Graham Watson

  (2:59 PM)

Chatting soon. Give me a couple minutes and we'll begin.

Graham Watson

  (3:01 PM)

Happy Fiesta Bowl everyone! Let's get started.

Will (Austin)

If TCU blows out Boise. Do you think TCU might get enough votes to earn an AP national championship since all 6 of their bowl eligible opponents have won their bowl games... and 5 of them in very convincing fashion???

Graham Watson

  (3:02 PM)

I think it depends on the national title game. If it works out where the NC is similar to the Big 12 championship and TCU blows out Boise (not sure I see that happening) then I think there will be a strong case for a split NC.

Will (Austin)

Do you think next year the Mountain West will have a big 4, adding Air Force to the bigs since they are returning so many?

Graham Watson

  (3:03 PM)

Air Force was fantastic this year, but I don't think they're going to be able to take down the top three teams in the conference. Maybe BYU... But I think TCU and Utah are going to be strong next year.

Graham Watson

  (3:03 PM)

Speaking of Utah real quick... Can I get some thoughts on hiring Brian Johnson as the QB coach?

Dave (Iowa)

Come on, you tell me Iowa should feel lucky to not be playing Boise State? We'd crush them by 30pts! Do you think Boise State can even keep it close tonight?

Graham Watson

  (3:04 PM)

I think Iowa-Boise State would have been a better game than TCU-Iowa... And I think a lot of people underestimate Boise State. This is a good football team.

Will (Austin)

Is it possible for the Mountain West to finish with 3 in the top 15?

Graham Watson

  (3:05 PM)

Possible, but I don't think Utah is going to get that high for beating a Cal team that was without Best and unranked.

Tommyboy (Hyatt Gainey Ranch)

Afternoon Graham. Based on what you have heard or seen, do you think Patterson has his Team motivated and prepared to play tonight?

Graham Watson

  (3:07 PM)

I like bowl games because it gives you extended time with players and you can really get into what they're thinking. With that said, both teams were really focused on this game. I felt a little more from TCU's players, but I think both teams are going to be ready. Of TCU's players, Tank Carder was pretty fired up and that was like four days ago.

Jim (Omaha)

Most impressive bowl performance by a team so far in your opinion?

Graham Watson

  (3:08 PM)

Bowl performance... Uh... Air Force. I think what they did to Houston was pretty remarkable. The best bowl was the Humanitarian just because of the crazy finish and Akey's halftime comments.

Gavin (Boise)

With a win would Boise be an attractive fit to join the PAC 10?????

Graham Watson

  (3:08 PM)

I wouldn't hold your breath on that. If the Pac-10 were to look at a non-AQ, it would probably be Utah.

Freddie Barnes (Bowling Green)

why, after setting the single-season FBS record for most receptions in a year, am i still being put in the 5th-6th round for most mock drafts?

Graham Watson

  (3:09 PM)

Because you are super slow. You run a 4.6 40-yard dash and that won't cut it in the league.

Nicole (Houston)

Does either team feel slighted becasue they aren't playing a AQ school?????

Graham Watson

  (3:10 PM)

No. I think both teams realized that this would be the best matchup. It's unfortunate that they played last year, but I truly believe this will be a more exciting game than if either team had played Georgia Tech or Iowa.

Michael (Salt Lake City)

Brian Johnson is a great addition. Knows the offense about as well as anyone, and is a respected figure in the Utah community. He also will immediately help recruiting, since he is still a bit of a national name.

Graham Watson

  (3:11 PM)

I'm still a little skeptical, especially in recruiting. It's a big step for a guy who was the QB a year ago.

Rick (Dallas, TX)

Graham, your thoughts on SMU. They were very impressive. Could they put together a season next year like Houston did this year or Hawaii a few years back?

Graham Watson

  (3:13 PM)

I think they'll continue to get better, but they lose Sanders, which is big in receiving and in leadership. I haven't seen their schedule, so I can't really speak to how they'll do in the nonconference season, but they'll still have to contend with a good Houston team that brings almost everyone back.

Bradford (Boise, ID)

Graham, If I remember correctly, wasnt everybody picking OU to beat Boise State in 07?? I SUPPOSE I can live with Boise State in the underdog role..

Graham Watson

  (3:15 PM)

Boise State is a perpetual underdog. Kinda the Broncos thing. But it's important to note that they haven't won a bowl since that game. And... I think this TCU team could beat that OU team. Regardless, I think this is going to be a really good game. Both teams are talented and well-coached. I don't think it's going to be a blowout by any means. Boise State doesn't get blown out. But I think the TCU defense is going to do its thing and the TCU offense is a heck of a lot better than it was a year ago.

