Trev Alberts

  (2:02 PM)

It's about time! It's been a long offseason so far. Someone somewhere right now just got crushed in practice! I love it! On to your questions!

Brian(Atlanta)

Trev, if Kregg Lumpkin is out for the year for Georgia, how do you see that affecting their team and their backfield?

Trev Alberts

  (2:03 PM)

I think Coach Richt was hoping Lumpkin would be "the guy" this year. But this is the time of year when these things can happen. The good thing is they still have some nice RBs and a potent offense overall. Things sure aren't starting well though. You have to overcome adversity to win a championship.

Chris (Columbus, OH)

Trev, I know you've received a lot of flak from Ohio State fans recently, but this fan is truly interested in your opinion of OSU's upcoming season. Can they reload and win the conference?

Trev Alberts

  (2:06 PM)

I have to say I"ve looked at OSU this offseason and I understand they have lost a lot of talent. When you make picks you have to decide how you are going to look at the season .. if you just choose the two best teams it's OU and USC. But asking who will play in the championship game is a different story. I think OSU looks very pretty sitting where they are right now. They have a palatable schedule and they get Michigan at home. This team has always been based on great defense and it will be outstanding again this season. I have to tell you, and I'm not just saying this, it clearly comes down to OSU-Michigan. I do not think the Big Ten from top to bottom is all that great. I may be in the minority on that but I just don't see it. Iowa could be decent, Minnesota could be decent, etc. But only one starting QB is returning in the Big Ten. It's just not a great conference. Probably the third or fourth best in the country.

Jason (Boaz, AL)

Trev, which will be a bigger factor in Michigan's success this season: replacing John Navarre or Chris Perry?

Trev Alberts

  (2:07 PM)

I think it's Chris Perry. You could argue this point all day. But I grew to respect Navarre more and more last season. Throwing a new QB in there with a not so great running game is tough. I have OSU winning the Big Ten even though Michigan may have the best receivers in the country.

Shimul (MN)

Trev: I have to ask. What are your feelings on the Huskers going West Coast? I'm a huge fan and I loved the option style of ball, so this season will be wierd to watch. It is helping the recruiting though.

Trev Alberts

  (2:10 PM)

Yeah, that is the main beneficiary .. recruiting. People behind the scenes at Nebraska are really doing a great job. I really think there is a misconception about the West Coast Offense. I've talked to Callahan about this at length. They don't intend to just throw the ball 60 times a game. I've argued with a lot of people who think that is what Nebraska will do. I think early in the season Nebraska will rush for 250 yards. The point of the WCO is to have a system where you have options on 2nd and 7 or 3rd and 10. I like what they are doing. Callahan told me they can't win the conf. if they don't run the ball.

Colin (Atlanta, GA)

You spent last year alternating your opinion of Auburn between "overrated" and "underrated." How do you see them this season?

Trev Alberts

  (2:13 PM)

Colin, watch EVERY show! Please give me some credit to be the only person in August to say they were overrated. They were overrated from the very beginning. At the end of the season when everyone thinks they are trash, they weren't trash. They had good LB play and Cadillac Williams. They just weren't the No. 1 team in the country. Win the conf. before you talk about winning the championship. It's similar to what is going on at Clemson right now. Just because you won 4 games to end the season doesn't mean you will win a championship. Auburn people are funny to me. Love to play the role of the underdog. No one has ever said to me, "Boy, you were right about Auburn." By the way, the minute I mention the word Auburn my 6 month old starting screaming at the top of her lungs.

Ryan (Milwaukee)

Trev, it seems that every year one of the teams in the national title game comes from outside of the preseason top 10 (LSU, Ohio State, etc...). Any predictions as to who that team could be this year?

