Mark Schlabach

  (2:02 PM)

Thanks for joining the chat today. Hope everybody saw the revised preseason top 25 that was published today on ESPN.com Hope everybody is making their way out of the snow. Pretty cold here in Atlanta today, but no white stuff yet. Maybe later this week. Here we go...

Tom (Iowa City, IA)

Hey Mark, how do you feel about the Big Ten this upcoming year? Looks like many of the teams on top from last year are improving, with the exception maybe being Penn State. How do you see the Top 3 of the Conference finishing next year? And do you think any of those teams could make the National Championship next year? Thanks Mark

Mark Schlabach

  (2:04 PM)

I think the Big Ten gained a lot of respect nationally from its bowl performances. Ohio State beat Oregon. Wisconsin beat Miami. Penn State beat LSU. Northwestern almost beat Auburn. Ohio State should be very good next season, especially if Terrelle Pryor continues to grow. I really liked the way Scott Tolzien played down the stretch at Wisconsin. Iowa should be good again, too. Penn State might take a small step back with a new quarterback, but they're going to be a top 25 team in the end.

Jimmy K (Toronto)

Schlabach, thanks for the updated early top 25. I think you have Texas right where they should be. With the experience that Gilbert got in championship game, what are the odds that we have a repeat of Texas vs. Alabama? Of course with Texas taking the title this year.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:06 PM)

Gilbert really looked good in the second half against Bama. He was more heralded than McCoy coming into Texas, and I know Mack Brown and Greg Davis are really excited about his potential. The 'Horns will have to find some receivers to help him, and I'm still waiting for the running game to improve. Repeat isn't out of the question.

Phil (Kalamazoo)

Hi Mark,Whats your take on Michigan this year? Do they have a chance to end up in the upper half of the Big 10 and go to a bowl game. Thanks.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:08 PM)

For Rich Rod's sake, they better show marked improvement. I think are seven starters coming back on defense, but they lose Brandon Graham and have to get better. They lose three OL and Brandon Minor. They played a lot of young guys and Rich Rod has recruited well. It's time to start seeing some results.

brett (MS)

what is your pre season rankings as of today

Mark Schlabach

  (2:09 PM)

Here it is...http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=4901998

Pete Caroll (Seattle)

Putting USC in the top 25 was generous, eh?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:11 PM)

Bit of a stretch, but with Barkley coming back and with the way Pete Carroll recruited, I can't see USC staying down for long. But there are definitely some big holes to fill.

Chad (Las Vegas)

Looking at your top 25 Boise St by far has the 'easiest' chance at going undefeated. Will that happen and when it does is Peterson coaching at LSU the following sesaon after Miles gets fired for keeping Crowton?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:12 PM)

I'd be surprised if Boise State goes undefeated playing Virginia Tech and Oregon State. But Boise St. has 21 of 22 starters coming back, so the Broncos will be loaded. I'm not sure Petersen leaves Boise State. He could have left by now, and he's watched Dan Hawkins' struggles at Colorado.

Stephen (Knoxville)

Hi Mark, what do you think of Justin Wilcox becoming Derek Dooley's defensive coordinator at Tennessee? How good will Dooley be at Tennessee?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:13 PM)

I thought it was a great hire. Boise State's defense has been underrated. Dooley will do well at Tennessee. He assembled a good staff and did a great job in recruiting with not much time to work.

Chris (DC)

The Pac-10 has announced that it is looking towards expansion. Do you feel like there could be a raid on the Big12? The Big10's looking at Mizzou or Texas and the Pac-10's looking at Colorado...

Mark Schlabach

  (2:14 PM)

It's going to be an interesting summer. I would think Utah, BYU, etc., would be in line for Pac-10 expansion because of geography. Mizzou to the Big Ten makes sense, but I can't see Texas going there. Rutgers, Pitt and Syracuse are probably in the Big Ten mix, too. Does the Big Ten go to 12 teams or 16 teams?

James (Colorado )

Who are your way-too-early Heisman & coach of the year winners?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:16 PM)

I will undoubtedly leave somebody off the list, but here's the Heisman Trophy list (too early for coach of the year; haven't even played a game):Dion Lewis, Pitt; Kellen Moore, Boise State; Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State; Mark Ingram, Bama; Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State; Jeremiah Masoli, Oregon; Ryan Williams, Va. Tech; Ryan Mallett, Arkansas; Jacory Harris, Miami; Christian Ponder, FSU...and I'm sure there's someone else I'm forgetting.

