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Finally. Now that Maryland has hired/promoted a defensive coordinator, all of the major coaching changes in the ACC should be complete.

Aside from the two new head coaches -- Maryland's Randy Edsall and Miami's Al Golden -- the coordinator positions will have the most influence on the conference race. Five programs in the ACC -- Boston College, Clemson, Maryland, Duke and Miami -- will have new coordinators in 2011:

BOSTON COLLEGE

OUT: Offensive coordinator Gary Tranquill (retired)
IN: Offensive coordinator Kevin Rogers (spent past five seasons as QB coach of Minnesota Vikings)

CLEMSON

OUT: Offensive coordinator Billy Napier (fired)
IN: Offensive coordinator Chad Morris (hired from Tulsa)

MARYLAND

OUT: Offensive coordinator James Franklin (head coach at Vanderbilt)
IN: Offensive coordinator Gary Crowton (hired from LSU)
OUT: Defensive coordinator Don Brown (took same position at Connecticut)
IN: Todd Bradford (promoted from inside linebackers coach after a month)

DUKE

OUT: Defensive coordinator Marion Hobby (hired as Clemson defensive line coach)
IN: Jim Knowles (promoted from within)

MIAMI

OUT: Mark Whipple (fired)
IN: Jedd Fisch (former QB coach of Seattle Seahawks)
OUT: John Lovett (fired)
IN: Mark D'Onofrio (spent past five seasons with Golden at Temple)

BEST HIRE: Rogers. His experience is unmatched, and it's what separates him from the others. That's not to say there's not experience on this list -- Knowles and Crowton are both former head coaches. That's a huge bonus. But Rogers recently completed his 36th year in the coaching profession, 28 of which have been spent at the collegiate level. Fisch coached one collegiate season, at Minnesota. Morris has one season of collegiate coaching experience. Rogers has worked with the likes of Donovan McNabb, Bryan Randall and most recently Brett Favre. His biggest strength -- developing quarterbacks -- is what BC needs most right now. Rogers knows the ACC -- he coached at Virginia Tech. That's not to say that the others won't make an immediate impact or extract drastic improvements, but Frank Spaziani's hire was worth the wait.

First-year Miami offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch introduced himself to the players the best way he knew how -- he recruited them. He brought them into his office one by one and asked them about their families, their hometowns, and their high school situations.

“I never got to recruit any of these players,” he said in an interview on signing day. “It will be different in the future. I’ll know the players. I’ll know their families and their situations. Here, I really don’t know anything. So I asked our players to really introduce themselves to me, more than me introducing myself to them. It’s been really nice to talk to these guys, find out about their backgrounds, what made them choose the U. I didn’t know any of those answers.”

Nor did he know the personnel.

It wasn’t until after signing day that Miami’s staff finally had a chance to look at 15-20 clips of each player on the roster and evaluate them. The Hurricanes aren’t the only program in transition this spring, as five teams will have either a new head coach, new coordinator, or both. Al Golden replaced Randy Shannon at Miami, Maryland hired Randy Edsall, Clemson and Boston College both hired new offensive coordinators, and Duke will have its third defensive coordinator in as many years. Two hires -- Maryland defensive coordinator Don Brown, who was retained by Edsall, and North Carolina defensive line coach Brian Baker -- didn’t even last a month before they left for other jobs.

The biggest changes, though, will be at Maryland and Miami. With the hires of Golden and Edsall, the ACC has now had head-coaching changes at 10 of the 12 schools in the past five years. Wake Forest and Virginia Tech are the exceptions, as Jim Grobe and Frank Beamer, who are entering their 11th and 24th seasons, respectively, are easily the most tenured in the league. Four coaches will either be in their first or second seasons this year.

“You look at Butch Davis and Tom O’Brien, and their tenure is beginning to look long in our league,” said ACC commissioner John Swofford. “There’s a lot of freshness, a lot of new coaches who are still early in their tenures. Hopefully with longevity and stability, those programs will grow and develop.”

The instability in the coaching ranks hasn’t helped the ACC gain any solid footing in the national college football landscape. Just when it seemed as if former Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen had the Terps heading in the right direction -- a nine-win season led by the league’s coach of the year and rookie of the year -- the change was made.

