Andrea Adelson

  (4:01 PM)

Hi and welcome to another live chat! Let's get started!

Joey (SC)

How about those Gamecocks! Their big games left are Arkansas, Florida, and Clemson. Do you see them winning all 3? The Arkansas game is at home which is a major plus because Gamecock Nation is the best in the country!

Andrea Adelson

  (4:03 PM)

Joey, that is a great question. You know the expectations have been raised at South Carolina since Spurrier came aboard, but every season something goes wrong. Not so far, right? Huge win last weekend. I think South Carolina has an excellent chance to win all three of those games, provided Stephen Garcia plays the way he did vs. Bama and not the way he did against Auburn. I think South Carolina is better than those 3 teams, but turnovers will be the key. Garcia cannot revert to old form.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Who do you think will be the National Champion in College Football this Season?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:03 PM)

I predicted Ohio State before the season started and I am sticking with that pick until something changes.

Lester (West Palm Beach,FL.)

Andrea what do think Randy Shannon should do about the QB?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:05 PM)

Lester, I don't think he has another option at this point. AJ Highsmith is hurt, leaving Spencer Whipple as the backup. I know Canes fans are chomping at the bit to get rid of Jacory because of the mess of a season he has had so far, but he really does give Miami the best chance to win every week. What bugs me most about all of this is how he has not been "coached up." He is regressing, and that falls squarely on his coaches.

Drew (Honolulu, HI)

If Hawaii beats Nevada this Saturday convincingly, what do you think the chances are of the Warrior's knocking off the Broncos? It seems that many are underestimating Hawaii especially in conference this year.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:06 PM)

I think the chances would be better if the game was in Hawaii. I do agree that Hawaii has emerged as another surprise team in the WAC, but it has to win one of these big games for more people to take it seriously. Fresno State was a start, and I think there is a chance for an upset on Saturday.

Bryan (Dayton )

I know people are going to say I am a homer but hell even Michigan St should be higher ranked in the BCS than the posers from Boise State..... Joina real conference play teams above the JV level then we will talk about the top 25 and maybe top 10 if you can still go undefeated. This is beginning to look like someone is playing with the formula. I know they won't stay at #1 but this is about substance. And honestly 6 of the top 10 teams could beat Boise State. I am not a hater but this is like saying that a D5 Highschool should be ranked above a D1 because they are undefeated and the D1 school has 1 loss. This is a tipping point for college football and the BCS. I vote Playoff and let see how long Boise State, TCU, and Nevada for that matter survive. OH(IO) and yes I am a Buckeyes Fan. But i think the SEC, PAC10, BIG12, would agree they dont belong in the top 5. You want to play in BCS join a BCS conference and play atleast average teams week in and week out. It isnt to hard to prepare for 2 good or average teams when they are 6-8 weeks apart. If they are so good proove it. And dont tell me VT is a quality win.......

Andrea Adelson

  (4:09 PM)

Wow, Bryan, you had a lot to get off your chest there, my friend. Why don't we take the names off the records and look at some numbers.Here are the combined records of opponents of some of the undefeated teams in the country:11-1813-1912-17Can you guess which one is Boise State? Does it matter?Please spare me this talk about "join a real conference." Do you think Boise State would turn down an opportunity to be in the Big 12 or the Big Ten? It doesn't work that way, my friend. Boise State must be invited, and I don't see anybody knocking on its door.

robert (philadelphia)

This may be a major stretch, but if air force can go through the next three games without a blemish(once again a major stretch SDSU, TCU, and Utah) could they become a BCS buster this year?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:10 PM)

It would be really difficult with one loss. No non-AQ team with a loss has made it into a BCS game. Air Force would have to finish in the Top 12 of the BCS standings and be the top finisher to boot, so it would be exceedingly difficult.

Kevin (Houston)

I can understand that people are mad about the muffed call at the BYU SDSU game, but it's part of the game. Every team has been on the losing end of a bad call. You just got to get up off the ground, and use that as motivation to move on and succeed. I remember in 2005 when TCU beat BYU on a muffed call at the end of the game, it was disappointing, but there's nothing you can do about it.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:11 PM)

You're right, there is nothing that you can do about it. But I think San Diego State is miffed this has now happened twice this season and it could have cost it 2 wins. I don't think you ever want to be getting an apology from your supervisor of officials two times in one season.