Stephen (Stone Mountain)

How hot is the seat for Mark Richt?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:18 PM)

I don't even think it's luke warm. If 8-5 gets you fired, so be it. But Georgia hadn't won anything in 20 years before he got there. Todd Grantham will make a difference on defense. Georgia could be surprisingly good in 2010. Ten starters coming back on offense, and quarterback play can't be any worse than last season.

Travis C. (Lake Highlands)

Mark, are you in the camp that believes Texas to the Big Ten would work out great for both sides? As long as the Texas state legislature doesn't put a stop to it, why wouldn't Texas do this? More money, and the classy teams in the Big Ten wouldn't do bush league stuff like sending their head coach (Stoops) to help the team they're playing in the championship game.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:19 PM)

Again, I'd be surprised if Texas left the Big 12 for the Big Ten. I don't Mack Brown or Will Muschamp were too concerned about Bob Stoops going to Tuscaloosa.

Butch (Austin)

Do you think the NCAA will restrict "oversignings" (see Nutt's 39)?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:19 PM)

I think something probably needs to be done. But if you can place kids who don't qualify at prep schools and junior colleges and sign them later, there's a method to the madness. Is it a loophole? Yes. Does it need to be closed? Probably.

greg (bristol, tn)

Mark, I value your insight on matchups. The VT-Boise game on Labor Day, will Boise catch VT at a oppurtune time since VT will have to rebuild their defense? Or, will Boise wilt under Fosters rotating defensive schemes? I believe both teams will be balanced in their offensive abilities, and the game will be decided in the trenches. Will a Boise loss be a backbreaker for them as far as their national title aspirations? Thanks

Mark Schlabach

  (2:20 PM)

Bud Foster is going to have all summer to game plan and put together a defense. He's never had problems rebuilding his defense in the past. A loss would hurt Boise State's BCS hopes. The Broncos play two legitimate top 25 teams and would probably have to beat both to be considered for the BCS title game.

Ben (Carrollton)

You dropped GT in your rankings like a lead balloon. With a Senior QB like Josh Nesbitt having gained another year in the system, I don't see any dropoff on offense whatsoever. Anthony Allen will make for a seamless transition in replacing Jonathan Dwyer. The only significant loss on offense is Demaryius Thomas, but how often does GT throw the ball? As for the defense, can it really be any worse than last year? I say no, especially with Al Groh at the controls. GT is underrated, you'll see.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:22 PM)

You might be right. But Dwyer, Thomas and Morgan were arguably the best players on that team last season. Nesbitt is very underrated, but has to get more consistent throwing the football. Most of their big pass plays came when he threw it up for Thomas, who won't be there anymore. They have good backs to replace Dwyer, but he was a special player. Can't get the last two bowl games out of my head, along with the loss to Georgia. We'll see.

Andy (Ohio)

What do you say to those Big Ten nay-sayers who think the Big Ten can't produce NFL talent when the league has produced back-to-back Super Bowl MVP's?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:25 PM)

It's a great recruiting tool, but guys win the award for great plays. The previous three Super Bowl MVPs -- Eli and Peyton Manning and Hines Ward -- were from SEC schools.

Bubba Brown (Roy, UT)

Your the expert, but I question why BYU was ranked on your top 25 and Utah was not. The Team Down South lost two of it's most productive offensive players (Hall and Pitta), will be starting an inexperienced QB, while Utah returns their QB and at least one, possible two 1000 yd rushers. Utah lost some on defense, but has always been able to retool on that side of the ball during Whitt's tenure.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:26 PM)

Defense was my biggest concern, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Utes finish in the top 25.

Evan (BHM)

Way-to-early pick for biggest disappointment? I'm thinking Arkansas is being set up like Ole Miss was last season.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:27 PM)

Expectations not quite as high for the Hogs as what the Rebels faced last season. We'll see if Mallett does better than Snead did. Arkansas' defense will have to be better to meet the lofty hype.

Ryan (Medford OR)

How would you grade Chip Kelly's first year at Oregon? Do they become an elite team per-say in future?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:27 PM)

I think he did a great job. The Rose Bowl loss stopped momentum a little bit, but Oregon could become the Pac-10's elite team if Kiffin doesn't pick up where Carroll left off. I'm wondering if USC's performance in 2009 was a warning sign of things to come or just an aberration. We'll find out.

Dave (DC)

Mark, Boise State #3 above VaTech? You'll see on Labor Day how Boise State does against a real defense, I see a blow out, come on I know you agree? Also, do you see VaTech playing for a NC next year?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:28 PM)

Not as much about Boise State being better than Virginia Tech as Boise State's schedule. Virginia Tech plays more than two very difficult games this season.

Jason (Akron)

Last year, Nebraska's offense was pretty pitiful. Yet I see them ranked pretty high based on returning personnel. How does returning mediocre players equal expected success? (In 2009 Notre Dame returned virtually everybody from 2008 and still stunk...)

