Andrea Adelson

  (12:02 PM)

Hello and welcome! Thanks for joining me. Let's get to some questions.

Derek (Boise)

Why would the voters place Oregon over Boise State? Oregon has face only 1 ranked opponent and that was last night. I'm not discrediting their win, but the Broncos have faces and beat 2 ranked teams and just shut out New Mexico State.

Andrea Adelson

  (12:04 PM)

You would have to ask the voters, Derek. I still have Boise State at No. 3 in my power rankings, much to the consternation of many if you look at my mailbag. I think folks were more impressed with the fact that Oregon beat a top 10 Stanford team. Virginia Tech and Oregon State are unranked right now. And Boise State beat a winless team. But I am not sure slipping 1 spot matters at this point. Boise State is going to need teams to lose, that is the bottom line.

scott watkins (albuquerque, nm)

How can you justify placing Boise state over Alabama?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:05 PM)

Scott, I assume you mean in the bowl picks, because I have Alabama No. 1 in the power rankings. I am not yet ready to switch my championship pick five games into the season. Alabama is obviously the No. 1 team in the country, no question about it. But the Tide almost lost 2 weeks ago and have a very difficult schedule yet to play. My championship game is a long-shot pick, I realize that, but there is still a lot of football left to play. I don't know that any of the power teams are going to finish undefeated, which is why I have Boise State in there.

Jeff (NY)

Rutgers in a bowl game? Do you realize they lost to Tulane?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:06 PM)

Yes, I do realize it, but the Big East is so mediocre top to bottom, I think Rutgers can finish 6-6 and make it in.

eric (boise, id)

How is it that oregon can jump the boise state broncos when it was the broncos who have defeated the ducks the two previous seasons in a row? Too top that they don't want to play the broncos again in fear of losing their rankings.

Andrea Adelson

  (12:07 PM)

A lot of questions on the polls today so this will probably be the last one I answer so we can get to other topics. I think voters are going by this year alone, and they should. It's a different year and different team. But again, Boise State needs teams ahead to lose.

Sam (Las Vegas)

Hi Andrea. Does Nevada have a chance of making it to the BCS if they run the table? Or do they need both Utah and TCU to lose for that possibility to present itself? Thanks.

Andrea Adelson

  (12:09 PM)

Yes Nevada is going to need to be one of the top two non-AQ teams and be eligible. So it will need to run the table. Either Utah or TCU will lose because they play each other. Also Nevada is going to have to get into the Top 12 or is ranked in the top 16 and also ranked ahead of one of the champions of an AQ conference.

Brent (Boise)

From top to bottom, which conference is stronger- the wac or the mwc. and please tell me that if bsu and tcu both go undefeated (early to say this, i know) that tcu does not jump bsu like oregon just did. voters seem to discard last year and 19-8, would they do the same to 17-10?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:10 PM)

The Mountain West is currently ranked ahead of the WAC in the ESPN.com conference power rankings. It has 3 ranked teams to 2 for the WAC. I don't know if TCU would jump Boise. I think it would depend on how the two teams win.

victor gerami (Monroe,la)

andrea first off welcome to espn.com And i know we will get to meet each oyher one day.my question is what did you think of the 13 players on tennessee when there were too many?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:11 PM)

Well, obviously Tennessee blew a shot at the win. I understand why the Vols were trying to substitute in new players, but they had to see that LSU was in complete and total disarray and in danger of not getting the play off, with a quarterback who had just been benched. Just poor coaching I think.

Jason (Junction city)

LaHeisman, Please tell me you are not that stupid to not have LaMike on the Heisman watch. BIASED MUCH

Andrea Adelson

  (12:12 PM)

I am not sure if you have seen the latest, but I have him in this week. So maybe I am not that stupid.

Chris (San Diego)

Quick name this conferences. It has 2 Top 5 teams (more than any other conferene) and 4 Top 25 teams in this weeks AP poll. That's right, the new, upcoming MWC. And that doesn't even include Top 10 Utah since they are leaving next year. Meanwhile the ACC and the Big East have 1 top 25 team COMBINED! Isn't it time to give the MWC AQ status.

Andrea Adelson

  (12:13 PM)

Chris, We will have to wait and see how everything works out at the end of the four-year cycle. The Mountain West has made big strides, but it is going to need to keep doing well this season and next season to even have a shot. Clearly the Big East is not helping its cause. Maybe that is why it is looking at TCU?

Jason (WI)

Andrea...thanks for the chat! Anyway, while Michigans defense is certainly not GOOD, don't you think the stats are a bit misleading? When you score so quickly, it gives the opposing offense a lot more possessions. They DID stop Indiana on 8/13 drives Saturday. Wouldn't a YPP (yards per possession) be a better indicator than YPG? Indiana had the ball for 42 minutes...