Maryland AD Kevin Anderson said the expectations for Friedgen’s successor would be consistent appearances in the Top 25 -- exactly where the Terps left off in the final Associated Press poll of 2010.

“I’ll put more pressure on myself than what anybody can put on me,” Edsall said. “I know Ralph, I’ve worked with Ralph. Those things are unfortunate, but I’m here to do a job and get Maryland to the highest level we can. My whole goal and approach is to win the ACC championship. That’s what I want to do, and that’s what we’ve been striving to do since I got here.”

With rapidly-improving Florida State in the same division, it won’t be easy. Clemson will have some catching up to do, too. First-year Clemson coordinator Chad Morris is not only tasked with installing a new offense and terminology, he’s also got to do it with a first-year starting quarterback in Tajh Boyd.

“It’s based on a very fast paced style of play,” Morris said. “It’s based basically on being a run, play-action oriented offense.”

Miami will have a pro-style offense, but the staff has yet to determine whether Jacory Harris or Stephen Morris will execute it. That decision could be made as early as the end of spring practices.

“We’re going to be multiple,” Fisch said. “We’re going to use a lot of personnel groupings and formations to our advantage. We’re going to be balanced in ways of trying to get the ball into all of our playmakers' hands. I’m not worried as much about run-pass ratio as I’m worried about are all of our players getting enough touches. Am I making sure I’m getting the ball in the hands of our guys who are dynamic? Our balance will come from the distribution of the football rather than the play call itself.”

Miami fans are less concerned with how the Canes win as they are how fast they can win. It takes time, though, to get acclimated to new philosophies, personalities and terminology. Both Edsall and Golden are also in new recruiting territories, and had to scramble to put their 2011 classes together. Golden came in at somewhat of an “awkward” time, as the program was still preparing for its bowl game under an interim head coach.

“It’s not like taking over something that was a smooth transition,” Golden said. “It was difficult.”

Apparently, staying in the ACC can be as difficult as joining.

It's that time of year, ACC fans. Duke kicks off the ACC's spring football schedule with practice tomorrow, so it's time to take a look at three storylines to watch for each program. We'll start with the Atlantic Division:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Spring practice starts: March 15

Spring game: April 16

What to watch:

• The progression of quarterback Chase Rettig. As a true freshman, Rettig replaced Dave Shinskie as starter against Notre Dame on Oct. 2. He’ll only get better with more experience, and there’s room for improvement, as he threw nine interceptions and six touchdowns. He completed 51.3 percent of his passes for 137.6 yards per game. Two of those picks came in the 20-13 loss to Nevada in the Kraft Fight Hunger bowl, but he’s expected to take an important step forward this offseason and will need to if BC is going to graduate from the nation’s 109th best offense.
• The offense under a new coordinator. Kevin Rogers replaced Gary Tranquill, who retired after the bowl game, and the Eagles will have to adjust to a new scheme and system, starting this spring. Rogers said he'll adapt his system to the personnel he has to work with, but considering he was hired on Monday, there hasn't been much time for him to evaluate film.
• The revamped offensive line. BC has to replace three starters up front, including left tackle Anthony Castonzo, right guard Thomas Claiborne and right tackle Rich Lapham. Emmett Cleary and center Mark Spinney are returning starters, and left guard Ian White started a few games at the end of the year. Bryan Davis, Claiborne’s backup at right guard, and John Wetzel, Castonzo’s backup, are frontrunners to earn starts.

