| | You would think Beano Cook would learn his lesson, but he's at it again. After inexplicably predicting Notre Dame quarterback Ron Powlus would win two Heisman Trophies (Powlus never came close), Cook is now touting another freshman quarterback as having a Heisman in his future.
In his weekly chat with ESPN.com users, the ESPN college football analyst says Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick will win the award as the top college football player before his college days are over. At least he didn't give Vick the Powlus curse.
An edited transcript from Cook's Oct. 20 chat follows. Check it out and you'll also find out his weekly prediction, which coaches are in the running for Coach of the Year and his darkhorses for the Heisman.
| |  | | Beano Cook is a big fan of Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick. |
Beano Cook: This should be a great weekend, one of the best of the season. Purdue-Penn State,
Alabama-Tennessee and Nebraska-Texas ... all three home teams are the underdog. At least the
Mets will be home to watch; I wish the Yankees and Braves would be home, too. End the
baseball season, play the best out of one game for a series!
The best thing that could happen to small market teams is the Yankees win 10 in a row. Maybe
then baseball would do something to correct the imbalance that occurs now. Pro football got it
right, baseball got it wrong. And who would ever think a Yankee-Red Sox game would be
outrated by a pro football game which was boring.
Bruce: Wow. Virginia Tech sure did lay a whoopin' on Syracuse last weekend. Do you think this proves that the
Hokies deserve to be in the top five?
Beano Cook:
They belong it the top five, absolutely. But not the top three. Florida State, Penn State and
Nebraska would be my top three still. We will see about Penn State and Nebraska this
weekend in tough road games.
Ethan: Can Drew Brees hang the big numbers up on Penn State like he did on Michigan State?
Beano Cook:
The key in this is if Purdue can gain 130-140 yards rushing. They must run to keep Penn State's
defense off guard. Keep control of the ball, and then Brees will pass and they could pull off the
upset ... but the Boilermakers won't.
My season record is at .500 because I won last week. This week,
Nebraska 24, Texas 21. If Nebraska wins this game, it should finish the season 12-0. A&M
and Kansas State won't be easy.
Inquisitive: Can Tommy beat daddy?
Beano Cook:
If they played chess, yes. But not in football.
Buckster80: You talked last Saturday about a feud between Jackie Sherrill and Joe Paterno. Can you tell us
what that's about?
Beano Cook:
They get along about as well as Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. They just don't like each
other. Dates back to Pittsburgh-Penn State.
JB: Who is your Heisman front runner?
Beano Cook:
Shaun Alexander and Joe Hamilton. Very close. Lot of time left. If Drew Brees is able to beat Penn
State, he then becomes the leading contender.
Tim: Tennessee has one of the best rush defenses in Division I, and Shaun Alexander is one of the
best rushers in Division I. Who has the upper hand here and what is your feeling on the
overall game?
Beano Cook:
It's a tough game to pick. In the big games, I usually go with the underdog, so I will pick
Alabama. If Alexander gains 150 yards, the Tide will win. If not, Tennessee will win. The Vols
are fighting to be one of the wild card teams in the Bowl Alliance. If you had to say which
conferences would have two teams in the Bowl Alliance, you'd have to say the SEC and Big Ten.
Raynoch Thompson just had surgery and he's a question mark for Tennessee.
Bowdoin Polar Bear: Can you give us your thoughts on the whole Peter Warrick issue. Can he still win the
Heisman? Would you let him play on your team if you were the coach?
Beano Cook: If it is a misdemeanor, I'd let him play. He can still win the Heisman Trophy, but I don't think he
will.
Tommy: Is Mississippi State for real?
Beano Cook:
We will find out vs. Arkansas. Jackie Sherrill's defense is outstanding; this is one of seven
unbeatens left in Division I-A despite having a suspect offense.
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COOK'S FILE
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Cook, who joined ESPN in March 1986, serves as a college football studio commentator and occasional sideline reporter. He also offers college football commentary on ESPN Radio. Cook came to ESPN after four years (1982-85) at ABC Sports as a studio commentator during its College Football Association telecasts. From 1977-82, he worked in public relations for CBS Sports. From 1974-77, he was a sportswriter for the St. Petersburg Times; the director of public relations for the Miami Dolphins; public relations director for the Mutual Radio Network and he also toured with VISTA. He was ABC Sports NCAA press director from 1966-74.
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Crimson Legend: Can Ron Dayne break the career rushing record and still not win the Heisman?
Beano Cook:
Yes, he can break Ricky Williams' record and not win the Heisman. I'm not saying that will
happen, but it could.
NittanyProud: What is your prediction on the Purdue-Penn State game this weekend?
