Glenn Turner: Congrats to Coach Pinkel and the Missouri Tigers. What a great season. I hope this is just the start of a great run for Missouri Football! Is there any more recruiting news? Did Missouri have some potential recruits at the game?

Vahe Gregorian: I heard Missouri had a couple recruits at the game - Taylor Davis, Kenji Jackson, Drew Temple, Travis Ruth, Brad Madison - but almost all saw it on TV. There is no doubt the win bodes well for Missouri's long-term recruiting success. However, in the short term things have been quiet. No recruiting news as of yet. Of course, the ones were all waiting on - Dan Hoch and Will Compton - remain quiet.

And now that Chris Harper is back on the board, things could get interesting for Mizzou's future.

Aaron: Hi Graham,

I'm really worried about William Moore leaving. He is clearly the most valuable in the secondary. Who would take his spot should he leave early?

Vahe Gregorian: Honestly, I'm worried about Moore leaving, too. If he leaves, Hardy Ricks is next on the depth. But I think we all know he wouldn't have the same impact as Moore. Losing Moore would be a big blow and might keep Mizzou out of the top 5 to start next year.

Lindy: Graham,

First of all, THANK YOU for excellent coverage of the Tigers this year. I am most appreciative of the overall coverage of STLtoday.com in general, and you in particular.

Now for my question: What are the areas of most concern for the Tigers next year (especially considering their personnel losses), and specifically, where do we need to take additional steps forward in order to beat Oklahoma (assuming we see them again!) Thanks.

Vahe Gregorian: Offensive line. That's got to be the biggest concern for Missouri right now. Tim Barnes looks like he'll be the new center, but the left tackle position is in flux. My money is on Kurtis Gregory moving back to left tackle and James Stigall moving up to starter at the guard position. Remember, Gregory was the starting left tackle in the 2006 spring because Luellen was out with injury.

The play of the O-line was what really shut down the Missouri offense. That's what needs to be improved this offseason.

Oh, and you're welcome.

John: where do you think William Moore would goin the draft and out of the players from Mizzou that signed up to be evaluated who do ou see being the most likely to leave and forego there senior year?

Also, just how good do you expect Blaine Gabbert to be, there is a lot of hype surrounding him, will he be good or what and will he be better than Blaine Dalton when he gets to Mizzou?

Vahe Gregorian: I think William Moore could be a second-round pick because this year's safety class is a little weak. If that happens, Moore will have to make a decision. It's hard to pass up the second round and the Missouri coaches - per their policy - will tell him to go. I don't think he wants to leave, and he's never struck me as a guy who needs the money, though I'm not real versed on his background.

If he stays, Moore would be the first safety selected in the 2009 Draft.

I expect Blaine Gabbert to be a very good quarterback, I’m just not sure how mobile he'll be at the D-I level. I'm really looking for something out of him in the Army All-American Bowl. I think he has a lot to prove since he was hurt this year and lost a lot of his steam. We'll all get a better idea of what type of player he will be for Mizzou after that game.

As far as him versus Dalton, I’m going to reserve comments about that until I see Dalton in his senior season. he showed some good and bad flashes as a junior. I think with a little hard work, he’ll be better as a senior. I think you'll also see that he's a little more like Chase Daniel - stature, mannerisms, skill, etc. - than Gabbert. That's taking nothing away from Gabbert because I think he'll be fantastic if he gets his mind right and doesn’t pull a Chase Patton.

Graham Watson: Welcome to this week's chat. As you can see, I've already answered a couple questions. Sorry I missed ya'll last week, but I was traveling to Dallas. I'm back now, armed with more Cotton Bowl and Mizzou knowledge than I ever thought possible.

Just do me a favor and don't spoil the good juju with basketball questions...

Mike: So what was the final word out of Dallas concerning all the trash talking Arkansas did about the SEC? Mizzou handed it to em’, so I was just curious as to what Arkansas & SEC fans were saying after the game?

