Matt Leinart

  (1:30 PM)

I'm here and ready to go!

Beth, Denver, CO

So, how exactly are you going to beat Oklahoma?

Matt Leinart

  (1:31 PM)

I think the way to beat OU is all in the preparation. I know our coaches will have a good gameplan going in. We know we can beat anybody. They feel that way also. Whoever doesn't turn it over has the best chance to win.

Roy (Los Angeles)

How does Norm Chow's decision to leave or stay affect your decision on staying for your senior season?

Matt Leinart

  (1:32 PM)

It's going to have an impact. But I"m not worried about it right now. I feel like he will be back but I don't know for sure. It might change my attitude if he were to leave. But we just have to wait and see wht happens.

Aron (Deadhorse, AK)

USC snubbed last year, Oregon a few before that.....Cal this year? Any opinion on the east coast bias?

Matt Leinart

  (1:33 PM)

I'm not sure. I think the West Coast doesn't get a lot of respect, as much as the Midwest and East. But people don't get a lot of chances to see us play. It's hard to say. I would put us, Cal, Oregon, etc. up against anyone.

Amanda (Norman)

Matt, Congratulations on everything! In a recent interview, Bob Stoops stated that he was well aware of your talent in high school, and that they had recruited you some during your high school years. How hard did they recruit you, and at any point were you ever interested in becoming a sooner?

Matt Leinart

  (1:34 PM)

First, thank you. They recruited me last. I committed to USC and then decommited and OU started talking to me. I loved the program and was made an offer and was close to going. But then USC hired Pete Carroll and I decided I wanted to be closer to home.

Tony, Norman

Matt, Do you think Auburn got shafted in the BCS? If USC beats OU and Auburn wins will you declare them Co-National Champs with yourself?

Matt Leinart

  (1:35 PM)

It's tough. I think USC and OU is deserving but Auburn can make an argument as well. We were in a similar situation last year. We know how it feels. We'd like to see something changed, like a playoff system. But playing more games would be difficult. It will always be tough to know for sure who is the best team.

Dave San Juan Capistrano

Matt Congrats on a great year it has been a pleasure watching you guys play all year and following your blog. I know it is to early to say if your are going to the pro's next year however do you feel confident in the quarterbacks that are returning to take over and run the ship if you decide to leave? Thanks once again good luck this weekend and Fight On

Matt Leinart

  (1:36 PM)

I do feel good about our group of QBs. They are extremely talented. It's very hard to replace somebody, but I think we would be just fine. We have so much talent around the QB.

John (ATlanta)

Do you really think you deserve the Heisman more than Peterson?

Matt Leinart

  (1:37 PM)

(Laughing) I really don't know. It would be great to win but all the guys have an argument. I just can't answer it. Adrian is a great great player.

Kim (Newport Beach, CA)

Matt, just wondering if you've got a girlfriend... if not, will you come to prom with me?!

Matt Leinart

  (1:38 PM)

No. I have't got a prom invitation yet.

Roy (Los Angeles)

Hey Matt, How is this years team different than last years team? How would you say the team has improved?

Matt Leinart

  (1:39 PM)

Last year we have very few seniors, compared to last year. But we have matured a lot. We are a way better team than in the first week. We finished the season so strong. Our maturity was a big part of that. Our young def. players as well.

Steven (ohio)

How much did losing Mike Williams hurt USC.Seems like you guys didnt miss him much.

Matt Leinart

  (1:40 PM)

Mike could have helped us in so many ways. I think it created a lot of controversy about the system but it didn't have a huge impact on us. It was very tough for him personally.

Paul (los angeles)

Don't you have some finals to be taking? I'm studying my butt off here at the library! Good luck with the Heisman!

Matt Leinart

  (1:41 PM)

I had to reschedule all my finals .. took them already!

Joe (Huntsville,AL)

Are you excited about going to NYC? I'd keep an eye on Jason White, he may try to slip you a mickey!

Matt Leinart

  (1:42 PM)

Absolutely. It should be a blast. I've never been in NYC. I'm just looking forward to going there. No better way to go!

Ken (San Diego)

Matt, I can't help but ask...what words did you have for the Notre Dame defense after you scored that touchdown?

Matt Leinart

  (1:42 PM)

I've been asked that a lot. I can't even tell you. I used some profanity. He said something when I slid and I got in his face and said something back. Most people don't expect me to do that. I don't either. But in the heat of the moment, you have to stand up for youself.

Ray (San Francisco)

If you win the Heisman Trophy, how will you celebrate?

Matt Leinart

  (1:43 PM)

I'm sure I would have a lot of fun that night in NYC! That's about it.

Jeff (Wewoka,OK)

I heard that you and Jason White had a phone conversation before the season. What advice did he give you?

Matt Leinart

  (1:44 PM)

Yeah, we talked in the summer. I hung out with him all day yesterday. We get along very well.

Ryan, HB California

Is it true that after your football career is over, you would like to be a male model?

Matt Leinart

  (1:44 PM)

Hey buddy, I'll never be as good looking as you.

Leigh (New York, NY)

Matt, congrats from a Trojan alumnus on making it as a Heisman finalist. What are your thoughts on the Oklahoma secondary. Any particular standouts? Hope to see you Saturday at the awards ceremony. Fight On!

Matt Leinart

  (1:45 PM)

A good buddy of mine is their starting safety. I know they are very athletic and solid on defense. I just know they are really good and fast. We match up well though.

Ray (San Francisco)

What do you think of coming to San Francisco to play for the 49ers next year?

Matt Leinart

  (1:46 PM)

I would be fine with that! That would be sweet. But I don't want to get ahead of myself. To follow in the footsteps of Montana and Young would be amazing.

Gary (Oakland, CA)

Matt, over the last two years, is Cal the best team you have played against?

Matt Leinart

  (1:47 PM)

Yes, Cal was the best team we faced. Va. Tech was a close second. Playing Va. Tech again now would be a big challenge. But Cal was the best all-around team. They got shafted out of the Rose Bowl.

Joe, Norman, OK.

so Matt what does it feel like knowing that you are going to get trampled by OU? pretty scarey isnt it

Matt Leinart

  (1:47 PM)

(Laughing) You shouldn't be so sure of that. All you Norman fans can talk, but I can promise you we will be ready to play.

Lamont (Atlanta)

Who would you have rather played Oklahoma or Aurburn?

Matt Leinart

  (1:49 PM)

I really could care less. I'm happy with OU. It didn't matter to us. We don't care who we play. I like the matchup we have but I would have liked Auburn as well. Thanks for the questions.. it's been a great season. I appreciate all the support. Take care.

Buzzmaster

  (1:50 PM)

Thanks, Matt! Folks, you can see Matt tonight on the 2004 Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN!