ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich



Now that you've seen it, step into my office.

Carlos in Miami writes: My question to you is the following. What, in your opinion, do you attribute the turn around (so far) at the University of Miami? Is it the fact all these youngsters are a year older with experience? Is it the Whipple hire (maybe he has been more involved in the "overall" coaching of the team than we know)? Is it Randy starting to come into his own as a head coach? Love to hear your take.

Heather Dinich: It's a combination of a lot of those things, Carlos, but I think one of the biggest differences -- and Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster pointed this out -- is they finally have a quarterback. Jacory Harris isn't looking over his shoulder anymore at Robert Marve. Harris, combined with the hire of Whipple, has made a huge difference, but there's no substitute for experience, and being a year older also helps. I do think Randy has done a lot as a head coach so far to prove the naysayers wrong.

David in Atlanta writes: I have to ask. What's your reasoning behind predicting that Georgia Tech's god-awful defense will allow only 17 points against VT? The same defense that allowed 44 to FSU and 31 to Mississippi State?

HD: Georgia Tech was embarrassed by that performance, and the Jackets will play better defensively at home. My guess is they key in on stopping the run, and force Tyrod Taylor to prove himself yet again as a passer. And I think Virginia Tech's defense will show up for this one because Foster will drive the discipline into them all week. There is so much riding on this game, I think it will be close.

Jeremy in Redondo Beach, Calif. writes: Are people going to forget about Miami? With their schedule pretty much behind them (unless So. Fla can beat Cincy), is there a chance that people are going to get bored watching Miami beat up on also-rans for 7 weeks? It'll be like they're in the Big 10 (ZING!). But really, when it comes time to hand out BCS invites, are teams that play big games late going to leapfrog the Canes since they might not play in the ACC championship game?

HD: I think the thing that will hurt Miami most is the fact that Florida State has since flopped and Oklahoma is a two-loss team that could take another hit this weekend against Texas. Miami's SOS is going to drop, but the polls account for 2/3 of the BCS Standings. So as long as Miami continues to win and win big, I don't see any reason they shouldn't wind up in a BCS bowl. The key is to leave no doubt on the field from here on out who the better team is (unlike Boise State).

Matt in North Carolina writes: Heather, how is Tyrod Taylor getting Heisman hype? He's had two OK games so far and isn't carrying the team (the defense is.) I think Ponder or Skinner is way more deserving.

HD: Matt, I agree the Heisman talk for Taylor is premature, but there is one Hokie deserving of it - Ryan Williams. And quite frankly, I think he's the only player in the ACC deserving of it right now.

Frank in South Carolina writes: Saw your link to the story on FSU Micky Andrews loosing his cool after a reporter's question. Please also post the follow up the same reporter did for that story. Mickey is a real person and a true class act. He deserves that the truth be known. I am sure he did not apologize for the reason of getting a story out to save his image. It was more important to him to appologize to the one person he personally wronged. That is the real Micky Andrews! Total class act! Many have questioned his desire and I think this incident just shows how much desire he really has. He wants it so bad and is so upset it is not working out, that he just lost his temper. Haven't we all done that before and wished later we could take it back? Thanks HD! Love your work and really enjoy reading it daily! Keep it up for all us ACC Fans!

HD: Frank, thanks for the note and for the follow-up link.