| | It has been a rollercoaster season for the Notre Dame football team, but next season will be the crucial one for head coach Bob Davie if he wants to keep his job, says Beano Cook.
ESPN's college football analyst told users during his weekly chat the Fighting Irish are getting their ducks in a row for a run at the national championship in 2000. If it doesn't happen, Davie should pack his bags. Cook also talked about Penn State's back-to-back losses, offered up a couple of Coach of the Year candidates and picked his team to beat were there a college football playoff.
An edited transcript from Cook's Nov. 17 chat follows:
| |  | | Is the year 2000 the year for Bob Davie and the Fighting Irish? ESPN's Beano Cook thinks so. |
Beano Cook: For those Penn State fans making plans to go to New Orleans, the Alamo Bowl won't be so
bad. It beats staying in State College over the holidays. Enjoy the Riverwalk! From 1990-96,
Penn State's record in November games was 21-2. In the last three years, it is 5-6.
Bamafan: What are Alabama's chances of landing No. 4 in the BCS? If they win the rest of their games, do they
have a shot, that is including the SEC championship game?
Beano Cook: It is obvious they would pass Florida. It would depend what Nebraska does. It would still take
a lot to move way up. Fourth isn't impossible. For Alabama to have a shot to go all the way up, of
Florida/Florida State, Nebraska and Virginia Tech, three would have to lose.
PantherD: How did you like that Pitt-ND game? Do you think Walt Harris has turned this
program in the right direction? I bid on an old Pitt Stadium urinal for you in the auction!!
Beano Cook:
One of the best coaching jobs done this season comes from Pittsburgh's Walt Harris. He has
done a great job in his three seasons there. In 1996, Pittsburgh lost to Ohio State 71-0. There
isn't one player on the Pittsburgh squad which Notre Dame was interested in and only two
players Penn State was interested in. I was surprised Pittsburgh upset Notre Dame, very
surprised.
Go Blue: What do you see happening in Saturday's Michigan-Ohio State game?
Beano Cook:
Michigan has the better talent. Depending on what happens on Saturday, Michigan could end
up in the Citrus Bowl. Michigan State could end up there too.
One of the great scenes, which ABC captured quite well, took place at Madison last week.
The most loyal fans in the Big Ten are from Iowa and Wisconsin.
The big difference in the Big Ten now compared to 10 years ago is the quality of coaches in the
league. Alvarez, Mason, Ron Turner all have done a good job, and those are not the so-called
powers!
JoesaysGOND: After this week, do you still think Notre Dame can compete for the national championship next
year? How much longer does Davie have? As an alum, I'm sick of him already. Enough excuses,
let's start winning!
Beano Cook:
Next year he has to make a difference. He has to go into November with a shot at the national
title and end up in a BCS bowl. That will assure him another three seasons. If he comes close,
he'd better do it in 2001. I think he realizes this. Give him credit for one thing; after the game, he
said to Walt Harris "your team played hard and well." Harris gave him credit for not making
excuses and being sportsmanlike. When looking at the schedule, with three early home games,
even with the rugged schedule, this is the best shot.
JeffC: Dotting the "I" doesn't seem quite as prestigious after the Buckeyes lost by 26 to Illinois.
Beano Cook:
Maybe to you, but not to me. Nothing is greater on a fall Saturday afternoon than to dot the "I".
Others can climb Mount Everest; I just want to dot the "I".
TTP: Is Mack Brown the best coach in America? Is Texas a Top Five team to start 2000?
Beano Cook:
Texas will probably be in the Top Five. Brown is an outstanding coach; let's not say he's the best
in the country unless Joe Paterno retired this afternoon. Then Brown would be considered.
Early choices to fight it out for the national title next year: Tennessee, Texas, Florida State and
Notre Dame.
UScrazy: Do you still want to give Paul Hackett more time at USC? He failed at Pitt and has proven that
he is not capable of being a head coach.
Beano Cook:
I think he needs a couple of years. Remember, USC always plays tough non-league games
every year. The Trojans face Notre Dame every year.
The kid Ramon from Pittsburgh who put the hit on Tony Fisher in last week's game wasn't
recruited.
HuskerFan: Do you thing Eric Crouch would be in the race for the Heisman Trophy next year?
