College Football: Maryland, U-Va., Va. Tech, Navy and the National Scene

Post college football writers Eric Prisbell, Steve Yanda, Mark Viera, Zach Berman and Camille Powell were online Thursday, Oct. 22 to take your questions about this weekend's football match ups for Maryland, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Navy and all the biggest games on the national scene.

The transcript follows.

Full coverage of the 2009 college football season.

All things Maryland -- including coverage of Saturday night's game at Cal and beat writer Eric Prisbell's Terrapins Insider blog.

The hub of The Post's Virginia Cavaliers coverage with beat writer Zach Berman.

Everything Hokies -- from Post beat writer Mark Viera.

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Eric Prisbell: Hello, everyone. We should have a full house of writers in today. I'm jacked up on so much sugar, I probably won't sleep for a few days, so I'm ready to go. Feel free to ask whatever you want. Even some college basketball talk would be great. Let's start it up. Ask about any team or issue.

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Bowie, Md.: Your prediction for who will be the head coach of Maryland football next fall: Ralph Friedgen, coach-in-waiting James Franklin, or someone else?

Eric Prisbell: Ralph Friedgen.

They don't have the money to buy him out. I don't see anything changing that.

Sure, Debbie is concerned about the results as well as diminishing attendance, I'm told by those close to the program. But there is nothing really anybody can do at this point.

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Falls Church, Va.: How long can U-Va. keep winning? The wins haven't been against the best of teams, but our defense has been stellar this season.

Zach Berman: That question will be answered on Saturday. if Virginia can beat Ga. Tech, you can make an argument the Cavaliers could beat anyone on the schedule. A similar argument could be made that the Cavaliers lose to anyone on the schedule. That is why the season is so interesting -- and why the topics vary week to week.

You're right about both your points, Falls Church. The wins haven't been against the best teams and the defense has been terrific. Save for a bad half against S. Miss, the defense has been difficult to crack.

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Annapolis, Md.: Dont slight Camille on front page she is covering a team who has been to 6-straight bowl games ...

Camille, Navy has had a brutal schedule with no byes, and four road games, do you think its catching up with them and how do you think Coach Ken has done in his short time ...

Camille Powell: Thanks. =) I think it's hard for any of us to crack the front page with all of the Redskins drama going on right now...

Playing seven straight games isn't easy, period, and considering that Navy has faced two BCS teams who are currently in the top 25 on the road, played one physical rivalry game, and traveled to Texas in back-to-back weeks -- it's no wonder that the Midshipmen are beat up. Ricky Dobbs was hurting before he injured his knee against SMU (when I talked to him last week, after he played only a half against Rice, he said he was the sorest he'd been all year). But if you choose to play football at a service academy, I think you must have a certain toughness and an ability to weather physical stress.

As for Coach Niumatalolo, I've been impressed with him and the rest of the coaching staff. Navy always seems well-prepared to me, and its players give maximum effort. The coaches seem to have a great respect and understanding of what the players go through on a daily basis at the academy, but they don't coddle them or use it as an excuse for poor performances.

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Washington, D.C.: For much of this season, most experts thought we were headed for a Florida-Alabama SEC title game, and for one, a spot in the BCS season ender. Based on last week's results, it seems like both teams are more vulnerable than what the perception has been. Both teams are struggling to find play makers in the passing game and Flordia's defense showed some big-play cracks in their SEC official aided win over Arkansas.

That said, each team really has only one truly tough game left on the slate: Alabama home to LSU and Florida at South Carolina.

So, the question is, will one or both of these teams trip up and if they do, what's that mean for the SEC in the BCS game if a non-BCS or Big 10 team finishes undefeated along with Texas?

Mark Viera: Alabama and Florida seem to be on a crash course for the SEC title game. I'm not sure I see either slipping up, despite any vulnerabilities you might feel exist. That said, one of those teams will be left out of the BCS title picture. Is it fair? probably not. But that's the way the system works. It is highly unlikely the computers won't spit out a rematch. Remember the similar Michigan-Ohio State situation in 2006? The Buckeyes beat the Wolverines at the end of the year, and then played in the title game. Michigan was left out. So that means, if Texas or Iowa finish undefeated, one of them will be in the game. An undefeated conference champion won't be left out of the game in favor of a once-beat team from the SEC, even if that loss came from the other conference big dog.