I currently live in Alabama, (originally from St. Louis) and I know all too well how fans in the south, in particular SEC fans think they are the greatest and can’t be touched in college football, and they have an argument, but it goes beyond that, while in my opinion people in St. Louis & Missouri tend to have a more open mind, the SEC feels that they have always been the best conference and always will be the best conference. They truly believe that the only reason SEC teams lose games is because of the supreme/tough competition and they just knock each other off. While other conferences win only because of inferior competition. I’ve observed this superiority complex for over 12 years now, and I chalk it up to just pure propaganda passed down through the family like grand daddy’s old barn, SEC fans talk about it so much I truly think they believe it no matter what facts you present to dispute it. I’m moving back to St. Louis in the fall and I can’t wait!!!

Thanks,

Mike

Vahe Gregorian: First, you win the award for longest epilogue to a question...

Interim coach Reggie Herring refused to give Mizzou any credit for the win. Then he threw a hissy fit when asked about Arkansas' all-red uniforms. The guy was a first-class tool. He called Gary Pinkel, "Gary Pinkney" and "his protege." Makes me question that southern school system. Great find, Texas A&M. You should be so proud.

The SEC will always be arrogant. It's part of its charm. Nothing will ever change that.

Tom Phillips: Graham,

Thanks for the great coverage! I have seen a couple of times in your "live" chats that you mention a player on the baseball team who is a better punter that any underclassman on the current football team. Can you please provide his name? Thanks!

Vahe Gregorian: Sure. The young man I speak of is Jonah Schmidt, though he's listed as Jonathan Schmidt on Mizzou's baseball website. He played QB/K/P at Chaminade. Apparently, the baseball team tried to work out a deal with football so he could play both, but football didn't want to put the kid on scholarship. They'll be kicking themselves come spring.

ray: Greeting Graham,

Where do you think football recruits 1) Chris Harper, 2) Will Compton, 3) Dan Hoch and 4) Jameel Owens will wind up? Blaine Gabbert better get serious about doing a little charismatic recruiting himself. He had an inside track on Bryce Givens and Josh Williams but they went to Colorado. Gabbert should be working on Dan Hoch, Will Compton and Jameel Owens. USC does a great job recruiting each year with a terrible broken down stadium that was built BEFORE the 1932 Olympic Games. Pete Carroll always makes his early committed recruits passionately recruit the rest of his targeted recruits. Once a recruit commits it is their job to help land the other targeted recruits. This is part of USC secret to recruiting greatness. Is MIzzou doing this?

Teams like Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska are always out recruiting Mizzou but now even the Illinois, Colorado, Arkansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M are rated by Rivals higher that Missouri recruits. Why? What is Mizzou doing wrong when a guy like Ron Zook (who is a great recruiter) can take a doormat Illinois team to the Rose Bowl in a short time frame? The Florida Gator championship team was heavy with Ron Zook recruits. Somebody should burn the Mizzou recruiting manual and bottle whatever nectar Ron Zook is mesmerizing his recruits with! Autumn football victories start with recruiting victories. Does Mizzou need better facilities or is it a recruiting personnel problem? Does our recruiting personnel need to be more energetic and charismatic? Whatever is creating the problem it needs to be fixed before the 2009 class. Mizzou needs to set its sights higher and focus on some 4&5 star recruits instead of just 2&3 stars recruits (with high hopes & prayers) if they are ever going have a sustaining presence in the rarified air which exist at the highest echelon of the football polls. I would appreciate more than a glib response. As many details as possible please. Happy New Year.

Ray

Vahe Gregorian: Chris Harper - Oregon
Will Compton - Mizzou
Dan Hoch - Nebraska
Jameel Owens - I don't know. I would have said Arkansas until a couple days ago. He might be one of the kids making his announcement during the Army All-American game.

Blaine Gabbert has all of the country's best players at his disposal this week, so you're right, he better get talking. Chase Daniel was a great asset as a high school senior. Blaine Gabbert better start pulling his weight.

I can’t answer why Colorado is getting better recruits than Missouri. Maybe it's the campus, maybe its Hawkins' personality, maybe it's the fact that those kids can play right away. I just don't know. The other schools - at least most of them - have a long-standing football tradition. One good season does not make Mizzou a traditional powerhouse. Look at teams like Rutgers and Louisville. They didn't see a great spike in their recruiting after great seasons last year.