Dale (Richmond, Texas)

Do you know if Boise State WR Austin Pettis going to play tonight?

Graham Watson

  (3:16 PM)

Petersen said he would play, but some of the folks I've talked to down here think that might be gameplay. I don't know. I don't think he's going to be a big threat even if he does play. Perhaps an option in the red zone.

Tyler (Stillwater)

Yep, Boise State is going to get blown out, they are outmatched and not fired up... I remember that nightmare 3 years ago, I was there, and heard the same thing. Don't you think it's funny nobody give Boise State a chance?

Graham Watson

  (3:17 PM)

I don't know who said any of that... And it's only fans that aren't giving Boise a chance. Look, Boise was a total unknown going against Oklahoma and that team didn't prepare like it took Boise seriously. It's a different story when you played the team a year ago.

Adam (SLC)

As a big fan of Byu/Tcu/Utah, am I better off hoping for a Big10/Pac10 expansion or a Mountain West expansion.

Graham Watson

  (3:20 PM)

As of right now... yes

Steve (Pueblo, CO)

Graham. Everyone has salivated and sold their souls to the dominance of TCU and how they will beat BSU tonight just as they did when BSU played Oklahoma. At that end, many excuses for the loss came out. What excuse will the sports-writers give TCU when BSU wins the Fiesta Bowl tonight?

Graham Watson

  (3:22 PM)

I don't understand how Boise supporters can play the underdog card when Boise State is ranked sixth in the country. Sixth! And undefeated. And Boise State has consistently kicked the rears of many teams year in and year out. There's no underdog card here unless you're looking at Vegas' lines.

Tony (Seattle)

Is CMU the best chance the MAC has to break the bowl futility they have

Graham Watson

  (3:23 PM)

I think so, but Troy is tough. It might play in a small conference, but those Trojans are legit. I think we'll all be pleasantly surprised by the play of quarterback Levi Brown.

Tommyboy (Correction: at the pool at the Hyatt)

Consider Utah's QB is still learning, I think it was a smart move by Utah; especially a younger mentor.

Graham Watson

  (3:25 PM)

Now that's a valid point... Though, the other Utah coaches are also mentoring another coach...

Jason (Akron, OH)

Graham, Boise only played 5 FBS teams with winning records and of them only 1 won a bowl game this year. You mentioned above that Boise is better than most people believe. What makes you so confident of that?

Graham Watson

  (3:27 PM)

Because I've seen them play. Granted, there are a lot of teams in the country that would probably handle Boise mostly because they are not as physical as some of those teams. But overall, Boise has sound players and sound coaching. My only concern for them tonight, an it's minor, is that the lack of playing a quality opponent after the first game of the season, might make them a little rusty.

JD (Nashville)

Priest is playing, right?

Graham Watson

  (3:28 PM)

Nope. Out. Greg McCoy will play.

Chris (Charlotte, NC)

Boise/VA Tech game, first matchup of Top 5 teams in 2010 or is Va Tech not rated that high?

Graham Watson

  (3:29 PM)

I don't think VT will be rated that highly. And Boise State's ranking depends on this game. The Broncos don't have to win, but they can't get beaten, if you know what I mean.

Tommyboy (Poolside)

I was most impressed with FL's first half 30-3 lead. Everyone has said Cincinnati had no defense, but the BCS computers wouldn't listen.

Graham Watson

  (3:29 PM)

Agreed.

Terry (Denver CO)

I like MWC?s chances to win tonite, thus run the table in this year?s bowl season. What more must the MWC prove for BCS AQ status, and for how many more seasons? We?d hate to see lawyers & courts get involved, but that WILL eventually happen if doors remain unfairly locked.

Graham Watson

  (3:30 PM)

It's all about consistency, and not just at the top, but on the bottom, too. New Mexico can't be down again. SDSU needs to make stride. And Air Force needs to show it can beat one of the top three in the conference. The conference has to show that it's not a three-trick pony.

mike (Salt Lake City)

Will the MWC expand this summer and invite Boise State?

Graham Watson

  (3:32 PM)

Not likely. And Gary Patterson really put it best... Does adding Boise State help or hurt the conference because it give the conference one more potential loss that could knock them all out of BCS consideration.

Graham Watson

  (3:32 PM)

I meant BCS bowl consideration.

Joe (Utah)

Graham: Love your work. And props for dealing with so many teams and conferences. May I ask, however, when ESPN is going to show love to the MWC for winning the Bowl Challenge Cup for the 3rd time in eight years. And this year, the MWC has done it against great teams (the MWC bowl opponents had a .75 win record going into the bowl season; the next highest conference was the SEC with their opponents having a .72 win record).

