Bruce Feldman

  (2:04 PM)

Hi, it's good to be here... and thanks for all the questions.

cougfan

How big of an impact will the injury of Will Derting have to the Cougars if he is out all year?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:05 PM)

Huge...if he isn't out there. I don;t think they're a bowl team b/c he is one of only two ret. starters and he's a Butkus favorite.

Tony (Tallahassee)

Hey Bruce, True/False: This is the year Chris Rix shows some maturity and smarts and steps up actually playing to his ability. He had some impressive numbers in the scrimmage the other day; 19comp.-27att.; 250 yards passing and 2 TD's. I'm optimistic, so I say true. Your thoughts? Thanks!

Bruce Feldman

  (2:07 PM)

True. I'm an optimist too. I like Rix. He gets a bad rap. He's a solid guy too. He just needs to avoid the mental of trying to do too much. I think he'll be in NYC for the Heisman presentation--although I thought the same about Chris Simms too.

wilbur south boston mass

what do you think of the boston college eagles this year?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:07 PM)

Hey wilbur..8-3 with losses coming at Wake, ND and WV.

Phil: (Los Angeles CA)

Bruce What's you take about the rape allegations at USC? How do you think this will effect the program? It sounds like 14 players were involved.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:10 PM)

Hey Phil, I wouldn't jump to conclusions just yet. It's early. No one has been arrested and rumors of 14 involved are just crazy rumors at this point. The investigation at this point was around one player, but it's early... It depends on how things progess with it to see if it has a big effect on USC.

Seth (Washington, DC)

Hi Bruce - Would you please help me understand how programs like UVA, Clemson, and West Virginia are ranked ahead of Maryland? The Terps keep racking up the wins while these three have a lot of hype and end up dissapointing Why should this year be different?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:11 PM)

Cause Seth, everyone underestimates the Big Man. I think by the end of the year MD will be ranked ahead of two of those 3.

Brian (Elmwood Park, NJ)

Do you think Rutgers will have its first bowl game since 1978 this year? Also how many wins do you think they'll pick up? Lastly, how much of an impact on the 2005 and 2006 recruiting classes do you think this will have?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:11 PM)

Yes, I think they even upset Mich State in the opener, and that will help sway one or two big SF kids, but probably not the real big gets.

Big L Atlanta / Baltimore

Big CANE FAN..Rank the 10 greatest Hurricanes over the last 25 years.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:13 PM)

Top of my head...Bernie, Jim Kelly, Irvin, Ed Reed, Sapp, Edgerrin, Ray Lewis, Dorsey, Jerome Brown, Dan Morgan...based just on impact at UM, not what Ray or others did in the NFL.

Chris (Sammamish, Washington)

Do you see Washington rallying under coach Gilbertson, and making an impact in the Pac-10?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:13 PM)

No, but I think he'd be a good studio analyst someday. The program has no momentum right now, and that's tough to gather.

Ed Chi-Town, IL

What's your favorite place to watch a game

Bruce Feldman

  (2:14 PM)

I love Tallahassee and Columbus is great too.

Steve Hack of Kingston, NY

Looking forward to the new book and an exciting season of college football. Couple of questions. Will the ACC suddenly be a powerhouse football conference? It still looks awfully top heavy with Miami and FSU. How do you see the Big Ten breaking down and specifically how much of a factor will Purdue be? Good Luck with the book.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:16 PM)

thanks steve, I think Purdue will be a big surprise. To me Orton's the best QB prospect in the country. He's got a cannon and can move a little. Stubblefield is a good WR who is agreat route runner. They just need a vertical threat and for the young speed on D to mature

Erik: Scotch Plains, NJ

There's never a lack of debate as to who are some of the best RB's in college football but rarely about the fullback out in front leading the way. Who do you think are some of the best FB's this season?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:17 PM)

Maybe Eckel from Navy... He's big-time and you gotta give some pub to the Middies, right?

darrell richmond,va

Hey bruce! With coach Richt moving max jean gilles around on the line,is this line strong enough to carry Greene who is a pocket guy to the national championship?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:18 PM)

Hey Darrell, I think all the pieces are there to make a run at a title. Navigating that title game might be the hardest. But I think they win the SEC.

