| | ESPN college football analyst Beano Cook recently stopped by ESPN.com for his weekly chat session to provide insightful predictions for this college football weekend and the season. Cook does think UCLA has a very good chance of winning against Michigan because "they go out and play tough non-conference games."
As for other predictions; look out for Washington to play for the national title and expect a 9-2 record for Notre Dame.
In case you missed the September 13 chat, the following is an edited transcript.
Lion2001: Beano, what's your call on the Pitt-Penn State game this weekend?
Beano Cook: Penn State has more depth and State should win. But if Penn State plays poorly and Pitt plays well, an upset is possible. But I don't think it will happen.
This will probably be the last game of the series for about 10 years. Remember that Alabama and Auburn didn't play for 35 some years, now they play every year.
VolFan: OK Beano. What say you about Vols and Gators?
Beano Cook: This game has developed into a great rivalry. Even played in September. It is a rivalry because of Steve Spurrier because he has made Florida a national power on a consistent basis which they never were before. Tenn has been a power since the 20s.
The winner of this game will be the favorite to win the Eastern Division of the SEC.
HuskieFan: Beano, how can Colorado possibly be favored to beat Washington?
Beano Cook: My advice to you, if you feel this is outlandish pick, mortgage your house and fly to Las Vegas.
But in some ways, I agree with you. I thought the Huskies would be about a 2 point favorite. I was surprised but not shocked. Vegas knows a lot more than I do.
VTsupreme: Vick didn't have to put up any big numbers last week, did it hurt his Heisman chances, if so how much?
Beano Cook: What he does against team like Akron, has little barring on his Heisman hopes. It is what he does against Miami, Syracuse and Virginia.
As a voter, I look at the big games.
Pat: What do you think of Bob Davie'w decision to play for ot and the effect of the injuries to ND
Beano Cook: I agree with his strategy at the end of the game. It doesn't mean I'm right, i just agree. Once it got to overtime, I thought Notre Dame would win. ND has no complaint about losing. When you play at home and lose, it means the better team won the game.
Beano Cook: As for the QB situation, anyone that plays will not be someone they pull out of chemistry class and ask if they have anything to do on Saturday.
DieHard Dawg: Nice pick on Miami vs. Washington. Can the Huskies keep it rolling in Boulder? What is your outlook for UW?
Beano Cook: My pick for this week will come later.
But I think Washington will pull a small upset. I don't have a good feel for this game.
If Washington wins this game, the Huskies have a very good chance of playing for the national title in the Orange Bowl.
DaveB: Do you think that Tommy Bowden has shown that what he did in Tulsa was no fluke. Clemson could cruise into the FSU game undefeated, ableit with a not-so-tough schedule.
Beano Cook: I agree.The Clemson-FSU game will be the game to decide who wins that conference. But the game is in Tallahassee and FSU has never lost a conference game at home. Their lone two defeats were on the road.
TxRedneck: I maintain that the SEC is year in and year out the best football conference. What is your opinion of the best football conference, Beano??
Beano Cook: I agree because it is the toughest conference to win on the road because of the passion of the fans. You can go to a Michigan game and it sound like a morgue.
Hoodedtpet: Is there a chance Carolina can catch FSU this week? FSU has the most talent, no question, but this Carolina team is better than the one that lost 42-10 last year in Chapel Hill.
Beano Cook: If the game was basketball, I would agree. Otherwise, forget about it.
HawkeyeMan: What is the deal with Iowa losing to Western Michigan?
Beano Cook: Iowa is not very good. Simple as that. They will have good teams time to time, but not that often. There is no way Iowa can compete with Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State on a equal basis.
BigE: Hey Beano, you were right on the money with your picks the last two weeks about Notre Dame. How do you see this game going?
Beano Cook: You have a question about quarterback, but as I said earlier, the guy that plays QB for Notre Dame probably had 50 scholarship offers. ND gets better material than Purdue so ND should win this game. If this game was at Purdue, it would be a different story. The selling of tickets from ND fans to Nebraska fans show that they are no less loyal than Nebraska fans.
Scott: Does UCLA have any shot at upsetting Michigan?
