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Stanford Cardinal
We have at least one vote in the affirmative to the above question. Washington coach Steve Sarkisian said this week that if he ran an NFL team, he'd take USC's Matt Barkley ahead of Stanford's Andrew Luck. Then he reaffirmed his stance. The catch, or catches? Sarkisian's team plays USC this week, and he recruited Barkley at USC. Is this a valid debate?
- "Clearly, I'd go with the media favorite. After all, through eight games, Andy Dalton has more TD passes than any other rookie in the history of the NFL, and we all know he was hyped up over all other QBs in last year's draft." -- SN commenter gpisthefrog
- "I think Luck is the real deal, but Matt Barkley is a legitimate pro prospect who will have a long career as top-tier QB" -- SN commenter willbd05
What does your inner Kiper say?
Even if Sarkisian's motives were less than pure, people like Phil Simms have begun to ask questions about Andrew Luck's status as the obvious No. 1.
Was Sarkisian playing politics?
Did loyalty to his recruit motivate Sarkisian? Was he looking to hype an opponent? Or does he actually just think Barkley is better?
What about last year's class?
Nobody is giving up on the other rookie quarterbacks, but would you take Cam Newton or Andy Dalton ahead of either of the current college guys?
What should Barkley do?
Barkley said the chance to play in a bowl game next season won't influence his decision on staying or turning pro. Should Luck's shadow influence him?
A lot of people seem to think half of the championship equation in college football will be revealed when Alabama hosts LSU this weekend. The other half? Well, when you have variables that include Wyoming, Notre Dame and Texas Tech, it's not the easiest thing to decode. The latter three teams are among those remaining on the schedules of Boise State, Stanford and Oklahoma State, respectively. Rank 'Em: What does your Top 25 look like?
- "To anyone complaining about Stanford jumping Boise State, a 3OT win over USC is better than any win on Boise's schedule, except for maybe Georgia (and even that is questionable). When Boise joins the big boys and plays a full comparable schedule, then we'll talk." -- SN commenter jeffabanton
- "If both of them go undefeated, I'd rather see Houston in a BCS bowl rather than Boise. Keenum is far more exciting to watch than Moore." -- SN commenter BlackfangLeopard
What happens if they all win out?
As Clemson and Kansas State proved, remaining unbeaten isn't easy, but what happens if four teams, including the SEC champions, do just that?
What happens if nobody wins out?
At the other end of the chaos pendulum, what if we're left with no more than one unbeaten team? Among teams currently with one loss, which might be able to get back in the mix?
What's ahead for Boise State?
TCU and Wyoming are a combined 11-4 this season, but could a road trip to San Diego State (4-3) be the ultimate trap game?
What's ahead for Oklahoma State?
The Bedlam showdown with Oklahoma looms large, but Texas Tech showed last week it can't be taken for granted -- and showed this week neither can a trip to Iowa State.
What's ahead for Stanford?
The Cardinal's three toughest remaining games are all at home, but those three opponents are a combined 16-8.
It's possible that Saturday's showdown between Matt Barkley and Andrew Luck will feature better quarterback play than a host of Sunday's NFL games (we're looking at you, Kevin Kolb and Joe Flacco). But are we looking at two quarterbacks destined for stardom at the next level?
- "[Luck] is phenomenal and just does everything right. Of course, if Barkley keeps making plays like he did against ND (two scrambles for first down on third and fourth and short), he has a chance to be an All-Pro type quarterback in the National Football League as well." -- SN commenter Sureshot23
- "Let's face it, the pressure that Barkley has been under at USC is far greater than the presure ever placed on any Stanford QB. It's Stanford for heaven's sake." -- SN commenter Bruindeath
Destined to star on Sunday?
Are Luck and Barkley destined to follow in the footsteps of highly touted success stories like John Elway? Or is one of them another Matt Leinart?
Who goes after Luck?
Barring one of the bigger reversals of fortune in draft history, it appears Luck will be the first player off the board. But which QB goes next? Is Baylor's Robert Griffin III No. 2?
What uniform will Barkley choose?
Barkley could follow Luck's lead and return for another college season, and he's said the prospect of finally being eligible for a bowl game might tempt him.
How do you define pressure?
Luck is dealing with a lot of attention these days, but does trying to keep one of college football's signature programs afloat in troubled times bring more pressure?