Mitch (Edison, NJ)

Bruce, Long time no speak. Your insight on college football is the best. Of course I need to ask you about Penn State. What do you think there chances are of surprising people and having a successful season? Also, who do you think replaces JoePa? An asst coach? Or a big name one like Spurrier?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:18 PM)

hey mitch...I think Ferentz will be the guy. And if Austin Scott runs for 1200 yards I think they're a bowl team

Tyler (OC, California)

Bruce, Do You think that Reggie Bush is the most exciting player in CFB??? If not who do you think is???

Bruce Feldman

  (2:20 PM)

Reggie Bush is. Usually guys who are that quick (Randel El, Peter warrick) aren;t the 10.3 guys. Bush is spacial.

James, Baton Rouge, LA

Why does Trev Alberts still have a job?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:21 PM)

Hey James...because he really gives an opinion and he was a great college player. Plus people want to hear what he says. He's kinda like a pro wrestling villain. He's good TV.

Justin (Atlanta)

Bruuuuce! What's up? Tell me: is this the year Mizzou, with Brad Smith, finally makes a run at actually winning the Big 12 North? I mean ... if not, when's it ever going to happen???

Bruce Feldman

  (2:23 PM)

Hey Justin, I think this is Mizzou's year for a division title. The rest of that side is down and Brad has some great speed backs to help him...btw, I read Skip Carey. Nice. Not your best work, but not Wickershamesque either.

Floyd (Columbia, SC)

Hey Bruce- Which non-BCS team do you think has the best shot at a BCS bowl? Utah? Fresno State? Someone else? Thanks.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:23 PM)

Utah

Steve Chicago

Come on Bruce you have to answer a Notre Dame Question...What's the Outlook this year.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:25 PM)

I think ND will surpise people and rebound into the top 25. It has good young talent and Quinn will make big strides. They just need Ryan Grant to be a 1000yard back. Tuck and Abiamiri will be one of the top 5 DE tandems in the country and help a shaky secondary out I think

Scott, Maldin SC

I never hear anything about the South Carolina Gamecocks in these chats....any thoughts on this season?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:26 PM)

YEah I think they're down and a lot would be on Summers shoulders to carry them to a lower level bowl game I'm afraid.

Marcus: Lansing, MI

Why aren't any sports writers giving Michigan a chance to win the national title this year. I know we have a rookie running back, and quaterback, but we have one of the best recieving corps, one of the fastest defenses, and most importantly, one of the easiest schedules?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:28 PM)

For the reasons you just listed. Although USC and LSU both has unproven guys at RB and QB too and that worked out just fine. I think Michigan's got a tough one at ND because the Irish pass rush could be a huge problem for Gutierrez

Jim (slidell, LA)

There is no doubt that Matt is a good QB at USC, however, do you think if you took him away from USC and put him at say Alabama, Georgia Tech etc that he would be receiving the same hype that he is currently getting. Basically, is it him or is the the players around him.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:29 PM)

I think it's both, but if you put him at Stanford, we wouldn't be talking about him. Although if you took 95% of the starting 1-A QBs out there, USC would've probably had more than 1 loss last year

Zane(Cincy)

Give me a preseason top five impact frosh.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:32 PM)

Dwayne Jarrett, USC; Ted Ginn, OSU, Brian Toal, BC, Lance Leggett, Miami, Jeff Schweiger, USC

Ryan (Lakeland, Fl)

Do you think Miami RB Frank Gore will be ready to go in time for the Florida State game?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:33 PM)

I think he'll play and I hear he was been surpsingly sharp, but whether he gets near 100% to have the explosiveness is the huge question. If he does, I think Miami beats FSU. If not, I think FSU probably wins.

Aaron - Toledo, OH

It looks like "The Game" between OSU and U of M could once again determine the Big Ten. What do you think about both of these teams being undefeated going into Nov. 20th?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:34 PM)

I think OSU has a better shot to go into that unbeaten if it gets out of Iowa. Michigan I think might stumble at ND or at Purdue.

