| | Are you a die-hard college football fan looking for a national championship prediction, or maybe a Heisman trophy pick, or predictions on the season's opening games? If you are, you have come to the right place.
ESPN's college football guru, the infamous Beano Cook, debuted his season-long weekly chat on Wed. Aug. 23 and delivered the goods. On top of all those predictions, Cook also offered up his sleeper picks for both the Heisman and national title and they just happen to come from the same Northwest school.
If you missed Cook's preview of the 2000-01 season, an edited transcript from his chat follows:
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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: The only thing longer than the race to become president is the NBA playoffs! I'm ready to
answer your questions as we kickoff the season this weekend. In case you missed it, I'm going
to start off by saying Wisconsin vs. Texas will be the game for the national championship. As
for the Heisman Trophy prediction, I am out of that business. I've been retired for a number of
years.
James: Who do you think is going to win the Kickoff Classic -- SC or PSU?
Beano Cook:
USC made a terrible mistake playing in this game, as they did in 1996. They lost that year and
they will lose Sunday. My pick is Penn State 28-14. Even though Penn State lost some great
players, the replacements for those players probably had at least 50 offers from other schools,
so they can play.
Why USC decided to play in this game doesn't make sense to me. Just like Arizona last year,
though not as bad as that decision last year, which was an absolute disaster.
Nolefan: If Wisconsin and Texas will be in the national championship game, who do you predict to beat
Florida State and Nebraska?
Beano Cook:
By the way, Penn State has spent more time in New Jersey in recent years than Governor
Christine Whitman. For the record, the prediction here is that Jay Paterno will succeed his
father as head coach at Penn State.
I'm not a genius, so I don't know who will beat Florida State and Nebraska. Nebraska has a
better chance of losing because it has a conference championship game if it wins its division.
Going to Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Kansas State isn't easy. Florida State has to go to Miami
and face Florida.
WorkinHokie: Why do you pick Notre Dame so much? A BCS berth at 9-2? Are you kidding? FYI -- Ron
Powlus doesn't play there anymore!
Beano Cook:
That's my opinion, that's all. What can I say. I feel Notre Dame will beat Texas A&M in the
opener, 28-17.
Cameronh34: Are you in favor of the Big Ten splitting into two divisions if they add another team to their
conference?
Beano Cook:
Yes. I think it makes sense. It worked for the SEC and for the Big 12. If they get 12 teams,
what will they call themselves, the Big Ten?
Tell them I can hear them!: Thanks for the props to Wisconsin! How do you think the loss of Chambers will hurt
them?
Beano Cook:
Obviously it will hurt, but the nonconference games are all at home. While Oregon can cause
some problems, the Badgers should be 3-0 going into the Northwestern game (Big Ten
opener). Plus, they don't play Penn State.
Shebu: How do you think Michigan will do this year in the toughest conference in the country? Do you
expect that Drew Henson will step in and do the job everyone expects from him?
Beano Cook:
Michigan has the material to do well. That game against Wisconsin is really a key. It not only
has conference championship ramifications, but also national championship factors. Michigan has
the talent which could be playing for the national title. Anthony Thomas can run and Henson can
throw and this is his team now. No Tom Brady to compete now.
Nate: How will BYU fair against FSU in the season opener on Saturday?
Beano Cook:
Lots of frequent flyer miles. That will be the best part of the trip for BYU! It's a heckuva way to
start LaVell Edwards' final year as a college coach.
BurlyBear: What do you think of LSU's chances this year?
Will Booty be any better?
Beano Cook:
Josh Booty should be better but they will still struggle against a tough schedule. The Western
Division may be tougher this year than the Eastern. LSU should compete for a winning season
and it should match last year's three wins by the end of September. Besides, LSU was just
voted No. 1 party school in America, so live it up.
Padave: On Penn State, do you think JoePA has done the right thing with Casey? Is this best for the
team? Pitt over Penn State!