Michael (Fort Worth)

Andrea: As a huge TCU fan I am hoping for a miracle upset of Boise somewhere on their schedule. Unfortunately I do not see that happening. Should I put aside last years Fiesta Bowl and start pulling for Boise? They have a much better chance of going to the NC game than TCU this year and if they were to go and win, how much would that help the MWC when they join next year?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:13 PM)

That is a personal choice, Michael. There are some danger games. Hawaii is one as Drew mentioned. So is Nevada and Fresno State. It would help the Mountain West if Boise State played in a national title game, but I don't think that is going to be the deciding factor on whether the MWC gets an AQ bid.

Josh (Knoxville, TN)

Andrea, I've yet to see a convincing argument for why a team with a barely top 100 SOS should be #1 in the Nation right now. Do you have an answer?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:14 PM)

Josh, you might want to get your facts right before you ask a question. Here is the latest from the computer rankings, courtesy of the Forde Yard Dash:The Broncos are No. 1 with two computers (Sagarin, Massey), No. 2 with Billingsley, No. 5 with Colley and No. 6 with Anderson. (The sixth, Wolfe, has not yet released its rankings.) TCU is No. 2 with Sagarin and Massey, No. 3 with Colley, No. 4 with Billingsley and No. 7 with Anderson.All five computers have both Boise and TCU ranked higher than the consensus 1-2 in the polls, Ohio State (which is anywhere from sixth to 15th) and Oregon (fourth to 10th).

Andrea Adelson

  (4:15 PM)

One more thing: Boise State's strength of schedule is currently ranked 28 according to Sagarin.

David (Utah)

A big deal is being made of the blown call in the BYU SDSU game when JJ fumbled the ball and the call was not overturned. Why doesn't anyone in the media even bother to mention the drive right before that where SDSU fumbled the ball and BYU recovered but the refs messed up that call. That drive later resulted in a touchdown as well. Everyone is saying poor SDSU but BYU has also had a tough season with missed calls. Example game versus Nevada where Romney Fuga was injured for the season on a cheap clipping by Nevada. That missed personal foul has never been addressed.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:17 PM)

That call was addressed, and both the WAC and the Mountain West said it was a legal block.

Mike (Reno, NV)

If Nevada is the only Non-BCS team left undefeated at the end of the season, do you see the BCS giving them the nod for a BCS bowl?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:17 PM)

Mike, it's not up to the BCS but the BCS standings. Nevada would have to be the top qualifier, and finish in the Top 12 of the standings for that to happen.

Andrew (Orlando, FL)

With the most difficult conference games at home (ECU and So Miss), do you think UCF will win the CUSA and possibly every game here on out?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:19 PM)

I believe UCF will play for the Conference USA title but lose to SMU. That is how I am projecting the league at this point today.

Reality Check (USA)

Do you think LSU should stand for Lucky State University? They avoided facing USC for the crystal football in 2003, avoided facing GEORGIA and USC for the crystal football in 2007, and are the only school to win a crystal football with two losses in the BCS Era. Also, look at all the lucky breaks this season. When is their luck going to run out?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:20 PM)

Hey, wouldn't you like to have luck on your side? You probably wouldn't complain much about it then, huh? No question LSU has been lucky under Lucky Les, but not much you can do about it.

JohnnyPap (bullpen)

Who do you think will win the San Diego State - Air Force matchup this weekend? Both teams are coming into the game with a lot of momentum, should make for a good game?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:21 PM)

Should be a great game. I picked Air Force to win by one point, so I could see it going either way. I just think Tim Jefferson is the difference in this one. He is running the triple option to perfection. Also, San Diego State had a lot of missed tackles last week, so be on the lookout for that as well.

Scott (Gresham, OR)

"Death to the BCS" comes out tomorrow. Any chance it shakes things up and brings about changes in 2014? Wouldn't we all like to see "December Madness"?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:22 PM)

I know I would, but I just do not see a playoff happening any time soon. Majority of coaches, ADs, presidents and commissioners are in favor of the bowl system.

Jay (Ann Arbor)

Hey Andrea, Michigan... Are they a Fraud? Shoelace is the real deal, but when you find a way to slow him down, the offense can't stay with the opposing team's offense because of how bad the defense is. How many Big Ten wins are we looking at and will RichRod be back?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:24 PM)

Fraud is a strong word, although I don't think anyone expected much out of the defense this year. I think Michigan will make a bowl game, but I have no idea if that is enough for Rich Rod to save his job. I think Michigan can win at least three more Big Ten games.

