Ted Miller

  (3:00 PM)

Greetings... It's hump day. What's on your mind?

Ken (Clearlake)

Just a quick thought for all those Bear fans that think Cal football is going to slide of the Earth post Tosh Lupoi. Mychal Kendricks was a three star recruit, one of Cal's best players; not recruited by Tosh Lupoi; he was recruited by former Cal defensive coordinator Bob Gregory. Cal will be able to recruit good players, and I think field good teams with or without five star recruits.... NO TOSH, NO PROBLEM.......

Ted Miller

  (3:00 PM)

Alert the presses: An upbeat Cal fan. Good to hear.

Jason (Seattle)

Who goes higher in the draft, Burfict or Bolden? Where does Brock end up?

Ted Miller

  (3:01 PM)

We can't say with Bolden until he clocks a 40... but I wouldn't draft Burfict before the fourth round. As for Brock, I'd say round three.

Jason (Seattle)

It seems Coach Graham at ASU is really talking a good game. What are the chances the play on the field back that up and we are a surprising team next season? What would you consider a successful first season for Coach Graham? Bowl game? Bowl game victory?

Ted Miller

  (3:02 PM)

There's typically an adjustment to new coaches with new schemes, and the Sun Devils have plenty of holes after a HUGE senior class graduated. If they go 6-6, I'd rate it a success.

Kevin (Philly)

any word on the Bennet / Mariotta duel yet..anyone looking stronger?

Ted Miller

  (3:03 PM)

we may need to wait until spring practices start before we put a firm handicap on this one. Fair to say that Bennett gets the first snaps of spring and it will be up to Mariota to change the pecking order.

Lance Romance (Winnipeg, Canada)

Ted, who do you think starts at QB for ASU next year? I think Bercovici has the edge.

Ted Miller

  (3:06 PM)

Again, it's too early to really tell. Bercovici has a nice arm, and you'd think he'd be ahead of Taylor Kelly because he eclipsed him last year. But Michael Eubank is an intriguing athlete whom Graham recruited at Pitt. We have to see how they react this spring. You'd figure at least a 2-man pecking order develops fairly quickly.

Cory (Everett, Wa)

If you had to Pick a WAY to Early POY COY and Dark Horse champion for the upcomming season, who might they be?

Ted Miller

  (3:07 PM)

POY: Matt Barkley. COY: Les Miles. Dark horse: Florida State.

Eric (WA)

Will Cougar players get credit if they have huge seasons, or will people just say "its mike Leach"

Ted Miller

  (3:08 PM)

Both... with a tip of the cap to Paul Wulff, who recruited them.

Mike (SLC)

Do you think that Utah's change in offensive philosophy holds them back despite what could be a historically good defense? Or does the stability of John White and Jordan Wynn returning at QB help to give them a good chance at 9 or 10 wins?

Ted Miller

  (3:10 PM)

I think 9 wins are possible, particularly if the Utes can get 220-230 yards passing per game. The philosophy isn't the thing. It's Wynn's shoulder being 100 percent and staying that way.

Don (Salt Lake)

Have you heard anything on Direct TV and Dish picking up the Pac 12 network?

Ted Miller

  (3:10 PM)

not yet... seems like a game of negotiating chicken. You should call your provider and demand action!

Peter (San Francisco)

What do you believe will be the outcome of Oregon/NCAA investigation?

Ted Miller

  (3:12 PM)

Oregon will take some hits, probably lose some scholarships and get some coaches grounded and get probation. I don't think they get a bowl ban. But, again, you can rarely tell with the NCAA.

Keith Price (Montlake)

Am I too short to play on Sundays?

Ted Miller

  (3:12 PM)

No.... but that will count against you when it's your turn to be drafted.

ducktails (atlanta, GA)

Why do you think Gemmell listed DT's "top performance" as his game against Nevada?I always thought his performance (303.0 QB rating) was a statistical freakshow brought on by a defense that just laid down and died.I always thought his performance in the Rose bowl, where he threw for 268 yards and 3 TDs (206.1 QB rating) against one of the top defenses in country, in a game which went right down to the wire, and with the pressure of a hundred years of futility on his shoulders, was more impressive.What do you think?

Ted Miller

  (3:14 PM)

You don't like statistical freakshows? Well, we both tried to hit a lot of different bases with the top performances.... the Rose Bowl was a good one, but there was a little of that "Hey, forgot about that!" with Nevada.

Omar (Santa Clarita, Ca) [via mobile]

If you could schedule any two teams to play against each other next year who would they be?

Ted Miller

  (3:14 PM)

Alabama and USC... I'd say LSU and USC but Tide-Trojans makes my mouth water as a sports writer... so much history.

Rebel (Scottsdale)

Dear Ted...Being a scottsdale resident, whats your favorite place for Mexican food, more specifically chips and salsa...really in the mood to take the family out tonight...

Ted Miller

  (3:18 PM)

We have Spotted Donkey right near our house -- almost to Carefree on Scottsdale RD. Lots of folks would say Frank & Lupe's ...there's some place in old town I went that I can't remember...white building...any help out there?