Trev Alberts

  (2:16 PM)

Well, OU went from 7-5 to undefeated national champions. I think Cal is doing some good things and is a team to watch. They have to go to USC which could prove difficult. I think W. Virginia has done a tremendous job. I throw Ohio State in there. They are at a point now where they are pretty sound. Even Florida. A lot of these young guys should be stepping up and that team should show marked improvement. I'd throw Clemson in there as a team that might be ready to take another step. You never know about Iowa. Who would have thought they would have won 10 games without Banks? There are a number of teams that are fringe good teams that if they get a good break they could do something special.

Trev Alberts

  (2:17 PM)

This is why college football is the best sport hands down. The NFL it is very easy to see who the best teams are assuming everyone stays healthy. Not so easy in college football.

Russel (Lincoln, NE)

How does Notre Dame do this year? Their O-Line is back, their freshmen QB is now a Sophmore with big time potential, they are loaded with talent at wide reciever and tight end and have very capable running backs. Is this a BCS team?

Trev Alberts

  (2:20 PM)

Quite frankly, it's interesting we are now 20 minutes into the chat and this is the first mention of ND. I have the same question about ND as Va. Tech. What is going on? It's going to be a surprising season. I think they can run the WCO but it can't be completely dependant on throwing the ball every down. You have to have a competant running game. They should be better but the schedule won't give them any breaks. I think ND needs to show real progress this year. They are not a BCS team yet. But I expect progress.

Billy (LaPlace, LA)

Trev, Finally ready to concede LSU was better than Georgia last season? Also do you think the Tiges have established themselves as the best defensive team in the country, at least until somebody else proves better?

Trev Alberts

  (2:21 PM)

Billy, again, seriously, I am probably one of the only analysts that routinely admits mistakes and faults on-air. Apparently a lot of you have selective viewing. We need to work on that. You should watch all the time! I was very clear that LSU was the better team and said that on-air. I'm all set now, done that, been there. Catch up!

DON (manhattan ks)

Trev, Darren Sproles has to be the favorite to win the Hiesman. He got the big snub last year. Does a running back need 2000+ yards to get the heisman?

Trev Alberts

  (2:23 PM)

Great question. Absolutely. I'm not sure how Sproles wouldn't be considered as a favorite. He was hurt last year by some of the philosophies of Bill Snyder and how they deal with individual awards. I'm not chastising Bill Snyder though. He has said he will be a little more leniant because Darren has earned it. Because Roberson is gone, the QB is going to have to complete passes on first and second down. Until the QB proves he can beat man coverage, teams are going to put 9 or 10 in the box to slow Sproles down. If he gets 1,100 yards it doesn't mean he didn't have a great season.

Kevin (Tallahassee, FL

Trev, FSU vs. Miami is coming up very soon. Is this the year that FSU steps it up a notch and beats the Canes??

Trev Alberts

  (2:25 PM)

I'm sorry. I say no. I think both teams are evenly matched. The talent level is similar and they have both lost a lot of players. It comes down to the QB. Because it's at Miami I pick Miami. The winner is clearly in the drivers seat for a BCS berth. They also have the inside track to the Orange Bowl. Both of their schedules are conducive to that. They will probably fight before the game. But that's just status quo. At the end, a kicker will do soemthing done. Coach Bowden will put the headset on and off a lot. Both QBs will look good and bad in the same game.

Steve(Parkersburg, WV)

Do you see more than one or two teams ending the season undefeated? Who are your predictions and what does this do to the BCS?

Trev Alberts

  (2:28 PM)

I really don't see more than 1 team possibly ending undefeated. It will be interesting to see how everything plays out. But the more championship games we have less undefeated teams we will have. What if USC plays OSU or Michigan and both are undefeated? You will never convince me an undefeated Big Ten team (as a general rule) is necessarily better than a one loss SEC or ACC or even Big 12 team.

Will (Manchester, TN)

Trev, will Tennessee stink it up as much as some have predicted this year?

