Mark Schlabach

  (1:00 PM)

Hope everyone is having a great offseason. I have conference rankings up today. Check them out on ESPN.com. Here we go...

Frank (Canton, MS)

I am a big time Vols fan. In a nutshell, recent years have not been good. Should we prepare to get thumped again this year or is there any hope? I'm thinking Dooley will need a few years.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:01 PM)

I hope Tennessee fans will be patient with Dooley. Obviously, not a lot of talent coming back at key positions. As many as three or four freshmen might start on the OL. You can't win in the SEC with that kind of youth up front. No proven QB. Tailback is gone. Might be a long year. But he'll get it turned around eventually. Recruited pretty well given the time crunch.

antonio (orlando)

Why does everyone jump on Ohio St.'s bandwagon every year? There's a storm brewing down south better known to the college world as a Hurricane that's going to run through and around them. I can't wait.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:02 PM)

I've been waiting for that storm to reach land every year for about the last four years. Canes are capable of getting it done. Thought they were going to do it last year, but then tailed off. Buckeyes have a ton of talent coming back. Game in Columbus will be a lot of fun.

CaliBlackshirt93 [via mobile]

I waz wondering what you thought about a top 3 finish and a BCS if not National Title game for Nebraska this season, thank you for your time

Mark Schlabach

  (1:02 PM)

I think a Big 12 title would be a start, and if the Huskers can get better in the passing game, they'll have a chance to be in the hunt.

Chad (Las Vegas)

What are the odds that Rich Rod is gone in Michigan with less than a 9 win season and Les Miles is gone from Baton Rouge with less than a 10 win season? And Les Miles becoming the next UM coach?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:03 PM)

I'd say both Rich Rod and Miles need to win, Rich Rod more than Miles. Miles won an SEC title and BCS championship at LSU. Can't imagine how he'd get fired. Does he leave on his own if Rich Rod is fired? Possibly.

Connor McCain (Winnsboro Louisiana)

Wit Russel Shepperd being the number one recruit in the nation last year, Why has he still not thrown a pass for LSU. Even if it is a Tebow fake run to screen pass, let him throw the ball. Jefferson showed growth in the last couple games last year but will he get you a national championship? I think not. What do you think Mark?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:04 PM)

I think it was a smart move moving Sheppard to WR. Just get the ball in his hands as much as possible. Jefferson's growth has been slower than I expected. I think they're throwing too much at him, asking him to do too much. Simplify things and find an identity on offense.

deejj (seattle)

As the waves of expansion churn, is there any chance conferences use the turbulence as a reason to eliminate/replace their economically weaker members, e.g., Vanderbilt, Baylor, Iowa State, Washington State?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:05 PM)

I don't think so. Tough to kick a member out of a conference. Has to be a rogue program or something like that. Besides, Vandy helps the SEC's graduation rates.

Jack (C-Ville)

What do you think are the chances that Boise can run the tables and be in the national championship game?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:05 PM)

I think Boise State is definitely a BCS threat, if the Broncos can beat Va. Tech in Week 1 and Oregon State in Week 3. Lose either of those and they won't have a chance.

David (Chicago, IL)

Isn't the SEC a bit overrated? After FL and Al you really have mediocrity. Maybe LSU counts as a great team, maybe.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:06 PM)

Probably not as deep as it's been the last few years because so many great players left. But Auburn and Arkansas are on the upswing, and I'm not ready to write off Georgia or LSU. Too much talent at both places. South Carolina is going to be very good on defense. If they get anything from Garcia and the offense, Cocks could be a surprise.

Dave (Detroit)

Mark, Notre Dame and Michigan are both down yet Michigan State still couldn't really capitalize. Was Nick Saban right when he said it was too hard to win at MSU?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:07 PM)

I think it's hard when you're always overshadowed by the larger state school, even when Michigan is struggling mightily. But Sparty should start making a move in the Big Ten. Dantonio is too good of a coach not to improve. Recruiting is the key.

Brent (Stafford)

With Boston College Transfer Dominique Davis in the QB mix at East Carolina. What are ECU's realistic expectations going into the season?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:08 PM)

A bit of an adjustment with Skip Holtz and Pinkney leaving. Davis was a good QB at Boston College before being ruled ineligible. I'd say Houston, Tulsa and Southern Miss are teams to beat in C-USA.