Blake (Salt Lake City)

Hi Andrea, Enjoy your work. If Utah runs the table (beating TCU) do you think they have a chance to jump Boise in BCS rankings?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:24 PM)

No, because I don't think that will elevate Utah in the rankings ahead of Boise State if the Broncos remain unbeaten. Remember, the Harris poll and coaches poll count 2/3 of the formula.

Melissa (Nebraska)

Hi Anderea, do you think the Huskers will have a tough time running against Texas? Also, can you explain what the "pistol" is?Thanks.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:28 PM)

I don't think it's going to be as easy as Kansas State, that is for sure. Texas' defense is the strength of the team, so I am going to be interested to see how T-Magic does against that front seven. As for the Pistol, it is a formation in which quarterback is lined up 4 yards behind center and the running is lined up directly behind the quarterback a few yards behind him. Nevada coach Chris Ault is the brain child.Here is a good breakdown if you want more info:http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/11/sports/ncaafootball/11nevada.html?n=Top/Reference/Times Topics/Organizations/U/University of Nevada?ref=university_of_nevada

Corey (Chicago)

Andrea, how do you feel about Michigan State's chances of making a run at an undefeated season? Would they make a case for the BCS title game? Their offense is efficient, balanced, and deep and the defense has been a pleasant surprise this year.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:30 PM)

I think Michigan State has a good shot. That game at Iowa is going to be a huge test. The big question, though is the scheduling quirk. If Ohio State goes undefeated and so does Michigan State, the Spartans would not jump into the top spot. In fact, because Michigan State started the season ranked so low, it is going to be hard to climb into that Top 2 spot if there are more than two undefeated teams left.

Max (Eugene, OR)

The Oregon Ducks have been getting a lot of national attention lately as a fun team to watch and seem to be growing a national following. Do you think that Oregon is becoming one of those name-brand schools like the Texas', Florida's, and Notre Dame's of the world?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:32 PM)

Great question, Max. I think any time you have an offense that is as fun to watch as Oregon, people are going to pay attention. Same as USC -- people watched for the offense when the Trojans made their name with Leinart, Bush, etc. But I think Oregon is going to need several years of sustained success in order for that to happen. It can't just be two years because then Oregon will fall off the map again.

Chris (Athens)

Okay enough about bashing Boise. If people can cite past years for the success of other teams (bama's NC, oregon's pac 10 championship, OSU's rose bowl win) then how about this, boise beat oregon TWICE, once IN AUTZEN. boise has done everything it can to get to the NC, i DONT LIKE boise st but if you don't think they deserve a shot after this year then you are a biased, logic lacking fool of a fan. its not like nebraska plays anyone until the big 12 championship....

Andrea Adelson

  (4:32 PM)

There you have it!

Jonathon (Birmingham, AL)

Who do you think of the top 8 teams are most likely to fall over the next few weeks?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:35 PM)

Let me consult my crystal ball. ... Tough game for Nebraska at Oklahoma State next week. Oklahoma at Missouri is going to be a little challenging. You also have LSU at Auburn in 2 weeks so one of those undefeateds will fall (I would go with LSU to lose that one). Air Force at TCU is also a danger game.

Michael (Wilmington)

Andrea,Has Florida State turned a corner and on its way to becoming a national powerhouse again?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:36 PM)

Michael, I was totally stunned with the way FSU beat Miami last week. The Seminoles looked like a completely different team than the one that lost to Oklahoma. I thought the defense would struggle for the entire year and projected FSU to go 8-4 this season. But I am going to have to admit I was wrong at this point in time. FSU has to be considered the favorite to make the ACC championship game, and this could be the year the Seminoles finally beat Florida again.

Jake Heaps (P-town, UT)

Will I finally have Touchdown throw this week?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:37 PM)

Tough one to answer, Jake. TCU has yet to allow anybody throw for for 200 yards this year. I think the chances are better that JJ rushes for a TD.

Justin Williamson (Tennessee)

With Oregon being idle this week, what is the chances of Boise being No. 1 in the BCS polls?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:38 PM)

Not sure if you were around earlier this week, but ESPN BCS guru Brad Edwards projects Boise State to begin the BCS rankings at No. 1 when they are released on Sunday.

Michael Hackett (Greenville, NC)

How do you like the Pirates chance against in-state rival NC State? I know that 52,000 pirate fans in Dowdy-Ficklen are going to be ready Saturday.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:38 PM)

I picked NC State in this one. I just don't think East Carolina has an answer for Russell Wilson.