Chik-Fil-A Owner (Everywhere)

Rank the top three conferences in the country or I'll be forced to shut down all the Chik-Fil-As in Atlanta

Trev Alberts

  (2:32 PM)

I'll have to say if Chik-fil-A closes down, I dont' know what I would do. It is hands down the best chicken sandwich in the world. Nothing comes close. I have noticed there is a difference between Chik-fil-A's .. some make better sandwiches than others. The best one is in East Cobb. A lot has to do with the breading. The chicken is always the same. There is an art to the bread. Sometimes too much deep fat frying to the point it is hard. I've studied this quite a bit. I'm also a big fan of them handing out challenging books about history. My kids have learned a lot from those books. There is a company that gets it. Thank goodness they sponsor the Peach Bowl which happens to be a great game every year. No. 1 is ACC. No. 2 is SEC. No. 3 is Big 12. No. 4 is Big Ten. No. 5 is Pac 10 No. 6 (shouldn't even be on the list) is Big East.

Josh

So have you gained any knowledge about college football (or life for that matter) since last season, or are you still that Cornhusker who's missing a few kernels?

Trev Alberts

  (2:33 PM)

Actually I would have to admit I have probably lost knowlege. (I just turned 34) I have been hit in the head an awful lot. The older I get the more stuff slips away. I'm like Avis, I try harder.

Will (Manchester, TN)

Trev, No love for Vols questions...are we going to be that bad?

Trev Alberts

  (2:35 PM)

I was waiting for a Tennessee question. I think the heat is on Fulmer. It is time for TN to do something. They have wallowed in mediocrity for some time. UT's performance in the Peach Bowl this past year was abismil. Embarassing. It should have served as a wakeup call to whether this team should still be considered a legitimate force in the conference. There was a lack of motivation. They have the talent, just no motivation. I'm very interested to see what happens. They will either be a lot better and last year was good for them. Or they will get worse. But they can't get much worse. I can't wait to see how they respond.

Duane Lake Charles, La

What is your take on the Mike Williams situation, should he be let back in, I say NOT!

Trev Alberts

  (2:37 PM)

I disagree Duane. I think if they don't allow him back, they are making a real statement about themselves. Reminding everyone that the NCAA's original mission statement was all about the student athlete. It appears they have moved away from that mission. It is now somewhat of an unchecked monopoly of rules and regulations that even the brighest of compliance directors can't always understand. Not to say the NCAA doesn't do some good things.

Trev Alberts

  (2:39 PM)

The fact they haven't ruled on it yet is intriguing. They spent a ton of money on those beautiful offices. Duane, what do they do all day? Do you know? Please tell me?

Mark (DC)

What college coach and program are under the most pressure to perform well this year?

Trev Alberts

  (2:39 PM)

If there is anyone from the NCAA on this chat, please respond!

Trev Alberts

  (2:42 PM)

Mark, if you asked any head coach they will say it is them. Every team has high expectations. As for programs, Va. Tech is on the seat. Tennessee. Probably Florida. Nebraska just because of all the change. Texas is feeling some heat. Washington in the Pac 10. The Pac 10 needs Washington to be strong. Colorado is certainly on the seat. Pittsburgh also. Syracuse. There are a whole lot of teams who are under pressure to perform.

Trev Alberts

  (2:43 PM)

By the way, you guys have 5 more years of me. I just signed a contract. What will I be like in 5 years? I might be a bumbling baffoon. At least I'll bumble better than Mark May!

Strap (KC)

Trev, why were you not included in ESPN's biggest flops of the last 25 years?

Trev Alberts

  (2:46 PM)

C'mon dude! Top 25 of all time, every sport! That's a reach! I had 3 surgeries in 3 years! What is the criteria? If a guy never gets hurt and is out of the league, that's a flop. I have never shyed away from the fact I did not have an illustrious NFL career. But you can't question my ability as a college football analyst because I stunk in the NFL. I've taken a lot of shots and apparently a lot of my chatters have as well!

Bill (Topeka)

What game are you most excited to see this year?