Beano Cook:
This is the best game of the day. Joe Tiller is in his third year and Purdue has lost only one home
game (two years ago to Penn State). The fact that Tiller was able to guide the team to an upset
over Michigan State after playing two tough road games (Michigan and Ohio State) proves that
whomever decided to hire him as coach deserves a raise! I pick Penn State to win a close one.
Littlejohnflowers: I'm going to go see Williams vs. Amherst this year. It better be worth it!
Beano Cook:
Trust me, it is. It beats going to Nuggets-Clippers.
Andre: If Virginia Tech, Penn State, Florida State and Nebraska are undefeated, who gets to play for the crystal
ball?
Beano Cook:
Florida State would definitely be one team. Nebraska and Penn State would battle for the
second slot. Because of the schedule, if all four go unbeaten, Virginia Tech wouldn't have a shot
in my opinion. The computers may say something different, and you had to be impressed by the
performance vs. Syracuse.
Derek: Will Kentucky be able to keep Hal Mumme? I don't think UK is even close to the level of
Tennessee or Florida yet. But they are on the rise in the SEC and making some noise. What's
your take?
Beano Cook:
Very good question. Maybe not. He's done a great job, his system works. Kentucky was going
to be lucky to be 4-7 this season if you asked before the season started. I was wrong.
Hostile Husker: Buckeyes at Minnesota. Bucks are underdogs this time. What do you think?
Beano Cook:
Glen Mason has done a great job. This is a big game for the Buckeyes, because a loss, with
Michigan and Michigan State still on the schedule, could mean they will struggling to get a bowl berth.
Dave: Is Don Nehlen under any heat at WVU?
Beano Cook:
From the citizens and alumni of West Virginia. These people should realize it is not easy to win
there. Be grateful that you have a coach as good as Don Nehlen.
IrishGrad: Notre Dame had a lousy first half and an inspired second half vs. USC this weekend. They have
started slow all year. Is it the players or coaches?
Beano Cook:
You have to give credit to the coaching staff because Notre Dame never gave up. Both of these
comebacks were at home. When they're trailing Tennessee on Nov. 6, I guarantee they
won't catch them. That means a long plane ride back.
Righto: How can you justify Nebraska belongs in the top three? They have played one ranked team and
barely won.
Beano Cook:
I rank them because I think they deserve it. They still have Texas, Texas A&M and Kansas
State and that won't be easy. Let's see after those games what happens.
UNC Fan: UNC seems to really be in a funk and have fallen fast from the Mack Brown era. Is Carl
Torbush going to last there?
Beano Cook:
If he lasts, he's going to have to win next year. Curry's injury did not help, and now Luke Huard is
nicked up. Torbush and Gerry DiNardo at LSU, if they did last, have to win next year.
Gary: Care to predict Michigan State-Wisconsin?
Beano Cook:
I like Wisconsin at home, different team than it was a few weeks ago. The Badgers are fighting
to play in one of the bigger bowls. Michigan State's bubble burst last week. If Michigan State
wins, they could get into a BCS bowl. Spartans have Gari Scott hurting, meaning the passing game
could be slowed a bit.
Kevin: Who do you think deserves coach of the year and who do you think has been the biggest
disappointment in the coaching ranks this year?
Beano Cook:
June Jones of Hawaii, Nick Saban despite last week, Jackie Sherrill, Glen Mason. Biggest
disappointment: Arizona. They still could make it to the Rose Bowl, but remember, this was a
preseason top five team.
Rich: Virginia Tech is No. 1 five of the eight computer rankings. Tech gets no respect, even though
they deserve tons.
Beano Cook:
If they are No. 1 in five of the computer rankings, than they have a shot to play in the
BCS title game.
IrishGrad: Is there any truth to the Steve Spurrier as next coach of Notre Dame rumor?
Beano Cook:
I don't think so. Why live in South Bend when they can live in Gainesville?
Charlie: Have you got a pick on the Alabama-Tennessee game? I would also like to hear your thoughts on Shaun Alexander's chances of becoming the next
Heisman trophy winner.
Beano Cook: I pick Alabama to win at home. Should be a great emotional game.
Ryan: Penn State-Virginia Tech, who'd win?
Beano Cook:
Penn State.
NCFORNEBRASKA: Until the Big East teams can show they are worthy of national recognition, then they
should be on the outside looking in! What do you think?
Beano Cook:
Some conference has to be the weakest one in the Alliance and the Big East is. They are still
part of the Bowl Alliance, like they should be. That's the same way unheralded conferences are
part of the NCAA men's basketball tournament.
Hokieman: Come on Beano, Frank Beamer is not on your coach of the year list? You think it's hard to win
at WVU, try recruiting kids to play in Blacksburg!!
Beano Cook:
OK, I can add him. I try to pick a coach whose team wasn't supposed to be good. Virginia
Tech was supposed to be good.
Tony Clifton: Who wins the World Series: Braves or Yankees?