Beano Cook:
Yes. A lot depends on what he does in the rest of the season and in the Big 12 title game and
bowl game. They are all televised nationally and people will see him. It would certainly help if he
has a big game at Notre Dame next season. As the late Duffy Daugherty said, "You can
become a Heisman candidate if you have a great game against Notre Dame." Billy Vessels won
the Heisman in 1952 because of it. Tony Dorsett of Pittsburgh as well.
Patrick: Is there any way that Florida could be baiting FSU with this "struggling offense" stuff or doesn't
it matter?
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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:
Florida State is the better team, but not necessarily at Florida. If Tennessee would have played
Florida in Knoxville, Tennessee probably would have won.
Jimenor: What do you think of Tom O'Brien and the job he's done?
Beano Cook:
He's done a good job. It's not an easy place to win. Boston College has tough academics and
no place to hide kids in easy courses. The Eagles will play Notre Dame every season for a
number of years. Overall non-league schedule isn't that tough. Then again, they played Georgia
Tech and Notre Dame last year.
Tbone: Who will get the LSU coaching job?
Beano Cook:
The name you hear mentioned the most is Terry Bowden. Gerry DiNardo had a lot of bad luck
at LSU. If he had any kind of good luck, he'd probably still be there.
LSU has become the presidential job...you last four years and then you are out. Jimmy Carter
knows the feeling.
Walt: I hope all the Va. Tech fans are happy, for the moment!! Their house of cards will fall when they
play a HIGHLY ranked team. Don't you think so Beano?
Beano Cook:
Obviously if they play Florida or Florida State, they would be the underdog. In a seven-game
series, Florida, Florida State and Nebraska would probably win over Virginia Tech. In a
one-game scenario, who knows. Very few people thought Duke would lose to Connecticut in
the basketball final. Who won that game?
Herd fan:
What are Marshall's chances at getting to a higher bowl than the Motor City Bowl?
Beano Cook:
Slim and none.
Shane: What do you think of the Auburn-Alabama rivalry and the implications of this game for both
teams?
Beano Cook:
This is the most bitter in the world. The only one which is close is France vs. Germany. I think
DuBose is safe no matter what the outcome. Why should he be fired? He's probably going to
play in the SEC title game.
Go Badgers: I think it's absurd people are touting Ron Dayne for the Heisman. If he played all four quarters
each week he would have had the record last year. I'd rather have a player that gets his
numbers in the context of the game any day. P.S. You may want to dot the "i" but I'll take the
Wisconsin band any day.
Beano Cook:
Dayne will get a lot of votes because of his career. That isn't the way it should be, but it is. I
would vote LaVar Arrington, Ron Dayne, Joe Hamilton in 1-2-3 order. As for the band, that's
your problem.
MH-DC: What the heck happened to Georgia last Saturday? Should I be worried about my bet with an
Ole Miss fan for this Saturday's game?
Beano Cook:
Maybe somebody forgot to trim the hedges.
HokieKen: In your opinion, who do you think is the best team in college football of the teams you
have actually seen play? Also, does Nebraska have a chance to pass Virginia Tech in the BCS
polls if both teams win the remaining games?
Beano Cook:
I feel you have to say Florida State until they're beaten. If you asked me before last Saturday, I
probably would have said Tennessee.
Touchdown Tommie#15:
How can you not put Nebraska in your top five next season? Notre Dame, are you kidding me?
Beano Cook:
Nebraska opens up at Notre Dame, so we will find out early who is right. The Cornhuskers
certainly have the talent to compete for a national title.
PSU?: Why do you think Paterno did not try any gadget plays the last couple weeks - also hardly any
running outside?
Beano Cook:
I'm not going to argue with a coach who has won as many games as he has, especially about
strategy.
Robert: In your opinion, why would Lou Holtz risk his winning reputation at South Carolina?
Beano Cook:
He didn't want to spend his fall afternoons with Tim Brando. Only kidding!
Darren: How good is Bob Stoops?
Beano Cook:
He has done an outstanding job in his first season at Oklahoma. To me, you judge the job a
coach has done after three years.
Hogfan!: What is your pick for this weekend? Isn't college football great?
Beano Cook:
I am still contemplating two games. Check in at the end of the chat, when I make my
announcement.
Luke: Should Marshall be moved to a better conference like the Big Ten and see how good they
really are?
Beano Cook:
Ask Jim Delany that one, not me. Marshall is becoming a program which can compete on a
big-time level.
Joe H.: If Florida meets Alabama in the SEC championship, who will win?
Beano Cook:
Ask me in a couple of weeks. This is a good time of the year.