B-Coak (NYC)

who has shorter press conferences? Chip Kelly or Lane Kiffin?

Ted Miller

  (3:19 PM)

Kelly...

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Which player's immaturity has cost them the most money and will prove to be the biggest waste of talent, Burfict or C. Harris?

Ted Miller

  (3:20 PM)

burfict... Harris was sort of inflated by Oregon fans... I know I took a lot of grief for not "ranking" him higher, but much of my position was coming from folks inside the program.

Ryan (Cincinnati)

Hey! Mind telling Rich Rod i have the utmost faith in him to bring Arizona to the promise land when you got talk to him tomorrow?

Ted Miller

  (3:20 PM)

I will tell him.

Jimbo (Scottsdale)

Frank & Lupe's is a can't miss.

The D (Seattle)

Ted, love your blog. Comparing SEC vs PAC-12 schedules, it's no surprise that the SEC is considered a 'better' conference, i.e, they play more home games and less conference games than the average PAC-12 team. Wouldn't it be in the PACs interest to model their schedules like the SEC to have more wins throughout the conference, thus creating the perception that our teams are 'better'?

Ted Miller

  (3:22 PM)

Yes, the Pac-12 would improve its perception if it scheduled like the SEC. BUT... it's hard to argue with 6 consecutive national titles -- and five different teams winning championships in the BCS era.

Sonic the hedgehog (eugene)

With Oregons new redshirt freshman (Tacoi Sumler, BJ Kelly, Devon Blackmon etc.) DAT, Josh Huff, Kenjon, who posted a faster 40 than LMJ, and a faster QB than DT, is there any Defense in the PAC that can keep up pace with them?

Ted Miller

  (3:23 PM)

Well, if they live up to their expectations... we don't know how good the 3 RS Frosh are. They haven't played. Huff still hasn't completely broken through, and we have to see how DAT handles the spotlight and Barner handles being the No. 1 back. And QB is a question. But there is a ton of potential there.

omar (ca) [via mobile]

If reason SEC is so dominant is because they are bat crazy about football and population concentration, how come there championship run is only at 6 wouldn't they have won more championships before?

Ted Miller

  (3:27 PM)

They did win a fair share of championships -- see Bryant, Bear -- but the BCS system didn't start until 1998. I also think the growth of the Sun Belt in terms of demographics over the past 25 years plays a part. Integration had to be complete, so that takes you into the late 70s, early 80s. And HUGE money has only been a part of the system for the past 15 or so years.

Drake (SLO)

Does USC win both games against Oregon or do we split the series with them?

Ted Miller

  (3:29 PM)

you've already written the season's script, eh? I'd rate USC's advantage on Nov. 3 based on home field and QB experience. And winning that game would secure home field advantage for the Pac-12 championship (if the script holds). But there are a lot of questions with the Ducks that if they get answered we might no longer be so in favor of the Trojans

Eric (WA)

What is next for CJ Mizell?

Ted Miller

  (3:30 PM)

Well, first of all he needs to grow up. Then he needs to find a place to play and see if he can get himself to the NFL. But growing up comes first.

Brad (San Diego)

Besides Joseph Fauria, who will Brett Hundley throw the ball to next season?

Ted Miller

  (3:33 PM)

Wow.. that's a good question.. the Bruins lose most of their top WR.... Shaq Evans, Ricky Marvray and Devin Lucien would be my first thoughts, based on the depth chart. Great opportunities for some freshmen and RS freshmen to play.

Lance Romance (Winnipeg, Canada)

I'm not so sure USC will roll the South as easily as everybody thinks. They are definitely the favorites but remember that they struggled with many middle of the pack teams. Any thoughts?

Ted Miller

  (3:35 PM)

More than a few folks will bet on USC blowing at least one game. But do you think any other South team can lose only one or two conference games? I see Utah as being a darkhorse, but I don't see the Utes going 7-2 in Pac-12 play.

Cbrown (Spokangeles)

How long will Leach stay in Pullman?

Ted Miller

  (3:35 PM)

Hard to say... for him to bolt, he'd have to be successful. Pullman-Leach seems like a good match.

Trojan [via mobile]

Can a school be good in football and basketball? Why or why not?

Ted Miller

  (3:37 PM)

Sure... Ohio State comes to mind... Texas... Florida ... But it's clearly not easy. It seems like a school is either a basketball school or a football school (or neither).

Nate (New Orleans)

Over/Under 5 Pro-bowls for Luck? And, do you think Drew Brees and the Saints will get a new contract worked out, or will they have to franchise him?

Ted Miller

  (3:38 PM)

over... and I think Brees and the Saints get it down. He's an institution down there.

corey (nyc)

Ted--- Who is "America's Team" of College Football?

Ted Miller

  (3:39 PM)

Richmond Spiders.

Alex (Eugene)

Will Oregon/USC be next years LSU/Bama? Will the winner of the second game go to the natty?