Mark Schlabach

  (2:29 PM)

I think Pelini has them headed in the right direction. They'll miss Ndamukong Suh -- anyone would -- but the defense has gotten so much better the last couple of season. Offense has to catch up, plus the rest of the Big 12 North will be down.

thomas (los angeles)

where, in your view, does matt barkley rank among returning quarterbacks? and do you think usc would be better served by going with a 60-40, 70-30 run offense?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:30 PM)

I think he'll end up being great, but he was only a freshman last season. He had his ups and downs. He's going to be a superstar before he's finished. Getting Norm Chow would have helped him tremendously. 50-50 always seems to be the best mix.

Rob (Columbia, SC)

Mark, how do you see South Carolina doing next year in the SEC East? A lot of people around Columbia truly believe this is their year with all the returning talent.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:32 PM)

I've never heard that before. Florida will probably be down a little bit, and Georgia and Tennessee are reloading, too. Time has never been better for USC to make a move, but to be honest, I'm not holding my breath. When I see it, I'll believe it. Performance against UConn in bowl game left a bad taste in my mouth.

Adam (DC)

Mark, how do schools determine how they schedule exhibition premium matchups? If some of the nations powerhouses want to contend for the national title, wouldnt they want to schedule a premier game?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:34 PM)

Coaches tell me scheduling is getting harder. Nobody wants to do a home-and-home anymore. They want you to come to their place, but they don't want to go to your stadium. Most BCS teams play two tough nonconference games, along with one or two cupcakes. I've always felt you have to win a big nonconference game early in the season to have a chance, especially if you're not ranked in the top five at the start of the season. See Bama the last two years. Beat Clemson and then Virginia Tech and moved up the polls.

Jordan (Atlanta)

How come you left Auburn out from your Top 25?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:35 PM)

They were close and might end up there. But they were horrible down the stretch and nearly lost to NW in the Outback Bowl. I didn't feel they deserved to be in Tampa to begin with. We'll see how Cam Newton does at QB. They definitely recruited well.

Michael (Denver)

How do you think Notre Dame will be in their first year under Brian Kelly?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:35 PM)

A ton of players left, including Clausen, Tate, etc. There's some talent left on offense, but the defense has to get better. That's been Notre Dame's problem for a decade now. I was surprised Kelly brought his defensive coordinator from Cincinnati. Thought he would make an outside hire. We'll see.

Robb (Colorado)

Folks seem to want to bash the ND schedule, and while it's not loaded with Top 10 caliber teams, there is a long list of 15-40 type teams with USC, Pitt, Stanford, Utah, Navy, Mich. St, Mich, BC.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:36 PM)

It's not horrible, but it's not the schedule I grew up watching Notre Dame play every season. Navy, Pitt, USC, Utah are legit. Michigan, Michigan State and Boston College, we'll find out.

Jay (Ann Arbor)

Mark, why is there always so much talk of Boise State on these chats? Also, I've watched both Fiesta Bowls and don't understand how Boise can win, bunch of high school looking kids, and then boom?? How do they win?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:37 PM)

Great coaching and underrated talent. Plus, they've been pretty good on both sides of the ball. Motivation has a lot to do in determining bowl games, too.

Joe (CT)

Did you consider UCONN for your top 25 considering how well they finished the season and who they have coming back?Also with Brian Kell goingto ND who do you think is the best coach in the Big East?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:37 PM)

Yes, UConn was definitely close to making the top 25. Randy Edsall is one of the most underrated coaches in the country and they're always solid.

Johnny (NYC)

I hear coaches talk about how different it is to manage a season once you have a target on your back, rather than playing the underdog who has nothing to lose. Do you think Boise will be able to handle this change in roles?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:38 PM)

I think they've had problems scheduling the big boys. Like I said earlier, no one wants to go play on the blue turf. Plus, I've heard Boise raised their asking price for road games, too.

Mark (Iowa City)

osu's cordle thinks Clayborn will be the next Suh, what are your thoughts?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:38 PM)

He's a pass-rushing demon. Different type of player from Suh, obviously, but he definitely gets to the QB and changes the game. It's why I'm high on Iowa this season.

Clay (Charlotte)

With another number 1 recruiting class, Brantley looking like he's gonig to be a stud, Debose will be healthy...I can see a short drop off but this UF team looks like they may be back to the top shortly, agree? Also, Powell will play on D right? Urban's not going to put him at TE?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:40 PM)

We'll see. The talent is definitely still there at Florida. Some coaches left, including Charlie Strong. They still don't have a defensive coordinator to replace him after George Edwards left for Buffalo. We'll see what happens with Urban Meyer. I can only assume he'll be there this fall. But Brantley is going to be very good. They were excited about Debose before he was hurt last fall. Mack Brown could be a difference maker in the running game.

