ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Leiscter writes: Is there noise being made on the UVA campus for the departure of Al Groh?

Heather Dinich: Well, I can tell you there's at least one student who's not happy about him ...

Matt from C-ville writes: Heather, I'm a UVA student and a die hard UVA football fan. Whats your take on Al Groh? I have always supported him through the highs and lows even though most people hate him. After seeing how PATHETIC we were yesterday against UCONN I think its time for UVa to fire Groh. I think its great that hes a "friend first" coach second but isn't a coach there to win games? He hasn't recruited anyone thats great and the decision to keep his son as coordinator has been awful. Also, if UVa were to fire him, who could we hire for the job/who would want to even think about taking the job?

Heather Dinich: First of all, I have to disagree with the fact Al Groh hasn't recruited anyone who's great. Chris Long and Branden Albert might beg to differ. Groh is an NFL coach with an NFL mentality, and that doesn't always mix at this level.

Lee Carter from Millwood, Va, writes: What are the chances Al Groh will not be the head coach at UVA sometime soon?

Heather Dinich: First, it's too early to be talking hot seat unless you're a Syracuse fan. Second, keep in mind expectations were very low for the Cavaliers coming into this season. It's not like Groh is losing with Tommy Bowden's talent. Third, here is an interesting site on coaches' salaries. A PDF of Groh's contract is on there. Here's a similar "hot seat" site for you.

Keep in mind, though, that in November 2007, Groh's contract was extended by a year and now runs through 2011. Said AD Craig Littlepage in that release:

"This is an indication of confidence on my part and the university's part in the work that Al and his staff have done," Littlepage said. "I think it's also a good indication of the confidence that we have in the future direction of the football program, both in the short term, that is, in the upcoming bowl game, as well as in the long-term future. I'm very pleased we're at this point."

Nick from Charleston, S.C., writes: So... I was definitely chalking up maryland as a W on clemson's schedule until we found out how bad their lines are on both sides of the ball, and before maryland decided to change things up a bit and beat a respectable team. Will clemson's inexperienced line be ready for that game?

Heather Dinich: Yes, I think Chris Hairston will be back, and save for the Alabama game, Clemson's schedule worked out favorably in that it had a few softer games to help those guys get prepared. The fact that Cullen Harper wasn't sacked by the ACC's leader in sacks (NC State) should be an encouraging sign.

Mark from RI writes: How can BC's DE Alex Albright take a medical redshirt this year if he's already played in 2 games?

Heather Dinich: Per the NCAA (and thanks to BC's Chris Cameron for helping clear this up), it's actually called a "hardship waiver," not a medical redshirt. Here's the NCAA rule:

In Division I, a student-athlete can apply for a hardship waiver if a season-ending injury or illness occurs in the first half of the season. The student-athlete, however, must not have participated in more than two contests or dates of competition or 20 percent (whichever is greater) of the institution's scheduled contests.

Roosevelt writes: The Noles need a liitle more respect from everyone. I know their first two opponents have been inferior, but considering that they're playing with 30 kids suspended, they're doing great. Look at the Buckeyes, they played Youngstown St and Ohio before being manhandled by USC and everyone praised them up until this weekend. Give the Noles more respect.

Heather Dinich: OK, let's get this out of the way, since there are dozens of similar comments in the mailbag about this. Florida State is a young, talented team that hasn't been tested yet. It's oozing with potential. But potential means you haven't done anything yet. As for Ohio State, I had them ranked No. 6 last week heading into that USC game. I'll give FSU its respect after it earns it this weekend. I'm not the only one out there with reservations about making FSU a top 25 team just yet. Check out this guy:

Anthony from Miramar writes: How on earth is FSU ranked in the top25? They beat two cream puff JV highschool teams and that got them vote? Yes, they're leading the NCAA in offense, defense and scoring, but those stats are all inflated. FSU played Western Carolina and Chattanooga. Did they get vote because a senile papa Bowden stands on the sidelines looking like a kid lost in a Toys-R-Us?

Heather Dinich: Yeah, I mean, he's only the winningest coach in college football (depending on who Penn State plays that weekend).

Jeff from Destin, Fla., writes: Word on the street is that Budd Thacker returns to add so much needed depth to our DT positions....Does the addition of Budd and the return of Preston Parker give the 'Noles the edge against Wake Forest next weekend?

Heather Dinich: There is no question these guys could be the two X factors on both sides of the ball.

Dan in Tallahassee writes: 1. Do you take a day off? 2. Will you be in Tallahassee this weekend?

Heather Dinich: 1. During the season, no. Thanks for noticing. 2. Yes, leaving tomorrow.

Ryan from Camden, N.C., writes: What's going to happen to NC State in the next 3 years?

Heather Dinich: They're going to be good. Mike Glennon is going to make the offense better, and DC Mike Archer is going to make the defense one of the best. That is, of course, as long as everyone stays out of the emergency room.

Andrew from Radford, Va., writes: Do you think that the winner of the UNC/Va.Tech game will win the ACC this year?

Heather Dinich: It's a very good possibility, and if you put any stock into preseason predictions, one of them should. However, Miami might be a better team than people expected. Speaking of Miami ...

Luis from Miami, Fla., writes: Do you think that Miami is good enough to somehow become the team to beat in the ACC coastal. If so, when will it be?

Heather Dinich: Yes, when the offense catches up with the defense.

Tyler in College Park, MD, writes: Heather, Maryland played outstanding against Cal. Do you think the terps are legit contenders in the Atlantic or will we continue you this roller coaster ride?

Heather Dinich: They're only legit if they play like
they did against Cal every weekend. Problem is, they've earned the rep as a roller-coaster team. Until they prove otherwise, there are doubts, even from Ralph Friedgen.