Besides, I think Mizzou has done pretty well with 3-star recruits and this year's class will probably be the best since Pinkel got to Mizzou.

Dave Kaplan: I was with my family at the Cotton Bowl on New Years Day. We watched a great Missouri football team totally out class an over matched Arkansas team. I was disappointed to see that Mizzou fans were outnumbered 2 to 1 by Arkansas fans. If we are ever going to be compared with other great programs Missouri fans need to turn out. We need 70,000 + fans at every home game and at neutral site games we need to out number the fans of our opponents. Go tigers!!!

Vahe Gregorian: Wow, I don't know what stadium you were sitting in, but from my view in the press box, the crowds looked pretty even. It might have been 51-49 Arkansas, but that was about it. Mizzou had a great turnout and the players went and celebrated with their fans after the game. I'm sure that made the trip worth it for a lot of people.

Dale Stuckey: Have not missed following a mizzou game since 1969 and could not be prouder of my team. Does the poor performance of Chase Daniel in the last two games and his obvious weight gain concern others as much as it does me.

Vahe Gregorian: Chase Daniel is a big boy. That's what he's going to be. I'm not sure he;s gained a ton of weight. The coaches weight these guys every day before bowl practice, and they wouldn;t let Chase get out of hand. I agree he looks bigger than when the season started, but nothing to be concerned about. His mom will put him back on a diet and he'll show up 215 next fall.

And don't worry about two bad games by Chase. Luckily they came at the end of the season. He's a perfectionist and I'll bet he'll study those films this summer.

Bobby Medlin: Hi Graham, I was at the Cotton Bowl and noticed that after timeouts, the play clock was set at 15 seconds. I don't recall ever seeing that happen before. It seemed to not give Mizzou and Chase Daniel as much time to assess the defensive formation as they were used to. Do you know why it was set at 15 sec? Is that common in bowl games? The Cotton Bowl was classy, as was everything about Mizzou!

Vahe Gregorian: You know, I noticed that once, but never asked about it. I don't think it's common in bowl games. At least, I've never seen it. But honestly, I never asked anyone, so I can't tell you for sure. Sorry.

T Houston: Graham, I know you get these questions often, but you please provide any updates on the recruiting progress after the great season and Cotton bowl win? Thanks!

Vahe Gregorian: No new updates after the Cotton Bowl. A lot of the guys Mizzou wants are at the Army All-American Bowl this week. We might know more after the weekend.

David Skiles: OK, I know I wasn't around here last week, but is there any hope on the horizon for our kicking game next year?

Vahe Gregorian: I think the kicking game is fine, unless you know something about Jeff Wolfer that I don't... Hmmmm?

The punting game, on the other hand, is in dire straits (not like it wasn't already). Jake Harry has done nothing to make me think he's the future of Mizzou punting. However, he's had a year to adjust to the speed of the game and he might be better in the spring. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt, but I'm not optimistic. Not even a little bit.

Matthew Odlum: How will Mizzou Be next year without the Seniors???
-The Secondary will be fine, Darnell Terrell lost his starting job and the cb's did fine against Arkansas. Although I heard we might lose William Moore, Someone go tell him to stay right now!!!
-We lose Luellen and Spieker on the O line, this is a big question for us since I haven't seen us recruit the O line too much.
-We are solid at Linebacker with Weatherspoon, Christopher, and Alexander
-D line we lose Lorenzo.......
- At WR We lose a couple, Jason Ray and Will Franklin... Will is better than Ray but we have pretty good depth here with Perry as a junior next year, of course Maclin, and a few others returning.
- When you look at our team, we still don't have a dominant running back. Jimmy Jackson is the most likely starter next year. Derrick Washington was flashy during the season, but fumbled against Arkansas. It will come down to summer camp. I think it is between those two.
Anyways fill me in on your opinion Graham!!! I"m new to this so email on what i'm supposed to do. Do I get online at 11 or what? I'm confused,,,,,,,,,,,, Matthew Odlum

Vahe Gregorian: Well, they'll have seniors next year, so really, they'll never be without seniors...