Ben (Salt Lake)

When does ESPN jump on the Utah bandwaggon? They're the least talked about top 10 team I've ever seen. Sure they haven't "played anyone", but neither has Nebraska...and Utah has a top 10 offense, defense & special teams.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:40 PM)

Ben, I have gotten this a lot from Utah fans who are angry the Utes get no coverage. I encourage you to look at the nation blog, where I have written at least one article or done one video a week on Utah since the beginning of this season. This week, I did a video on Utah and its dominance in the second quarter. I am just not sure what you mean with "get on the Utah bandwagon." It is not up to a network to get on a bandwagon, mind you. That is for fans. We are not cheerleaders, just reporters.

Steve (Utah)

Andrea: in your mailbag there was a Ute fan ragging on you for your three-point stance on Utah vs. Iowa State and then he claimed Utah didn't get any press. I was shocked to see such a short-sighted email. Thank you for all the coverage you have given Utah this year. I've been amazed at all the videos and articles you do about them. My question is: Have you attended a game at Rice Eccles Stadium? Do you plan on making it to the TCU game on Nov. 6?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:41 PM)

Thank, you Steve, your question followed the one I just posted. I have not been to a game there, and my assignments for the rest of the season are up in the air, so stay tuned and maybe we will both find out together!

Martin (Dallas)

Earlier this week, Ivan Maisel said regarding TCU joining the Big East, ?That was never going to happen. The Big East still takes its basketball very seriously. TCU brings nothing to the league there.? Meanwhile, Brian Bennett said, ?My understanding is that it's up to TCU to decide if it wants to make that move. I believe the Big East would bend over backward to welcome the Horned Frogs.? So what are your thoughts on what is going to happen?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:42 PM)

Martin, let me just say that I have not heard one way or the other what is going to happen, so I cannot really say for sure. I think basketball weighs heavily, but I also know that the Big East is desperate to up its profile in football. That is where all the money is, after all. The ball is in the Big East's court. If you are TCU, you would have to accept any invite to an automatic qualifying conference.

Hank Hill (Arlen, TX)

Would the SEC invite Duke, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State to their conference if the schools mentioned were willing?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:43 PM)

You are forgetting about Texas, that would be the No. 1 target. Texas A&M would also be attractive as well. But at this point, I do not see the SEC making any predatory moves. The league is going to sit back and watch to see what happens.

Josh (Knoxville, TN)

Bryan in Dayton might be interested in this... Boise's SoS through 6 weeks is 13th, according to the Massey computers. Michigan State's is 74th. Full-season SoS projections have Boise at 41 and MSU at 60.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:44 PM)

There are a lot of people who do not want to look at hard numbers and just the name of the school.

Blake (Salt Lake City)

Andrea, how long can BYU last as a football independant? My guess is that the school drops its football program entirely within the next 10 years. Thoughts?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:45 PM)

Drop the football program entirely?? Umm, no. That is never going to happen. If being independent is a miserable failure, BYU will join another conference. At this point, I have mixed feelings about the move. It is going to be incredibly difficult to remain independent. I don't think BYU has the national cache the folks at BYU think they have, and if BYU has more struggles like this season, it is going to be hard to generate much interest in the program.

Donnell (New Orleans, La)

Andrea, if LSU beats Auburn next week and goes to 8-0 what chance do you give them of beating Bama. Personally, I think they have a great chance due to outstanding DL to stop run and PP on JJ in the secondary. Your thoughts..

Andrea Adelson

  (4:47 PM)

I think that is a very big if on Auburn. I still think Miles has to decide on one quarterback (ahem Jarrett Lee) and if he keeps waffling, then it is going to be really hard. I mean it is obvious when Jefferson is in there LSU is going to run. You do not want to telegraph that to people. But I would still give the nod to Bama vs. LSU. The defense is great, no question about it, but the offense will continue to be an Achilles' heel if things don't change quickly. Lee to Toliver is emerging as a great duo, and LSU has to take advantage of that.

Steven (Hokie Nation)

Andrea, I glanced at the bowl predictions and you had my hokies in the Orange Bowl, that was a realllllllly bold prediction there and I am a hokies fan. Care to explain the reason behind that?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:48 PM)

I have Virginia Tech now as the favorite to win the ACC championship game. I had Miami in there, and now I am throwing my lot with the Hokies. I have gotten some mail into the mailbag telling me I need my head examined, but I am still not 100 percent convinced on FSU. That James Madison loss was bad but you have to understand the circumstances. The rest of the schedule sets up really, really nicely for the Hokies.