Andrea Adelson

  (12:15 PM)

Maybe, but the defense has been pretty bad. I know they are on the field a lot, but they are 102 in total defense and 73 in scoring defense. They are going to need to start making some stops against the better Big Ten teams or that 5-0 record could disappear rather quickly.

Andy (Salt Lake City)

How do you feel about Utah facing Iowa State coming from the big win against Texas Tech?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:16 PM)

Andy, I think this is going to be a huge test for Utah, which has gotten it pretty easy in its last three games before the bye. I am going back and forth on who I think will win this game because Iowa State looked really good last week against Texas Tech. But Utah has really surprised me so far, and I think the defense is playing exceedingly well.

Nate (Boise)

Good Morning, Andrea! So, I understand why Oregon jumped BSU in the polls, but my question is why didn't they jump Ohio State after they struggled against Illinois?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:17 PM)

Again, I am not the voters, but my guess is the win over Miami carries some weight.

Africa (Brooklyn)

Should we take Oregon's success with a grain of salt because they were ranked this high last season with nearly the name team and they still lost 3 games...

Andrea Adelson

  (12:18 PM)

I don't think last season should have much to do with it.

Matt (Portland)

LaMichael James missed his first game. Mark Ingram missed his first two. But it seems to me that they, along with Denard Robinson, are the Heisman front-runners. Agree?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:19 PM)

I think those 3 are playing the best in the country right now, but it is really early. I have Denard No. 1 on my ballot.

Ryan (Las Cruces)

Based on New Mexico State's performance last Saturday, how much more work is needed to turn the Aggies into a bowl team?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:21 PM)

Not as much as New Mexico! Obviously the Aggies were going to have a tough time playing against Boise State, so maybe don't look at the results too much.

Andrea Adelson

  (12:22 PM)

But to finish, I think it is going to be a while, there is a lot of rebuilding that has to be done there.

Austin (Maumee, OH)

I know this is probably silly, but with a very likely possibility of having two non-AQ schools unbeaten again (among Utah, TCU, Nevada, and Boise State), can someone or something be done to shut these school presidents up and get them to end the debate by having a playoff?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:22 PM)

Nope. There is nothing we can do. Sorry, Austin. Tough to feel helpless, right?

Jim Crozier (Boise, Idaho)

Thanks for chatting Andrea. Regarding TCU and Boise State, do you think TCU has the SOS this year to jump BSU as MWC teams have in years past? The way I see it, BSU's four top wins are shaping up to be Nevada, Va Tech, Oregon State and Fresno State which would match up reasonably well with TCU's top four wins of Utah, Air Force, Oregon State and maybe San Diego State.

Andrea Adelson

  (12:23 PM)

Jim, I don't know if TCU can do it this year because Boise is ranked ahead in the human polls. That is going to be two-thirds of it, when the Harris poll comes out if Boise State is ahead of TCU. I talked to our BCS guru Brad Edwards about this and he thinks Boise State would finish ahead if the 2 go undefeated.

adam (ohio)

Your thoughts on Ohio State dropping one to Wisconsin, Iowa, or maybe both?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:24 PM)

Very possible, Adam. I have them in the championship game, but that is not set in stone, and given the way the Buckeyes played last week, that game at Iowa is shaping up to be gigantic. Especially if Adrian Clayborn continues the rampage he was on vs. Penn State last week.

James (Atlanta)

How far will you drop Nebraska when they lose a game? 15 spots? They should be embarassed of their schedule. 4 cream puff victories gets you ranked pretty high.

Andrea Adelson

  (12:25 PM)

Guess we will have to wait and see if/when they lose and how everyone does. I can't project that. By the way, they are not the only team scheduling creampuffs out there.

Brian (Toledo)

What conference do you think Appalachian State would join? Also, do you really think TCU goes to the Big East???

Andrea Adelson

  (12:27 PM)

I think Appalachian State first has to decide if it wants to become FBS. Too early to say what conference it could potentially join. I don't know if TCU goes to the Big East. You certainly understand why the Big East is reaching out because it clearly needs to beef itself up and survive, of course. But ultimately who knows what happens. This offseason has proven that nothing is for certain.

Chris (Chicago)

This is kinda a weird question, but who do you have Alabama beating in the NFL? I could name at least three teams? Lions, Panthers, and Browns? How about you?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:27 PM)

None. Not even the best college team could beat the worst NFL team.

Caleb VanZee (Fowler, MI)

Is Michigan State for real? Does Michigan have a chance of beating them?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:30 PM)

Sure, Michigan State is for real. That was a huge win over Wisconsin. Love Bell, love Greg Jones. But I am not sure the Spartans have what it takes to stop Denard Robinson, and you know Michigan is going to be fired up to get revenge for last season.

