Pat Forde

  (2:00 PM)

It's 2:00 on Tuesday. If you're not here, you're nowhere. Bring on the questions!

Jeff (Durham, NC)

Dash, I'm going to State College for the first time this weekend... where do I eat and drink? Oh yeah... does the winner of this game deserve a BCS bid if they win out? I'm a huge OSU fan, a Big Ten lifer, and I still might answer that question with a "no".

Pat Forde

  (2:01 PM)

Jeff: The square in "downtown" State College is the place to go -- really a very cool, quaint college-town area. You'll have fun no matter where you eat/drink. As for the second BCS bid: I'd vote against, but the huge fan bases of both schools might be the deciding factor.

Hawkeye Nation (Iowa City)

Did you actually watch the Iowa game, or just the highlights?

Pat Forde

  (2:02 PM)

Hawkeye: Watching the first three quarters before getting in the car to drive from OKC to Stillwater. Saw enough to be appalled by some of the officiating and underwhelmed by Iowa.

Brian K (Cincinnati)

Pat,With all of the talent the ACC produces (evidenced by # of draft picks) are many of the coaches to blame for underacheiving? Schools like Cincy, Iowa and USF are not out-recruiting schools likes FSU, Clemson, Va Tech and UNC. So, what gives in that conference?

Pat Forde

  (2:03 PM)

Brian: The league has been plagued for years by poor coaching . I believe that's changing for the better (out with Bunting, Amato, Gailey, etc., in with Paul Johnson and Butch Davis, etc). But when two of the flagship programs are poorly coached (FSU in recent years under Bowden and Miami under Coker) that really hurts.

Casey (Fort Worth)

Pat,I've ssen some people move TCU down, because Oregon should be higher, and Boise should be higher than Oregon...Thoughts?

Pat Forde

  (2:05 PM)

Casey: Here is my top eight at the moment: 1. Florida, 2. Texas, 3. Alabama, 4. Cincinnati, 5. Boise State, 6. TCU, 7. Oregon, 8. Iowa. I will NOT move Oregon ahead of Boise as long as the Broncos have a better record, having dominated when they met head-to-head.

Zaid (Austin)

Pat, wassup with the wassup??....does Texas have the best secondary and.....Is there a better DB in the country than Earl Thomas. Eric Berry might have the name, but Earl Thomas is playing LIGHTS OUT.... 6 picks, 2 for TD's....is he a Thorpe winner, or finalist??HOOK EM

Pat Forde

  (2:06 PM)

Zaid: I am in love with Earl Thomas this year -- he's played great. But Eric Berry is more than just name; he is an absolute stud. Hits like a truck, covers, makes plays. They're both excellent and would be my two first-team A-A safeties right now, though Tyler Sash of Iowa has been awesome as well. Taylor Mays has not produced.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

For Jeff from Durham: Eat at the Allen Street Grill. The Waffle Shop will be packed, as will The Corner Room. Allen Street is actually up the steps from the Corner Room but the food is from the same kitchen. Also, don't go to The Diner unless you want the Grilled Stickys. Hope this helps.

Pat Forde

  (2:06 PM)

Public service for Jeff

Sheldon (Bratt, Florida)

What kind of suspension do you believe Brandon Spikes deserved, I was thinking at least a whole game.

Pat Forde

  (2:07 PM)

Sheldon: Definitely a full game. Beyond that it's debatable, but a half-game suspension is a joke to me. Disappointed in that, and in Tebow's comment justifying Spikes' actions.

Stephen (Iowa City, Ia)

Pat,Does Lsu have a legit shot at beating Alabama this weekend?

Pat Forde

  (2:08 PM)

Stephen: I think it will be close, because Alabama doesn't blow out many teams, but I think the Tide wins. I don't see LSU moving the ball with any consistency against that 'Bama D.

Brian (Destin, FL)

I see how you won't rank Oregon above Boise State but do you honestly believe Boise St would beat them today if they played? In addition to that would any team in the country be able to beat Oregon in a one game takes all scenario. I really think they are the hottest team right now.

