ESPN

Jake Trotter

  (12:00 PM)

We'll get rolling in a sec guys. Keep sending in your questions and comments.

Ted (Austin)

Can we dump Mack Brown after the Sooners destroy us? I'd rather see a new face improve our recruiting and bring a new regime.

Jake Trotter

  (12:02 PM)

I really don't envisioned Mack getting Kiffin-ed. I think if they wanted to make a move, they would wait until after the season. What's the point of firing him midseason? Not like they have Muschamp sitting there as the coach in waiting. But, if what you suggest happened, along with a loss in Ames, it would be really interesting to see how the administration reacted. Who knows, maybe Mack would resign at that point?

Randy (Houston)

If you had to guess, given the timing of everything, what do you think the Longhorn press conference might be about?

Jake Trotter

  (12:03 PM)

DeLoss Dodd's retirement.

Michael ((Flower Mound, TX))

Could Baylor really be the best in the Big 12?

Jake Trotter

  (12:03 PM)

Sure, why not? They've looked like the best team so far along with Oklahoma. And they get the Sooners in Waco on Nov. 7.

Ed (Queens Village)

Can Cowboys rebound to win Bug 12 after losing in Morgantown?

Jake Trotter

  (12:04 PM)

Can they? Sure. Will they? I don't know. This team was exposed in Morgantown. Special teams are awful. JW Walsh can't make throws downfield to keep defenses honest. The running backs are average. And because Walsh can't complete passes downfield, OSU's biggest strength, WRs, is somewhat nullified.

ouwooferman (houston tx)

Bigger environment Playing at ND or BU?

Jake Trotter

  (12:05 PM)

Notre Dame. Better team? Baylor.

Robert (El Paso)

What are other teams saying about Baker Mayfield? Have they figured out his strengths/weaknesses, or has he just been making poor decisions? thx

Jake Trotter

  (12:06 PM)

Honestly, I just think he's hasn't been playing well. Teams are keeping him in the pocket, where his height works a little bit against him. He needs to play well this weekend... Michael Brewer is getting healthier by the day.

JakeJones (OKC)

Which big 12 team should be on Upset alert this weekend?

Jake Trotter

  (12:07 PM)

Texas. Iowa State found its offensive footing in Tulsa, and Ames on a Thursday night -- that's a setting nobody wants to deal with.

Jay (Michigan)

Potential trap game for OU? TCU can still play, and I think is slightly under the radar right now. Meanwhile, OU just beat ND on the road and has Texas next week...

Jake Trotter

  (12:09 PM)

Yeah, it's possible. OU was in a similar situation in 2011. Sooners beat Florida State on the road. With Texas looming, they struggled a bit against Missouri. This TCU team is better than that Missouri team was.

Larry (TX)

Which would you consider the better coaching job, USC or Texas (assuming Brown gets smoked by OU)?

Jake Trotter

  (12:10 PM)

Texas. More money. More support.

Jay (Michigan)

Can Iowa St upset Texas Thursday or Texas maybe not as bad as we think?

Jake Trotter

  (12:10 PM)

No, Iowa State can win. Especially if QB David Ash can't go.

Ryan (Tyler, Tx)

Jake, who will the Longhorns look to replace Dodds? Also, what are the chances of Texas pulling Saban, Muschamp, or Shaw from their respective universities?

Jake Trotter

  (12:12 PM)

First name I thought of was Oliver Luck. Luck has a law degree from Texas.

Michael (Flower Mound, TX)

Do you see the Big 12 recovering in future years? Or did the mess Texas created make it too hard to sell the Big 12 (Little 10) to big time recruits?

Jake Trotter

  (12:13 PM)

The Big 12 can recover. But it will require expansion at some point. Hard to compete with 10, when others have 12 or 14.

Jeff (Dallas)

OU favored in every game from here on out?

Jake Trotter

  (12:14 PM)

Possibly. Baylor and OSU could still be favored at home, depending on what they do between now and then.

Robert (El Paso)

I think Kliff has done a pretty good job so far, but he went for a 4th down against TCU that was ill advised. What are your thoughts on Kliff so far?

Jake Trotter

  (12:14 PM)

Kliff has been the Big 12 coach of the year so far, in my humble opinion.