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Charlottesville, Va.: Regardless of U-Va.'s final record, if attendance doesn't rebound up to 50,000-plus regularly this season, is Groh's job security a moot point?

Zach Berman: If Virginia wins this week, I don't know how Virginia fans can justify not supporting this team -- their feelings about the coach, aside. A 3-0 record with a win over Ga. Tech entering next week's game against against Duke should inject optimism into the fan base.

If Virginia loses this week, I don't know how many people show for a 3:30 Halloween game against Duke. Some fans might end up staying home to take their kids trick or treating. A lot depends on performance.

But you're right -- attendance is important, because money talks. In sports, wins and money always mean more than words.

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22202, Washington, D.C.: Virginia Tech fans are U-Va. fans this weekend, too. What are the chances Georgia Tech gets upset?

Eric Prisbell: Virginia has a real chance. G-Tech has not won in Charlottesville since 1990. Al Groh is like Reggie Jackson in october.

But I still favor G-Tech. Virginia has beaten two of the ACC's biggest slouches so far. tech is more seasoned, in my view.

Zach Berman: As Eric mentioned, Virginia has a chance. The defense can play with almost anyone.

That said, Ga. Tech has proven to be a better team thus far. Based on talent and track record, I'd give the Yellow Jackets the edge.

I don't know how the crowd will be at Scott Stadium -- that will be one of the interesting story lines on Saturday -- but it should at least be a better environment than the Indiana game. I'm curious to see if home-field advantage will be a factor.

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Charlottesville, Va.: Are you still getting lots of questions about the lack of Va. Tech coverage this week?

Does U-Va.'s women's basketball team really belong in the top-15 in the polls? Will they be able to re-crack the top echelon of the ACC (and the nation)?

Zach Berman: The Commonwealth State has a football rivalry! The banter between the two schools will be fun to follow if both teams keep winning.

According to Virginia Coach Debbie Ryan, the Cavaliers women's basketball team shouldn't be ranked as high as they are entering the season considering how much they're relying on key newcomers. They still have Monica Wright, though, and that's worth a whole lot.

That said, I'll defer Camille on this. She does an outstanding job covering the Maryland women, and she knows the women's basketball landscape better than I do.

Mark Viera: Virginia Tech has a bye week this week. No players or coaches were made available to speak with members of the news media.

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Moorestown, N.J.: Who will do better in the rain, Riley Skinner in the air with the heavier offensive line, or Kriss Proctor on the ground with the triple option? Given the past three years, the fact that it's Homecoming has obviously nothing to do with the outcome of the game.

Camille Powell: Good question. Navy certainly seems better equipped to thrive in the rain and the muck, but Wake Forest ran the ball surprisingly well against the Mids in the bowl game last year.

I'm curious as to which Riley Skinner we'll see on Saturday: the one who looked so flummoxed in throwing four interceptions and losing a fumble in Navy's 24-17 upset in Sept. 08, or the one who completed 11 of 11 passes for 166 yards and was EagleBank Bowl MVP.

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Washington, D.C.: Hypothetical question. Let's say U-Md. gets rid of The Fridge and does not retain Franklin. In addition, U-Va. lets go of Groh.

Assuming you are a highly coveted coach and have offer from both at the same price point, where do you go? Which job to you think is better positioned for success?

This is a tough question. Both are mediocre programs. U-Md. had its peak in the 80's and U-Va. had its peak in the 90's. Both are close geographically; so you would assume the DC suburbs might be up for grabs but Hampton Roads recruits would be choosing between U-Va. or Va. Tech; while the Baltimore recruits would probably look at U-Md. or Penn State. Both have upgraded their stadiums in recent years. And, both schools have a fan base that thinks it has a better basketball program.

Thoughts? Thanks for bringing back these chats ... I don't think they were as consistent last year.

Eric Prisbell: I don't think either one will be open. I'll say that.