Pat Forde

  (2:10 PM)

Brian: Very glad you asked that. They don't play today. They played once, in September, and Boise owned Oregon all night. The way college football works, it doesn't matter who is the hottest team right now. Every game matters, and Boise State won when it mattered. Not who would theoretically win today.

Lou (Rockville, MD)

Pat, saw the shout out to Al Golden in the Dash. So, does Al move on this year, or do you think he's waiting out JoePa?

Pat Forde

  (2:12 PM)

Lou: I don't have any tangible insight into that, but it seems like a stretch to me to go from 6 wins at Temple to the head coach at Penn State. Golden has done a great job, but I don't know that winning the MAC East stamps him as Penn State-ready.

Blair (Austin)

Pat: i have sudmitted a question regarding who has the best defense between the TOP 3 teams to several people and cant get an answer...When will the TEXAS D get the credit it derservse??

Pat Forde

  (2:13 PM)

Blair: All three are lights-out. I honestly couldn't choose one as better than the other right now, and I've seen all three play in person. If you MADE me pick, I'd probably give the edge to Florida after watching the Gators hold LSU without a touchdown in Baton Rouge. But it's extremely close between them all. Texas' D is right there with the other two.

Kevin (OH)

OSU/Penn St, pick it Pat

Pat Forde

  (2:14 PM)

Kevin: I'll take Penn State in a low-scoring game, based on PSU's home-field advantage. (Best student section in college football.) Should be a good one.

Rich Bosaaen (Tampa)

Do you think South Florida has found a real gem in Freshman QB BJ Daniels?

Pat Forde

  (2:15 PM)

Rich: Yes! He's been a revelation since taking over for Matt Grothe. Excellent young prospect.

someguy (middle of nowhere)

You say "Alabama doesn't blow out many teams"?? Then why bash on Iowa for the same thing??

Pat Forde

  (2:15 PM)

Someguy: There is a difference between not blowing out South Carolina or Tennessee and beating Northern Iowa by a point and Arkansas State by three.

Robert (Portland, OR)

I'll concede that Boise beat Oregon up and down the field in September - we looked completely unprepared to play and Boise took it to us like a good team should. But BSU has only had to get up for that *one* game this year. If they were in the Pac-10 (or most other BCS conferences) I'm skeptical they don't lose a couple. Does SOS ever trump Head-to-Head in your book?

Pat Forde

  (2:16 PM)

Robert: Which other game was Oregon thinking about getting up for? It was the season opener!

Greg (Champaign, IL)

Are you ready for basketball season?

Pat Forde

  (2:16 PM)

Greg: Of course! But not really. I'll have a hoops Forde Minutes column next week, but I'm pretty tunnel-visioned on football at the moment.

Ben (Florida)

While not defending Brandon Spikes' eye-poking incident...why is it that nobody is talking about the late hit on tebow that was never called? or how a UGa player nearly ripped Brandon James' head off by the facemask AFTER he was out of bounds? Why is Urban Meyer the only coach having to take action on a player after the game; i think probably 5-10 players per team could be suspended after every game if we saw everything that went on down on the field...

Pat Forde

  (2:18 PM)

Ben: I think you're best served by sticking with the initial clause, "While not defending Brandon Spikes' eye-poking incident..." Stop there. College football fans spend way too much of their time pointing the finger (no pun intended) at the other team instead of acknowledging when their own guys do wrong. Let Georgia worry about Georgia. Florida fans should be embarrassed by Spikes' actions and Meyer's "punishment."

Weston (Clemson)

Whats your prediction for the Clemson FSU game saturday night?

Pat Forde

  (2:19 PM)

Weston: No way I'm predicting anything involving those two. That's Psycho Team vs. Psycho Team right there.

Demetrius (Cincinnati)

Pat: Brian Kelly National Coach of the Year?

Pat Forde

  (2:20 PM)

Demetrius: As of this moment, yes.

Rude was offsides (Virginia Beach)

My buddy believes Golden Tate is the legit heisman pick...does he have an argument or is he just crazy?