Beano Cook: Yes. I think they have a very good chance of winning. UCLA and Oklahoma are two teams that I think will finish in the top 12 in the final rankings. The reason I like UCLA is the same reason I like USC -- they go out and play tough non-conference games. Because they do that, fans should always root for them.
BuckIPassion: Is the Ohio State defense compareable to recent top 10 defenses of the past?
Beano Cook: I have not idea. I would be kidding you if I answered that question. Ohio State has athletes and that is all I know. We'll find out more when they play Wisconsin and Michigan.
Michigan: Why are you always so anti-Michigan, and always rooting for Penn State and Notre Dame? I would think someone in your position would be a little less biased.
Beano Cook: I do not root for Notre Dame or Penn State. I am NOT anti-Michigan for two reasons -- I love the helmet and the fight song.
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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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Wu-Hokie: Does Duke have any shot of upsetting Virginia like last year?
Beano Cook: They have a shot, but it is unlikely. Virginia has talent, but not the talent of the top teams in the country. It is awfully tough for Duke because they are a private university. You can possibly get a mediocre student in the school, but where do you hide them. The academics would weed them out and they end up at a state school.
Volbal: Do you think South Carolina is having a fluke season so far?
Beano Cook: I think it is very difficult for SC to compete with Florida, Tennessee and Georgia (even though the upset them). You have to feel good for Lou Holtz for being 2-0 and should be 3-0 after Saturday.
BeastLite_VT: If being a private university hinders they're football program what's going on with Duke's basketball program? Does coach K (not even gonna try to spell it) have that much pull?
Beano Cook: It's different in basketball because you only need 2-3 kids. In football you need 10-12 guys for your team to excel. Duke is one of the toughest schools to get into and one of the toughest to stay. Duke can get those good kids in basketball.
Boiler Dan: What do you think of College Football's OT procedure? I like it better than the NFL's sudden death.
Beano Cook: I like the NFL's better because it involves the kicking game (kickoffs, punting, etc). But that is only my opinion.
LSUTiger: What is your take on the LSU-Auburn game this weekend ?
Beano Cook: Good game. This is a very interesting game and I have no idea. Auburn pulled the upset last week at Ole Miss. If Auburn wins this game, it puts them in good shape. Members of the media want Auburn to win so they can cover their home games -- they have the best press box food in the country.
Refried Beano: Is Illinois the most overrated team in the country in your opinion? At least they're finally showing up for their games--the Michigan game has long been a sell-out despite claims to the contrary (including some by you).
Beano Cook: The Michigan game will tell us everything we want to know about Illnois. They have pointing to this game and their nonconference games are easy.
chris: What is your take on the MSU-BYU game tomorrow?
Beano Cook: Tough game. BYU lost to Air Force and have played three very tough games. This is a pivital game for them. If they lose, it could be a dismal season. If they win, they are 2-2 and on the road to respectability. But MSU won't be easy.
Hoosier: Can you discuss your thoughts on QB Antwaan Randle El?
Beano Cook: Excellant college quarterback and makes Indiana a very exciting team. If you score 30 points, you should win. I don't know if he is a NFL QB or not, but he is exciting to watch.
B Dog: Who do you think will win the Pac 10 this year?
Beano Cook: Washington. Although USC doesn't have to play Washington but has to play at UCLA. Those three are the obvious favorites. But UCLA has the toughest road because they play both those teams. Washington is my darkhorse to play for the national title.
JSP: I don't think anyone went out and won the Heisman this weekend, but I think a few people said goodbye to it. Quincy Carter and and maybe Santana Moss It looks like Vick, Weinke, and Brees to me.
Beano Cook: I think you have the three front runners. But I don't think anyone is out of it. Don't forget Marcus Tuiasosopa at Washington. But it's too early for anyone to be out of it.
Mike: Any chance for an upset by Miami over OSU?
Beano Cook: There is always a chance, but it is unlikely.
HawkeyePierce: How long should Iowa stick by Ferentz in trying to turn around the program? He's only won one game and lost to W. Michigan last week.
Beano Cook: They have to give him 3-5 years. Iowa is not easy to win at. Iowa, along with Minnesota, Indiana, and Northwestern are very hard to win at.
Mizzou Fan: Does Missouri have a prayer against Michigan St if their starting QB is out?