3. Which contender played its best football late?
It's hard to argue against Auburn as deserving national champion under the current system. Well, it's hard to argue if you aren't TCU. But what if college football had even a four-team playoff? Which team played the kind of ball in bowl season that leads you to believe they could get on a playoff roll? Rank your final Top 25.
- "Stanford would have beaten Oregon and Auburn last night. Stanford was possibly one half away from playing in that game last night, and if they did I know they would have beat Auburn." -- SN commenter PCpinecones
1. Which team would win if TCU played Stanford on a neutral field?
TCU didn't lose a game all season, capped by a Rose Bowl win against Wisconsin. Stanford routed Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl and lost its only game on the road against unbeaten Oregon. Since we won't ever know for sure without a playoff, which team do you think would win if the Cardinal and Horned Frogs met?
- "'Don't you wonder whether your Ducks weren't lucky to catch Stanford early? It had four blowouts prior to its Oregon game. A match at the end instead? Interesting, huh?" -- SN commenter Jayjaybe11
- Vote: Which team will win each BCS bowl? | How will Auburn-Oregon play out?
- Rank 'Em: Which are the strongest BCS teams? | Who are the best BCS players?
After a season full of upsets, near upsets, blowouts, rivalries and Cameron Newton, the BCS picture has finally been fully painted.
The national championship game looks to be a real barn burner, as Auburn and Oregon both feature high-powered offenses capable of scoring several touchdowns in a single quarter. It'll be a challenge for either team to limit the other to fewer than 30 points, but we won't complain if the combined points total of this game skyrockets past 80. The other matchups seem pretty even, too, save for the surprising Connecticut Huskies taking on the Oklahoma Sooners in the Fiesta Bowl. Connecticut made a BCS bowl despite managing only an 8-4 record and will be hard-pressed to stop Landry Jones and Oklahoma's passing attack. Still, we're looking forward to all these games. Which promises to be the most exciting?
- National championship: Auburn vs. Oregon: "I have to say I actually think this game will be close. Auburn will start punding the ball like a 1980s team in the second half and I see Oregon making a couple mistakes to lead to turnovers or souple three and outs and Auburn having a 10 minute 15+ Play drive in the forth to go up by 2 touchdowns." -- EarnYourOwn
- Sugar Bowl: Arkansas vs. Ohio State: "Arkansas CAN beat Ohio State. This isn't your grandma's Ark team. This isn't an under-talented HDN team sneaking in through a weak west, relying on David Vs Goliath speeches along the way, only to be crushed in a mis-match. This team has talent, experience, and confidence. So does OSU, which makes this a GREAT match-up. " -- HAWGHEAD14
- Orange Bowl: Stanford vs. Virginia Tech: "wooo couldnt have hoped for a better match up than this for my Hokies! Should be a great game. Stanford is a GREAT team, should be a good test for VT. Stanford will be favored, which plays into VTs hands. All season since the embarrassing 0-2 start has been about getting respect back, and if the Hokies can pull off a win over a great Stanford team, they will finally get that respect back! " -- Dmoney51715
- Fiesta Bowl: Connecticut vs. Oklahoma: "As a Uconn fan, I have to say that this is great to go to a BCS game and play a team with the history of OU. It was also great to see us destroy a South Carolina team last year and beat Notre Dame at their place as well. However, I am not delusional to think that we could compete week in and out in that conference, but do think they are going to play a lot better than most believe. " -- Ice1396
- Rose Bowl: TCU vs. Wisconsin: "Wow, what a statistical dead heat in the offensive category. I hope this game will be as great as it is on paper, statistically speaking. TCU being in the Rose "Granddaddy of them all" Bowl is awesome! This is the true gut punch to the E. Gorden Gee elitists of the world. Rejoice Frog faithful, we are only one of four other teams, OU, UT, Nebraska, and Miami, that have EVER played in this bowl game outside of the Pac-10/Big Ten! Awesome week to be a Frog." -- HornedFrog1992
- Vote: GameDay Pick 'Em | Heisman Watch
Game 1: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 3 TCU at No. 5 Utah
- Is TCU's defense really that much better than Utah's defense?
- Will Boise State be better off in the MWC than Utah in the Pac-10?
- Vote on those and other questions about TCU at Utah!