Allen (Houston)

Still not buying Baylor. When they play these teams with athletes on D, they wont be putting up all those points. Same old Baylor, with a ceiling of 9 wins. Wont be shocked to we WVU beat them handily

Jake Trotter

  (12:16 PM)

There's always the possibility they become this year's 2012 West Virginia. I don't see it. This Baylor defense is better than last year's West Virginia defense. And this Baylor offense is more complete than last year's West Virginia offense, which really had just 3-4 players.

Victor (San Francisco)

Do you see or have you heard of Art Briles getting recruited away from Baylor to go to NFL or another big college program?

Jake Trotter

  (12:16 PM)

Hasn't happened yet. But it will.

Jesse (SC)

Should a conference expansion occur, what teams would be the prime candidates for the Big 12?

Jake Trotter

  (12:17 PM)

The only schools worth adding would be in the ACC. It would require the ACC crumbling. The Big 12 could crumble first, though.

Derrin (Plano, TX)

Mike Stoops led defenses have historically struggled against mobile QBS. Is this the main focus/concern for the Sooners this week against Boykin.

Jake Trotter

  (12:18 PM)

Yeah, that will be the key. They can't allow Boykin to get outside the pocket and make plays.

Fred (Tulsa)

Which meaningful teams could the Big 12 sway into joining the conference? Would they have to convince them to jump ship from their current conferences?

Jake Trotter

  (12:20 PM)

Florida State and Clemson would be the bellcows. But I don't see those two leaving the ACC, unless there was another seismic shift whether another set of ACC schools got picked up. Like North Carolina going to the Big Ten or something.

Josh (Dallas)

Still taking a wait and see approach with all of the top 3. none are yet to have a performance against a quality team that makes think they are playing on the level of a clear favorite. Thoughts?

Jake Trotter

  (12:21 PM)

I think that's somewhat fair, but winning in Notre Dame is no small feat, even if the Irish are not as good as last season.

Craig (Dallas)

Do you think Dana Holgerson will wise up and can Joe DeForest? Keith Patterson has improved this defense about 90 spots in the rankings and DeForest's "specialty", special teams are bad. Plus all the ugliness from the SI article - will the bromance finally end?

Jake Trotter

  (12:21 PM)

I would imagine DeForest's status at West Virginia is tenuous at best.

Drew (Houston)

Love the work Jake, definitely helps me get through the week until Saturday's games. Quick questions, is it just me or do fans of other teams seem really upset that Baylor isn't an automatic W for their team anymore? Seems like any praise Baylor gets they try to point out a flaw, use the "they haven't played anyone" argument or bring up Baylor's past history claiming they've never finished close to the top of the B12 so they can't this year. While I agree they haven't been tested yet, they sure have obliterated the teams they've faced...which is what great teams should do. I've got news for them, this Baylor squad is good and worth all of the attention they are getting.

Jake Trotter

  (12:23 PM)

Some fans don't believe yet, which is somewhat understandable... what has Baylor ever done other than win 10 games in 2011? But per the eye test, this team is legit, and I think they will begin to prove that as the competition level rises.

JakeJones (OKC)

Do you think it was little tasteless for USC to fire Lane Kiffin at the airport?

Jake Trotter

  (12:24 PM)

Yes.

Big Ferm (San Diego)

As a Baylor fan, it's time to quit talking about it and be about it. Will a convincing victory over WVU on Saturday legitimize the Bears as a real threat to win the Big 12?

Jake Trotter

  (12:25 PM)

Baylor won't be legitimate in the eyes of many unless they beat OU Nov. 7. That will be their chance to win the doubters over, too.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Has Sterling Shepherd now officially arrived?

Jake Trotter

  (12:25 PM)

Thought he arrived last season?

JakeJones (Okc)

Does Baylor 2013 top the 2008 Sooners for Avg points per game?

Jake Trotter

  (12:26 PM)

The 2008 Sooners hold the record for total points, not average points. I would bet against Baylor getting there. Even after the incredible start, Baylor would need to average over 50 points per game the rest of the way to break the record. That's asking a lot.

Jon (Atlanta / GA)

Considering Maryland blanked WVU.. How much does that say about OK State?