CLEMSON

Spring practice starts: March 7

Spring game: April 9

What to watch:

• Quarterback Tajh Boyd. Prior to the arrival of two early enrollees, Boyd was the only scholarship quarterback on the roster, and his experience alone -- albeit limited -- makes it his job to lose. The staff wants him to become a little more accurate and consistent this spring. His education was accelerated at this time a year ago when former quarterback Kyle Parker spent the spring playing baseball, but that was under former offensive coordinator Billy Napier. He’s got a new coordinator -- and a new offense to learn.
• The new offensive scheme. First-year offensive coordinator Chad Morris brings an up-tempo style similar to that of Auburn’s, and the Tigers will have to learn it as quickly as he’ll want them to execute it. Morris has said Boyd is suited just right to lead it. Morris will want to stretch the field in every direction, depend on a strong running game and include long pass plays. He’s tasked with improving an offense that ranked No. 10 in the ACC in both scoring offense and total offense.
• Defense up the middle. It starts up front, where the Tigers have to replace defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins. Linebacker Brandon Maye, who played in the middle a lot, decided to transfer, and safety DeAndre McDaniel, who controlled the middle of the field in the secondary, has also graduated. The Tigers have the No. 1 inside linebacker and No. 1 outside linebacker in the country in this year’s recruiting class, but they won’t arrive until the summer. For now, Corico Hawkins returns as a starting middle linebacker, while Quandon Christian is likely to stay on the outside. Rennie Moore will replace Jenkins, but McDaniel’s spot is up for grabs.

FLORIDA STATE

Spring practice starts: March 21

Spring game: April 16

What to watch:

• Big holes on the offensive line. There’s depth, experience and incoming talent, but there are also big shoes to fill with the graduation of left guard Rodney Hudson and center Ryan McMahon. Right guard David Spurlock has been seen snapping on the sidelines at practices, indicating he could move to center, while recovering from concussions and going through rehab. McMahon’s backup was Jacob Stanley. Henry Orelus, Bryan Stork and Rhonne Sanderson all started at right guard for Spurlock when he was out. Junior college transfer Jacob Fahrenkrug, the No. 4 overall junior college prospect, could have an immediate impact at left guard.
• Backup quarterback battle. With EJ Manuel a lock as the starter, the attention turns to the No. 2 spot. Clint Trickett, a redshirt freshman and son of offensive line coach Rick Trickett, and Will Secord, a redshirt sophomore, are the top two candidates. Secord was named the most improved quarterback of the spring at this time a year ago. Neither of them have thrown a collegiate pass.
• Linebackers. The Seminoles will have to replace two starters in Kendall Smith and Mister Alexander. Nigel Bradham is the only returning starter. This spring will feature competition among Christian Jones, Telvin Smith, Vince Williams and Jeff Luc. It’s a more talented crop waiting in the wings, but inexperience is a factor. It’s a chance for Luc and Jones -- two of FSU’s top recruits in the 2010 class -- to remind everyone why they were rated the No. 1 inside linebacker and No. 2 outside linebacker, respectively, in the country.

MARYLAND

Spring practice starts: March 29

Spring game: April 30

What to watch:

• New staff, new schemes. First-year coach Randy Edsall wants to be multiple, get vertical and take advantage of quarterback Danny O’Brien’s strengths. The departure of former defensive coordinator Don Brown to Connecticut was a surprise and a blow to the defense, which will now have to make a transition under a new coordinator who has yet to be hired.
• Competition at linebacker. Two starters have to be replaced in Alex Wujciak and Adrian Moten, who were also both leaders of the defense. Demetrius Hartsfield returns as a starter, but the new staff will have to figure out who else fits into what slots. Ben Pooler has had knee trouble, but he is expected to compete with Darin Drakeford and Ryan Donohue, who were both No. 2 at their respective positions in 2010.
• Special teams. Not only did the Terps lose a four-year starter in punter/placekicker Travis Baltz, they also have to replace their top kick returner and conference leader in all-purpose yards in receiver Torrey Smith, who left early for the NFL. Nick Ferrara handled kickoffs last year and was No. 2 behind Baltz at both kicker and punter, but he’s a placekicker first, and has to get back on track with consistency. He’ll be the only scholarship kicker on the roster until incoming freshman Nathaniel Renfro joins the team this summer. Dexter McDougle has returned kickoffs in the past, and Trenton Hughes is another option, but with a new staff, it could be a clean slate.