Beano Cook:
He absolutely did the right thing. In this country, it is innocent until proven guilty. I don't think it
will affect the team at all.
Section 329: What few stadiums would you consider the most intimidating to play in for the road team?
Beano Cook:
Florida Field -- the Swamp -- is No. 1 in my opinion, and it's a great nickname. As for
Michigan's Big House, I have heard more noise at funerals than there unless the game is against
Michigan State, Ohio State or Notre Dame.
JSP: All signs point to another FSU-Nebraska title game in the Orange Bowl. Just thought
you'd like to know. Those two seem to be the only complete teams.
Beano Cook:
Yes, that's the way it looks, but I believe Florida State will lose to Miami. Do you think in the
last seven seasons that if Florida State were in the SEC they would have only two conference
losses?
Ethan Parr: What do you think of Colorado's chances? Do you think their recruiting class will
make an impact -- Marcus Houston?
Beano Cook:
Houston has to play well for Gary Barnett's team to succeed. The Buffs have a tough
non-league schedule with USC, Washington and rival Colorado State, plus the likes of
Nebraska, Kansas State and Texas.
Chuck: How will Michigan State do this year? Is TJ Duckett for real and can VanDyke lead this
team to 10 wins like Burke did last year?
Beano Cook:
I would say this will be a rougher season. I would say probably four losses. Duckett can be a
force running the ball. The book is still out on Van Dyke; Burke was solid and didn't get enough
credit last year.
Shawn: Would you share your feelings about the greatest gentlemen to ever coach college football,
Lavell Edwards.
Beano Cook:
He certainly has been a class act all these years and it is not an easy place to win. He has
beaten quality teams over the years like Notre Dame, Penn State and Miami. Look at some of
the players he has put in the pros, like Steve Young and Jim McMahon. Ty Detmer won the
Heisman. He's had a great career.
PSUFan: Will JoePa pass Bear Bryant this season?
Beano Cook:
Absolutely. Penn State has 12 games plus a bowl game likely, so seven wins is likely. Then
again, Paterno would probably say Toledo is a tough opponent.
SoonerFanatic: Do you think that Oklahoma's wide-open offense would be strong enough to keep up with
Nebraska? Do you think that OU has a chance to upset Nebraska at Owen Field this
year?
Beano Cook:
Oklahoma has a shot because it can throw the ball. The Sooners can be one of the surprise
teams of the year, if you could say that about a team which is ranked. By the way, speaking of
sleepers, Washington is my sleeper to play for the national title.
VT Fan: Who do you like in the BCA game on Sunday?
Beano Cook:
Virginia Tech's defense is inexperienced, so that could make this game interesting for a while.
For those who love GameDay, remember ESPN2 on Sunday night at 7 p.m. ET. Lee Corso
returns to the scene of his greatest prediction, Virginia Tech to make it to New Orleans.
Michael Vick is certainly trying to make a run at the Heisman and this will be an interesting test.
Jeff: Lavell Edwards? You can even compare him to the likes
of JoePa and Bear Bryant.
Beano Cook:
Who said I did? By the way, give Georgia Tech credit for playing this game at Virginia Tech.
There are too many coaches who are afraid to play the tough extra game.
BigTen Fan: What do you think about the Illini this year, and has Ohio St contacted you about dotting the
"I"?
Beano Cook:
Ohio State hasn't contacted me about either playing QB or dotting the "I". To some, the biggest
event of the year is who will be President. To me, it is the person who dots the "I". He will have
nothing else to look forward to in life.
Illinois, we will find out September 23rd at home vs.
Michigan. In Champaign, at last check, they have sold around 40,000 tickets...that is a
disgrace. It should be sold out by now.
Nolefan: Why is Bobby Bowden criticized for not doling out stronger punishments against Gibson for soliciting a
prostitute, and against Janikowski for missing curfew, but Joe Pa gets the benefit of doubt for a
guy accused of beating up a cop for racial reasons?