Jake Trotter

  (12:27 PM)

Maryland didn't face Clint Trickett. He would have made a difference in that game. But it doesn't bode well for OSU. The defense played OK, but didn't dominate an offense that had been completely inept previously.

sj (waco)

Been to all Baylor's home games so far - their offense is for real. Biggest surprise has been their defense though, much improved, I think. Also, I wonder if they can pound it in from the 3 with the game on the line. I think they are under-rated and under-appreciated. What do you think?

Jake Trotter

  (12:28 PM)

The one thing people don't talk about when it comes to Baylor is the OL. Cyril Richardson is the best run-blocking interior lineman in the Big 12. Glasgow Martin is a TD machine. They ought to be fine in short yardage.

Allen (Houston)

The reason for the Baylor "hate' is that they are acting like aggie fans from last year. You haven't done ANYTHING yet. beaten a great team this year? no.Played in a BCS game? no. won the big 12? no. I get the excitement, and as an OU fan, Im happy for Baylor and hope they can be the team they think they are. BUT... lets see what they do before crowning them as even a very good team.

Jake Trotter

  (12:28 PM)

I imagine Baylor fans will not enjoy being compared to Texas A&M.

James (NM)

Would Baylor pose a legitimate threat to OU or would they need help to win?

Jake Trotter

  (12:29 PM)

Legitimate threat.

joe (ks)

OU played the best defense it will face all year in ND?

Jake Trotter

  (12:29 PM)

The defense they're playing this weekend is pretty good, although with Fields and Verrett being hobbled, maybe not as good as ND's.

CJ (Norman)

what's your favorite NCAA football food?

Jake Trotter

  (12:30 PM)

Ballgame food? Corndogs. Usually walk down from the press box during halftime of games I'm covering to get one.

Jeff (Dallas)

People need to stop with the Baylor is unappreciated stuff. From what I can tell, they're the team we talk about the most around here...

Jake Trotter

  (12:30 PM)

This is true.

Dillon (Bedford, PA )

Do you think Keith Patterson is due for a raise? It's early but the improvement in WV's defense is pretty amazing so far.

Jake Trotter

  (12:31 PM)

It's amazing. The Mountaineers have been stout. Big test coming this weekend.

ace (TX)

Chance of OU stealing 2015 and 2014 recruits from TX with mac situation in flux?

Jake Trotter

  (12:32 PM)

Maybe 1 or 2. But players go to Texas because it's Texas. Not just because of the coach.

John (KS)

If you swapped Bill Snyder with Mack Brown, how good would Texas be? The guy salvaged a bottom-dweller twice. I would love to see the guy have players like those...

Jake Trotter

  (12:33 PM)

Maybe. Snyder's forte though is getting the most out of players who have much to prove and have been overlooked. Would that translate to Austin? I don't know. Snyder is a great coach, though. I wouldn't bet against it.

Baker (Mayfield )

Should I be worried about losing my starting position?

Jake Trotter

  (12:34 PM)

Probably. Michael Brewer taking back the job seems inevitable.

Kevin (Houston)

What B12 team/fan base is most insecure re: Baylor?

Jake Trotter

  (12:34 PM)

Insecure fans in every fan base.

Kevin (Reno, NV)

Joe Mixon said he would be keeping a close eye on the ND game leading up to Saturday. Any feedback from his camp on how the victory played out to him?

Jake Trotter

  (12:35 PM)

Believe he tweeted about being exciting about visiting Norman after the ND game. So that couldn't have hurt.

Allen (Houston)

The comparison might be a tad unfair. I get that. But I live in Houston and these folks are acting like they are Alabama. They should just enjoy the ride, bc I get the sense if they lose ONE game they will think the season is a loss. going 10-2 and playing in the cotton bowl would be a GREAT year for Baylor. GREAT!

Jake Trotter

  (12:35 PM)

10-2 with a bowl win would be one of the three greatest seasons in Baylor history.

CJ (Norman)

Is TCU defense really good like in years past? What problems do they present the Sooners?

Jake Trotter

  (12:37 PM)

The DBs can really cover. Especially Verrett. OU won't have guys running free.

Jake Trotter

  (12:37 PM)

The DBs can really cover. Especially Verrett. OU won't have guys running free.

Graham (Lubbock)

With the loss OSU suffered to WVU this past week, what do you think the odds Texas Tech has for beating West Virginia and proceed to be undefeated heading into Norman?

Jake Trotter

  (12:38 PM)

That won't be a cakewalk game. We'll see what WV does in Waco this weekend. But as OSU found out, Tech can't take its "C" game to Morgantown and expect to come out with a win.