Tyler (Starkville,MS)

We love Coach Croom down here at Miss State, but I'm sure of a few more down (horrible) years. What kind of time table would you put on Croom?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:35 PM)

Hopefully Tyler, they give him a solid five years to get things rolling because he really inherited a mess.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:35 PM)

top 5

Joe Goldberg (Londonderry, NH)

I know Syracuse hasn't been a legit contender for a good bowl lately, but they are still a solid program with great youth and a promising future. Do you think that because of the struggles they may have this year that Walter Reyes won't even be considered for the Hiesman? His numbers last year with a mediocre offensive line, and less than average QB and receivers were good. (1347 yards rushing, 21 total TDs and 38 receptions for 375 yards)He may be the best running back in the country, and I just wanted to know your thoughts about him and/or his chances for the Heisman.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:37 PM)

great back, but the program is flat. He'd need 2000 yards just to get invited to NYC and I still don't think people will notice. Crazy run SU has had of late cranking out top NFL talent though--McNabb, Freeney, Harrison, Bulluck, Darius..not sure if Reyes is on that level, but he's worth watching

David, Washington DC

Bruce, I'm looking forward to your book. With the Willie Williams watch consuming the media in South Florida, what happened with Bobby Washington? Why was he able to join the Wolfpack so quickly? From what I've heard, he was the best RB out of this year's crop and Miami could have used him.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:39 PM)

Hey David, I think he was considered the most ready of Miami's four RB recruits and a top three back nationally, but UM was spooked by some circumstances around his test scores. NC State obviously investigated that situation and felt comfortable in bringing him in. They are now loaded at RB with him, Blackmon and T.a.

Matthew (Menifee Ca)

Why should mike williams be allowed back into college football? HE took money lots of it was out of the country draft day. All the ncaa will be doing is letting him come back for football season then he will leave again. If they allow mike back will this allow other athletes to pay back money and back into there sport?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:43 PM)

Hey Matthew... this answer is to address a bunch of Mike Williams questions... I think Mike should be allowed back. He only moved on when the courts said he could. Nobody, not even NFL people suspected that would get overturned so quickly that it would lock he and Clarett out. This wasn't a case of a guy waffling or taking a car from an agent. As for him not being a real student there to get his degree, that's a slippery slope since now most top college basketball players openly talking about doing a one and done and jumping to the NBA and coaches know that and sign off on it. That said, I don't think Mike will be cleared by the NCAA.

alex lg

how do u think ucla will do

Bruce Feldman

  (2:43 PM)

Not good. They may not have an D-linemen when the season starts.

Sean, Warren OH

Hey Bruce, who do you think will start at QB for Ohio State this year and why?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:44 PM)

Zwick ...better handle on the offense and he throws a more catchable ball than Troy Smith.

Cho, DC

Considering Miami's success in sending players to the NFL and replenishing their stock each year to compete for a National Title, is there a more impressive College Football program in the country?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:47 PM)

No, Cho. That's a big reason why I wrote the book. 25 years ago, Miami football was on the brink of extinction. It had no money and no facilities and then goes off and wins 5 national titles (more than FSU, OU and ND combined in the last 25 years)...Coaches change, but the players run the show. They never have a "top-5" recruiting class, yet no one develops more NFL stars and a big reason for that is the system of developing talent they have that takes place in the summer there. It's amazing how they literally changed the game of college football.

Micahel Garrett/ Louisiana

With all the talent that LSU has this year what do you think of their chances for a repeat. I know that many at ESPN (Treve Alberts) gives them little chance because of their blind love/worship of teams like USC/go with the larger population to improve ratings. But I want to know what you think.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:48 PM)

Hey Michael... I think it's unrealistic because LSU has the hardest road sked in the country and that doesn't account for a possible SEC title game IN GA.

Jon (Chicago)

any reason for optimism at Indiana or is it time to look forward to basketball season?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:49 PM)

Only 3 months till Midnight Madness!

matt in little rock

Come on you gotta talk about Arkansas...Do you think they will be as bad as everyone is saying??I think we'll be a 7 win team and a bowl team...we still have the most exciting player in football..Matt Jones.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:50 PM)

I think Ark lost too much talent to the NFL and while Jones will win 3-4 games by himself I think the Hogs will be at best 7-4.

