Lots of chats the last few days.

I’ll start with the increasingly befuddled, but still beloved, Keith Jackson.

You’ll also go east for the Notre Dame-Pittsburgh game Saturday. What gives?

I’m looking forward to going off to Pittsburgh. I know that violates my rules to go east of the Big Mountains, particularly on Labor Day weekend, when it’s so hot. But I’m going to go anyway. Because I think Notre Dame-Pitt offers one of the running stories that is evolving in college football: the men who are coming back from professional football to coach. I think that tells us two different things. One is that the coaches are looking for a little different lifestyle. And two, the colleges are paying a heck of a lot more money than they used to.

Well, Jackson would appear to be lucking out with the whether — clear and mild.

Bruce Feldman has been a big Pitt/Wannstedt proponent.

Matt (Orlando): Whats your prediction for pitt? Will Palko and Lee be all american’s?

Bruce Feldman: 9-2..they aren;t as explosive as louisvile but I think they’re a legit top 20 program and wannstedt will bring them back into the top 10 very soon. Great hire.

He even picks Pitt by 2 scores.

mark (tennessee): pitt or nd, your thoughts and why?

Bruce: Pitt by 10 or so. I think Palko has a big day. I’ll be curious to see how much better the Panther ground game is with Wannstedt in charge. This is a very rough starting sked for ND. I like their offense, but am very skeptical of their D.

Kirk Herbstreit won’t pick until Saturday.

James (Greensboro, NC): I know you are saving your pick for Saturday, but with Notre Dame and Pitt both with new coaches this year, what type of game are you expecting to see?

Kirk Herbstreit: You must be a seasoned veteran realizing we wait until Saturday to make the pick! I expect a battle between two talented QBs. By the end of the year, both Quinn and Palko will prove to be two of the better drop back QBs in the country. I think ND’s offense is going to be better than anticipated. A big reason is the play of Quinn who will be a first round draft choice. It may come down to which defense can contain the other teams QB.

Under 36 hours until we start to find out.