There are a few emotional losses - Rucker and Zo - but nothing to get worked up over. Those guys have taught the new regime well. And don't forget, Chase Daniel is back next year, and he's been leading this team since he stepped on campus. No worries, especially on offense. Mizzou has 900 running backs. One of them is bound to be good.

K-Man: Now that MIZZOU has put a damper on the SEC mystique we need to ask the obvious questions.

How do they compete with Oklahoma in the future?

What did WVU have that the Tigers did not?

And what was it like watching the Tigers in person in Dallas? I watched the entire game on TV and saw a team that pretty much 'owned' the Razorbacks. Was it that obvious, or even more so, in person?

Thanks for all your hard work and I look forward to reading all your insightful words on the Tigers next year.

Vahe Gregorian: West Virginia had Noel Devine and Pat White. Last I check, neither of those guys were transferring to Mizzou. Missouri doesn't have as much team speed as West Virginia does, and either does Oklahoma, apparently. OU had a poor defensive gameplan. The offense was about as good as it was against Mizzou. It was the defense that looked like it belonged in Waco.

Honestly, I thought Missouri kept Arkansas in the game through the first half. It could have easily been 28-0 or even 35-0 at halftime. Missouri squandered some big opportunities by trying to run Chase and doing reverses and ridiculous stuff like that. I really though MU might outcoach itself. Otherwise, it was a neat experience. I was on the field during the celebration. Will Franklin was crying. It was great to see this year end on such a positive note.

J Sebaugh: Hey Graham,

I have a couple of questions, first the obvious:

Is Willy Moore going to leave for Sundays or can Chase and company talk him back?

What is the status of Tony Temple's appeal on his redshirt?

Vahe Gregorian: I can't give you a good answer on Willie Mo. I;m getting mixed signals from him. I really think he wants to stay, but if he's a first or second-round pick, you can't fault him for leaving.

My honest, gut opinion is that Tony Temple finished his Mizzou career at the Cotton Bowl.

Andrew: Are any commits going to enroll for the spring semester as far as football goes like Keck and Lambert did last year? It helped both of them greatly as seen in Lambert and Keck just had bad luck with injury. If not do you see in freshmen starting next year or make in impact like a Lambert? I hope Moye challenges for the starting safety spot, it sounded like he has looked good in practice at safety. Also do you think Andrew Jones will get redshirted next year?

Vahe Gregorian: You know, I was just thinking about this as I was answering some of these questions. I don't know off the top of my head - leaning toward no - but I'll be sure to check for you. Drop me an email or ask me again next week.

I don’t know what to think of Moye especially since GP said he'd play this year and then dropped him to scout team. There must have been something the coaching staff saw that told them he wasn’t ready. We'll know more in the spring.

If Andrew Jones is as good as everyone says he is, I don't think he'll be redshirted especially with a semi-starting TE spot up for grabs. Jon Gissinger slides into that spot right now, but it could be interesting.

Dave: Do you know when the Tigers came back from Dallas? Was wondering if the team gets a night to stay there and celebrate or if they rushed right back.

Vahe Gregorian: They flew back right after the game. My guess is that most partied in Columbia at their typical nightspots.

semohusker: Hello Graham, tell me why mizzou will be as good next year, will all the key losses i just don't see it, possibly losing moore to NFL will be big, great season for the tigers though!
Semohusker

Vahe Gregorian: What key losses are there that Mizzou can’t overcome? I really don’t see any unless Moore leaves. That will be a big blow. Otherwise, Missouri has competent backups, who have played in games, filling those holes. I think this team will be better than it was this year just because the schedule sets up nicely and this team knows what it needs to do to get back to a championship game. This year, everything was new and the team was feeling their way along. Now, it should be second nature.

doyle: i really enjoy your chats. do the tigers have any chance to get demarcus cousins(the power forward out of alabama)? also what about griffey and dixon? now a football question,any word on will compton? thank you & happy new year.

