| | To put it simply, figuring out the Bowl Championship Series is brutal. No less than seven teams have a shot to play in the Sugar Bowl for the national championship and ESPN's Beano Cook says anything can happen from here on in.
During his weekly chat with ESPN.com users, the college football analyst said there are several teams that could come from way back in the pack to land in the title game, including the surprising Kansas State Wildcats and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Cook also said the Heisman Trophy is a foregone conclusion and even offers up his list of candidates for next year.
An edited transcript from Cook's Nov. 10 chat follows:
| |  | | Cook says Jackie Sherill and Mississippi State have a shot at the title game. |
Beano Cook: Good afternoon. Penn State's loss makes things more interesting. If Penn State lost earlier to
Miami instead of to Minnesota last week, the Nittany Lions would have probably been No. 3 or 4 in the rankings. The problem is they lost in November, though there have been teams winning
a national title after losing late.
Let'sGoND: After watching the Notre Dame-Tennessee game this past weekend, do you truly believe that Notre
Dame can compete for the National Championship next year, or is that an unrealistic expectation?
Beano Cook:
No, it is not unrealistic, but it is a feeling. This is subject to change come next August. The
schedule favors Notre Dame since the tough games are at home -- Nebraska, Purdue and Texas
A&M. If they win all three, watch out.
Conor: Is it possible for Virginia Tech to win out and jump Tennessee even if UT wins out too?
Beano Cook:
It's possible, but I don't think it will happen.
C-Nut: Can you give us a pick on the Nebraska-Kansas State game?
Beano Cook:
Nebraska is out for revenge after losing 40-30 in last year's game. Frank Solich won't have to
spend too much time reminding his troops about this. Kansas State struggled against Colorado last
week. Nebraska is starting to roll after blitzing Texas A&M. I like Nebraska at home.
Gator: If no team ends up undefeated in the BCS rankings, it could be headed for it's worst nightmare. Under
the current system, how can you crown a national champion with all contending teams having a
minimum of one loss? If this scenario takes place, do you feel it will move us closer to a playoff
system? Secondly, who do you feel is in the best situation to play for the national title?
Beano Cook:
It could happen. There have been years where the top three teams don't have perfect records.
The big debate of the BCS is over three teams with one loss. An undefeated team, if it plays a
good schedule, will get in almost every time. Virginia Tech has to play a preseason game and play
Penn State 20 times, even if they want you to go to Happy Valley 19 times. With some hard
bargaining, you could cut it to 18!
Let's get one thing straight...don't worry, it will be at least three more years, but eventually we will
get a playoff. That's the only way the schools will get a big raise in money.
Shawnway: What is your personal feeling on the very real possibility of two major conference winners (VT
and KSU) being undefeated and being left out of the Sugar Bowl? Doesn't seem fair at all. This
BCS system was supposed to remove controversy but if Tennessee and Florida play in the Sugar, there will
be a nationwide scream for blood.
Beano Cook:
It is a possibility. If Kansas State beats Nebraska and then Texas again, it would not surprise me
if they would jump ahead of Tennessee, Virginia Tech and Florida.
Tim: I'm curious as to your idea on a better system than the current BCS, and other than a playoff?
Look what may happen this year.
Beano Cook:
People keep knocking the BCS, yet that seems to be the thing people want to talk about, so it is
helping grow the interest of the sport. It is the best thing since they liberalized the rules for passing
and widened the goal post. And I hate to admit it, the two-point play. I thought it was a terrible
rule when it first came in.
I believe a playoff will happen down the line; for now, we will see what
happens. In November, every game for the top teams is like a playoff game. Just look what
happened to Kansas State and UCLA last year.
Matt: I am starting to doubt you Beano! I'll bet you never thought Penn State would lose to Minnesota
especially at home. You probably thought they may lose to Michigan or Michigan State but not
Minnesota, right?
Beano Cook:
I never thought Penn State would lose to Minnesota. Before the season, I felt the two games in
question were Miami and Purdue. They may lose to Michigan or Michigan State now. I did not
think Minnesota would beat Penn State and neither did you.
HerdManBilly: Why has Chad Pennington dropped from Heisman lists? His numbers are as stellar as day
one when he was mentioned frequently.
Beano Cook:
He plays for Marshall and that's just the way it is...less exposure. It doesn't matter now since Ron
Dayne will win it.