Pat Forde

  (2:21 PM)

Rude: I put Tate in my Heisman top five this week. He's been phenomenal. That catch in triple coverage against Washington State was incredible. (I know, it's Washington State, but still.)

Jake (Honolulu, HI)

Is Weis off the hot seat for demolishing a sub-par WSU team?

Pat Forde

  (2:22 PM)

Jake: No. Still some games out there that are tossups, most notably Pittsburgh on the road. Entire season needs to play out.

Pat (PA)

Does the 49 ND put up in the Hawaii bowl not count?

Pat Forde

  (2:23 PM)

Pat: That;s in reference to my Dash item today about ND ending a streak of 32 games without scoring 40. What I left out -- but mentioned last week -- was that it was a regular-season streak. My bad. I'll get that corrected after this chat.

John (Iowa City)

"From seeing the replays multiple times on YouTube, it's an extremely close call, but it's not obvious that Turner's foot touches the ground before his knee. Still, since the call on the field was a touchdown, a lot of us were surprised to see the replay officials had enough conclusive evidence for a reversal." - Adam Rittenburg's words, not mine. Everyone's (including you) is acting like this is extremely obvious. Not only is the foot inbounds not obvious, but watch the ball in his hands as he's going down. Seriously, just watch it. That's all I'll say.

Pat Forde

  (2:25 PM)

John: To overturn the call on the field was ludicrous, period. You'd have to study that for a much longer time than it was actually studied to find anything even close to convincing yourself that it was conclusively a non-catch. Bad, bad, bad replay review.

RODNEY (ALABAMA)

DO YOU THINK MARK INGRAM HAS A SHOT AT THE HEISMAN TROPHY THIS YEAR?

Pat Forde

  (2:25 PM)

RODNEY: YES. NO OFF WITH THE CAPS LOCK.

CLW (H-town)

Hey Pat,Do you think Colt could get one of those "career" Heisman's if nobody separates? He should be the career wins leader by 3 when the Heisman rolls around. 45 wins and .865 win pct!

Pat Forde

  (2:26 PM)

CLW: I don't know ... I'm not a fan of the "career" Heisman. I still think McCoy has a chance to win it on this season's merits alone. It's a total tossup race right now.

Lance (Omaha)

Which teams have disappointed you the most so far this season?

Pat Forde

  (2:28 PM)

Lance: Ole Miss. Cal (horrible for two games, pretty darned good in the rest of them, but that's not good enough). Georgia. Illinois. Florida State.

Matt (Houston)

How bad does OU blow out Nebraska this week? I'm guess by 17, what do you think? Thanks

Pat Forde

  (2:28 PM)

Matt: I'd say less than 17, but Oklahoma wins. As usual, South much better than the North.

Scott (DeKalb, IL)

How can you justify saying that Oregon deserves to be ranked ahead of Iowa right now? I agree Iowa hasn't overwhelmed anyone, but the fact of the matter is that nobody has beaten them yet, whereas Oregon has. If they lose, I have no problem dropping Iowa lower, but aren't the rankings supposed to be based on what has happened so far?

Pat Forde

  (2:29 PM)

Scott: Yes, the rankings are supposed to be based on what has happened so far. And Oregon's one loss is not a bad loss. And the Ducks have some very good wins -- so does Iowa, but Iowa also has some fortunate escapes against bad competition.

matt (slc)

Realistically, can Boise St and TCU make a BCS game?

Pat Forde

  (2:31 PM)

Matt: I have no faith in the current system to reward the best teams, so I'll say no. It will come down to ticket sales and potential TV ratings, and one of those two will be bounced in favor of a two-loss team from a power league or Notre Dame or someone else. It will stink, but it will happen I do believe.

Dave (NJ)

Who are the hot coaching candidates for the off-season and what are the likely high-profile jobs to be available? Virginia (finally), Clemson, Illinois (should be), Michigan (should be), ND (should be), Colorado, Louisville, etc.