Vahe Gregorian: Dixon, I think, is a sure thing. And Griffey is a near sure thing. Cousins could be interesting. I'm not sure he ends up at Mizzou instead of UAB, but I think it will be between those two schools.

No word on Will Compton yet.

UnpaidPhotoGuy: Yes STILL (see the name :).. but that is another subject. Hope your New Year was good. I am assuming the DMN reunion went well. I mean Mizzou did win by 31.

Here's my question. Are you as surprised as I by the lack of "big name" recruits this staff has garnered after this type of season? I'll admit their is still time with several highly rated recruits out there, but so far it has been a little... not disappointing because this is still a very good class... but a little disproportionate to the season.

Vahe Gregorian: I'm not surprised that Missouri hasn’t nabbed a lot of big name recruits this year because the Mizzou brand is still new to the national scene. Mizzou has to prove it's not a flash in the pan before it can start hauling in the top recruits. If Gabbert didn’t live in St. Louis, I'd bet he'd be going somewhere else.

If Mizzou makes winning a habit, the big names will jump on board. I honestly think this year helped MU for the 2009 recruiting class.

And, I haven’t seen your friend in awhile. I’m not sure he still has a job.

Chas: After our big Cotton Bowl win, any new chatter from recruits who we are waiting to here word from regarding their decisions?

Vahe Gregorian: Nope. Wait until after the AA-A Bowl.

CDW: Beyond the national and local Dallas media exposure, was the coaching and recruiting staff able to connect with any potential Texas/Oklahoma/Louisiana recruits during their week in Dallas or were all efforts pointed toward the game?

Vahe Gregorian: Nope. The time Mizzou was in Dallas was a dead period for recruiting. That means coaches are not allowed to initiate contact with recruits. That's why Mizzou couldn't meet with recruits at the Cotton Bowl as I was asked a couple weeks ago. Dead period doesn't allow you to do that. But, as you read earlier, recruits were still able to attend the game.

Dead period ends today, but that begins quiet period until the 6. There there's another dead period and another quiet period before regular contact can be initiated on Jan. 13. During quiet period, coaches can have contact on campus, but not off it. No in-home visits.

kccardinal: That smell coming from the southwest is Oklahoma stinking up the Fiesta Bowl. What did last night's debacle do to Missouri's credibility (and don't you wish Missouri had played THAT Oklahoma team twice)? Can Missouri still finish in the top five, and how does Kansas's fate in the Orange tonight factor in?

Vahe Gregorian: I think this gives Mizzou an even better shot of finishing in the top 5 because it drops another team that was ahead of them.

I think, by all accounts, Missouri nation wants KU to lose. Not just for the obvious reasons, but also to show it was a huge mistake keep MU out of the BCS.

Mark: Hi Graham,

There is a lot talk about will Missouri be a top five team in the final standings. Are there any reasons this is important other than just bragging rights of we finished ahead of someone else. Also do you think coach Pinkel will use the illini's BCS chant at the Braggin rights game to motivate the team for the season opener next season. Oh and I love my Tiger B-ball team. I attend games. Sure would be nice to beat Texas on the 12th. Do you remember the last time we beat them? I don't.

Keep up the good work!!!

Vahe Gregorian: You always want to finish you're season on a good note. That's what the ranking does. It also helps when the rankings come out next season. Missouri will have a better chance of starting the season high if they finish this season high.

I don't think GP will use that chant to motivate his team. I think he'll use the results of the Rose, Fiesta, and perhaps the Orange Bowl, to motivate his team. They all know they deserved to be in the BCS, but MU did a great job out of it. People noticed and they'll be rewarded for it.

The last time Mizzou beat Texas in basketball was 1998-99 - 54-47 in Austin. That streak might continue...

charlie: Hi Graham, I was at the Cotton Bowl and was amazed by our defense. I believe we could have also badly beaten LSU if we played them on Tuesday. I'll reserve comment on OSU, I don't think they have shown what they are capable of yet. We will see on Monday.

I was also at the Big XII Championship and was shocked by the size and speed of OU. What do you think happened last night. A case of overconfidence? I would not take anything away from WVU, they could have beaten anyone last night, but where were those monsters we saw in San Antonio?