Paul: If Miss. St. beats Alabama on the road, do questions arise about how good they really are and how
high they should be ranked in the polls and BCS?
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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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Beano Cook:
Mississippi State has won every game so far. If they beat Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi,
they would belong in the top five and playing Florida or Tennessee in the SEC Championship. If
they go 12-0, then you'd have to say they are pretty good. We have to see this weekend.
Joe Paterno has said that you have to be concerned with Akron; he builds them up as a top six
team. He said it about Minnesota and it was like crying wolf too much. If Penn State won every
game this year, including the national title, Paterno could have tied Bear Bryant's record vs.
Pittsburgh early in 2000...now that won't happen.
Paul: Virginia Tech and Miami -- If VT wins big, does VT pass Tennessee in the BCS by way of their computer ranking?
Beano Cook:
I like Virginia Tech. They got its bad games out of their system, two tough road games. They
were probably frustrated by being ranked third. This is a different team when it is at home in
Blacksburg. Since the Big East doesn't have a championship game, Virginia Tech should try to get
a Dec. 4 game vs. the Seattle Seahawks or the Miami Dolphins. A win against either
would convince the pollsters.
Will: Based on current play, which two teams would you pick as the best in the country and why?
Beano Cook:
Tennessee you would have to be considered because they beat Alabama, destroyed Notre Dame, lost
by only a couple to Florida. Florida State deserves to be No. 1 until beaten.
Pitt: Do you think Va. Tech gets a lack of respect because they are in the Big East? If so, why does
Florida State get so much respect playing the "just as weak" ACC?
Beano Cook:
Because Florida State plays Miami and Florida every year. Through the years, the Seminoles
have played tough non-league games, like Ohio State, Notre Dame, Nebraska and USC.
David: Tennessee and Tech are probably the two best teams but they won't get to play each other.
Beano Cook:
Virginia Tech must, and I mean must, toughen their schedule.
T-DOGG: Can we quit talking about poor VT. Give VT a tough SEC schedule and lets see what their record
is. Agree or disagree Beano?
Beano Cook:
But they don't play in the SEC, so that's like apples and oranges. Everyone said Connecticut
would get killed by Duke because the Big East wasn't very good. Need I say who won the game.
Jon Enss: Do you believe that Nebraska could go to the national championship game if they win
out?
Beano Cook:
Yes. If the 'Huskers beat Kansas State, they win the tiebreaker and go to the Big 12 title game. It
is a longshot, but it isn't out of the question.
LesJ: What are your top four teams in the country?
Beano Cook:
My top five in order are: 1. Florida State, 2. Virginia Tech, 3. Tennessee, 4. Florida, and 5. Kansas State
BYU went through the same criticism in 1984 that Virginia Tech is going through now.
Dawg in Atlanta: There are rumors that UNC wants Donnan from Georgia. What is your feeling on that?
Beano Cook:
Why would he leave Georgia to go to North Carolina? If he went to Chapel Hill, he'd be coaching
the wrong sport to win a national title!
PennStateWho?: Your thoughts on Penn State at home vs. Michigan.
Beano Cook:
I like Penn State to bounce back and beat Michigan. If the Nittany Lions win their last two
games, they go to the Rose Bowl. That's not a bad consolation.
UF Faithful: Is it possible that Florida could be excluded from the BCS title game even if they win out (beat FSU
and win the SEC)? It would be a disgrace to see Tennessee ahead of UF in that situation since Tennessee lost to
the Gators.
Beano Cook:
If Florida finishes the season 11-1, I believe it will be in. If Florida beats Florida State, and
Mississippi, Mississippi State or Alabama in the SEC title game, that would be pretty good. We
could be looking at a Florida-Tennessee rematch.
Hokie74: Does the Miami game change VT strength of schedule and how much do they need to beat
Miami to overtake Tennessee?
Beano Cook:
Yes, that could happen, especially if Virginia Tech wins impressively.
My personal opinion is if Virginia Tech goes unbeaten, I would like to see them in the title game.
Guill: What is your opinion on the computer rankings? Are they legit? Consider the Dunkell Index. They
dropped VT from 1 to 6 when they won on Saturday and Penn State dropped two spots for losing. Is that fair?