Drew (Boston)

What do you think BC's chances are of surprising everyone (again) and winning the ACC Atlantic?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:10 PM)

Might happen. Have to get a more out of Shinskie and the passing game. Need better WRs. Defense will be solid. I think FSU and Clemson are clearly teams to beat in the Atlantic.

Georgia Jim (Athen, Ga)

Mark-Why do you have Georgia ranked so low when teams Richt has coached have finished in the top 10, 13 of his 16 seasons? Seen Ealey, AJ, Olson & Murray lately?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:10 PM)

I've seen all of them. Want to see more out of DL. Where is the pass rush going to come from? If Dogs get anything out of Murray, they're going to win 10 games. Best WR in the country. Two good backs. Senior-laden OL. Best kicker and punter in the SEC. All comes down to defense.

James (Ohio)

What did you think of the finally of LOST?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:11 PM)

Never saw the beginning.

DJ (Cuse)

Who has more pressure this year-Mark Stoops or Jimbo Fisher who hired him and how quickly will the fans of Bobby turn if they have another 7-5 season?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:11 PM)

I think they're going to be very good on offense. Have to give Stoops a couple of years to work younger guys in. They can't be any worse than they were last year.

Mike (Atlanta GA)

Why is the anti-Georgia ESPN bias so strong--example, 2007, Herbie campaigns aganst Georgia for LSU against Oklahoma precedent?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:11 PM)

I can't stand the Dogs...

Blake (Abilene, TX)

Mark, How much of Texas moving their offense back to under center will help their run game? Also, do you think its a coincidence that the fall of the Texas run game happend at the same time as the hireing of Major Applewhite as RB's coach?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:12 PM)

I think, like Florida with Tebow, the 'Horns relied too much on McCoy to run the ball and took it for granted. There are a couple of good young running backs in the program. Going under center will at least put them in a more traditional running set. Major Applewhite is a very good coach.

Tim (Gainesville, Florida)

With Alabama's losses on defense, particularly their secondary, how can anyone rank them in the top 5?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:13 PM)

Nine starters gone on defense, but the entire offense basically coming back.

Darryl (Oakland, CA)

How is it legal for SEC teams to play such horrifically easy OOC games. How do they get away with it?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:16 PM)

Here we go again....Alabama's playing Penn State. Arkansas is playing Texas A&M. Auburn is playing Clemson. Georgia is playing Colorado and Georgia Tech. Kentucky is playing Louisville. LSU is playing UNC and West Virginia. Miss. State is playing Houston. Ole Miss is playing Fresno State. South Carolina is playing Southern Miss. Tennessee is playing Oregon. Vandy is playing NW and U Conn. Florida is playing FSU.

Will (Metairie, LA)

LSU-UNC, pretty good matchup? Both offensive lines need work from last year, both QB's need to be more consistant, two great D's, UNC might have more NFL talent, but LSU has more playmakers on offense.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:16 PM)

UNC is going to be very tough to score on, but the Heels are going to be very mediocre on offense, if last year and the spring were any indication. LSU has good playmakers on offense, but has to put it together. Great Week 1 matchup.

Vinnie (ATL)

This expansion talk is getting out of hand. What do you think think will happen?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:18 PM)

I don't think anything is going to happen until after this coming season. I think the Big Ten adds five teams. I'd be guessing to name the teams, but I think Missouri, Nebraska, Rutgers and the other schools that have been named would be in play. I don't know if the SEC would react. Don't know that adding Clemson and FSU does much for them market-wise. Would have to be Texas/Texas A&M to make it worth it.

Donald Trump (NY, NY)

Is it just me or is BYU going to be really bad this year? Where do they finish in the Mountain West?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:19 PM)

Lost Max Hall and Harvey Unga, which will hurt. But BYU always wins at least eight or nine games and is in the MWC. Don't think they'll be as strong as they were the last couple of years, but I don't think they'll fall off the map, either.

John (Miami, Fla)

Who's better Brantley or Murray?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:19 PM)

We'll find out. I've seen Brantley in action and he has a big arm. I think he's going to be a great QB and has more size than Murray. UGA coaches tell me Murray has the "it" factor. They said the same thing about Stafford.

Sonny (Chicago)

Who is going to be the next QB for Notre Dame?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:20 PM)

Dayne Crist, from all indications.