Jake (Honolulu, HI)
Utah seems to be coming in under the radar.. do you give them any chance this weekend? Do they hop Boise with a W?
Pat Forde
Jake: I give Utah a chance, playing at home. But I haven't seen any weaknesses yet in TCU. Frogs have handled all comers with ease. I believe TCU will win -- but if Utah does win I still question whether it would be enough to jump Boise. I don't know. Not a computer expert. Full transcript
Game 2: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 6 Alabama at No. 10 LSU
- Is playing LSU on the road tougher than playing Auburn at home?
- Which team would win if they swapped coaches?
- Vote on those and other questions about Alabama at LSU!
Mike (Dallas, TX)
What do you expect in the matchup between Patrick Peterson and Julio Jones? If my memory serves, Julio didn't have any catches on Peterson last year. Will scouts be watching this one closely?
Mel Kiper
It was a different mindset of Alabama last year. They were a brutally tough defense to move the ball on. They didn't have to score a lot of points. Their defense last year was talent laden, with some studs who are playing in the NFL right now. Last year, they didn't give up over 24 points in any game last year. They held 10 opponents to 15 points or less last year. They've held six opponents this year to 13 points or less. Nick Saban is a defensive guru. He's probably one of the best defensive strategists at any level. He's tried to reload that defensive side. They have to attack a little more. Jones is coming off that career game. Peterson is a shut down corner as well as a great return man. Alabama will attack a lot more, because their defense isn't what it was from a personnel standpoint. Full transcript
Game 3: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 18 Arkansas at No. 19 South Carolina
- Which coach was a bigger flop in the NFL?
- Which quarterback would you rather have against Alabama?
- Vote on those and other questions about Arkansas at South Carolina!
Dave (Virginia)
Pat, love the column and your chats...People keep looking at the South Carolina-Florida clash on Nov 13 in the Swamp as the decider. My question to you is, doesn't Arkansas look like Carolina's worst nightmare right now with the way the Gamecocks have defended the pass lately?
Pat Forde
Dave: Thank you. By my read of the situation, South Carolina can lose to Arkansas and still control its own destiny. At 4-3, if the Gamecocks beat Florida they win the East. Full transcript
Game 4: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 21 Baylor at No. 17 Oklahoma State
- How many points will it take to win this game?
- Is Robert Griffin III more exciting than Justin Blackmon?
- Vote on those and other questions about Baylor at Oklahoma State!
James (Stillwater)
Do you see Robert Griffin III having a big day passing like Taylor Martinez did against the OSU secondary?
Big 12 blogger David Ubben
I do, but Oklahoma State's going to put big points up, too. I didn't really get why everyone thought K-State and Oklahoma State were going to play a high-scoring game. I think I picked it like 34-17 OSU. This week could get out of hand, though. Make sure that scoreboard has room for triple digits. Full transcript
Game 1: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 1 Alabama at No. 19 South Carolina
- Will Nick Saban have a greater gridiron legacy than Steve Spurrier?
- Is Alabama's defense even better than last season?
- Vote on those and other questions about Alabama at South Carolina!
BB (Carolina)
How do you see Bama/SC playing out?
Pat Forde
BB: Nick Saban is the best coach I've seen at getting his teams to play at a consistent level regardless of opponent -- but I still expect a little letdown from the Tide after that Florida game. And South Carolina has had an extra week to prepare. Bottom line: Think that game will be close for a while. Maybe even a long while. But Bama will win. Full transcript
Game 2: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 17 Michigan State at No. 18 Michigan
- How many yards will Denard Robinson gain on the ground?
- How hot is the "Paul Bunyan's Axe" rivalry?
- Vote on those and other questions about Michigan State at Michigan!
Greg Jones (East Lansing)
I keep hearing all this talk about about D-Rob and how good the Michigan offense is, but I'm the best linebacker in the big ten. What do I gotta do to shut everybody up?
Adam Rittenberg
Prevent the explosion plays, Greg. Robinson is going to get his yards, but he can't get the runs of 50 yards or more where no one can catch him. You need to continue to take great angles to the football and wrap up. You're fast enough to keep Robinson in check near the line. But if he gets in the open field, no one is catching him. Full transcript
Game 3: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 12 LSU at No. 14 Florida
- Would LSU be better off without Les Miles?
- Is Florida freshman Trey Burton the real deal?