NC STATE

Spring practice starts: March 17

Spring game: April 16

What to watch:

• Mike Glennon. The team is moving forward as if starter Russell Wilson won’t return, promoting Glennon to No. 1 on the depth chart. The offense will have a new look, as the plays will be suited to Glennon’s strengths. At 6-foot-7, he’s much taller than Wilson, a more prototypical drop-back passer with a strong arm. While the plays might look different to the fans, they’re the same ones Glennon has been practicing since the day he arrived on campus. He’s a smart, unflappable player scheduled to graduate this May, but we haven’t seen enough of him to know just how good he is.
• A new crop of receivers. NC State will have to replace three seniors in Owen Spencer, Jarvis Williams and Darrell Davis. Spencer and Williams led the Pack in receiving last year, combining for nine touchdowns and over 1,600 yards. NC State will turn to Jay Smith, who had 10 catches in 12 games, Steven Howard, Quintin Payton, and T.J. Graham, who had four touchdowns and played in all 13 games. Payton played a little more toward the end of the year, and he’s a tall, big target (about 6-foot-4) and comparable to Williams. Bryan Underwood, who redshirted last year, could also contribute.
• Running back competition. James Washington had taken over the starting job at the end of 2010, but he’ll be pushed this spring by Dean Haynes and Mustafa Greene, who led the team in rushing in 2010 as a true freshman. They’ll also be under the direction of a new assistant coach, as Jason Swepson is now the head coach at Elon. It will be the first time Greene has been in a spring practice, and Washington, who was hurt last year, is finally healthy.

WAKE FOREST

Spring practice starts: March 15

Spring game: April 16

What to watch:

• Progress of quarterback Tanner Price. The maturation of Price, who started nine games as a true freshman last year, will be crucial to the Deacs’ hopes of returning to the postseason. Price was forced to play earlier than expected and finished with seven touchdowns and eight interceptions. He completed 56.8 percent of his passes for 1,349 yards.
• A defense in transition. Coach Jim Grobe has said the staff is committed to making the transition to a 3-4 defense. The Deacons used that scheme to defend the triple option against Georgia Tech and Navy, and continued to experiment with it as the season progressed. This linebackers in this year’s recruiting class were brought in specifically with the 3-4 defense in mind.
• Redshirt offensive linemen. There were three true freshmen who redshirted last year who are expected to give four returning starters some legitimate competition -- Colin Summers, Dylan Heartsill and Daniel Blitch. The Deacs will also have to replace starting center Russell Nenon. Chance Raines was his backup last year.

Valentine's Day isn't for everyone. Some have been scorned. Hearts have been broken. Facebook status' changed. Here's a look at the top five heartbreakers responsible for a few breakups in the the ACC this year:

1. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett. He broke the Canes' hearts with a commitment to rival Florida, leaving Al Golden without a quarterback in the 2011 class. The transfer of former Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier helped Miami fans rebound.

2. Don Brown. Maryland’s former defensive coordinator made a lateral move to Randy Edsall’s old school, leaving the Terps' defense in the dark.

3. Ryan Williams. The Virginia Tech running back didn’t even call to say goodbye before he bolted for the NFL. With two years of eligibility remaining, Williams didn't hold a news conference to announce his decision.

4. NC State quarterback Russell Wilson. His love affair with baseball continues this spring, but coach Tom O'Brien is still willing to welcome his No. 1 back with open arms.

5. Four-star defensive end Stephon Tuitt. He flirted with Georgia Tech, only to break up with Paul Johnson and embrace Notre Dame as his home.

Maryland AD Kevin Anderson wanted change.

Well, he got it -- and then some.

The moves that have been made at Maryland this offseason have raised some eyebrows, starting at the top with the hire of coach Randy Edsall. Not that Edsall isn't a good coach -- he'll win at Maryland and make the Terps a contender in the Atlantic Division. The hire didn't exactly make the splash Maryland fans were hoping for, though, and Edsall only brought two of the assistants from Connecticut with him who helped him get to a BCS bowl. The latest move -- defensive coordinator Don Brown to Edsall's old stomping grounds, Connecticut -- was a lateral move at best. Brown said it was to be closer to his family, but the timing of it was indeed "peculiar," as one local high school coach called it.