Beano Cook:
Nothing has been proven with Casey yet, so you are innocent until proven guilty. To me, that is
a no-brainer.
Ru4nd: How do you think Arnaz Battle will do for the Irish?
Beano Cook:
To me, a key will be for Notre Dame to stay out of third and long situations where he'll be
under a lot of pressure to throw. I'm told he is an even better runner than Jarious Jackson, and
that's pretty good.
Jeff: Who is on your Heisman watch list?
Brees? Who else to watch this year?
Beano Cook:
Vick, Brees, Weinke, Crouch, McAllister, Tomlinson...the usual suspects you have been
hearing about. Quincy Carter probably belongs up there too.
Also, add Tuiasosopo from Washington, especially if he has a good game vs. Miami. There is
more interest in the Heisman race than the presidential race. And that's the way it should be!
Michael: The Texas Longhorns have not finished a season with a rating better than No. 10 in any season that
they began in the top ten since 1983. What is going to be different this year?
Beano Cook:
I look for big things from Simms at quarterback and the defense is solid. Also, not playing
Nebraska or Kansas State during the regular season helps. Louisiana-Lafayette, Stanford and
Houston non-league isn't too rough.
Wasssssaaauuup!!!: Why not much talk about Ohio State in the press? How do you think they will fare
this season?
Beano Cook:
Wait a minute...will the San Diego Padres make a run at the wild card?
OK, back to football. The Penn State game is the one which will tell. Going to Arizona won't
be easy. There are holes to fill. It seems like the Penn State-Ohio State game on Sept.
23 is a springboard game; the loser could struggle in October.
Joel Hilyer: Big Ten, Big East, blah, blah, blah... Let's hear your prediction for the SEC, where real football
is played.
Beano Cook:
This is a tough one, but I will go with Florida to play Alabama in the SEC title game. See me in
December for a pick on the winner.
John: How do you think Miami will do this year?
Beano Cook:
Miami is going to be solid. I think it will win the Big East and upset Florida State, but I also see
a loss at Washington. The Hurricanes are back in prominence and have a super group of
running backs and receivers. Dan Morgan is an outstanding LB.
Packer: Can Chuck Amato succeed at NC State?
Beano Cook:
It's not easy to win there. It is not impossible, and guys like Dick Sheridan and Mike O'Cain for
example had success. Young QB, and that makes it tough to win right away. Should beat
Arkansas State in the opener.
Purdue Pete: What are your thoughts on preseason polls? Should they not come out until October?
Beano Cook:
I'm for preseason polls; magazines will all come out with predictions. Hey, this generates
interest. We all talk about them.
UGADAWG: What do you think of Georgia this year?
Beano Cook:
Georgia is supposed to win but they have to show it in the big games. They beat Spurrier once
in 10 games. Until they prove themselves, I am not necessarily going to believe it. It will be
interesting to see how Gary Gibbs' defense performs. The former Oklahoman is back in football,
working for his old pal Jim Donnan.
Ryan Zickos: I was wondering which conference you think is the "Conference of the 90's"? I don't
think it's that close, but some others feel the Big Ten has a claim. The SEC has better numbers in
many categories over the past decade, and the Big Ten has only been better in the past two years.
Help me put my mind at ease. Also, which conference will be the best this year?
Beano Cook: I would vote for SEC as conference of the decade in the 90s, but it was close. I think it is a
toss-up this year between the Big Ten and SEC.
HERDfan: Beano must not know about Marshall. Just like everyone in the media.
Beano Cook:
Even without Pennington, Marshall has a lot of talent and has to be one of the favorites in the
MAC.
Go Hawks: How about the Iowa-KState game? Is Kirk Ferentz moving Iowa in the right direction?
Beano Cook:
For fans in KC, this is better than watching the Royals. Iowa will struggle again this season.
I am going to spend the next week trying to get two good seats for the first meeting between the
Mavericks and the Clippers.
See you next week.
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ALSO SEE
ESPN.com's 2000 college football preview
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