Ricky (Austin)

What can Texas do to turn their season around?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:31 PM)

Find a running game? Get more experience at quarterback? More play makers at WR? Lots to fix in Austin.

Pat (Boston)

As a big time Army fan I was glad to see your prediction of Army beating Temple this weekend and was sad to see that it did not come true due to a crummy 4th quarter. Do you think the service academies all go to bowl games this year???

Andrea Adelson

  (12:31 PM)

Yes, I do have all 3 service academies in bowl games.

James (Atlanta)

Wait, you dont want to answer questions about your rankings? Shouldn't all voters have to justify why you put team A ahead of team B when they have the same record and lost to the same team but team A lost in the final minute and team B got taken to the wood shed (I'm referring to your rankings of UF and Ark)?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:34 PM)

Sure I can answer questions about my rankings. I simply said I was not going to answer Boise State vs. Oregon after the first 2 that I took because I wanted to get to other questions. If you have questions on other poll teams go ahead. I have Florida ahead of Arkansas because I think the Gators have a better defense. It was harder for Florida to go on the road at Alabama. Arkansas blew that game. I don't know that if the two teams played again it would be another 31-6 loss.

Kyle (Boston)

Can Boise State fans shut off their myopia? Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon, TCU, BSU, et al finishing the year undefeated would finally wreck the system that has shut the Broncos out for so many years.

Andrea Adelson

  (12:34 PM)

Would it finally wreck the system? Do you have any inside information on an upcoming playoff?

Dave (Okoboji, Iowa)

The Hawkeyes had a good performance against Penn State, as we all know is down talent wise this year. However, overall we have played very well and without a few miscues, we could be right in the title hunt, however, we are all the way back to the Capital One Bowl in your eyes. What do we have to do, and all other big ten teams as well, need to do to get us back into your BCS game lineups (besides Ohio State in the title game, and still thinking that after this weekend?)

Andrea Adelson

  (12:36 PM)

Dave, I have great respect for Iowa. But right now, I think Ohio State goes undefeated and everyone else loses at least 2 games. That is how I am projecting it, which is why I have the bowl rankings that way. Now that doesn't mean I think that is 100 percent going to happen. I think Ohio State is capable of losing a game, and I think Iowa is capable of running the table. I am just letting you know that is how I project it right now.

Justin (Tipton, IN)

What will my Hoosiers have to do to get into your bowl projections? Assuming they beat Arkansas State, do you really not think they can win 2 of the following: @Illinois, Northwestern, Penn State, @Purdue?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:38 PM)

Certainly it is possible, but I do not think it is a gimme to win at Illinois (see Ohio State), that I think could be the determining factor because I see losses vs. NW and Penn State and a win over Purdue. Winning a first Big Ten game would help, too.

Ben (Sandy, UT)

What evidence has BYU given to justify going independent? In the last decade their bowl record is abysmal and in a "rebuilding year" they look like they don't even belong in Division 1. Their coach more or less wrote off a nationally televised game and more recently has written off the season stating that they're looking a year or two ahead. Is this someone who deserves to be independent?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:39 PM)

I don't think it's a matter of deserve, it is a matter of what BYU feels is best for the school. I have questions about whether this is a good move, and have had questions about that, but BYU feels it is a national program and can draw ratings and a good schedule. Whether that actually happens remains to be seen. Clearly this season is doing the Cougars no favors.

Matt (Portland)

Andrea, a follow up on the MWC AQ question. How long does the Big East (or the ACC, for that matter) have to underperform before they risk losing AQ status?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:40 PM)

Matt, I think it is going to be very difficult for the BCS to take away AQ status from the Big East, no matter how badly it underperforms. It is one thing to give, quite another to take away.

Kyle (Boston)

Andrea, doesn't this year's Oregon team look much more complete than last year's version? The passing game is improved, the rushing attack is unstoppable, and Darron Thomas looks really comfortable guiding the offense.

Andrea Adelson

  (12:43 PM)

This year's version looks quite good, there is no question about that. But there is a long Pac-10 season ahead. With the way the league looks this year, I think any team could win any weekend. Well, maybe not Washington State, but you get my point.

willie (topeka basement)

do you think my auburn tigers will get better running back play to take pressure off the qb?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:45 PM)

Willie, That is a great question. Because you know teams are going to be keying in on Cam Newton even more than they have. But Cam has been impressive no question about it. You have to guard against relying too much on him because that could make the offense so predictable.

Kevin (Little Rock)

Why is Utah considered to be so good. Was that overtime victory against Pitt that impressive? Of course their defense looks good, they have played NOBODY!

Andrea Adelson

  (12:46 PM)

True, the schedule has been weak, and Utah has no question benefitted from all the teams losing ahead of it. I don't have the Utes in my Top 10 this week because of that schedule. But given the fact they lost 7 starters from last season, I have been impressed with the way they have come togheter and played. Not many growing pains there, no matter the competition.