Dave (Boise)

Was that a Big 10 fan talking about SOS and how tough their conference is? please, go play western michigan and shut up

Andrea Adelson

  (4:49 PM)

Now, now Dave. Ohio State did play Miami this year, Penn State played Alabama and Iowa played Arizona, so some of these teams play tough non-conference games.

Blake (Salt Lake City)

Hi Andrea, what are the odds the Utes can snag a Rose Bowl Bid a year BEFORE they actually join the Pac12?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:51 PM)

I don't like the odds because I think the back end of the schedule is a killer. Really hard games at Air Force, home to TCU. Also at Notre Dame and San Diego State. I think Utah loses once somewhere in there. I know Utah fans are going to hate me for saying that, but that is how I see it happening right now.

Reese (Sanford, NC)

Andrea, Do you think if NC. State beats FSU on Oct. 28 they will play in the ACC Championship?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:53 PM)

I am picking FSU in that game, but let us say NC State wins. The game at Clemson the following week is a danger game, and so is at North Carolina. The Heels are playing better despite losing half their team. I still have FSU coming out of that division.

Jake (Honolulu, HI)

As the season moves on, the WAC strength will start to show on the SOS compared to the Pac 10 and Big Ten. Do you think the difference of the conference strength will bump BSU out of the 1 or 2?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:53 PM)

Yes, nobody expects Boise State to finish 1 or 2 if everybody else remains undefeated. But Hawaii, Fresno State and Nevada need to keep doing well to help the Broncos out.

Desmond (NC)

When do you think N.C. State will start receiving more recognition nationally.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:55 PM)

If the Wolfpack beat FSU, I think that would be huge for national respect.

Adam (SLC)

Its easy to say that a team doesn't belong.. but it is hard to prove it doesn't especially when a team hasn't lost. People constantly claim that the play off is on the field during the season.. well if you go undefeated during the season.. you deserve a shot. They did all that they could do and were asked for and completed. If they can't get in with what they have? Then why say everyone has a chance? /rant

Andrea Adelson

  (4:55 PM)

Adam, I feel your pain. I just cannot get behind a system that eliminates over half the teams when the season starts because of the schedule it is forced to play.

John (Fort Worth)

Andrea, with the TCU-Utah game looming, is there any chance that TCU with a road win over a top 10 team could jump Boise for the guaranteed AQ spot?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:56 PM)

Not unless TCU jumps Boise State in the polls, and I do not see that happening.

Josh (Mississippi)

Andrea, Any chance the Ole Miss "Rebel Black Bears" can pull an upset against Alabama?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:57 PM)

I liked that Hotty Totty mascot!! But I understand bears are cuddly and cute for the kids. I am going to say no. I bet Nick Saban will have his troops rarin' to go after that loss last week. I would not want to face an angry Saban, would you?

Andrea (RJ)

True or False: It's a joke that Florida, with 2 losses, is still ranked.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:57 PM)

Great name!! I am perplexed at Florida being ranked. The Gators are not in my Top 25 power rankings.

Melissa (Nebraska)

Is the Boise scheduled going to be discussed in every single chat every week until the end of the season? Frankly, I'm sick of reading about it. Let the season play out, then everyone can panic. :)

Andrea Adelson

  (4:58 PM)

Yes, Melissa, the Boise State schedule will be discussed every day for the rest of the season. I get questions on this chat, the game day chats and my mailbag, so I do my best to answer them.

Myke (Salt Lake City, UT)

One of the suspended replay booth officials from the SDSU-BYU game was a BYU employee! Is it normal for employees from one of the teams to be in the replay booth? The MWC (and other conferences) need to investigate this sort of thing.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:59 PM)

I don't think the conferences have set rules on who is allowed to be in the replay booth. I do know of somebody who was a school employee and worked in the replay booth at home games. I will not mention the school, but it was not in the Mountain West.

tom (AA)

if michigan & osu played on saturday, what are the chances youd give the wolverines of pulling an upset?

Andrea Adelson

  (5:00 PM)

2 percent.

Chris (Athens)

best mascot in the nation is? come on, give me some UGA VIII love...have you seen his picture? adorable.

Andrea Adelson

  (5:00 PM)

UGA is adorable, there is no question about that.

John (Birmingham, AL)

Who wins, Auburn or Arkansas? Best team in SEC right now?

Andrea Adelson

  (5:01 PM)

Last question here ... I have Auburn winning that game, and I think the Tigers are the best team in the SEC. I have them ranked highest of all.Thanks for joining me today! Make sure to check out our GameDay live chats on Saturday!!