- Vote on those and other questions about LSU at Florida!
Don (Sugar Land)
Heard everybody input on LSU win vs Tenn except you. What do you think of Les Miles and what to do if he finishes 8-4 or 9-3 agian?
Ivan Maisel
I came up with the right analogy yesterday talking to Beano Cook on the phone (By the way, our newest podcast is up and awaiting your download). Les Miles should be called Coach Clouseau. He does everything wrong, and gets the right result. I'm just not sure if Steve Martin could master Miles' accent. Full transcript
Game 4: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 23 Florida State at No. 13 Miami
- Is Jacory Harris a better QB than Christian Ponder?
- Which team looked worse in a big game earlier this season?
- Vote on those and other questions about Florida State at Miami!
Chris (Boulder, CO)
Heather, Miami is reporting that there are less than 2000 tickets left for the big game on Saturday. Miami fans clearly think this is a bigger game than usual. Do you see this as the biggest game in Randy Shannon's tenure as head coach?
ACC blogger Heather Dinich
Hadn't thought of it like that, but now that you mention it, it probably is. He said the win at Clemson was one of the biggest for the program since he's been there. With each win, the next game only gets bigger. Full transcript
Game 5: SportsNation's burning questions for USC at No. 16 Stanford
- Is Matt Barkley a better NFL prospect than Andrew Luck?
- Was it better to be a USC fan or a Stanford fan over the last decade?
- Vote on those and other questions about USC at Stanford!
Matt (DC)
How long will JH stay at Stanford? Despite the loss he has clearly changed the culture in a very short time and I know UGA or LSU will be begging him to come
Mark Schlabach
I think Harbaugh is a future NFL coach if he leaves Stanford. I think he's there for a couple of years, but given his brother's success in NFL, I wouldn't be surprised to see him follow that career path. Full transcript
Game 1: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 7 Florida at No. 1 Alabama
- Is John Brantley a better passer than Greg McElroy?
- Will Nick Saban be at Alabama longer than Urban Meyer is at Florida?
- Vote on those and other questions about Florida at Alabama!
Brian (Florida)
Mel, Should Florida have kept "Trey Burton" a secret until this Sat against Alabama? I think so. Now Bama coaches can plan on stopping this new Offensive Package Florida has.. What do you think?
Mel Kiper
He is a very versatile player. You have to get him in the game to evolve the offense. They weren't separating themselves from other teams and they needed something to flip that switch. This was a breakout game for them in life after Tebow. You have to see what you have. There are more games on the schedule than just Alabama. They needed to find weapons and they obviously found one in Burton. Full transcript
Game 2: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 9 Stanford at No. 4 Oregon
- Is Oregon's new QB better than its old QB?
- Is this the "Game of the Year" in the Pac-10?
- Vote on those and other questions about Stanford at Oregon!
James (St. Paul, MN)
Ivan, What chance do you give the 2 visting teams this weekend? Florida and Stanford. I know you are a Stanford Alum so you cannot be biased
Ivan Maisel
And I grew up in Alabama, so maybe I can. Seriously, Florida is a young team going into a very tough place to play against a team that has been thinking about them all season. It's a tall order for the Gators. Stanford has the style to compete with Oregon. Whether that physical play and the talent of Andrew Luck can prevail in the toughest stadium in the Pac-10, I don't know. I would be more surprised by a Florida win than a Stanford win. Full transcript
Game 3: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 21 Texas vs. No. 8 Oklahoma
- Is Garrett Gilbert a star in waiting for Texas?
- Should the Big 12 move the game later in the season?
- Vote on those and other questions about Texas vs. Oklahoma!
Ryan (Houston)
Last minute switch to a spread have any chance of working for Texas this weekend?
Big 12 blogger David Ubben
If I'm Texas, I shift to a little bit more of a pass-oriented scheme. The running game is just not working, and that's not going to change this week, despite what OU's rushing numbers say. For Texas, Gilbert is their best offensive talent, and the more the ball is in his hand, the better. They don't have any elite backs capable of changing games right now and the offensive line hasn't been impressive. Full transcript
Game 4: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 22 Penn State at No. 17 Iowa
- Was last week proof Evan Royster is back?
- Would you rather have Joe Paterno or Kirk Ferentz this season?
- Vote on those and other questions about Penn State at Iowa!