Graham Watson

  (3:33 PM)

I don't know when they do it. Probably after all the bowl games are done.

Dave (ClevelandOH)

Will Ohio St be preseason #1 if they return all the eligible defensive players??

Graham Watson

  (3:34 PM)

I think Alabama will probably start the season No. 1 if it wins.

Matt (Auburn, WA)

The Big 10 is looking into expanding...Boise State would like to prove they are worthy of the big time...why no extend the invite to them for the conferences' 12th team?

Graham Watson

  (3:35 PM)

The Big Ten? The travel logistics of that move don't make sense. It will be a team in the Midwest or the East.

Joe (Utah)

Graham, MWC fans don't think BSU has any shot. Any. Last year TCU won the game by 1 with TCU making a gazillion mistakes. And TCU is way better this year.

Graham Watson

  (3:37 PM)

Honestly, and I've said this 100 times, I think TCU is the better team. But being the better team doesn't always guarantee a win. This will be one of those "stay tuned" games.

Terry (Denver CO)

Okay, the Lobos were awful this year. But most years are SDSU and New Mexico any worse than Duke or Maryland or NC State in the ACC? Lousiville or 'Cuse in the Big East? Illinois or Michigan (past two years) in the Big-10? Or Vanderbilt in SEC?

Graham Watson

  (3:38 PM)

At least those team, with the exception of Duke, can point to a recent winning season. When was the last time UNLV or SDSU had a winning season. And really, Duke is in that conference for basketball.

Kevin (Ohio)

Hi Graham,With all the talk about Big Ten expansion: wouldn't Missouri be the logical choice. With natural rivals with Iowa and Illinois and the TV markets of St. Louis and Kansas City..it just seems the best fit IMHO. Also, they said they would listen to talks from the Big 10. Thanks, and keep up the goos work.

Graham Watson

  (3:40 PM)

I agree. It fits in football and basketball. The other choice would be Pitt and then you have a travel partner for Penn State.

Daniel (Utah)

Would you rather see the MWC expand and gain an automatic BCS bid or see the MWC heavyweights like BYU, Utah, and TCU join other conferences like the Pac-10?

Graham Watson

  (3:41 PM)

That's tough because I think TCU, BYU and Utah deserve to be playing against some of the bigger boys. Throw Boise State in there too. But I'd hate to see them break up.

Chris (Charlotte, NC)

Does Kellen Moore win 50 games in his career and shatter McCoy's meaningless record for most wins by an FBS QB?

Graham Watson

  (3:43 PM)

What does he have now? 25? I don't know. Boise State would have to schedule another 13-game season in two years. And since I don't know the nonconference schedule in 2011, it's hard to say whether he could beat those teams.

Matthew (GA)

Is Georgia Tech a better team then Georgia even though they lost to them?

Graham Watson

  (3:44 PM)

This year, yes. Historically, no.

James (NM)

Do you see Dave Christensen staying at Wyoming for a long time if the administration steps up and offers him a big extension within the next couple years?

Graham Watson

  (3:44 PM)

No. I see Dave Christensen using Wyoming as a stepping stone to something else. I think he like Wyoming, but that's not a destination job. It's a starting point.

Chris (Charlotte, NC)

David Cutcliffe might differ in that opinion there Graham? And SDSU produces Hall of Famers like Marshall Faulk on occasion.

Graham Watson

  (3:46 PM)

On occasion? Didn't Marshall Faulk graduate in 1993? And who else? Not saying Duke is a football factory, but com'on... Duke is a basketball school.

Zack (Dallas, TX)

There are rumors swirling that Adam James is going to transfer to SMU. Have you heard any of these rumors?

Graham Watson

  (3:47 PM)

I haven't, but then again I've been in a Fiesta Bowl cocoon. However, I'm not sure he's a June Jones type of player...

Kyle (So. Utah)

How has Coach Patterson kept his coaches from jumping ship for other programs or head coaching positions amid all of TCU's success? Both years UTAH went to the bcs they lost a lot of their coaches, to head coacing jobs...

Graham Watson

  (3:49 PM)

He lost his OC after last season.... Which actually turned out to be a good thing. Really, TCU's assistants make good scratch. It's a good job. Patterson is a great boss. I've heard that Patterson won't even think about another coaching job without consulting his assistants. That's a tight staff.

Terry (Denver CO)

Which rears has Boise specifically kicked this year (good teams)? They struggled with Tulsa who lost to OU like 45-0. They struggled with La. TECH (not LSU). Sez here: never in the history of college football has one team sold itself on the basis of two program wins: Oregon this year in Week One, and Fiesta Bowl win over the Sooners last decade. Good games, sure but two wins does not a program make.