Beano Cook: Michigan State is playing on the road, and Missouri has problems. You would think Michigan State would win but they may look ahead to Notre Dame. They might also get cockey looking at the way Clemson killed Missouri.
cardinal4joy: Can Oklahoma play enough defense to really make an impact in the big 12 and nationally for that matter?
Beano Cook: Before the season began I thought if Nebraska lost one game this year, it would be at Oklahoma. Oklahoma has a brutal October schedule and will know a lot about them then and their defense. If they can stop Kansas State, Nebraska, and Texas, they will prove a lot.
SuperNole: Beano, which former President would make the best coach?
Beano Cook: Thomas Jefferson, who, if you believe in reincarnation, came back as Knute Rockne.
jw: Do you think Nebraska and Florida State will be able to go wire to wire after how they've played in their first two games? personally,I think both of them looked beatable, as does most of the other teams in the top 5.
Beano Cook: I think FSU will lose to Miami and Nebraska will lose to Texas to the Big 12 championship. But FSU has the easier schedule because of the conference and they only really have to worry about Miami and Florida. If Florida beats Tenn. on Saturday they have a good chance of being undefeated going into the FSU game.
HokieNutz: Why don't the polls forget their preseason rankings and reseed teams after a few games? Personally, I don't think the Top 5 has looked that strong except for Michigan.
Beano Cook: That is unrealistic because all the magazines all rank the teams. The polls are part of college football, they are here and that will never change. The fans love polls because they love to argue. That's what polls do.
Pot O'Beano: Since the national champion is largely determined by opinion, is it really necessary to play the games?
Beano Cook: It is decided by the games. Besides, what would you do on Saturdays without college football? Read a book?
Kaod: Beano,What will it take to get you and Corso to pick LSU this Saturday? We at AU are looking to cushion our odds
Beano Cook: That's funny. I don't have an opinion on this game. But because you Auburn fans are so full of yourselves, I will pick Alabama to beat you.
Ailing CUSE fan: Beano, is Paul Pasqualoni on the hot seat at Syracuse following the loss to Cincinnati on Saturday? SU supporters want his head on a platter following that debacle. What do you think?
Beano Cook: I would advise him to have a good year. But Syracuse fans tend to overrate the material they get. They get good material but not as good as the national power. The problem with Syracuse fans is that they get too much snow and it dulls their thinking.
SuperNole: If Bobby Bowden was a car, what kind of car would he be?
Beano Cook: A Mercedes. Don't ask me about the tires.
IrishRed: Irish finish in the Top 10?
Beano Cook: Yeah, I think so. I stick by my prediction of 9-2 for Notre Dame.
Orangeblood: Is R.C. Slocum in trouble at A&M if he loses more than 2?
Beano Cook: No, I don't think he is and shouldn't be. The guys in trouble is Butch Davis, but no one has asked about him.
Johnny: Which other game do you think the Irish will lose? Maybe Saturday against Purdue?
Beano Cook: I don't know, I thought they would lose to Nebraska but the other game, I don't know. They will have trouble with Purdue this weekend and it wouldn't surprise me if Notre Dame lost four games this season. But fans want predictions, and jerks like me give them.
Big East: Now that we're into the season who is going to win the Big East
Beano Cook: Miami because they get to play Virginia Tech in Miami. But VT is very good and they know how to play in Miami. But I am going to pick Miami.
Hokiefan: What about Butch Davis? Is he gone soon? I hope not cause VT has had good luck against him...
Beano Cook: They lost at Washington and it wasn't a major upset. They got beat on the road and people think it was a major upset. It wasn't.
Their season hinges on the Florida State game to get a high ranking and get to a good bowl.
MJ Hokie: Va Tech..national title contender?
Beano Cook: Yes, but for VT to play in the Orange Bowl, they have to have a perfect record like last year. If a Big Ten team and a SEC team have perfect records, VT still doesn't have a shot. They must be undefeated and only one other team can be undefeated as well.
Beano Cook: With a 4-1 record, here are Saturday's predictions: UCLA 24 Michigan 17.
That's it for today. Thanks for the 1,200-plus questions. Talk to you soon.
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ESPN.com's 2000 college football preview
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