The Terps have hired Clemson's former running backs coach, Andre Powell, to coach the same position, but the defensive coordinator job is still up for grabs. Bruce Feldman wrote that a source told him former Miami coach Randy Shannon will interview for the job this week. Shannon and Powell would both be good additions to the staff, but Brown's departure will take some time to adjust to, as the players will now have to adapt to a new system, philosophy, terminology and coach.

The question is whether all of these moves will actually make Maryland better than its 9-4 season in 2010. That's a tall task in College Park. It has to be significantly better in order to justify firing the ACC's coach of the year, and Maryland doesn't appear ready to take that kind of leap in 2011. With the recent top-10 recruiting classes they just lured in, Florida State and Clemson should be the teams to beat in the Atlantic Division in the near future.

It's the post-signing day quiet ...

• Ever read "Playing for Pizza?" This story about former Georgia Tech center Sean Bedford reminds me of it. Funny, turns out Bedford read it, too.
• The loss of former Maryland defensive coordinator Don Brown to Connecticut is a big blow to the Terps' defense.
• Former BC linebacker Mark Herzlich is still chasing his NFL dreams.
• Clemson never gave up on any of the players in this recruiting class.
• FSU hasno plans on greyshirting any of its recruits.
• And you guys wonder why the official schedule hasn't been released yet ...
• Georgia Tech will open with a Thursday night thriller.
• Tate Forcier and Tom Savage are stil potential quarterbacks for Miami.
• Major changes are headed Duke's way.
• Kevin Lempa is in the running for Maryland's defensive coordinator job.
• Two players with ACC ties have been elected to the NFL Hall of Fame.

It’s time to reload in the ACC. Here’s a look at the position needs for each team in the Atlantic Division for the 2011 signing class:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Offensive linemen: Six players on the final two-deep roster for 2010 were either juniors or seniors, and the Eagles will have to find replacements for Anthony Castonzo, Rich Lapham and Thomas Claiborne. There were two juniors at center in 2011, and the recruiting overall at this position hasn’t been as strong in recent years.

Defensive linemen: The Eagles have been thin at the position to begin with since the departures of Ron Brace and B.J. Raji. The interior line should be a priority, as tackle Damik Scafe will graduate, and Kaleb Ramsey will be a senior. Defensive end Brad Newman will also graduate.

CLEMSON

Defensive line: The early departure of defensive end Da’Quan Bowers and the loss of Jarvis Jenkins makes this group a priority. Seven of the eight players up front on the final two-deep roster were either juniors or seniors.

Quarterback: Prior to the early enrollees, Clemson only had one scholarship quarterback on the roster -- projected starter Tajh Boyd. The depth needs to be rebuilt after the loss of starter Kyle Parker and transfer of backup Willy Korn.

Running back: The early departure of Jamie Harper to the NFL left a hole in the Tigers’ lineup. It’s not completely empty, as Andre Ellington remains the best back on the roster and Roderick McDowell was a redshirt freshman backup to Harper.

FLORIDA STATE

Offensive lineman – The departures of Rodney Hudson and Ryan McMahon will leave gaping holes up front, and A.J. Ganguzza and Antwane Greenlee aren’t expected to return. Overall, the staff is looking for bigger, better players. With the exception of right guard, this was a veteran group.

Running back: Despite the current depth, the coaching staff still wanted to sign about three more running backs in this class.

Wide receiver: This would be the third priority for the staff. Bert Reed and Taiwan Easterling will both be seniors, but the team has lacked some dynamic playmakers at the position.

Linebacker: The Noles lost two starters from last year’s Atlantic Division championship team, and there are several young players on the rise like Jeff Luc and Telvin Smith, but the staff wants more numbers at the position.

Safety: The Noles need an upgrade at this position.

Defensive line: This is a matter of mostly building depth and size and continuing to get better.

MARYLAND

Kicker/ Punter: Nick Ferrara has the ability to do both, but he also struggled at both in 2010. Travis Baltz was a four-year starter at punter who has to be replaced. The kicking game should be a top priority in this class, and a concern if Ferrara doesn’t become more consistent.