Advisor (Lubbock)

After West Virginia's impressive defensive performance on Saturday, where would you rank WVU's D in the Big 12?

Jake Trotter

  (12:41 PM)

I rank the Mountaineers third, behind TCU and OU, but ahead of Tech, which I have fourth. WV has been impressive, locking up the OU and OSU offenses.

Chase (Wilder)

Did West Virginia beat Ok state? Or did Ok state beat Ok state?

Jake Trotter

  (12:42 PM)

Is Oklahoma State playing the right backfield? I'm not so sure they wouldn't be better off with Chelf/Roland over Walsh/Jeremy Smith going forward.

Art Briles (Waco)

The assumption that I will leave Baylor smells like wishful thinking, Trotter. Why can't I be happy making millions here?

Jake Trotter

  (12:43 PM)

There's something to be said for being happy where you are. Briles has it rolling there. There are reasons not to leave, for sure.

John (Oklahoma )

What do you think realistic goals are for this Sooner team? Do other teams respect us, or was beating Notre Dame expected?

Jake Trotter

  (12:44 PM)

I think this team can win the Big 12 and maybe generate some national title convo buzz. Sooners are not good enough to play with Oregon, Alabama, etc... But they are good enough to win 10, 11 games, which is more than I thought they would have been able to win before the season.

Josh (Dallas)

Baylor fans playing he victim is getting a little old. It's not your school that we are really doubting. It's the history of the Big 12. WVU last year, Tech last year, TCU last year, Tech under pretty much all of Leach, OSU this year (probably).We have all seen teams get inflated from squashing cupcakes and then deflate when the competition rises. It is not hate just history has taught all of us lessons on jumping to conclusions.Good job thus far Baylor, but Jake you have to agree that they have to play at least 2 or 3 Big 12 teams before the hype is justified, right?

Jake Trotter

  (12:44 PM)

The Oklahoma game is everything. Win that game, and they silence all doubters.

Jeff (Dallas)

Better Defense - OU or TCU?

Jake Trotter

  (12:45 PM)

Slight edge to TCU when all its guys are healthy.

Tom (Stillwater)

What are the chances the Big 12 picks up Tulane and Memphis? The road trips would be awesome!

Jake Trotter

  (12:45 PM)

The chances are zero, but I could get on board with Beale and Bourbon streets.

Clayton (Waco)

Who has the best chance of finishing the season undefeated? Baylor, OU or Tech?

Jake Trotter

  (12:46 PM)

Probably Baylor. Bears only have to go to Stillwater. OU has to go to Stillwater and Waco.

Jackson (IA)

As a big ten guy, I have to give an honest opinion...and that is that there is WAY more Baylor doubting than Baylor touting. Seems to me that the big boys of the Big 12 aren't ready for a newcomer to the top tier.

Mr Kish (OK)

With the great LB play against Notre Dame, will all by doubters finally get off my back?!?

Jake Trotter

  (12:46 PM)

What doubters? Hasn't everyone on the chat been pro-Kish from the beginning?

Jeff (Tampa, FL)

Is Tim Kish finally earning a check? Just wanted to check in. It's not a Jake Trotter chat without some Kish bashing. But how would you evaluate the LBs at this point?

Jake Trotter

  (12:47 PM)

Yeah, he's earning it. The LBs played awesome in South Bend.

Robert G (Washinton DC)

I am not expecting Baylor to put up 70 on WVU, but if they were to win and put up a big number would that start to quiet some critics?

Jake Trotter

  (12:47 PM)

Probably not.

Mr Kish (OK)

I told you so......

RJ (OK)

As i've been saying for awhile now, OSU was just the product of a lot of hype. They are now in the position they should have been all along...having to prove themselves.

Jake Trotter

  (12:48 PM)

Yep, they have a lot to prove. This team has major questions.

ouwooferman (Houston tx)

While we are at it...Gabe Lynn - only one bust this year.

Jake Trotter

  (12:48 PM)

Why not?

RJ (OK)

Isn't it a tad early to say OU can't play with (whomever)? This is what is wrong with college football as it currently stands......the media just agrees to agree with who the best teams are and that becomes the law. We need a real (more than 4 team) playoff....soon.