If i had the choice, and if i were a coach, I would go to Maryland because of the talent pool in the area. I would roll up my sleeves, hire the shadiest JC coaches around, funnel money through player relatives and assorted foundations, get boosters to buy cars from Virgina with government-issued plates for players, and befriend three different SAT proctors in neighboring states. I'd install the spread offense, tell Middle Tennessee I will never play them again, and prepare to win the ACC with a loaded roster.

I'd take another better paying job within two years when the NCAA is ready to drop the hammer on me.

But that's just one approach.

Zach Berman: There you have it. I'd send my son to play for Eric Prisbell.

To answer your question, I'm not privvy to Maryland's situation, so it's hard for me to compare. Virginia has facilities, the money to pay a coach and access to a talent pool. If a coach can bear the academic restrictions and is willing to take on Va. Tech in recruiting, I'd imagine Virginia would have some desirable attributes.

But as of now, Virginia already has a question and he's won three consecutive games.

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Falls Church, Va.: Three weeks ago it was pretty clear Al Groh's days were numbered. It's much less clear now. How many games does he have to win to keep his job?

Or does the fact the big money donors have turned against him for treating the month of September as preseason football mean he's gone regardless?

Zach Berman: I wouldn't say "regardless", but I still think there is much work left to be done -- and how Virginia fares in that final game of the season might weigh heavily, too.

This is the thing you need to understand: If Virginia gets to seven wins, it means the Cavaliers will have six wins in the ACC. That might be good enough for the ACC championship game, or at least a good bowl. One of the main expectations of the football program is to compete for the ACC title; because of Virginia's three non-conference losses, bowl eligibilty means ACC contention.

That said, Virginia needs to beat some good teams -- and win in some tough places -- to reach seven win wins.

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State College, Penn.: If there are no unbeaten SEC or Big 12 teams, how far do you think the BCS would go to prevent a Cinicinnati-Iowa title game?

Who would watch that?

Eric Prisbell: I would love it. But i'm a bit off kilter.

The BCS would build a fence around the city of Pasadena preventing Iowa and Cincy from getting within 10 miles of that Rose Bowl. And Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy will arrive in a limo.

in my view, neither voters nor computers will allow that matchup to happen.

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State College, Penn.: Why is Mark Ingram the only running back in ESPN's top seven Heisman candidates, and there are no players that aren't qb's or running backs in the top ten?

Is the Heisman becoming too much of a quarterback award, or a who is the biggest "star" award, and not the best player.

Mark Viera: Mark Ingram is very deserving of his spot in the Heisman Trophy conversation. I saw him on Sept. 5 and thought then that he was an impressive running back. He doesn't have breakaway speed, but he's got great vision.

If Alabama keeps winning, it will only help his case. Like it or not, that is typically a big part of the equation in the Heisman race. A guy like Darius Marshall of Marshall (another fine running back I've seen this year) is having a great season. But because he plays for the Thundering Herd, he's off the radar. Among the top running backs, Ingram is the only the plays for a top 10 team. So that's why he's the only running back.

As for quarterbacks, you are right. That's another big part of the equation, although I'd caution that some of those folks deserve to be in consideration (Case Keenum, anyone?). Frankly, Colt McCoy probably should have played his way out of the conversation against Oklahoma. Yet some folks still consider him a candidate. Why? He's the star quarterback of the No. 3 team in the country. That's just the way the thing works.

In terms of his impact on each and every game, I'd say defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is an awfully deserving candidate. But can you imagine a burly defensive lineman accepting that award?

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Greenbelt, Md.: I saw recently that Navy is favored by 2-1/2 points over Wake Forest. Does this take into account that Ricky Dobbs may not participate in the game because of a leg injury suffered last week against SMU?

Camille Powell: I'm assuming that line was determined prior to the announcement of Dobbs's injury -- I can't imagine a service academy team with an inexperienced sophomore quarterback would be favored over an ACC team with four-year starter at quarterback.

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Nittany Lion alumna: Can Penn State finally overcome its Michigan curse and beat them in the "Big House"? - the last time I remember beating them there was when I attended U of M for grad school.

Mark Viera: In recent years, Michigan had a hex on Penn State. While I'm not sold on these Nittany Lions, I think the offensive line (a weak spot) is starting to come together a little more and there are some signs of progress. But you want a prediction? Tate Forcier is a gamer. Joe Paterno has not always had success on the road in the Big Ten. In the Big House, I like the Wolverines.