Pat Forde

  (2:33 PM)

Dave: That is a good list of jobs that probably should open, but not all of them will be. Illinois AD already has said the Zooker is coming back. I expect Rod to get another year at ND. Weis needs to lose at least once and more likely twice to get the ziggy. I'd say Louisville is a lock to open. Colorado sounds like it wants to keep Hawkins (or might have to, monetarily). Clemson, I don't know.

Pat Forde

  (2:33 PM)

But as for coaching candidates: Al Golden has certainly helped himself. I think Brian Kelly would take ND in five minutes if offered. (Or Michigan, for that matter.) Still think someone needs to hire Charlie Strong, UF DC.

Pat Forde

  (2:34 PM)

Oh, and don't forget Tommy Tuberville and even Phil Fulmer sitting on the sidelines!

BCSisBest (Pittsburgh)

Pat: I am tired of people saying that a 2nd non-AQ team deserves a BCS bowl and that it stinks or is unfair. I think fair is rewarding a team who has amazing fans who are willing to travel to see there team and show up every game no matter what. That is fair!!!

Pat Forde

  (2:35 PM)

BCS: Great. If your idea of a great game is watching ND get its doors blown off in a BCS game like it has in the past, enjoy yourself. Me, I kinda thought Boise beating Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl was a pretty good game.

TJ (New Jersey)

Pat... Maroon and Orange are beautiful together... If not, why woudl the leaves turn those colors in the fall? Go HOKIES!!!

Pat Forde

  (2:35 PM)

TJ: Haha. Point taken. But the uniforms -- ick.

M.S. (New York)

Who is your SEC coach of the year?

Pat Forde

  (2:36 PM)

M.S. -- I think I'd have to go with Nick Saban right now. Replaced two All-American offensive linemen, starting QB, leading rusher -- and Bama is probably better than last year.

K.C. (Chino Hills)

Pat, how can you possibly justify having Kellen Moore number one on your ballot and not having Jimmy Clausen on there at all? Jimmy is number two in passing efficiency in the nation on the strength of ND's 28th-ranked schedule (according to Sagarin), while Moore is first in passing efficiency on the strength of Boise's 81st-ranked schedule? What gives?!?!

Pat Forde

  (2:37 PM)

K.C.: Because you cannot rank more than five guys, and as I said -- I think Golden Tate has done a lot to make Clausen look good. I'll take Tate over Clausen right now.

Nick (Des Moines)

As an Iowa fan, I gotta say we love the disrespect! Ranked #4, and still underdogs! Keep drinking your Hateraid and thanks for the bulletin board material!

Pat Forde

  (2:38 PM)

Nick: That's what we're here for.

Chris (Ohio)

Come on Mr. Forde, give all these people a reason to watch the Bowling Green-Buffalo game tonight on the Deuce! Freddie Barnes is the leading receiver in the nation and people need to see the guy play! And don't forget about Turner Gill as a hot coaching prospect again this year.

Pat Forde

  (2:39 PM)

Chris: This is your programming update, folks. Actually, I will say that I've seen Barnes play in person and he is a treat.

Kdub (Boise)

Does Kstate have a legit chance to play for the Big XII title?

Pat Forde

  (2:40 PM)

Kdub: Yes, K-State has a legitimate chance to play for the Big 12 title -- and to get dump-trucked in the title game like the Big 12 North champion always is.

Mitch (Montgomery)

Any chance Mark Richt returns for next season? Or will he get the boot?

Pat Forde

  (2:41 PM)

Mitch: I'd be SHOCKED if Mark Richt did not return in 2010. It's been a bad year -- and two disappointing seasons in a row -- but keep the big picture in mind, please. He's done a great job at Georgia over a long period of time.

bruce (dallas)

If we MUST have the BCS, what one thing would you change to make college football better?

Pat Forde

  (2:42 PM)

Bruce: MUST we? OK, let's say we must. And, in reality, it IS all we have for the foreseeable future. So if I had to change something, I'd change the BCS bowl selection process to make the big bowls take the best teams instead of the teams with the most fans.

