Is it bowl time yet?
Mike in Asheville, N.C., writes: HD, So with todd graham leaving pitt, do you think this might be the jog that Bud Foster might be interested in and do you think pitt will be interested in him, with pitt enter the acc seems to be a good fit Bud knows the acc and how to compete in the conference. I would hate to lose Bud as a hokie fan but he deserves a HC position
HD: I agree, Mike, and I've written this story already -- almost exactly the same time a year ago, in fact.
Scott in Raleigh writes: As a Clemson fan I can remember a few years ago you took our helmet away from your desk after we lost to GaTech in the ACC championship game. Isn't it our turn to have ours solely basking in the glory?
HD: ACC fans have some of the best memories. I don't even remember that, but I'll trust you on it and switch it Monday. If Clemson loses to West Virginia, though, and Virginia Tech beats Michigan, there could be another change. You know, the only mini helmets I have are the ones from the ACC title games and one somebody sent me from NC State that has yet to earn its place on the desk. I'd switch it up more often, but with the way the conference race has played out, there hasn't been a chance to.
Marshall in Ashburn, Va., writes: As a die hard Hokie and ACC fan, I hope we win both of our BCS bowls. But, which scenario would be best/worse for the ACC. If VT beats Michigan and Clemson loses to WV or if VT loses to Michigan and Clemson beats WV?
HD: First of all, the worst-case scenario would obviously be for both teams to lose, but even if Virginia Tech beats Michigan, the ACC will still take a hit if Clemson loses to West Virginia. If the Hokies lose to Michigan, I don't think it would be considered a big surprise, in fact many probably expect it. I would also think many expect Clemson to beat West Virginia. Bottom line: at the very least, the ACC needs to go 1-1 in its BCS bowls. A Virginia Tech win over Michigan would make the biggest statement, but a Clemson loss to WVU would take something away from it.
Harmon in Richmond Hill, Ga writes: I thought you might be interested, I know as a GT fan I certainly am.
HD: Thanks, Harmon, and sorry I missed this one in the lunch links this week. Didn't see it.
Bobby in Miami writes: What are the chances Duke Johnson starts for Miami next year?
HD: I know Miami fans are excited about him, and the departure of Lamar Miller will open a door, but I think it's way too early to go there. How will his blocking skills be? How quickly will he understand what is expected of him? Will he be another Mike Bellamy, who takes issue with playing time and makes poor decisions, or will he work his way into the starting lineup? You never know until a guy gets into camp, and even then they can surprise you one way or another.
Keith Swayngim in Hendersonville, NC writes: When you named possible Heisman Award contenders for next year. You didn't name Gio Bernard as a contender. Is this because of your dislike for the Tarheels or do you think his year was more of a fluke? The numbers he put up as a redshirt freshman should at least demand some consideration.
HD: Yep, you're right, he did have an outstanding season, but David Wilson and Lamar Miller both had better yards per carry, and overall, I think they're the best players with the best shot. I should have mentioned Bernard in the "don't forget about" section, but I'm sticking with the the top three I named before knowing Miller was leaving. And if I had to replace Miller now, Sammy Watkins would probably be the next player in line on the list.
Mike in Asheville, N.C., writes: HD, So with todd graham leaving pitt, do you think this might be the jog that Bud Foster might be interested in and do you think pitt will be interested in him, with pitt enter the acc seems to be a good fit Bud knows the acc and how to compete in the conference. I would hate to lose Bud as a hokie fan but he deserves a HC position
HD: I agree, Mike, and I've written this story already -- almost exactly the same time a year ago, in fact.
Scott in Raleigh writes: As a Clemson fan I can remember a few years ago you took our helmet away from your desk after we lost to GaTech in the ACC championship game. Isn't it our turn to have ours solely basking in the glory?
HD: ACC fans have some of the best memories. I don't even remember that, but I'll trust you on it and switch it Monday. If Clemson loses to West Virginia, though, and Virginia Tech beats Michigan, there could be another change. You know, the only mini helmets I have are the ones from the ACC title games and one somebody sent me from NC State that has yet to earn its place on the desk. I'd switch it up more often, but with the way the conference race has played out, there hasn't been a chance to.
Marshall in Ashburn, Va., writes: As a die hard Hokie and ACC fan, I hope we win both of our BCS bowls. But, which scenario would be best/worse for the ACC. If VT beats Michigan and Clemson loses to WV or if VT loses to Michigan and Clemson beats WV?
HD: First of all, the worst-case scenario would obviously be for both teams to lose, but even if Virginia Tech beats Michigan, the ACC will still take a hit if Clemson loses to West Virginia. If the Hokies lose to Michigan, I don't think it would be considered a big surprise, in fact many probably expect it. I would also think many expect Clemson to beat West Virginia. Bottom line: at the very least, the ACC needs to go 1-1 in its BCS bowls. A Virginia Tech win over Michigan would make the biggest statement, but a Clemson loss to WVU would take something away from it.
Harmon in Richmond Hill, Ga writes: I thought you might be interested, I know as a GT fan I certainly am.
HD: Thanks, Harmon, and sorry I missed this one in the lunch links this week. Didn't see it.
Bobby in Miami writes: What are the chances Duke Johnson starts for Miami next year?
HD: I know Miami fans are excited about him, and the departure of Lamar Miller will open a door, but I think it's way too early to go there. How will his blocking skills be? How quickly will he understand what is expected of him? Will he be another Mike Bellamy, who takes issue with playing time and makes poor decisions, or will he work his way into the starting lineup? You never know until a guy gets into camp, and even then they can surprise you one way or another.
Keith Swayngim in Hendersonville, NC writes: When you named possible Heisman Award contenders for next year. You didn't name Gio Bernard as a contender. Is this because of your dislike for the Tarheels or do you think his year was more of a fluke? The numbers he put up as a redshirt freshman should at least demand some consideration.
HD: Yep, you're right, he did have an outstanding season, but David Wilson and Lamar Miller both had better yards per carry, and overall, I think they're the best players with the best shot. I should have mentioned Bernard in the "don't forget about" section, but I'm sticking with the the top three I named before knowing Miller was leaving. And if I had to replace Miller now, Sammy Watkins would probably be the next player in line on the list.
Heather Dinich | email
College Football- ESPN.com ACC blogger
- Joined ESPN.com in 2007
- Wrote for The Baltimore Sun
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Heather Dinich
Dinich covered ACC and Big Ten football for five seasons before joining ESPN.com in November 2007. She's an Indiana grad but somehow her favorite day of the week is Saturday.
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