Alex (Tampa, FL)

I noticed in your article featured today that you mentioned new FSU defensive coordinator Mark Stoops may need time to rebuild his unit. Do you think incoming freshmen and former 5 star recruits Lamarcus Joyner and Jeff Luc will have a big impact this season? The level of improvement on defense could dramatically change the course of FSU's season.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:21 PM)

I think both of those guys will make an immediate impact on special teams. Luc is playing behind a couple of seniors. Joyner could definitely get on the field in the secondary. Telvin Smith is the guy to watch. Might have the most upside of any of them.

Sonny (Chicago)

Will USC still be a factor in years to come without Peter Carroll there?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:22 PM)

USC is always going to have talent. Too many great players in Southern California for the Trojans not to be a factor. Don't know if he's a great coach yet, but Kiffin can definitely recruit.

Trevor (Chicago)

Zook or Rodriguez? Which Big Ten coach is mroe likely to get fired?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:22 PM)

I'd say Zook has more pressure on him to win immediately, but Rich Rod might not be too far behind him.

Pete (Florida)

Will FSU beat Florida this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:23 PM)

I'm calling it. Don't know if it will happen, but a lot of those freshmen FSU signed will be significant players by then. Ponder is very, very good. He's capable of beating Florida.

Steve (Boston)

What league is on shakier ground -- Big East or Big 12?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:24 PM)

I'd say the Big East is probably in a more precarious situation if teams like Rutgers and Syracuse went to the Big Ten. As long as Texas and Oklahoma stay in Big 12, it will be fine.

Bobby Jones (Augusta, Ga)

Any chance a non BCS kid wins the Heisman this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:24 PM)

I'd say Kellen Moore will have a legit shot if he plays like he did last season. Numbers were sick.

Sun (Atlanta, Ga)

Where do you rank Georgia's DC Grantham in the SEC?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:24 PM)

Don't know. Haven't seen his defense play in a game yet. I know the Saban guys really liked him. Georgia will be more aggressive on defense.

Johnny (Phoenix, AZ)

A combined Pac 10/Big 12 TV network: is that a realistic possiblity or a total pipe-dream?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:25 PM)

I think a "coalition" is a more possible scenario, with those leagues working to establish national TV contracts.

Blake (Abilene, TX)

Mark, With The Big 10 adding Missouri and Nebraska if Expansion happens. Do you think the Big 12 would bring in BYU and Utah to prevent the confrence from breaking up?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:26 PM)

Or TCU. I don't think the Big 12 is going to fall apart as long as Texas is there.

Bob (Atlanta)

Which school supposedly in play is the biggest get in your mind? Texas? Notre Dame? Nebraska?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:26 PM)

Texas would be the ultimate prize, along with Notre Dame. Don't think Texas leaves the Big 12 and Irish probably remain an independent, though.

Shannon (So Cal)

Do you think we could get a USC Question in here?I think SC and the pac 10 may end up beating up on one an other all season. With the conferance Champ ending up with 8 or 9 wins. That said how do you like the schedueling of Hawaii as SC's first game.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:27 PM)

I agree with your Pac-10 assessment. Masoli's suspension leaves the Pac-10 without a dominant team. I'll be very curious to see how the Trojans pan out this season. Don't see the talent stacked up like it used to be, but they still have a lot of great players.

Jeremy Millsap (Salem, Oregon)

Do the Utes beat Pitt and ND? Also, am I wasting time/money on Ducks season tickets this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:28 PM)

Oregon is going to be fine if Costa does anything. Pitt is going to be very good, but that's a tough road trip. Could very well beat the Irish.

Dave (Detroit)

If the Big Ten doesn't get a Texas or a Notre Dame haven't they failed? Somebody said they'd just be adding fat if they don't get one of them and I agree.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:28 PM)

No, if you can add Missouri, Nebraska, Rutgers and two other teams it's mission accomplished. Nebraska is a traditional power, and Rutgers takes you into the New York market. It's all about money.

Travis (Dallas)

Is this the best shot A&M has had at a BIG XII crown in recent memory? Will all hope for the future be lost once JJ graduates?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:29 PM)

I think A&M could be a darkhorse if DeRuyter can improve the defense dramatically. Aggies have to be better on special teams, too. They were awful in the kicking game last year.