Ben (West Des Moines)

Ok, last try. Who is your Big Ten offensive and defensive players of the year thus far?

Pat Forde

  (2:43 PM)

Ben: Off the top of my head, Offensive POY is Daryll Clark and Defensive POY is Tyler Sash. I reserve the right to change my mind.

Dan (Miami)

What are the chances GT loses an ACC game to give Miami the lead again, and if that doesn't happen, what are the chances Miami gets an At-Large bid?

Pat Forde

  (2:44 PM)

Dan: I have a hard time finding a loss on GT's remaining schedule: home against Wake and at Duke. I touted the Duke game as one to watch in this week's Dash, but I'd still be shocked if Tech lost. I don't see Miami getting an at-large bid.

Travis (Tuscaloosa)

Any chance Kentucky makes it to a 4th straight bowl game? Any thoughts on the exhibition (hoops) game last night?

Pat Forde

  (2:45 PM)

Travis: I think Kentucky finishes 6-6, which should mean a bid to something. I didn't get to see the hoops exhibition because I was at my kids' swim practice, but from all reports the Cats were pretty awesome, even without John Wall.

Colin (Iowa City)

I still don't get why Cincinnatti, Boise State, and TCU get a pass on their terrible schedules. Yeah they are blowing teams out but they aren't playing many teams with a pulse. Iowa on the other hand is winning tough road games. They might be ugly but they are W's!

Pat Forde

  (2:46 PM)

Colin: And wheezing past bad teams at home. Don't forget that part of the equation.

Cleve (Meltingburg, Iowa)

So basically in your opinion, it is okay for UGA players to gouge UF players eyes & commit personal fouls but NOT for UF players (for which there is also overwhelming video evidence for). Funny how the media jumps all over UF for ANY little thing, but says nothing when other schools do the same thing? ie PF's, concussions, refs etc. Just admit it Forde--you detest UF

Pat Forde

  (2:47 PM)

Cleve: Yes! You got me! I admit it! Enjoy denial, it's a lovely place this time of year.

reddirtexp (Brownwood, Texas)

Who do you think will have the better chance of winning the hiesman if it came down to Colt Mcoy and Jordan Shipley?

Pat Forde

  (2:47 PM)

Reddirt: Definitely McCoy. Shipley has had a great season, but he was a no-show against Oklahoma and McCoy has the name recognition.

Kinnickhawk (Albert Lea, Minnesota)

Is Kirk Ferentz Going to be named the National Coach of the Year? If No why.

Pat Forde

  (2:48 PM)

Kinnick: Because Brian Kelly is going to beat him to it. Not by a lot, but by a little.

Steve (Alta Loma, CA)

Pat, Pete Carroll has failed to prepare his teams time and time again. Now that the USC dynasty is over, should the school begin looking for a new coach?

Pat Forde

  (2:49 PM)

Steve: I am going to assume this is a joke.

Chris (Florida)

Are you, and anyone else in the media aware that washaun ealey still has his eyes and that they were not in fact gouged out?

Pat Forde

  (2:49 PM)

Chris: I am aware, and thankful for it. Because he could have lost one or both, or had them damaged.

hornfrog4life (Ft. Worth )

What do you think about the job that Gary Patterson has done at TCU turning that program around?

Pat Forde

  (2:50 PM)

Frog: He's been awesome, year-in and year-out. Dennis Franchione got it rolling there but he took it to an entirely different level. Their defense is amazingly disruptive every year.

basqman (Moscow)

So you don't think that Robb Akey can win national coach of the Year?

Pat Forde

  (2:51 PM)

Basqman: You know I love Akey, a fine Colorado Springs boy, and have been on his bandwagon all year. But when you give up 70 to Nevada it kind of hurts the cause.

Dave (Boerne)

4D -- I like your tone this chat (seriously). Instead of debating rankings or the Heisman, which team(s) is/are building up momentum and have the most upside come bowl season.

Pat Forde

  (2:53 PM)

Dave: I don't think any team has more momentum right now than Oregon, though it must be said that TCU and Cincinnati both are playing dominant football right now as well.