Paul (Rockaway, NJ)

Hey Bruce, do you think that Ohio State has the best LB corp (A.J. Hawk, Anthony Sclegel, Bobby Carpenter, Kerr, D'Andrea) in the nation? if not, who is better?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:50 PM)

Yes. You didn't even mention the stud freshman LB

Matt Del Greco

IS OKLAHOMA OVERATED OR ARE THEY THAT GOOD? I think they are overated, LSU won the Championship they should be ranked #1. In the NFL look at the Pats this year they are the top team in the power rankings.

Bruce Feldman

  (2:51 PM)

No, they are that good. They're loaded again...the one tricky thing is they lost great players up the middle (Tommie H and Lehman along with Everage)...that'll hurt.

Punk, DC

If they had to give the Heisman to a lineman, who woul win it this year?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:52 PM)

Mike Patterson.

Tim (Buffalo, NY)

Bruce, who do you see as Bowden's eventual successor at FSU? Do you think a triumphant return for Mark richt makes sense, or is he too comfortable at UGA?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:53 PM)

I think he stays at UGA. Replacing Bobby would be really hard and he can win a title at UGa just as easily.

Erik (IA)

I think everyone is underestimating Iowa in the Big Ten. There is defense returns almost everyone and is top 10 in the country. As for the offensive side of the ball, this will be the fastest, most athletic team that Ferentz has had on this side of the ball. Iowa has a good shot at the Big Ten title!

Bruce Feldman

  (2:55 PM)

That happens because like with Friedgen and OSU, Ferentz teams always will get underrated before the season. People just don't give them enough credit for coaching physical teams that always tackle well and don't beat themselves. And as long as they have a good OL and those LBs, they should be good. They will need Tate to not turn it over and Lewis to be a 1500 yard guy to make a run at the Rose though.

Derek (Bridgewater, NJ)

what do you think of the NCAA's decision on Jeremy Bloom's appeal? also, espn jumped all over CU and Gary Barnett for rape allegations, even though no charges were ever filed in any case. will it do the same thing to Carroll and Southern Cal? what do you think CU's chances are in the Big 12 North this year?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:57 PM)

I think the NCAA's pathetic. They should be celebrating Jeremy Bloom not chasing him away. They're a bunch of dopes. I think if CU can't beat CSU early they don't finish better than 6-5 and Barnett will be gone.

Brian (Kannapolis, NC)

Bruce - what is your opinion of Wake Forest RB Chris Barclay? How does he stack up nationally?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:58 PM)

He's a gamebreaker... I think UK would've loved to have kept him around

Matt (K.C., MO)

I think West Virginia can run the table. Do you agree? If so, even if they do go undefeated, is there a chance they might not make the Orange Bowl (even if they are the only undefeated team or one of two?)?

Bruce Feldman

  (2:59 PM)

I think they can run the table...getting by Maryland is the big test...They have three stars on offense in Marshall, KayJay and Henry... If they're front 7 on D is ready, they'll go undefeated..but still not have the ranking to play for it all.

Rob, WV

I see you know quite a bit about the 'Canes from your book so I think i'll get a good answer on this one. I love Coker's decision to add Devin Hester to the secondary, but I hate the idea of Brandon Meriweather starting at free safety. I'd rather see Marcus Maxey or even Willie Cooper start. What do you think of this idea, and what do you think of the 'Canes secondary this year, especially Greg Threat and the addition of Devin Hester?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:01 PM)

I think Meriweather will be fine. Most people wrote him off primarily because Quincy Wilson trucked him. That can happen to any player. Reid was a top tackler and he got destroyed by Greg Jones, but he's still a player. Meriweather's actually a pretty big hitter..I hear Threat is a star back there and freshman Anthony Reddick will make noise too.

Ben (Gods Country)

Hey man,love your work!! Gotta Give us a UT question, how do the Vols turn out this year?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:03 PM)

If CJ can play behind center (he is much better out of the guy) and one of their RBs emerges (Riggs) I think they're back as a top 10 team ..they'll only be underdogs at UGA. and they can win there

Liam (Seattle,WA)

If Utah runs the table this year, which BCS game could they get in to?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:04 PM)

Even unbeaten, they can't...the BCS won't allow it.