Vahe Gregorian: I think Mizzou could have beaten Ohio State and would have gotten hammered by LSU. Too much size, speed, and offensive diversity for this Missouri team. Personal opinion.

I think Bob Stoops did a better job of getting his guys fired up over Mizzou comments prior to the Big 12 Championship. Although those comments were harmless, it was enough for OU to play its best game of the season. Last night, West Virginia was just faster and better prepared. The OU offense was fine, it was the defense that was a disaster.

Brian: What will we see out of Chase Patton next year as far as attitude/effort ? Will he be the definite #2 ?

Will you name the player you keep referring to on the baseball field that could help us ?

Vahe Gregorian: Patton should be No. 2. I can't see them moving Gabbert to that spot with all that Patton has given to this program. That would be kinda bush-league by the MU coaches.

Jonah Schmidt is my man on the baseball field. I think he hit a three-run homer during the Black and Gold game. Don't quote me on that, though.

Robert: What does it mean for Mizzou that Oklahoma lost to West Virginia? Is it possible that the Tigers might not move up in the final poll?

Vahe Gregorian: Another member of the Top 5 will drop before the year is over. I think Mizzou is in prime position to move up.

Brian: Wow, I just post my question about the baseball player & I see someone else just asked it & you answered. So, I'll ask your opinion on something else that confuses me. Does GP actively assist any of his coaches in securing HC positions ? I understand loyalty but most of these guys want the opportunity to run their own show & the money jump would be awful hard to pass up. If we have the kind of year next year we all anticipate & none of the assistants move on, then there must be a widespread lack of respect for either our system or our assistants or recruiting or something......

Vahe Gregorian: GP would do that if his assistants asked him to. Both Eberflus and Christensen have said they’re waiting for the right moment to leave and neither thinks this is the right moment. After chase Daniel graduates, it could be a different story.

GP said there was interest in his coaches, but nothing worth leaving a Top 5 program for. You gotta understand, these guys built this program from almost nothing and now it has the chance to be a consistent national power. It's hard to up and leave that.

Todd Fechtman: You are extremely lucky to be from Alabama, the second most storied program behind Notre Dame in college football. I grew up in the hoosier state of Indiana. It is always interesting to me to try and explain basketball to Missourians as I'm sure it's just as frustrating to explain football to them. But we have to at least humor them,right?
What is Missouri known for anyway? I believe it to be soccer of all things! Of course my favorite player to come out of Alabama-Bo Jackson. Thanks!

Vahe Gregorian: This isn't a chat room, people.

And Missouri is known for its beer and its Arch and its Cardinals.

Doug Boyer: Graham,
Just wanted to say "Go Tigers" and to tell you that it was cold waiting for the Tigers to return to Columbia. A few of us fans (approx 30 or so) waited at the Columbia Regional Airport in 20 degree weather so we could show our appreciation to this year's group. Coach Pinkel showed his gratitude as well by saying thanks to all who were there.

On another note, can you please send a message to the Oklahoma band to not play that stupid fight song thing they played after every single play last night!

Vahe Gregorian: I just turned on my TV and it was still playing...

A.J. Bruning: Graham,

You mentioned in one of your articles about Thomas moving to RB next year, is that going to happen? Do you think that he can have an impact? Also do you think that Chase's thumb bothered him in the game or was he just a little off? Thanks.

Vahe Gregorian: I think it is going to happen. Eberflus ad I were chatting about it. He was non-committal, but thought Thomas was a fantastic running back. Said they would do some evaluations over the winter break and then discuss it with the players in question. I have a feeling there might be a couple moves.

I think Chase had no one to throw to and he never got into a rhythm. The thumb wasn’t a factor all week. I think he was fine, just had a bad day.

Doug Boyer: Graham,
Just wanted to say "Go Tigers" and to tell you that it was cold waiting for the Tigers to return to Columbia. A few of us fans (approx 30 or so) waited at the Columbia Regional Airport in 20 degree weather so we could show our appreciation to this year's group. Coach Pinkel showed his gratitude as well by saying thanks to all who were there.

