham Watson

  (1:55 PM)

The computers don't take into account margin of victory. That's for the voters to debate.

Ethan (Boise)

I agree with you about being "lukewarm" on BSU this year. However, why in the worl would the BCS match up two teams from non-AQ conferences, even if TCU is an incredible football team?

Graham Watson

  (1:57 PM)

I'm not lukewarm about Boise State as a team. Don't misunderstand. I'm not as impressed with them as I was last year and I'm lukewarm about their killer instinct against some of the "better" teams they've played. There's no way the Tulsa, UC Davis or Nevada games should have been as close as they were. Like I said, they had great killer instinct a year ago. I mean, look at how they treated Fresno State in the second half of that season finale.

Chris R (Colorado)

Hello Graham. Do you think a realigned MWC with additions of Boise State, Fresno State, and Nevada could have enough clout to pressure the BCS into inclusion?

Graham Watson

  (1:58 PM)

I've had this question before and to be honest, the conference would need to drop some teams for those other three teams to really make a difference. That won't happen.

Joel (Champaign, IL)

I agree that the TCU-Boise State game is one of the best games on the schedule, but don't you think TCU-Florida would be even better. You can't tell me that the BCS wasn't protecting one of its own.

Graham Watson

  (2:02 PM)

The Fiesta Bowl is out to make money just like all the other bowls. It's not like they're getting a kickback somewhere. There's no reason to put this game together if you don't think it's going to be a moneymaker. However, you also have to look at where the Fiesta bowl picks. It picked TCU first because it was the highest ranked team available with good proximity to bring fans. By the time its second choice came around, there wasn't a whole lot left. Pretty sure, and I think the Idaho Statesman pointed this out, Virginia Tech and BYU were the other teams remaining that were worthwhile.

Graham Watson

  (2:02 PM)

OK. I'm out of time. Thanks for the chat.