Atif (Los Angeles, CA)

Bruce, let me first say that I'm a big fan and that this is quite an honor. Which team do you think has the best shot at challenging Cal for the second spot in the Pac-10?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:04 PM)

Oregon State or Oregon..I'll say the Ducks.

Jeff (Chicago, IL)

Hey Bruce! I was just wondering who some of this years Heisman favorites are, and who's your preseason pick for the award?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:06 PM)

Hey Jeff... I'm going with Leinart. He's got the right team and enough firepower. Sproles will get some votes too. I think he'll run for over 2000 yards and anthony Davis might too

Jason (Columbus, OH)

Bruce...what's your take on the Big Ten testing instant replay?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:06 PM)

I'm all for it Jason...anything that gets more right calls is good by me

Nick (chicago)

Can the Gators go undefeated this year? Can they get into a BCS Game this year? Is Ron Zook Going to be fired soon? (sorry for all the questions)

Bruce Feldman

  (3:07 PM)

I don't think so sked is too tough (SEC plus FSU)..I think they'll be around 8-3, no BCS and he keeps his job.

chris (atlanta)

Say something bout Alabama. I think they are going to suprise some folks

Bruce Feldman

  (3:10 PM)

Hey Chris, I think Croyle is a great QB, but I'm skeptical about their ground attack. The D should be tough, very underrated, but at UT and LSU is nasty. 7-4?

Kot (Lowell, Ma)

Bruce, who is the best punter in CFB this year?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:11 PM)

I'll go with Colquitt

dan chicago IL

say something about illinois even though they were horrible last year

Bruce Feldman

  (3:13 PM)

They'll be horrible again, but they won't blame it all on Mike Cassity

Kevin, FL

Best D- Line in the country? I know the answer but I wanna hear you say it

Bruce Feldman

  (3:13 PM)

C'mon Kevin. You know who.

Mike (Indianapolis, IN)

Say something about Brady Quinn of Notre Dame

Bruce Feldman

  (3:14 PM)

good talent... I know OSU wanted him real bad. He'll be a star by 2005.

josh(Myrtle Beach)

Hey Bruce, be brutally honest with me man, is Clemson gonna make good on the hype or are the gonna falter again this year? and if so is Bowden gone?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:15 PM)

I think Whitehurst will be a first day pick, but that road sked (at Miami, at FSU, at UVa) plus they could lose at A&M is too much, but I think Tommy survives

jon (dayton)

what do the hokies have to do too stand a chance against usc

Bruce Feldman

  (3:16 PM)

Suit Micheal Vick up again.

Drew (NJ)

Bruce, honestly man...is UConn overrated? After all, their 9 wins last year were all over cupcakes.

Bruce Feldman

  (3:17 PM)

I don't think so because they still didn't get invited to a bowl game so how overrated could they be? They almost beat NC State.. I know almost. But they're good and Danny O can really sling it.

JB (Austin)

Is this the year the 'Horns finally win that game the 2nd Saturday in October?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:18 PM)

I don't know. I used to say that every year. I think Rix has a better chance of coming through that Coach Brown does.

Where's Clarret?

Bruce, you think this may be the year Tressel abandons the sweater vest and starts to air the ball out??

Bruce Feldman

  (3:19 PM)

Yeah, and Beano does his chats topless. I don't think so.

Todd, St. Augustine

Is Nebraska's defense strong enough to get them 8 wins?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:20 PM)

It is. It's a very good D.

Ron (Cincinnati, OH)

What are Purdue's chances in the Big 10 this year? Orton for Heismann?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:21 PM)

They are a legit darkhorse and I think he has a shot. He's a tremendous talent

kc (houston)

Young (UT) or Leak (UF), who's going to be the star?

Bruce Feldman

  (3:21 PM)

Old LEak wins the game, but young Leak becomes the bigger star

Bruce Feldman

  (3:24 PM)

Thanks for all your questions. It was fun, and in an shameless bit of self-promotion, buy my book. I have to run now. It's lunch time in LA. Looking forward to chatting with you guys again later this season. Cheers.