On another note, can you please send a message to the Oklahoma band to not play that stupid fight song thing they played after every single play last night!

Vahe Gregorian: Just turned on my TV and it was playing on CNN. How do they do that?

Tom Trout: I noticed you thought the Mizzou offensive line needs improvement. I thought they were one of the strong points of the team.

Vahe Gregorian: They were for the most part of this season, but OU embarrassed them. Also, MU loses two key cogs in Spieker and Luellen. The center is the anchor, replacing him will be tough. Also, getting the cohesion back to the O-line will be a process. That's why I said it needed work.

Alphaman: Graham,

You mentioned last week that the Tigers used a defensive back to simulate Darren McFadden's speed in practice. You went on to mention that he did it so well he may make the move to the offense next year. Can you refresh my memory on his name and provide more insight to this potential move (i.e. a scouting report on what was so impressive, would the move be to WR or RB, etc...)

Ski-Phi?

Vahe Gregorian: La'Roderick Thomas was the guy. He's a RSFr. CB way down on the depth. Everyone said he was a fantastic McFadden stand-in. He's not a big kid, kinda lanky, and since he's been down on the depth, he's never really caught my eye before. He’s from South Oak Cliff in Dallas. Good friends with the infamous Alvin Newhouse. He was a quarterback at SOC, which means he was probably the team's leading rusher. The Dallas Independent School District isn’t known for its passing game, but it is known for its athletes.

Cam: Graham
Thanks for the great insight. Did you see or hear any comments on the broadcast? Pat Summerall should not be doing play by play. Mistake after mistake. The overall Fox production seemed to be subpar. Just curious if it was just me.

Thanks

Vahe Gregorian: That's kinda sad. I'm sure a lot of people remember when PS was awesome. I saw him a couple times in Dallas and I just wanted to get him a chair and a nap.

I didn't see the game. I forgot to record it, which I'm kicking myself about. I'm sure there will be a DVD somewhere.

CJ: Graham, were you impressed at all with the Cotton Bowl? We had to climb through an Arkansas section just to get to our seats... AND, Why on earth did they paint the field?

Did you get a chance to chat with Brad Leland on the sidelines at all?

Vahe Gregorian: Yeah, my good shoes turned green after walking on the field. Not pleased about that. The Cotton Bowl as a entity was fantastic. As a facility, was subpar. No worries. It's moving to Jerry World in Arlington in a couple years. I'm looking forward to that.

And no, I didn't chat with Brad Leland. There was nothing but mass chaos on the field by the time I got down there.

Oh, they painted the field because it's winter and the grass is dead and it needed to look good on TV.

David Kaplan: I was on the 40 yard line in the upper level on the Mizzou side of the field surrounded by Hog fans.

Vahe Gregorian: I think the reverse was true about a couple Arkansas people on the Arkansas side.

mooski: Graham--
Happy new year and great job covering the Tigers. After last night's face plant, do you feel there's actually a chance Mizzou will be ranked ahead of OU? Seems you could argue this one either way. Thanks, and I'll stay online to hear your response.

Vahe Gregorian: Yes, I think Mizzou could still be ranked ahead of OU because OU now has three losses and Mizzou only has two.

Snake: Graham-

Thanks for your help and tips all season about how my friend, Cloudson, should behave himself at various locations around the country. Now that the season is over, how should Cloudson pass the time until August 30th?

Vahe Gregorian: There's always spring football.

BC: Does the basketball team stand a chance at making any post season tournaments? They would have to finish pretty high in the big 12 in my mind to make the NCAA's. What do you think? They are just not very good!

Vahe Gregorian: Not if they play the way they played against Illinois and Mississippi State. They will be lucky to finish in the top half of the conference.

I do believe this is a better team than it's shown. I just don't know if its mind is in the right place, which is a little frustrating. The time off between Miss. St. and UMKC will do the team good from a health standpoint and allow them to re-evaluate what they're doing. However, if things keep going the way they're going, it could get ugly.

Graham Watson: Well, that's it. I'm off to chat it up with the guys who run Booches. Good times. Thanks for all the questions and we'll see you next week.