By the way, I am still waiting to
hear on Clippers-Nuggets tickets.
HuzkerDan: What is it with you and Penn State? You are so enamored with them every year. Courtney
Brown is a much better player than Arrington and you want to vote him No. 1 in the Heisman? Are you senile?
Beano Cook:
There is probably some truth to your observation.
Spartans 9-2: That question is like suggesting Florida State should play in the Big Ten instead of beating Duke,
North Carolina, and every other crappy football team in the ACC.
Beano Cook:
Let's face it, the power schools will continue to dominate their leagues.
AztecAlum: Who should get coach of the year? My vote is for June Jones of Hawaii.
Beano Cook:
Jones deserves strong consideration, especially if he wins this week. Frank Beamer, Glen
Mason, Tyrone Willingham if the Cardinal makes it to the Rose Bowl.
Dennis Erickson also deserves consideration.
Poor Pac-10: Would you rather watch the Clippers or a Pac-10 team play?
Beano Cook:
I would rather watch the Pac-10 play...I like the bands better.
Larry-PSU: Do you think it was a mistake for Penn State to join the Big Ten? It's almost impossible to run
the table there in football.
Beano Cook:
No, it wasn't a mistake. It is almost impossible to run the table in the SEC, too.
One reason Penn State joined was to improve basketball. No matter what they do, they will
have a difficult time competing on a consistent basis in the Big Ten in basketball.
JJ: Is Mike O'Cain gone after this season after the embarrassment last Thursday?
Beano Cook:
Hard to say. He's had problems with North Carolina in the past. That was a strange,
low-scoring game.
Matt: How good do you think the Badgers are in football?
Beano Cook:
If you had an eight-team tournament, and I would have to pick the winner, it would be
Wisconsin. I think they have a combination of a mobile QB in Bollinger, plus Ron Dayne and a
good coach in Alvarez. The Badgers have lost just twice, but that's enough to keep them out of
the hunt. If you had an eight-team tournament, that would be the team I picked. Bollinger has
made a big difference. The Cincinnati loss really killed them, then Michigan right after. Since
then, Wisconsin has been dynamic.
Hook 'em: Competitive conferences are better for schools than a few dominant stompers on pushovers,
don't you think?
Beano Cook:
I would want a more balanced league. More interest for fans, more competitive games and
more upsets. It is tougher to win the national title that way.
Best: Is there a better rivalry in college football than Michigan-Ohio State?
Beano Cook:
No.
Every American should see Michigan-Ohio State in person at least once before they die.
Hopeful Husky: What are the Bears' chances this week in the big game with Stanford?
Beano Cook: As for Cal-Stanford, this is the Cardinal's chance to go to the Rose Bowl. Since the Big Ten vs.
Pac-10 agreement in 1946, this would be Stanford's fourth time in the Rose Bowl. That's a
tough game to call since it is such a heated rivalry.
Poll-hater: Give me a year. When will the NCAA get a playoff system at the 1-A level?
Beano Cook:
Within five years. That's the best answer I can give you.
TBADS38: What is your take on the QB controversy at Florida?
Beano Cook:
I'm glad I'm not one of the quarterbacks.
Jill: No mention of Alvarez? Never ranked in top ten recruiting but wins Big Ten two years in a row.
As opposed to your beloved Joe Paterno, who is always in top ten recruiting but has won the
Big 10 once since they joined.
Beano Cook:
I thought about him, but they were supposed to be good.
Wahoo: Ron Dayne or Thomas Jones?
Beano Cook:
Good question. I would take Ron Dayne, but it is a tough call.
NittanyBill: Is Florida going to be able to beat Florida State, or is FSU found their groove?
Beano Cook:
I think Florida will win, but it is not my official pick, which is coming up in a few minutes.
Vol-Man: How long do think until Steve Spurrier coaches in the NFL?
Beano Cook:
I think he will consider it after he wins a second national title, if that happens. Despite protesting
those who suggest he'd go to the NFL, he would be something in the pros. I think he'd be
interested in that kind of challenge.
Go Pards: Lafayette vs Lehigh, what's your pick?
Beano Cook:
This will be the best party of the week. Also, a farewell to Lafayette coach Bill Russo.
My pick of the week is Purdue 24, Indiana 17. I am 7-5 on the season. Thanks for all of your
questions, see you next week right before Turkey Day! I hope my pick isn't a turkey.
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