Before you know it, we'll be talking about games again ...
Sam in Charleston, S.C., writes: Great stories Heather. I wanted to say though that I for one am a little tired of hearing about how FSU is "ready for a break through season" year in and year out. Frankly I think there are more compelling stories across the ACC and this one is a little worn out. In my opinion the reason that FSU continues to "underachieve" every year is that the expectations are too high every year. What are you thoughts?
HD: I think they were too high last year. Not this year. I know there are some questions surrounding the offensive line and running game, but the bottom line is that there is championship-caliber talent on the roster. Jimbo Fisher has created these expectations with back-to-back top 10 recruiting classes. To me, this year, the expectations are warranted.
Jim in Winston-Salem writes: Why aren't the Deacs getting more respect? They could very well be the dark horse of the ACC this year. Army, Liberty, Duke, Maryland, and BC seem safe to me. Is it so hard to believe that they could add some more wins from UVA, UNC, NCSU, ND, and Vandy?
HD: No, Jim, it's not hard to believe. How quickly we forget Wake Forest was a field goal away from winning the Atlantic Division last year. And the Deacs should be better this year.
Patrick Roberts in Alpharetta, Ga., writes: Hi Heather, I was wondering what will it take for clemson to get respect in the ACC. i know we had a embarring loss to WVU,but the tigers are the real contenders to repeat. Everybody is making a deal about FSU and VT this year just like last but really FSU has been and will stay the ACC top choke artist. They are returning alot of last years talent but still couldnt do anything with it. i am just frustrated because everybody doubts clemson when it should be a repeat of VT and CU this year.
HD: Consistency, Patrick, that's what it will take. Clemson not "pulling a Clemson." You know how that goes. An 8-0 start isn't worth much if you can't beat Georgia Tech or NC State. That's not a knock on either of those programs, I'm just saying that until Clemson shows it can avoid losing three of its last five games, etc., there's going to be some doubt. And you can't forget about how much starting experience the Tigers are losing up front on both sides. That's a big factor, too.
Adam B in Eagan, Minn., writes: Hi Heather. I feel terrible for Randy Edsall. I really believed he was going to lead Maryland to a 6-6 or maybe even 7-4 record and a bowl game this year. And the program would be on it's way up. But now with Brown out this year it looks like another losing season and the end of the Edsall era. So is it too early to talk about who will coach Maryland in 2013?
HD: It's hard not to feel some sympathy for the Terps, Adam, and I DO think it's too early to talk about a coaching change there. I would think that most reasonable people would look at the situation and give Edsall some margin for error this year.
Jimmy in Louisville, Ky., writes: HD, As a soldier stationed hundreds of miles away from my beloved alma mater, I was doing my best to stay excited about the upcoming Terps season, even though I won't get to see any games in person. But now this? Please tell me something good about Hills. Could he surprise people and put together a good season? Or should I give up all hope whatsoever?
HD: Not ALL hope, Jimmy. I think Maryland fans can point to Wake Forest quarterback Tanner PriceOn the road? Now look at him.
Sam in Charleston, S.C., writes: Great stories Heather. I wanted to say though that I for one am a little tired of hearing about how FSU is "ready for a break through season" year in and year out. Frankly I think there are more compelling stories across the ACC and this one is a little worn out. In my opinion the reason that FSU continues to "underachieve" every year is that the expectations are too high every year. What are you thoughts?
HD: I think they were too high last year. Not this year. I know there are some questions surrounding the offensive line and running game, but the bottom line is that there is championship-caliber talent on the roster. Jimbo Fisher has created these expectations with back-to-back top 10 recruiting classes. To me, this year, the expectations are warranted.
Jim in Winston-Salem writes: Why aren't the Deacs getting more respect? They could very well be the dark horse of the ACC this year. Army, Liberty, Duke, Maryland, and BC seem safe to me. Is it so hard to believe that they could add some more wins from UVA, UNC, NCSU, ND, and Vandy?
HD: No, Jim, it's not hard to believe. How quickly we forget Wake Forest was a field goal away from winning the Atlantic Division last year. And the Deacs should be better this year.
Patrick Roberts in Alpharetta, Ga., writes: Hi Heather, I was wondering what will it take for clemson to get respect in the ACC. i know we had a embarring loss to WVU,but the tigers are the real contenders to repeat. Everybody is making a deal about FSU and VT this year just like last but really FSU has been and will stay the ACC top choke artist. They are returning alot of last years talent but still couldnt do anything with it. i am just frustrated because everybody doubts clemson when it should be a repeat of VT and CU this year.
HD: Consistency, Patrick, that's what it will take. Clemson not "pulling a Clemson." You know how that goes. An 8-0 start isn't worth much if you can't beat Georgia Tech or NC State. That's not a knock on either of those programs, I'm just saying that until Clemson shows it can avoid losing three of its last five games, etc., there's going to be some doubt. And you can't forget about how much starting experience the Tigers are losing up front on both sides. That's a big factor, too.
Adam B in Eagan, Minn., writes: Hi Heather. I feel terrible for Randy Edsall. I really believed he was going to lead Maryland to a 6-6 or maybe even 7-4 record and a bowl game this year. And the program would be on it's way up. But now with Brown out this year it looks like another losing season and the end of the Edsall era. So is it too early to talk about who will coach Maryland in 2013?
HD: It's hard not to feel some sympathy for the Terps, Adam, and I DO think it's too early to talk about a coaching change there. I would think that most reasonable people would look at the situation and give Edsall some margin for error this year.
Jimmy in Louisville, Ky., writes: HD, As a soldier stationed hundreds of miles away from my beloved alma mater, I was doing my best to stay excited about the upcoming Terps season, even though I won't get to see any games in person. But now this? Please tell me something good about Hills. Could he surprise people and put together a good season? Or should I give up all hope whatsoever?
HD: Not ALL hope, Jimmy. I think Maryland fans can point to Wake Forest quarterback Tanner PriceOn the road? Now look at him.
Heather Dinich | email
College Football- ESPN.com ACC blogger
- Joined ESPN.com in 2007
- Wrote for The Baltimore Sun
ABOUT THIS BLOG
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.
Andrea Adelson
Adelson joined ESPN.com in 2010 after spending time as a college football columnist at The Orlando Sentinel. She has covered college football since her days as a University of Florida student, and lives in Orlando, Fla.
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