Jake Trotter

  (12:48 PM)

We do. Just my opinion.

Earl (OK)

Before the season, wasn't Bob's seat at OU starting to get hot? I thought former players were really starting to grumble about looking soft, etc.

Jake Trotter

  (12:49 PM)

Bob's seat was never hot. Never even warm. People forget OU won the Big 12 last year. Well, sort of.

Doug T (Philly)

If you combined last years offense with this years defense, how good would WVU have been? Like NC contender good?

Jake Trotter

  (12:50 PM)

While we're at it with the hypotheticals, how good would that WV offense have been Charles Sims in the backfield last year?

Chuck (KS)

How did the Jayhawks plummet from a BCS bowl with Mangino to the days of being the whipping post from the old Big 8 that quickly?

Jake Trotter

  (12:51 PM)

Shows what a difference the right coach can make.

Jake Trotter

  (12:51 PM)

And people wonder why these guys get paid millions?

Kevin (Reno, NV)

Is Brown done if he loses the RRR given that his leading cheerleader is now retiring?

Jake Trotter

  (12:51 PM)

Would have to be.

Art Briles (Waco)

USC called. Do I take the job or wait and see if Texas fires Mack?

Jake Trotter

  (12:53 PM)

I don't see Briles being the best fit at USC. Briles knows Texas. He doesn't know Cali. Briles would be a much better fit at Texas, and I think if he were looking to take another job (not saying he is) that would be the job he would wait for.

sj (waco)

Wondering where you stand on Bell today? Is he for real? Is he under-rated? Does he have the "it" factor? Has he been better than you thought he would be so far? What do you see as his main weakness?

Jake Trotter

  (12:53 PM)

The real question is, how did he lose the starting job during the preseason? Crazy to think about now. Bell definitely is showing he has the "it" factor. A gamer.

Chuck (KS)

...most underrated coaching job so far this year? It can be a guy getting blood from a stone rather than Stoops at OU...

Jake Trotter

  (12:54 PM)

Stoops quietly has really done a great job. This team so far is better than I thought they would be.

Kevin (Reno, NV)

What took Holgerson so long to place Trickett in the starting lineup? I thought he was penciled in when he arrived to Morgantown?

Jake Trotter

  (12:55 PM)

Strange, right? I thought for sure Holgo would give Trickett a shot during the OU game when it had become evident WV was not scoring with Millard at QB.

Dillon (Bedford, PA )

Considering the WVU's 2 losses are to an undefeated Oklahoma and Maryland, do you you think the Mountaineers could crack the top 25 with a win over Baylor this week?

Jake Trotter

  (12:55 PM)

Hmm, probably not. But they would definitely get votes, and would be deserving of them.

Kyle (Iowa)

What do you think is key for Iowa State to upset Texas? Establishing a running game or will it be more on the defensive side of the ball (ie run defense)?

Jake Trotter

  (12:56 PM)

Getting Wimberly going. He's the sparkplug in that offense. If they can get him in space, they have a chance to move the ball.

Caleb (Kansas City)

I'm pretty secure that we will go back to being awful when Snyder retires.

Jake Trotter

  (12:56 PM)

Secure or sure?

Jason (Cincinnati)

Whats your "point spread" on the WVU vs Balyor game?

Jake Trotter

  (12:57 PM)

Vegas is giving Baylor crazy respect. Bears are favored by what, 27.5 in this game? That's nuts.

joe (ks)

At the beginning of the year you said 8-4 9-3 type of year for ou still think that?

Jake Trotter

  (12:58 PM)

No, I think 10-11 wins is more likely now. TCU, Notre Dame, OSU, Texas have not been as good as I thought they would be.

baylorfan (houston)

I agree that one should withhold enthusiasm for Baylor due to the schedule. but this defense last year would have given up 20+ against these teams that we have played so far. so to be #2 in the country in scoring defense AND to have an improved offense from a team that smoked KState, Okie Lite, and UCLA last year is the main reason why Baylor fans feel they have the "insider info" on why this team is special.

Jake Trotter

  (1:00 PM)

Guys, that's all the time we have today. Sorry I couldn't get to all of the questions -- there were a ton of them this time. If you didn't get a question in, send it to my mailbag, and I will answer Friday on the blog. Chat will return next Tuesday, same time, same place. Until then, everyone have a great week.