Norm Parker's Doctor (Iowa City, IA)
Do you see Penn State's offense, and Royster specifically, suddenly turning things on or was Temple the fluke for the young QB and Royster?
Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg
Well Doc, hope Norm is doing better, first and foremost. Will be good to see him back soon. I don't think Royster's performance was a fluke at all. He's an All-Big Ten-caliber back, as he's shown the past few seasons, and Temple has a pretty stout defense. The concerns are still there in the red zone, though. If Penn State can't start punching it in for touchdowns, it'll be a tough Big Ten season. Full transcript
Game 5: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 11 Wisconsin at No. 24 Michigan State
- Which team has the better backfield?
- Does Madison have rougher winters than East Lansing?
- Vote on those and other questions about Wisconsin at Michigan State!
Dizzle (Detroit, MI)
How much with MSU go up the rankings if they beat Wisconsin this saturday?
Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg
Good question, Dizzle, one I've been thinking about quite a bit. The voters don't seem to think much of Wisconsin, keeping the Badgers at No. 11 despite Texas' loss and a 70-3 Wisconsin win. I'd imagine Michigan State would enter the top 20, probably 16-18. Full transcript
Game 1: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 1 Alabama at No. 10 Arkansas
- Would you want Ryan Mallet or Greg McElroy as your QB in a tight situation?
- Who is the best NFL prospect in this game?
- Vote on those and other questions about Alabama at Arkansas!
Cash (Arkansas)
Joe Adams is having a great season for the hogs this year. If he has a big game against Bama can he make his way into the heisman watch?
SEC blogger Chris Low
I think Adams is one of the best players in the SEC after the catch. He's terrific in space and making people miss. But it's just so hard for receivers to make a legitimate run in the Heisman race no matter how special they are. Full transcript
Game 2: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 24 Oregon State at No. 3 Boise State
- Is Boise State in Oregon State's head?
- Will Boise State run the table if it beats Oregon State?
- Vote on those and other questions about Oregon State at Boise State!
Adam (NV)
Who do you think will win this wknd between OSU vs Boise? Any chance the Beavers keep it close, or even pull the upset?
Pat Forde
Adam: Wouldn't be surprised if Oregon State keeps it close. Would be surprised if Oregon State wins. Like Boise to win. Full transcript
Game 3: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 22 West Virginia at No. 15 LSU
- Is Les Miles' job secure?
- How would a West Virginia win shake things up?
- Vote on those and other questions about West Virginia at LSU!
Walt (DC)
What will WVU do to compensate for lack of size going up against LSU's offense and defense lines?
Big East blogger Brian Bennett
I think the Mountaineers will be OK defensively. Offensive line is an issue. They need to get a push up front against what is always a talented defensive line. Perhaps some screens, the shotgun and a little old-fashioned zone read can slow that down. Full transcript
Game 4: SportsNation's burning questions for No. 16 Stanford at Notre Dame
- Which school is stronger academically?
- How well does Brian Kelly need to do this season?
- Vote on those and other questions about Stanford at Notre Dame!
Dave (NC)
I've had a bad weekend Andrea. I only care about UNC and Notre Dame sports when it comes to college and I'm from MA so the Pats let me down as well...... give me something to look forward to for UNC and or ND this week.
Andrea Adelson
Oh, Dave. I hope you are staying away from sharp objects ;) Both teams have been competitive, so there is that. Notre Dame is a few plays away from being 3-0, so there is that. I am not sure the Irish can beat Stanford -- the Cardinal have looked awfully good. But UNC can definitely beat Rutgers. From what I have seen of the Scarlet Knights, they haven't looked overly impressive and probably should have lost to FIU. Full transcript
Game 5: SportsNation's burning questions for South Carolina at Auburn
- Which is a tougher place to win on the road?
- Will South Carolina ever play in a BCS game under Steve Spurrier?
- Vote on those and other questions about South Carolina at Auburn!
Sanders Colson (Atlanta)
Auburn won one they probably should have lost to Clemson. How do think they will do against S Carolina?
Mark Schlabach
I think it should be a really good game. Clemson had some success running the ball, so I'd expect to see a heavy dose of Marcus Lattimore. Clemson did a nice job shutting down AU's offense in the first half, too. That's happened twice in the last two games, but give AU credit for coming back. Newton threw the ball well at the end. Full transcript
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