Ted Miller

  (3:42 PM)

With the BCS, no game exists in isolation. Alabama wouldn't have gotten a rematch with LSU had Oklahoma State not thrown up on itself at Iowa State... it was a matter of 1 undefeated AQ team and then a beauty contest for the best 1-loss team. So if the Oregon-USC winner is unbeaten and No. 1, and no other AQ team is unbeaten, and the loser is deemed the best 1-loss team, then you could have a rematch... But I suspect last year's game will be a very, very rare scenario.

Dwayne Jarrett (LA)

A lot of hype is being made of this USC offense this year...but defense wins championships. Do you see USC as the juggernaut of '05? Or more flawed...with offense picking up the D and vice versa on occasion...?

Ted Miller

  (3:44 PM)

Well, if you recall the "juggernaut" of 2005 was great on offense and mediocre on defense -- see what Vince Young did in the title game. The big issue with USC 2012 is the D-line. It probably will be able to suit up a solid starting 4, but the depth is questionable. Really need Kennard and Horton to step up outside and DT George Uko live up to his buzz.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Who will be the Best Quarterback in the Big-12 in 2012?

Ted Miller

  (3:45 PM)

landry jones at oklahoma.

HugeIn (TheEug)

What's the deal with picking two Thomases at #12 in your top 25...which makes your list have 26. You sure didn't get much support among the fans of any team with that move.Just being clever with both guys having the same last name, or is one of the other picks not a player bringing your top 25 back to 25 players? (I'm guessing an attempt at being clever.)

Ted Miller

  (3:47 PM)

it was a question of ME omitting one of them from the original list and only recognizing my BONEHEADED mistake once we'd begun. What's been interesting is in the mailbag it's almost exactly split among the people who think one or the other should be higher. I think 12 is about right for both.

nickos (san diego)

with vegas putting ucla wins over under at 6.5. what would you take?

Ted Miller

  (3:50 PM)

i just went back and forth on my response twice... before talking to Mora a a week or so ago, I'd have said under. After talking to him, and sensing his approach, I'd say the Bruins will win 7, so take the over.

George (Montlake)

Ted, how close are the Dawgs at being a SERIOUS contender in the north?

Ted Miller

  (3:52 PM)

Close... to me, hiring Wilcox as DC will almost immediately yield results. Oregon doesn't look like it's going to go away, but I'd say the Huskies at present are best positioned with Stanford to challenge the Ducks on a regular basis.

Jabroni (Cleveland)

How does Stanford fare in the post-Luck era? They are still recruiting like gangbusters...that normally fuels success

Ted Miller

  (3:53 PM)

I see no reasons Stanford doesn't remain a top-25 team with a chance to be in the top-10 every so often. That offensive line should be fierce over the coming years -- and QB and RB recruits will see that.

Brock (Puyallup)

Do you think Keith Price's performance will drop significantly because he's losing his most experienced receivers (Kearse, Aguilar) or do you think that players like Williams are actually an upgrade?

Ted Miller

  (3:54 PM)

I think Price will put up better numbers next year... how many balls did Kearse drop anyway? Polk is a bigger loss, both in terms of on-field and off-field as those two were best buds.

corey (Iowa)

Not a Pac 12 question, but you did answer a Drew Brees question, so hopefully u can answer this: Will Notre Dame be in the preseason top 25?

Ted Miller

  (3:55 PM)

probably... isn't that like a rule or something?

jon (chi-town)

I kind of hope Chase Hansen is the starting qb at UTAH... am i crazy?

Ted Miller

  (3:57 PM)

Utah's best chance to win is with a healthy Jordan Wynn... that's not just me typing... that's Brian Johnson and Kyle Whittingham, too.

Jim (Scottsdale)

Had to give a shout out to Andrus Peat, Stanford's top football recruit. Watched him and his basketball team win the Division 1 Arizona State Championship last weekend. He started and played well for the Corona del Sol Aztecs.

Ted Miller

  (3:57 PM)

word is he's a beast...

Saurabh (San Diego)

I am a huge fan of Matt Barkley! But with so much expectations and pressure on him for Heisman and National championship could you analyze what kind of season would Barkley have?

Ted Miller

  (3:59 PM)

I don't think Barkley will be bothered by pressure... what I DO see is Robert Woods, Marqise Lee, George Farmer, Victor Blackwell, Xavier Grimble and Randall Telfer. I see lots of passing yards. And dead people.

David (CA)

Is Stanford a basketball school or a football school? Seems to undergo that change more often than most schools

Ted Miller

  (4:00 PM)

football. at present, football.

Ben (Sandy, UT)

Can we amend the Jordan Wynn statement to be "healthy and confident". Even when he was healthy last year, if he was healthy, he was way too quick to toss the ball away at the slightest hint of pressure and getting hit.

Ted Miller

  (4:00 PM)

yes... and he didn't seem 100 percent with his velocity even before he got hurt.

Ted Miller

  (4:01 PM)

OK gang... got to head back to the day job. Thanks for stopping by.