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State College, Penn.: Both the ACC and Big Ten have disappointed in big games this year. Who do you think is the stronger conference at this point?

Mark Viera: A thought-provoking question. This would make for good barroom conversation, and I'll join it. I'd give a slight nod to the ACC, despite the dreadful mess that is the Coastal Division.

I'm not sold on Iowa, despite its pretty record. Ohio State stayed close against Southern California, which doesn't seem as strong as Trojan teams of years past. Penn State looked pretty dreadful against Iowa ... and hasn't played anyone else worth mentioning.

Meanwhile, I am impressed by Miami, even if the loss at Virginia Tech deflated it a bit. With its spread-option offense, Georgia Tech is tough to handle (ask the Hokies), even if its defense is weak. And despite inconsistent play early on, Virginia Tech showed flashes at the midpoint of its season.

Just one man's opinion.

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Apple Valley, Minn.: Eric, what's your favorite energy drink?

Eric Prisbell: Green Gatorade, a box of snowcaps and some glutamine powder.

Tried to get up at 4 to write a story because I still have TV later. It all backfired. Whatever.

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The Fridge Will Still Be There: But they're bringing in a consultant to call the plays...

Eric Prisbell: Bingo!

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Arnold, Md.: Camille -- I thought Kriss Proctor looked more than competent against Rice. Should Navy fans be worried if Dobbs can't start?

Camille Powell: I think anytime you don't have a player who leads the nation in touchdowns (as Dobbs does) and is the charismatic leader of your squad (as Dobbs is), and you have to face an ACC school, you should be a little worried.

That said, I think that Proctor is a more than capable back-up -- I agree that he looked good against Rice (thought it was Rice), and he's prepared like a starter since he returned from a knee injury (he gets the same number of reps at practice as Dobbs). Like Kaipo, Proctor played in this kind of offense in high school, so he runs the option with a certain ease. He's a confident kid who thrived in pressure situations in high school (as both a quarterback and kicker).

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Arlington, Va.: Quite the mess in the Big XII North, eh? Care to handicap it?

Mark Viera: I like Nebraska. While the Cornhuskers dropped one last weekend, I like the talent they have. Offensively, you've got Roy Helu Jr. as perhaps of the conference's top running back. He's a hard, powerful runner. Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has gained Heisman Trophy buzz. Few defensive players can affect the game the way he can.

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S. Rockville, Md.: Zach,

When two local teams play, how do you decide who writes the game story? While I enjoyed Yanda's gamer about the U-Va. win on Saturday, it was definitely Terp-centric in what went wrong for U-Md. I'm just wondering if you or Viera will write the game story when VPI comes to town?

Zach Berman: Thank you for your question, as always, S. Rockville. The coverage decisions are made by my editor.

Although Steve wrote the game story, we had a sidebar nearly the same length focused on Virginia. So we certainly did not diminish the Cavaliers nor their win.

I cannot speak to the coverage of the Virginia-Virginia Tech game yet; that often depends on the implications of the game.

Eric Prisbell: Good question. Same goes for the Virginia Tech-Maryland game in a few weeks. Tech will have a lot more riding on the game than Maryland. Although that could be the game that knocks Maryland out of bowl contention. Not sure yet who will write what, but we will be heavily staffing all the local matchups, for sure.

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Arlington, Va.: Can we decide upon a term for teams that seem intent on making their own conference look bad? I'm talkin' about you, Virginia and Michigan State. Go out and lose to 1-AA teams and directional schools, then come back and jump to/near the top of the conference standings. Michigan did the same thing the year they lost to App State, then almost won the conference.

We could call these "Seamus" teams, unless the pronunciation of that name isn't adequately known (Shame-us). Maybe "Catfish" since like MSU and U-Va. they sometimes get there by bottom-feeding off the (even) worse teams in the league like Illinois and Maryland.

Eric Prisbell: I like Catfish!

great question.

I'll try to use it in a story and see how it goes. Heading into the latter portion of the schedule, Virginia looks like one of the nation's biggest catfish teams.