Jim (Tucker Georgia)

What 3 things must Richt do to beat Florida?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:30 PM)

1. Get Murray comfortable quickly2. Find pass rushers3. Quit kicking the ball out of bounds

jeffrey (birmingham,al)

what are your thoughts about bamas schedule with teams coming off byes, and no one willing to help out. i cant wait til auburn or tennesee asks for help

Mark Schlabach

  (1:30 PM)

Don't know who Bama upset at SEC office, but it's definitely a disadvantage.

Jeremy (NC)

Does Ga Tech win the ACC this year?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:31 PM)

I'm not too concerned about the Jackets losing Dwyer, but Thomas is going to be tough to replace. Passing game seemed to be throw it up to him and pray he catches it. Replacing Morgan won't be easy, either. Al Groh should help improve the defense. I think Va. Tech and FSU and Clemson are ahead of GT heading into the season.

Jeff (Austin)

Mark, can you clear this up? A lot of people say Texas and A&M are a package deal. Is this true? No offense to the Aggies, but I don't want them to hold the Longhorns back.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:32 PM)

I have heard nothing to indicate it's true. Would seem to be a natural match, though.

Matt (AL)

This USC case is annoying. Everyone knows Auburn was a better team than Oklahoma that year and the BCS screwed it up. I like how this brings back up their failed logic and brings to question who was the better team. A 55-19 loss is no way a championship caliber team. Then again as an Auburn fan I don't want a hand me down championship that we could have earned. What do you think will happen with this situation?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:32 PM)

Anxiously waiting to see NCAA report like everyone else.

Nock (ATL)

If conferences expand to 16 teams, and ND remains independent, will they be able to schedule enough good teams every year to keep them relevant in football?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:33 PM)

ND is going to be relevant as long as it has its own TV network. I think the Irish will be players again in a couple of years. I think Brian Kelly is a good fit in South Bend.

Woody (C-Ville)

Is LSU a legitament contender with Jarret Lee as QB instead of Jordan Jefferson?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:33 PM)

I was surprised Lee outplayed Jefferson during spring practice. I think LSU is a legitimate contender with an LSU-type running game.

Eddie Money (Nashville, TN)

South Carolina is garnering a lot of attention as a sleeper in the SEC East this year, is it because they're that good or because the SEC East is down with teams like Tennessee and Georgia rebuilding? And do you think Spurrier is on the hotseat at all?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:34 PM)

I don't think Spurrier is on hot seat. He'll quit before he's fired. He'll know when to leave. If Garcia plays well, Cocks could be a factor. Defense is going to be better.

Blair (Chicago)

What are your thoughts on why Rodriguez hasn't gotten it done in Ann Arbor? He should be able to trip his way to 7 wins, yet Michigan has been brutal. Three conference wins in two years?!

Mark Schlabach

  (1:35 PM)

I thought it would take a couple of years to go from traditional Michigan offense to his spread attack, but I never imagined they'd be this bad. Has to get the right players in there, but he needs to produce in 2010.

Randy Edsall (Storrs, CT)

If my team had the same results from last season with the same starters coming back but were in a Penn State uniform, where would we be ranked pre-season? I'm guessing between 10 and 15 at worst.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:35 PM)

No question. Connecticut is one of the more consistent teams out there. Edsall does a tremendous job.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:36 PM)

League office told me last week that current TV contracts are with ABC/ESPN (2015-16) and FSN (2011-12)

JL (Marshall, VA)

When does the Big 12 TV contract actually end and come up for renewal? I've read dozens of reports and all say something different, all the way from 2011 to 2050.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:37 PM)

Sorry there's your answer below:current TV contracts are with ABC/ESPN (2015-16) and FSN (2011-12)

Eddie Money (Nashville, TN)

Last year everyone criticized Houston Nutt for underperforming as a frontrunner in the SEC West. Nutt having had so much success as the underdog, does that make Ole Miss a dangerous team this Fall?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:37 PM)

Nutt's teams always do better when they're out of the spotlight, but Rebs have to replace a lot of great players.

Kellen (Boston)

Re: Texas and A&M Package: people think this is the case because of the politics in Texas when the Big XII was created. To add Texas to the conference, the politicians would only approve it if A

Mark Schlabach

  (1:38 PM)

Was the same case in Virginia with UVA and Va. Tech, right?

Matt (Philadelphia)

I would argue that the two most important people in determining how the ACC season plays out are T.J. Yates and Mark Stoops. Thoughts?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:39 PM)

Yates has to play well, but he needs better protection and receivers. Stoops isn't going to fix it overnight. Needs better players on defense. I'd say Tyrod Taylor's ability to throw the ball effectively is the No. 1 factor. And Jacory Harris' ability to cut down on mistakes.