Wide receiver: The early departure of standout Torrey Smith to the NFL leaves quarterback Danny O'Brien without a favorite target. Seven of the nine receivers listed on the most current depth chart for 2010 were either juniors or seniors.

Running back: The Terps have to replace starter Da’Rel Scott, and Davin Meggett will be a senior. There is some talent behind Meggett in D.J. Adams, but the position could use more depth.

Secondary: Six of the top 10 players in the secondary were either juniors or seniors in 2010, including safety Antwine Perez, who will graduate. Kenny Tate and Cameron Chism will both be seniors, and the corner position is the biggest need.

Defensive end: Defensive coordinator Don Brown would like to bring in at least one player who can really bring some speed off the edge.

NC STATE

Kickers: The Wolfpack lost their starting punter and place-kicker, easily making kickers the biggest need in this recruiting class.

Defensive linemen: With the exception of sophomore Brian Slay, the entire 2010 line was comprised of juniors and seniors. The Pack have to replace two starters, and two returning starters, Jeff Rieskamp and J.R. Sweezy, will be seniors.

Linebackers: This was another veteran group for NC State, with five of the six players on the two-deep either juniors or seniors. Nate Irving’s graduation will be a big hit and Audie Cole will be a senior.

Quarterback: If Russell Wilson leaves early, the position will be even thinner, but backup Mike Glennon will be a junior, so the staff needs to build more depth.

WAKE FOREST

Offensive linemen: The Deacs will have four redshirt juniors returning up front, and have to replace redshirt senior center Russell Nenon. The staff is looking to increase the depth and talent up front.

Linebackers: The position hasn’t been the same since the 2008 class (Aaron Curry and Stanley Arnoux). They were both drafted and two of the fastest players the program has ever seen. The staff needs to bring in more talent and speed here.

Thanks, NC State students, for showing me the other side of the story. Earlier this week I linked to a story in the Pack's school newspaper which called for quarterback Russell Wilson to return. I got a note from Nick at NC State that gave the link to the Mike Glennon fans. The mailbag isn't only for questions, but I got a few of those, too ...

Kenneth in Chester, Va., writes: First I agreed with your article on Marvin Austin he should not be eligible to play in the East-West game. So with that said when will the NCAA come down with penalties against UNC or are they going to get off scott free?

HD: Thanks. I would be very surprised if there weren't any repercussions, especially considering how long the investigation has taken, and how much has already surfaced from it. As to what the penalties will be? I honestly don't think even UNC officials know the answer to that just yet. It's important to remember, though, that UNC hasn't gotten off "scott free." More than a dozen players had their seasons derailed, and a few missed the whole year. There have already been consequences.

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Drew in Atlanta, Ga., writes: Hi Heather,With recruiting once again atop the CFB chatter, I can't help but wonder what happened to the highly-touted Jeff Luc from FSU. I believe I saw him play early in the season, but that's about it. Do you have any news on his progress/status? Thanks.

HD: Jeff is an exceptional athlete, but he went through a learning curve in 2010. He was a little stiff in the hips, and made the move from middle to outside linebacker. He played in eight games in 2010 (8 tackles, 1 TFL). The staff is excited about his upside, and he'll have a chance to make a move this spring with the loss of two starting linebackers, so he's definitely a player to watch this offseason.

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T-Man in Waycross, Ga., writes: With Fla. State on the rise, do u think Miami has a chance to contend with them in the next couple of years or with any other school such as a virginia tech,clemson,or even flordia being they play again in 2012 ( i think) even if there recruiting are doin well in the next couple of years?

HD: I think Miami can contend with Florida State NOW. Yes, the Noles are better and ahead of the game under Jimbo Fisher, but I don't think Miami is starting from scratch. Randy Shannon and his staff hadn't recruited as well as they did in the first year or two they took over, but they got a good foundation going for Al Golden. Mike London had to start from scratch at Virginia. I think more pieces are in place for Golden, and also for Randy Edsall at Maryland. Speaking of Edsall ...