Beano Cook:
Computers should not be part of this process. But I do have one question for all these Phi Beta
Kappas who work the computers? Did they ever think the year 2000 was never going to come?
Didn't they know in 1980 that there was a new millennium and new century 20 years away?
Dave Reichert: You just said if PSU wins out they go to the biggest joke in college football this year in the Rose
Bowl where they will probably play an unranked to very low ranked opponent. Do you see them
having any chance of getting back into a real BCS bowl game, like maybe the Fiesta vs.
Nebraska?
Beano Cook:
It is still a possibility. A lot would have to happen for Penn State to be back in the thick of the
BCS.
HokieNutz: Is the Sugar Bowl Y2K compliant? What if the two schools show up with teams from
1900?
Beano Cook:
It would be Yale and Suwanee if it was the 1900 teams.
Jon Enss: Do you agree with me that the winner of the Florida and Florida State game will go? Then
its just anybody's guess.
Beano Cook:
More importantly, what are the Nuggets doing? Seriously, I think the Florida-Florida State winner
will go as long as Florida doesn't lose in the SEC title game.
Paul: Team of the 90's? I say Washington in '91 followed by Nebraska of '96.
Beano Cook:
Nebraska's program over Florida State's...close though.
BoilerBacker: Being that Ron Dayne has won the Heisman this year, who do you see as contenders for next season?
Beano Cook:
I guess you expect me to say Drew Brees. Major Applewhite is another. I presume LaVar
Arrington is going to go pro. A guy like Jamal Lewis of Tennessee if he doesn't leave early.
JC Benson: Will the Pac-10 recover soon?
Beano Cook:
Sure, it is just one of those years. Washington is playing well now. Remember, this team opened
0-2 and was adjusting to a new coach. Now things seem to be going well and Wisconsin or Penn
State won't find that matchup in the Rose Bowl to be easy.
Nape: What is the best conference in the nation?
Beano Cook:
SEC overall, but this year I'd say the Big Ten.
Baldlars: What about Michael Vick for Heisman 2000?
Beano Cook:
He might win two Heisman Trophies.
Irish Fan: I think you have a great sense of humor and deserve a chance to dot the I.
Beano Cook:
Tell that to Ohio State.
Rob: Who do you feel will finish No. 1 when it is all done?
Beano Cook:
Before the season, I picked Penn State over Florida. I now would go with Florida, which was my
second choice.
That was the second-toughest lost Paterno had. The first was the Sugar Bowl loss to Alabama
which cost them a national title.
Ryno: Is Oregon State legit? What is there prospects for the postseason?
Beano Cook:
Looks good for postseason, first time since 1965, I believe. Dennis Erickson has done a nice job.
It is good to see new teams making it.
Herbie: Who's got the better offense, Nebraska or Kansas State?
Beano Cook:
Too close to call...
Need the title: No one is giving the 'Noles a chance. Funny since last I looked they were No 1.
Beano Cook:
Who is not giving them a chance? This is still the best unbeaten team in America, isn't it?
Hoo Fan: Please explain why you are so sold on Ron Dayne and don't even give Thomas Jones a chance.
I presume you have looked at his performance against top 10 teams and the fact that he is an
accomplished receiver (unlike Ron Dayne) in addition to being the leading rusher. If Dayne
accumulated career yardage is a factor, remember he did it in four years; TJ ran behind Tiki Barber
until last year.
Beano Cook:
I think Ron Dayne has received more publicity, he's on a team which will win or share a league
title, and he is benefiting from his overall career. Thomas Jones has had a great season and
deserves credit for it.
SECStinks: I think you make a good point in your opening, that PSU gets penalized for losing late, not that it's
new (Notre Dame in 1993, OSU last year). Do you think teams/conferences will make it a trend to
move the rivalries/big games up in the year like the ACC did with FSU-Ga Tech and the SEC did
with Florida-Tenn)? It makes for pretty boring games on ABC/CBS in November.
Beano Cook:
I think the natural rivalries which you have had for years, Tenn-Ky, Tenn-Vandy, Ala-Auburn.
Michigan-Ohio State and USC-UCLA will all stay the same. FSU-GT isn't a big rivalry.
In closing, I lost last week on North Carolina, so my season record is 6-5. This week: Washington
23, UCLA 20. Have a good week...see you here next week.
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ALSO SEE
Chat wrap: Kirk Herbstreit
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