Kyle (Boston)

If USC continues its downward trend this year, do you see the Trojans getting supplanted as the vogue program on the West Coast for recruits?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:46 PM)

The NCAA sanctions are going to take care of that.

Patrick (Pittsburgh)

How come no one is talking about the big game in the Big XII on Thursday? Two undefeated teams going at it in Manhattan? And it seems that everyone thinks that Nebraska will have no problem running the table in the Big XII North. Just watch, K-State will give Nebraska all it can handle and then some.

Andrea Adelson

  (12:48 PM)

I don't think many people around the country for Kansas State, no offense Patrick. And Kansas State almost lost to UCF at home two weeks ago, so that probably has something to do with it. Nebraska certainly has a hard road, but I wouldn't call it the hardest compared to Oregon and Alabama.

james (dallas)

how is cam newton still so underrated?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:50 PM)

James, I don't know that he is underrated. Auburn is No. 8 in the country!

Jeremy (Iowa)

Iowa's next 6 opponents are now combined 28-2. If Iowa runs the table, do you see them passing a undefeated Utah or TCU team in the polls?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:51 PM)

Great question, Jeremy, and one I wish I had the answer to. At this point, I have no idea how that race is going to play out. Of course, those records are going to change as the year goes on. We have seen an undefeated Boise State lose out to one-loss teams before, but this is the highest Boise State has been ranked so I think that is a factor as well.

Tyler (Louisville, KY)

Compare Wyoming to San Diego State.... Who do you think has more potential?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:52 PM)

At this point I think it is San Diego State. The Aztecs are off to a great start this season and are playing really well. They have a true freshman RB in Ronnie Hillman who I think could be a Heisman contender at some time down the line when he matures. Ryan Lindley is better than Austyn Carta-Samuels at this point, too.

Sonny (Chicago)

Hi, Alabama and Boise State are such great teams that I would say that Alabama would win at home and Boise State at home also. If you play the game at a different from there homes it could be a much better game then the Super Bowl?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:53 PM)

I don't know about much better game than the Super Bowl, but I think that game would draw gigantic ratings. People are going to want to tune in to see if Boise State can actually win. Because you either love or hate Boise State.

Kari (Columbia, SC)

So far in 2010, South Carolina has beaten the number one team in basketball (Kentucky) and baseball (Arizona State). Now they have the chance to do it in football with #1 Alabama coming into town. Has any team ever beaten the #1 team in all three major sports. And what are the chances that South Carolina does it?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:55 PM)

Kari, I don't know that it matters what happens in the other sports except that it would be for bragging rights. I think there is a chance if Stephen Garcia plays well. South Carolina can't have him play the way he did against Auburn. Spurrier won't stand for it, either. I think against the Alabama defense you have to pass to set up the run. Arkansas could pass but couldn't really run, and the pass rush in the second half totally rattled Mallett.

Jim Tressel (C-Bus)

I won on the road by 11 with my star player injured. Why are people complaining?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:55 PM)

Because it's Illinois.

Toby (Eugene)

andrea, If Boise st gets to the NC championship game, won't that hurt the quality product of NCAA football. If they do get there then it shows the bottom dwellers of the BCS conferences that they could leave the BCS conferences join a weaker conference and get to a NC championship game by blowing out cupcakes. Could you imagine Wasington st right now in a National Championship game. thats what it would be like Bosie st gets to the NC championship game.

Andrea Adelson

  (12:56 PM)

Toby, Is that what it would be like? And what is the problem with Washington State playing for a national championship? I didn't realize that only 20 teams were eligible out of 120. I mean 300-plus are eligible in basketball but nobody complains there.

Norm Parker (Iowa City)

What aspect of Denard Robinson's play should my defense focus on more? His passing or his running?

Andrea Adelson

  (12:57 PM)

Yes. But seriously definitely the run. I think he is good at both but a better runner so if you shut down the way he runs, you probably want him to bet you with his arm.

Mike (Boston)

So you don't have any problem championing the "unfairness of the system" while at the same time saying that Alabama is clearly the best team but it plays a much tougher schedule than Boise, and at the end of the year, Boise is getting screwed if it is not in the BCS national championship game? I don't see the conflict with Boise not getting in if Alabama has even one loss.

Andrea Adelson

  (1:00 PM)

The system is unfair when you have to judge one-loss teams and undefeated teams on their schedule. Everything is subjective and judgmental every season, and we are going to continue to have arguments like this every year. Nobody said Boise's schedule is as hard as Alabama's, but again disqualifying teams based on something that is out of their hands is not fair. Boise State and Utah have proven they can beat the "big boys" in the BCS games.

Andrea Adelson

  (1:00 PM)

Thanks for joining me today everyone! Have a great day!!