Zach Berman: One of my roommates in college was named Seamus, and he'd be delighted to know his name could be used as a sports term. So, my vote is for "Seamus".

And I agree with Eric. Virginia would define a Seamus team...or a Catfish team.

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Fushezzi, Md.: Maryland is getting 5.5 points at Duke ... and I'm afraid to take it. What is this world coming to? Oddly, if this was a basketball line this year I wouldn't hesitate to take U-Md.

Eric Prisbell: Take Duke. Lewis may throw for 450. Should be a shootout. But the Blue Devils are coming off a bye week and should be in good shape to win as favorites.

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Re: Are you still getting lots of questions about the lack of Va. Tech coverage this week?: I only recall one person writing in last week complaining, and I hardly think that's representative of the Va. Tech fans here. As one of them, I've never been upset with Va. Tech coverage at The Post, and if anyone wants more stories or writing, they can go to local Va. papers to get them, too (as I do).

Mark Viera: Thanks for the nice words.

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sec. 307 row A Byrd: Eric, With the next home game for the Terps vs. Va. Tech, there will probably be more Hokie fans there than Terp fans.. Perhaps we should play Enter Sandman on the loud speakers as the Hokies take the field... It will seem like a home game for them anyway...

Eric Prisbell: No question. That will be fitting.

It won't go well for Maryland.

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Metro Center, Washington, D.C.: How is the banged up Terp secondary going to handle Thaddeus Lewis and the potent Duke offense? Predictions for the Maryland/Duke game? If Duke wins this, it could go on a roll and sneak into a bowl game. There is a new force to be reckoned with in the ACC, thanks to Coach Cut.

Eric Prisbell: you're right.

Duke 34, Maryland 24.

Neither team can run the ball. Both teams can throw it and will. But Maryland will not be able to slow Lewis, who gets the ball out very fast.

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Leesburg, Va.: "If a coach can bear the academic restrictions..."

Shenanigans. Why do people keep perpetuating this myth? UVA is a fine school, but it has "football majors" just like every school. U-Va. accepts any players that meet NCAA clearinghouse, just like all schools.

The recruitment and career of Ahmad Brooks alone completely invalidates the "academic restrictions" notion. U-Va. doesn't get good talent because there is a real program in the state that kids would rather go to, academics have nothing to do with it.

Zach Berman: Thank you for writing, Leesburg. I wrote a story about this last week, and in my reporting I encountered conflicting opinions. Some believe it's an issue, others do not. Certainly, there are cases of players who couldn't get in or stay in. And they lack some popular majors that other schools have. But I've also heard for some that say it's an excuse. I'll let your comment stand as is; it's certainly a debate heard frequently.

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Washington D.C.: Camille, Do you think Ricky will be able to go on Saturday against Wake Forest? And if not, how do you feel about Kriss Proctor as the backup?

Camille Powell: Dobbs is going to try to practice this afternoon, so we'll have a better idea then of whether or not he'll be able to play Saturday. For someone who was wearing an immobilizer brace that ran the length of his right leg, Dobbs sure moved around a lot at practice on Wednesday -- he did leg lifts on the sidelines while his teammates ran sprints, then jogged over to the team meeting, and jogged to the locker room.

My guess is that you'll see Proctor on Saturday. A week off would probably be a good thing for Dobbs, aside from the knee injury -- he's taken a beating this season so far. And there are still six (possibly seven) games to go.

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State Colege, Penn.: If Georgia Tech runs the table for the remainder of the season should a one loss ACC team play in the BCS title game over an undefeated non BCS school?

Eric Prisbell: Good question.

I would take an once-beaten GT over Boise but not over TCU.

Opinions will vary.

Zach Berman: The triangle between Ga. Tech, Va. Tech and Miami is tough to figure. What if you they all have one loss? Who goes in? The team that makes the ACC title game? It's like Texas Tech-Texas-Oklahoma last year.

That's why my answer is "No". TCU beat both Virginia and Clemson. Groh said this summer that TCU could content for the ACC title. Utah's win over 'Bama should show the competitiveness of the Mountain West.

Boise State beat Oregon. They proved with the Fiesta Bowl win that they're like Gonzaga in basketball -- a big boy in a small conference.