David (Washington, DC)

Who are your darkhorse teams for each of the Big 6 conferences?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:40 PM)

Great question. ACC: Clemson. Big East: U.Conn Big Ten: Michigan State? (pretty top heavy league). Big 12: Texas A&M. Pac-10: Oregon State (as always). SEC: Arkansas or Georgia or South Carolina (any of the three).

Ben (Fresno State)

Does Fresno State virtually fall off the map with Ryan Mathews gone?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:40 PM)

Not with Pat Hill there. Bulldogs will still be a factor in WAC race.

Jason (Wisconsin)

I can't believe North Carolina's defense has not come up in this conversation yet. Does anyone realize that potentially all 11 starters will get drafted either this year or next? They have potentially 5 1st round picks next year (Austin, Quinn, Sturdivant, Carter and Deunta Williams(I know, early projection, but still)) and guys like Kevin Reddick in the future. If the offense, which returns all of their skill position players, does anything, this team is the biggest national sleeper of all.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:41 PM)

Heels are going to be great on defense. Question, obviously, is if the offense can do anything. It did very, very little last year.

Jeremy (Cudgen, Australia)

Now that you have given your prediction on the BIG 10 expansion... What do you think will happen with the PAC 10???

Mark Schlabach

  (1:42 PM)

If Pac-10 decides to expand, I could see Utah and BYU going over, or possibly Boise State.

CJ (Pittsburgh)

Why isn't the Big East taking a legit shot at poaching Penn St. before the Big Ten shoe drops? And 'because they won't accept' is such a cop out.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:42 PM)

Money, money, money. Big Ten pays more to its members than any other league.

Steve (NJ)

I just read your conference rankings and while it is a safe pick to list the the Big East as last among automatic qualifiers. Since the ACC's expansion that league has been mediocre at best. Just looking at last year no team could remain atop the conference standings for longer then a week. Any chance you'd want to revise those standings?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:42 PM)

I'm once again anticipating FSU and Miami to be better than they were last year. Assumed the same thing each of the last three years.

Justin (Austin, TX)

IF the Big 12 does get picked apart by the Big 10 and Pac 10, would the Longhorns benefit more by going to the SEC, or going Independent? Texas can easily have its own TV network, and maybe an annual clash of the independents (TX vs ND) would definitely be a great rivalry to start.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:43 PM)

Doubting Texas leaves Big 12, but I can't see it becoming an independent under any scenario. SEC would be a more likely scenario if Big 12 fell apart.

Steve (Fairfax, VA)

What are your top 5 games to watch this season?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:45 PM)

No particular order: Bama-Florida; Va. Tech-Boise State; Miami-Ohio State; Oklahoma-FSU; USC-Oregon. Those off the top of my head.

Steve (Boston)

What bowl game would you get rid of? Don't you think there are too many?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:46 PM)

Love bowl games. Makes the holidays the holidays.

Ellis (Ga)

Which SEC running back duo will reign this season Bama or Georgia?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:46 PM)

Tough to go against the Bama boys. Richardson would start on nearly every other BCS team, minus a few.

Nock (ATL)

Do you agree that too much is being made of the starters lost on Bama's D? They played a ton of guys on D last year, and have much more experience coming back than the casual fan realizes.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:47 PM)

As long as Saban and Kirby Smart are coaching defense, the Tide will be fine. Getting Hightower back will definitely help, too.

Michael ((Boston))

Mark. 5 favorite uniforms. Go.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:48 PM)

Wow. Tough one. Michigan. Ohio State. Notre Dame. Georgia. Tennessee. Florida. Honestly, there's not a stadium in the country I don't like. I'd take any college stadium over an NFL stadium.

Ezra (Tucson)

Could Nick Foles have a break out year for Arizona?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:49 PM)

Definitely. He and Gabbert from Missouri could make big moves this season.

Matt (Philadelphia)

Better chance of a Week 2 upset - Canes in C-bus or Noles in Norman?

Mark Schlabach

  (1:49 PM)

I'd have to go with the Noles because OU is going to be rebuilding a bit.

Mark Schlabach

  (1:50 PM)

Folks, gotta run. Have a great week. I'll be back in a couple of weeks to chat again. Enjoy the start of the summer. Season isn't too far away.