Trev Alberts

  (2:48 PM)

I can't wait for USC-Va. Tech just because it's the first game. But Labor Day weekend will be unbelievable. It's going to be huge. If you aren't college football crazy after that weekend, you need medical attention. We'll start to see how the conferences are shaping up. I always love Georgia-Florida. Seems like whoever gets through catapults through the rest of the season. We'll get some games that we dont' think will be great but end of being great .. like W. Virginia-Miami last season.

JoePA

come on Trev, What about PSU, do they turn it around this year or not?

Trev Alberts

  (2:52 PM)

I'd like to say this .. I'm going to take this opportunity to not talk about Penn St. Lets talk instant replay. I'm going to take an unfamiliar position again. Hear me out. I hate instant replay. It's wrong for the game. I applaud the Big Ten for trying to make changes and being pro active. But I don't care what the system is. I don't care how it is implemented. It's wrong. I know it's important and jobs are on the line. I dont have a ring right now because FSU got 3 horrible calls. But that's life. We are all human. I made mistakes on the field just as ref's do. They say instant replay will remove the human element. But they are using a retired official to buzz the guys on the field. Tell me how we have eliminated the human element? We've just added another layer? Football is all about momentum and gaining momentum and stopping momentum. There is nothing worse than a team who has gained momentum and instant replay stops the game and kills it. The integerity of the game will be killed with instant replay. From the old days in high school, I"ve always said that is the purest form of the game. At each level above that it gets less and less pure. Replay will take away from the integrity and purity of the game. I hope they scrap it after one year. Sorry about that tangent.

Bren (California)

A one loss SEC team better than an undefeated Big 10 team? Yeah, remember when Penn State was a powerhouse? BEFORE they joined the Big 10.

Trev Alberts

  (2:54 PM)

And your point is what? Are the same players on those teams back in the 80s still on the team? Sorry, but if you are comparing decades, that's pretty unfair. I don't care what PSU was doing back in those days. Before you email, slow down, think a little bit, I know it's easy to type real quick before you hit submit. But think!

Chad(Dallas)

Will this be the year Texas does not choke it up in the Red River shootout and goes on to a BCS bowl, or will this be another season where we Texas goes back to the Holiday Bowl?

Trev Alberts

  (2:56 PM)

Texas should name the Holiday Bowl the Longhorn Steakhouse Holiday Bowl or something like that. They've made a home out of that place. I want to see their defense this year. I think they will be a better team this year. I will scream foolishness of they start rotating QBs again. But this defense looks very good and I want to see them play a few games before I made a definitive statement about the OU game.

Mike (Roanoke, VA)

Trev - don't sweat it, you're better than Mark "Pitt Homer" May by three football fields. My question - what is specifically wrong in Blacksburg? Is it lack of depth, coaching, or something else? Thanks.

Trev Alberts

  (2:58 PM)

I think that is what is so interesting. I think a lot of Bud Foster. I really like him. His schemes are sound. But they couldn't stop anyone at the end of last season. I'm not sure what exactly the problem was. I just don't. If I knew, Beamer would know. But they have a problem of fading late in the season. In the Big East they could cruise through. It will be much different in the ACC. It will be much more difficult.

Mitch (Orlando, FL)

The Gator nation expects 12-0 seasons every year. In your more objective opinion, is 10-2 a succesful season for Ron Zook?

Trev Alberts

  (3:03 PM)

Yes, 10-2 is great. That would mark real improvement. I think Gator fans just want to see more consistency. It's hard as an analyst. They will beat a team like LSU and then the next week you don't even recognize the team. Some of it can be explained by the youth on the team. I think consistentcy, 10-2, show improvement, that is all the Gator Nation really wants. Every team thinks they are going undefeated though. Gators are no different. In closing, our College GameDay show is brough to you by Pontiac now. Go buy one! We are looking forward to a great season .. I know I won't always be right this season .. if I was always right I'd live in Vegas. But I'll try hard. Most of the time I'm right though! There you go. Can't wait to join you every Monday at 1 ET starting August 30 .. talk to you then.