Beano Cook:
I root for the team that wins the first game and hope they sweep. My MVP is the guy who
makes the last out.
BUBear: I have to know: Will I ever be able to enjoy a Baylor victory?
Beano Cook:
Which sport?
Eric: Do you think that if Nebraska goes undefeated, Frank Solich could deserve coach of the year
for keeping this team together and focused?
Beano Cook:
Any coach who finishes undefeated should be considered for Coach of the Year.
If Dennis Erickson wins seven games at Oregon State, after failing to have a winning season in
25 years, he would merit consideration. That's not to say I think he will win seven games.
Pinnacle: Who's Dan Morgan?
Beano Cook:
He's a warrior for Miami and one of the top 10 linebackers in the nation. Next question, please.
Ritch: What do you think of Lou Holtz trying to turn around the South Carolina football program?
Can he do it?
Beano Cook:
Remember, this program is in a league with Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas. You can't
win on a consistent basis at South Carolina. It is just too tough.
Psu96: LaVar is starting to live up to the hype. Do you think he should win the Butkus Award? Short is
another good choice.
Beano Cook:
Both are legitimate contenders. Diggs at Ohio State, Simoneau at Kansas State, there are a lot
of good ones, but only a few in the upper level like Arrington.
Matt In WV: All I want for Christmas is for Marshall to play a top 15 team in a bowl. What are the
odds?
Beano Cook:
I think you won't get your wish because of the obligation to the Motor City Bowl. They're
committed to that.
Ben: What is your take on Gary Barnett's attempt so far on getting the Colorado program
back on the right track?
Beano Cook:
Gary Barnett needs time. It's not going to be easy. Colorado cannot win on a consistent basis.
By winning on a consistent basis, I mean finishing in the top 10 a lot. You can win there and be
competitive with almost any team in the country. Remember, Neuheisel left late so Barnett did
not get to recruit a lot of his own kids.
DanCook: If you were the coach at Vandy, could you win there?
Beano Cook:
God could not win at Vandy.
DavidPSU: If the BCS bowls can rotate a National Championship game, why can't they add two bowls
and rotate a playoff using the bowls?
Beano Cook:
That would mean three more games besides the bowl games, or a 15-game schedule for some.
That's like the NFL.
Big Ten Fan: Vandy is 4-3 I remind you!!
Beano Cook:
They haven't played Tennessee yet.
Fletch: Can you elaborate on your pick of Nebraska over Texas, 24-21?
Beano Cook:
I just think Nebraska has the better team. Texas has the home field and will battle. Both teams
are rested after open dates. Texas rallied to beat Oklahoma in its last game and should be
ready. Emotion will play a big part in this.
fsu96: Don't sell God short. He could get virtually anyone to play for him, even at Vandy. And their
fan base and support would be by far the greatest in the country.
Beano Cook:
He not only has to win, but HE also has to cover.
Quick, can someone tell me when the next Nuggets exhibition game is?
AlbertGator: Overall, do you think that college football teams are not as talented as those a few years ago
(a la '93 FSU or Nebraska)?
Beano Cook:
No, I think they get more and more talented. Players are stronger and faster than they used to
be. I'm not saying it is a better game, but the players themselves are more talented.
Jakedice: Tonight at home against Toronto!
Beano Cook:
Are there tickets available? I'm willing to go up to $750 a ticket!
K. Hirbstreit: How about Heisman dark horses to watch?
Beano Cook:
Chad Pennington and Chris Redman, though probably too far back in the public perception.
ToddPSU: D you think Rashard Casey can win the big game if asked to do it alone, without
subing Kevin Thompson?
Beano Cook:
Yes. He's very versatile and can make things happen. I think Joe Paterno has enough
confidence in him if Thompson was out.
Brutus: You still want to dot the "I" at Ohio State? Maybe then you could play middle
linebacker for them and bottle up the run.
Beano Cook:
Dotting the "I" is more prestigious than becoming President. The only problem in dotting the "I"
is that you don't have anything to look forward to the rest of your life.
Dawgboy: Will Georgia ever beat Florida and Tennessee (and Vandy with God coaching) in the same year?
Beano Cook:
Two out of three ain't all bad. If it happened.
Carlester: What games might be big upsets this week?
Beano Cook:
If Purdue wins or if Alabama wins, those are not big upsets. If Texas wins, that is a big upset
and I think there is a chance. I'm not saying they will, but they have a shot.
Tac: What do you think about Louisiana Tech and Boise State joining the WAC?
Beano Cook:
Louisiana Tech will get more frequent flyer miles!
Joe: Is Michael Vick the next great college quarterback?
Beano Cook:
Yes, he's one of the best QBs in the nation right now. No, I will not predict he will win two
Heisman Trophies! Only one.
Thanks for your questions and see you here next week.
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