Graham Watson

  (3:50 PM)

Point taken. That's why this game is pretty darn important to the Broncos.

Mike (Massachusetts)

Graham, won't Boise's run game be better tonight than last year. they had better backs last year but i felt like they let Ian Johnson play because of past performances. but know Avery and Martin will get the run moving allowing Moore a split second longer to find his WR's. Brotzman makes the FG this year and Boise wins 24 -23......

Graham Watson

  (3:51 PM)

No one's running game has been good against TCU except Air Force and that was in an ice storm. I think it's going to be tough for the Broncos to be as diverse as they want to be.

Matt (Boise, ID)

Have you heard about the possibility of any Boise State assistant coaches leaving, I know one had an interview down in the Valley.

Graham Watson

  (3:52 PM)

That was WR coach Pease. He didn't get the job. So, nope. No one is leaving.

Graham Watson

  (3:53 PM)

Can I throw a question out to Boise State fans? Some of the interesting comments on here point out Boise State's lack of quality wins. Say, and this is just a question, Boise State gets hammered in this game. Does that change your opinion of the program, coach Pete and how good it really was?

Graham Watson

  (3:53 PM)

I'm not saying it's going to happen. Just curious.

Chris (Charlotte, NC)

The Aztecs have 45 Pro-Bowl appearences and 8 first team All-Pros in the NFL. How many for Duke?

Graham Watson

  (3:54 PM)

Are you seriously still trying to make a case for the greatness of SDSU football? I appreciate the passion, but let it go...

Joe (Utah)

But the "at least those team[s], with the exception of Duke, can point to..." arguement isn't an apples to apples comparison. SEC and BIG 10 teams always schedule 7-8 home games. And their OOC schedule is typically a joke (Sun Belt, MAC, and FCS teams). The MWC doesn't do this. They scheule tough OOC. And no MWC teams schedule 7 home games. The MWC bottom dwellers would the same record as these SEC/BIG 10 teams with this super-soft scheduling.

Graham Watson

  (3:55 PM)

I think you also have to factor recruiting in as well. If the MWC was an AQ conference then it would get players that match teams such as Texas, Alabama, USC, etc. Maybe not all the players would be that good, but it would be closer than it is now.

Joe (Utah)

As a Mizzo grad, do you want to see Mizzo leave the Big 12 for the Big 10?

Graham Watson

  (3:56 PM)

I think Mizzou would have a better chance to win the Big Ten than the Big 12 in both football and basketball.

Chris (Charlotte, NC)

Just pointing out some facts. You say the bottom three of the MWC "must prove" themselves but don't admit that teams like Duke and Bayklor never do. Point?

Graham Watson

  (3:57 PM)

Duke was competitive this year. And had Robert Griffin not gone down with injury, Baylor would have gone to a bowl game. And you're pointing out one team. The Mountain West has a few duds that really need to get it together in 2010 and 2011.

Eric (San Diego, CA)

As someone who went to SDSU and watched the games. Trust Graham. SDSU football is not quality football. 4 wins was a shock for us this year.

Graham Watson

  (3:58 PM)

I'm from the area. Used to be a huge Faulk fan. So, I know this all too well.

Charles Baine (Greenville, AL)

Just a side-note before getting back to the Fiesta Bowl talk, what do you think about Stefon Johnson getting the nod for the Senior Bowl? Even if you aren't a USC fan, you've got to be a fan of this kid...

Graham Watson

  (4:00 PM)

It's the same to me as the Mark Herzlich being a finalist for a major defensive award this year. Its honoring the person, not the player, which I appreciate. Also, Johnson didn't get a chance to show scouts what he could do. He was on his way to a good season. This gives him a chance to have a football future.

Chris (Charlotte, NC)

Eric, I agree. But 4 wins for Duke is a cause for week long parties and human sacrifice. And if 1 player even a QB causes your team to implode are you really that good? Didn't OU lose their QB this year and just win their bowl game?

Graham Watson

  (4:00 PM)

Yeah, but OU was supposed to be in the national championship game... We could debate this all day...

SAINT PATRICK (Vegas)

"Honestly, and I've said this 100 times, I think TCU is the better team. But being the better team doesn't always guarantee a win. This will be one of those "stay tuned" games."Sounds like a cop out, who are you picking to win?

Graham Watson

  (4:01 PM)

I picked TCU by eight... And I had no idea what the line was.

Graham Watson

  (4:02 PM)

All right. I gotta get to the stadium. It's been a pleasure as always. Join me in the virtual pressbox tonight. I'll have better answers for some of these questions one the games starts.