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Scott Stadium: Will Mark Verica be able to play as well against Ga Tech this year as he did last year if Jameel Sewell is unable to play under center? Any thoughts of moving Vic Hall back to quarterback?

Zach Berman: I spoke to Marc Verica last night, and he sounded confident. I think Verica would go if Sewell cannot, but I still think Sewell plays and Conrath doesn't play. Tonight's injury report might provide more clarity.

Vic Hall back at QB? We're going down this road again? I think Hall found his with his current role as a WR, defensive back in the dime and special teams player. I wouldn't be surprised if he was used some plays as a QB this season -- with or without Sewell healthy -- but Verica would make more sense as the starter if Sewell cannot play.

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S. Rockville, Md.: Zach,

What's up with the offensive Line play? I'm worried about the cumulative effect of the hits Sewell will take between the planned runs and the sacks. I have a feeling his effectiveness toward the end of the season won't be what it has been over the last few games.

Zach Berman: Good point, S. Rockville. The line hasn't been great this year, but some of the responsibilty is on Sewell. By his own admission, he holds onto the ball too long. And it's fair to be worried about his health considering he's missed practice time this year with some injuries.

That said, the line is starting to progress. They really did not do well with the wider splits in the beginning of the season. Now, they're playing like they were recruited to play. Groh says Landon Bradley is improving at left tackle, which will be important. He really struggled against North Carolina. Also, it'll be interesting to observe how Barker handles Derrick Morgan this weekend.

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Huntsville, Ala.: Here in the Heart of Dixie, we're all excited about the Tide..! Would you briefly discuss - realistically - our chances of going all the way to the national title?

Mark Viera: I really like Alabama. Solid on defense. Solid (although not flashy) on offense. Solid on special teams. Could the Crimson Tide go all the way? I'd say absolutely. I think that meeting with Louisiana State could be the only tricky spot, although Alabama benefits from having it in Tuscaloosa. The real hurdle, it seems, would be Florida in the SEC title game. The Gators have shown they're not infallible, and I like the consistency with which Coach Nick Saban's team plays each week. So yes, the Crimson Tide seem like an easy fit in the BCS title game.

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S. Rockville, Md.: Gah! Can we please leave 1990 out of this? What a zoo that game was, from beginning to end. We fans don't want to be reminded of it. Can we talk about last year's win in Atlanta instead and how the defense controlled Tech's offense and what they'll have to do to do it again this year?

Zach Berman: I was going to post a YouTube clip of the 1990 game in tomorrow morning's links on Cavaliers Journal. Are you not in favor of that, S. Rockville? I don't want to alienate 20 percent of Virginia questions here...

...And we'll look more into last season's win in a story in Saturday's paper. But Ga. Tech is a tougher matchup for some teams than others. Could it be that Virginia's 3-4 defense is a favorable matchup against the triple option?

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Boston: Is it me or is this a less interesting and entertaining year in college football with fewer compelling teams, players and storylines to follow. What teams or players should I be excited about that I'm not right now?

Eric Prisbell: I agree with you. Boise is fun to watch, but I am not in love with its defense.

Iowa could surprise everyone and cause a stir at the end of the season, so be sure to keep an eye on them.

The same for Cincinnati.

I think the season will begin to get interesting once texas loses. Could happen this weekend. There is one slot in the national title game open, because the Alabama-Florida winner will likely get the other spot. So we need Texas to lose for the chaos to start!

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Sam Bradford: Why did I decide on one more year in college again? Do you think many guys in my shoes in the future will cite my experience and take the bird in hand (NFL draft) instead?

Eric Prisbell: Yes, I do. Same goes for your great tight end who is injured.

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It's WaPo College Football Writer Poll Time...: How many of you thought you would, in the course of doing these chats, hear the phrase "Potent Duke Offense?"

The times, they are a changin'...

Zach Berman: I figured it'd be mid-February and it would be referring to Kyle Singler, Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith -- and Seth Greenberg comparing "Checkers all-Americans" to "McDonalds all-Americans".

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washingtonpost.com: Thanks everyone for tuning in to today's chat! Hope you enjoyed all the insight and advice from the guys ... and Camille. See you next time!

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