Jacob (New Orleans)

Can you buy my plane ticket to see the Tide play in Ttown Saturday? I'm in grad school and running low on cash. That'd be great. Will you be there?

Pat Forde

  (2:53 PM)

Jacob: Get on a bus, son. I will not be there -- I have this weekend off to see my kids compete in a swim meet in Indy.

DK (NY)

Pat, having gone to West Point a couple of weeks ago, not enough is made of what the military academies' players have to go through to play and what type of commitments they've made. They deserve our respect more than they get sometimes. Everyone should bring their kids to a game at an academy - it's a great experience and will teach them some important lessons as well.

Pat Forde

  (2:54 PM)

DK: Amen, brother. I grew up near the base of the Air Force Academy and went to games there all the time. Impressive young men.

Tanner (State College, PA)

Pat, I REALLY need your help. There is this really cute girl in my History Class, and I think I like her, except she is an Ohio State fan! What do I do?

Pat Forde

  (2:55 PM)

Tanner: Invite her out and see if she can handle jokes about Tressel's vest or misusing Pryor. If she can, keep her.

Matt (Chicago)

Great column again Pat. In regards to Mich, would you agree it's a little to quick to give the boot to RR? His players are still freshman and his scheme will take at least another season to fully flourish the way it has in the past.

Pat Forde

  (2:57 PM)

Matt: If I were in charge and I was reasonably convinced that Rodriguez was not willfully breaking NCAA rules, I'd give him another year at least. I really believe he's a good coach. But if you have questions about that, AND the team is playing terribly, I might have to give him the pink slip.

BCSisBest (Pittsburgh)

Pat: Should the Big East bait UCF with automatic membership to the Big East if they beat Texas this week? Acknowledged that it will never happen, but it would be pretty cool?.

Pat Forde

  (2:59 PM)

Actually, if the Big East is going to add a team I think UCF would be it -- regardless of what happens this week against Texas. (Prediction: Horns murder them.) But you cannot have 17 basketball schools. Maybe you could get UCF as a football-only school.

Matt (Greenville, SC)

Lots of Matt's on the chat today, Pat. Maybe it has something to do with the rhyming? Also, What would it take for OSU to beat Penn State this weekend?

Pat Forde

  (3:00 PM)

Matt: If Ohio State doesn't turn the ball over the Buckeyes can win. They also need to keep Pryor focused and not let this game become more about him than about the team.

Jason (Salem, OR)

I like your suggestion about how you would change the BCS that we're forced to live with but what about making the coach's poll public knowledge!? I think that would impact the OUTCOME of the results since there would be some transperancy.

Pat Forde

  (3:01 PM)

Jason: Right on. I detest the secret ballot format.

joe (tennessee)

how could you say those tennessee black jerseys were ugly, they were awesome.

Pat Forde

  (3:02 PM)

Actually, I said they were less hideous than I anticipated. Georgia's black was awful. And Va Tech's stuff was hideous.

Newman (Clemson, SC)

Tony Pike or Zach Collaros? Who does Cincy go with when Pike is healthy again? Collaros has been outstanding.

Pat Forde

  (3:02 PM)

Newman: I'd go back to Pike. Collaros has been tremendous, but Pike is the man there.

Jared (Charlottesville, VA)

What events do your kids swim in? Just curios as I swam for 16 years

Pat Forde

  (3:03 PM)

Jared: Daughter is a butterflyer/breastroker, son more of an IM'er. Oldest son is in high school now and is a breastroker.

bill (CINCINNATI)

Pat what do you think about taking the refs out of the conferences and forming a national system?

Pat Forde

  (3:04 PM)

Bill: If they can figure out how to make it work well, I'd be in favor. But I'm guessing you'd see a lot of resistence -- as you see with anything and everything that changes the way college football conducts business.

Pat Forde

  (3:05 PM)

OK folks, time's up. Awesome turnout -- more than 1,600 questions. Thanks to the Iowa fans for keeping them coming! Talk to you all next week, enjoy the games this weekend.