Chat as in ESPN chat.

The ESPN.com website conducts regular Internet chats with athletes, coaches, people who used to be athletes and coaches and people like Beano Cook who just like to chat.

Monday’s chat was with Wallace, the quarterback whom Iowa State is promoting for the Heisman Trophy, the No. 1 individual award in college football.

Wallace answered questions ranging from whether he thinks the Cyclones will go to a third consecutive bowl game to whether Iowa State’s playbook has any "exotics’’ that he’ll be a part of.

The question about the trick plays came from someone identified as Bob from Davenport.

The question went this way: "Seneca, is there anything like a halfback pass play that will get you the ball on a fly pattern in the playbook? I think it should be, and it would work.’’

With his answer, Wallace showed he’s been around the football block. There’s no ambushing him.

"So you’re asking me to reveal some of our secrets,’’ he said. "If there were such a play in our playbook, I wouldn’t be able to tell you. Just watch all our games this season and you’ll find out.’’

Asked by a chat participant identified as Matt Waun of Michigan what the most hostile crowd he’s faced, Wallace gave a rather surprising answer.

He didn’t say Nebraska. He didn’t say Texas A&M.

He said Ohio.

"Even though they have a smaller stadium, the crowd seems like it’s right down on the field,’’ Wallace explained. "They were definitely loud, and with the smaller stadium, you can hear a lot more of the negativity from the fans.’’

"Where is your favorite place to play a game in the Big 12 besides your home stadium, and why?’’ Jon asked.

Wallace said, "So far, Kyle Field at Texas A&M. The surface is great, and there’s not much of a crown in the center of the field.’’

Asked by Mike of Dyersville why he picked Iowa State to play major college football, Wallace said, "The atmosphere at Iowa State was a real family-type atmosphere. I felt very close to my teammates.’’

Victor of Harlem (or is it Harlan?) wrote this question: "Seneca, I think you’re an awesome QB. Hope you get some Heisman respect. Who do you think are the darkhorses in your conference (besides the Cyclones)?’’

Answered Wallace: "Teams like Missouri and Texas Tech will be the darkhorses in the conference. They may not get a lot of national attention, but they’ll still be very tough.’’

Another question about respect came from Ben of Ames, who asked, "Seneca what do you think the Cyclones need to do in order to gain more respect and recognition across the nation (if you feel the team hasn’t done so already)?’’

Said Wallace: "We have to win against nationally-ranked opponents. There will be plenty of opportunities this season, with eight bowl teams from 2001 on our schedule.’’

"I’ve been trying to improve my durability,’’ Wallace said. "I’ve been bulking up in the weight room, getting ready for the tough schedule. The team as a whole has improved during the off-season, as evidenced by the number of guys working out in Ames over the summer.’’

Wallace didn’t mention the running backs, but Hiawatha Rutland will go into practice next month as the No. 1 tailback. However, there will be at least three others vying for the job.

Asked about the Cyclones’ chances to make it to another bowl game, Wallace said, "Well, take a look at the schedule. We have four extremely difficult conference road games, two tough conference opponents at home and a more demanding non-conference schedule.

"We’re playing 13 games. It will be tough to get back to a bowl game, but if we go out and p0lay our game, I think it can be done.’’

Asked by San from Dallas what his plans are after college, Wallace said, "It’s dependent on how the football season goes. If things go well and there’s the possibility of being drafted, that’s great. If not, I’ll probably go back to Sacramento and find a job as a counselor (using my Sociology degree).’’

Tim from Iowa City wanted to know if the heat in Kansas City will be a problem when Iowa State plays Florida State in the Eddie Robinson Classic on Aug. 24.

"In Ames, it’s been over 90 degrees with the heat index over 100 for the last week and a half, so we’re getting more accustomed to the heat and humidity,’’ Wallace said. "It will be difficult in Kansas City, but the game is at night, so that should be a relief.’’

Someone named Nick asked: "If there was a Division I-A opponent who you would want to play but don’t get a chance to, which team would that be?’’

Wallace said, "A California team, in a game out there. That way a lot of my family and friends could come and see me play.’’

Jason Hunt of Cincinnati said, "I see you have made a name for yourself as a Cyclone. As an old teammate, I knew you could do it. My question for the day is: What are the chances of you leading your team to a Big 12 championship in the upcoming season?’’

Said Wallace: "Right now, the Big 12 championship isn’t really a main focus of us. We’re going to try and make it back to a bowl game, and if we keep winning who knows what could happen. Good luck in your last year at Cincy. Keep doin’ your thing. Much love.’’

Linda of Sacramento, Calif., said: "Sen, just wanted to say hello to you, just wanted to know your plans for the 4^th of July?’’

Wallace said: "My plans are to go visit my girlfriend back in California, and make sure I talk to my mom.’’

Wallace closed the chat with this message:

"I’d like to thank you all for coming out and submitting your questions. I’ve had a lot of fun this afternoon, and now it’s time to get back to work. Hope to see everyone in Kansas City on Aug.24 and at Jack Trice Stadium this fall.’’