Matt (Philadelphia)

Did Miami's road schedule make you drop them to a somewhat low #22? At Clemson, at Pitt, at GA Tech, and at VA Tech is brutal.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:40 PM)

Yes, brutal schedule. Plus, big questions at running back. And I want to see Jacory Harris eliminate mistakes and turnovers.

Ben (new york, ny)

Over/under on Notre Dame wins the next 2 seasons?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:40 PM)

8? Should be good enough for a bowl game.

Younger78 (Cali)

Any idea why UCLA isn't trying to get Darrell Scott into a Bruin uniform? It was already stated that Darrell was interested so what is holding this up?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:44 PM)

He's definitely not going back to Colorado, that's all I know for sure. Never good when high-profile recruits want to transfer. It's a big warning sign for other coaches. What happened at the last place? Is he a bust? Things like that. Does he fit in UCLA's offense? I don't know.

Riley (Tempe)

Not having the Utes in the top 20 (not just 25) was a shame... including BYU (team down south) made me have to pop some heartburn medication.... Rivals.com had Utah as a better recruiting class than BYU... ESPN had Byu as the better... that has to be your reasoning.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:45 PM)

I'm not basing my rankings on two or three kids who might get spot duty this season. I think Mendenhall will have BYU back in the top 20. Utah could get there, too. Both programs have become consistently good every season.

Terry (Denver CO)

[Twenty Bucks]. <--- Mark, that sweet fat $20 bill is all yours if you'll please answer this question (I've resorted to bribes since no one will answer my question).Endless rumors abound that Mizzou may bolt the Big-12 for Big-10(11)(+1), maybe even Nebraska and Texas. And an article in today?s Denver Post again speculates that CU might bolt for the Pac-10. What does Big-12 do wrong (or different from Big-10) to fuel these rumors? Doubtless, money is involved. But considering that Big-12 already: (a) has a league-champs game, and (b) puts 8-9 teams in bowl games -- plus (most years) two in BCS bowls. Which means Big-12?s CURRENT revenue pot to be shared ~ equals Big-10?s AFTER expansion, right? What am I missing? Thanks for your help and insight.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:47 PM)

I'll email you my address. These are rumors that haven't been substantiated to this point. Big 12 is financially healthy and consistently puts two teams in BCS bowl games. Colorado hasn't been very competitive in Big 12. Will it be more competitive in Big Ten? I don't know. Might help the basketball program. Again, I haven't heard of any movement either way.

Jack (Norman)

Mark, any truth to the fact ESPN has manufactured Boise State? I've seen game after game on ESPN/ESPN2 for 10 years... ESPN.com loves them, article after article, and GameDay always has a blurb... seems fishy to me?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:47 PM)

We made Tim Tebow an All-American, too.

JD (Madison)

What is your take on Rogers flipping to Tennesse ....

Mark Schlabach

  (2:48 PM)

Tennessee found his soft spot -- his high school quarterback. Hate to see kids flip after committing to a school for eight months. It's why verbal commitments mean nothing to me. Kids can flip up until they sign and other coaches will continue to recruit them until the very end. Gives kids a sense of entitlement before they reach college and have accomplished anything. Rogers is very good, though. He's a guy Dooley can build his offense around in the future.

Blake (Abilene, TX)

Mark, Its a long ways off Iknow. Do you have any Idea who Muschamp would bring in as his D. Cordinator when he takes over at Texas?

Mark Schlabach

  (2:49 PM)

No idea. I thought he would hire Kirby Smart as his DC and Mike Bobo as his OC. But both guys could be head coaches by the time Mack Brown retires. Too far down the road to know.

Dan (Raleigh)

True or False: The winner of the VaTech - BSU game is an early favorite to make the BCS Title game

Mark Schlabach

  (2:49 PM)

True for a couple of weeks. But Bama, Florida, Texas, etc., will all be in the running, too.

Jeremy (TX)

Mark If Mizzou did leave for the B10 shouldn't the B12 dump CO and go after AK and LSU

Mark Schlabach

  (2:50 PM)

Would seem logical, but I doubt Arkansas and LSU are walking away from the SEC's checkbook. Arkansas might do it before LSU because of geography, but teams aren't leaving the SEC for financial reasons.

Mark Schlabach

  (2:51 PM)

Folks, gotta run. Have a great week. I'm changing hats and doing a basketball chat tomorrow. Please join us. Thanks again.