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Jimmy in Damascus, Md., writes: Heather! With the addition of Todd Bradford, Edsall is putting together a very experienced coaching staff...adding a former DC as a position coach to go with two former HC's as coordinators is encouraging. Keeping Don Brown made a lot of Terp fans happy. But from a different angle, does the pilgrimage to College Park of three coaches from seemingly equal-or-better jobs (DC at S.Miss, OC at LSU, HC at BCS-bowling UConn) signal something about the players in place at Maryland? Perhaps that the opportunity to do something special there seems particularly strong to a smart group of career-savvy coaches? Is this something everyone else is missing so far?

HD: You're right, the experience on Edsall's staff is impressive, especially if they all have no problem conceding their head coaching authority. The pieces are definitely in place for Maryland to contend for the Atlantic Division this year, especially with Danny O'Brien returning, but each coach has his own circumstances for joining the staff. I'm not sure how much longer Gary Crowton would have lasted on LSU's staff, for example, so the timing of this opening was perfect for him. For Edsall, who grew up near Maryland and going to games, this was a chance to do something special at a program that had always been on his radar, and I think he'll do that.

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Jeff in West Columbia, S.C., writes: I see that my Tigers still have a shot at Clowney, but one thing irks me. What's the point in having a signing day if recruits are allowed to sign after it? We saw this a while back with Pryor and ever since then I have loathed hearing his name. What good is there for a recruit to "hold out" like this? It just seems to me like it's a way for these kids to get some spotlight before they even prove they can do anything at the college level. Your thoughts?

HD: You don't want my thoughts, Jeff, there's not enough room in the blogosphere for what I think about the whole recruiting process. The only players who can hold out are the great ones, and yes, I agree it's an ego-based process. Most of the recruits want to get it over with, have parties, go through the hoopla in their gym, and the one day is a huge money maker for many people across the country. The only guys who don't sign on signing day are the ones who want to stay in the headlines longer.

Sending you into a long weekend with some wisdom ... or just a few answers to your questions:

Dan in Tampa writes: Well Al Golden has finally filled his staff. What would you grade it?

HD: That's like putting stars by a recruit's name before he takes a collegiate snap. I don't know, a C? Average? I think the hire of Jedd Fisch was a curious one. He's moved around a lot in the NFL, but I'm not really sure how much of an impact he really had with each team. He's young. He didn't have a very good season at Minnesota. To me, that's the hire they needed to get the most out of. We'll see if they do.

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T-Man in Waycross, Ga., writes: WITH RANDY SHANNON GONE, DO U THINK AL GOLDEN HAS WAT IT TAKES TO BRING MIAMI BACK TO THE WAY THEY USE TO BE AS A FEARFUL, SCARY, AND RESPECTIVE TEAM WHEN EVA THEY STEP INTO ANYONE'S STADIUM?

HD: Guys, please don't shout in the mailbag. It's a quiet place. Think, Duke library. I don't doubt Al Golden's ability to fire that team up and inject some emotion into the program that has been sorely lacking. He is a true motivator. He's an excellent speaker and has a good plan. I think he'll win some games at Miami. Will he make them a national title contender? I just don't know the answer to that. If he can recruit and get through the ACC, then yes, but right now, he's got to worry about winning the Coastal Division, and that's wide open. His problem right now? Jimbo Fisher. The Noles are way ahead of the game and own the state.

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Jeff in Lynchburg, Va., writes: Heather....being a Terps fan, I notice you say very little positive things about Maryland. All new hires was not very good, all wins you say neg. things. I like reading your comments, but wow not everything the Terps do is below everyone else in the ACC.......I'm just Say'n!!! Terps34

HD: I'm sorry if it seems that way. I like Randy Edsall, and I wrote that he's a good hire. He's a very well-respected coach, and I think he's good enough to make Maryland a top 25 team -- even if it is No. 25. Danny O'Brien has a lot of potential and can be a special quarterback. A lot of the pieces are in place for the Terps to contend for the ACC title, and it will be a huge help that the defense will stay the same under Don Brown. My only reservation in giving them more credit is that last year's schedule really lacked that marquee win.

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Eric in Jacksonville, Fla., writes: what do you think about robert smith having fsu ranked number 2 in his top 5 for 2011

HD: I really like Robert and enjoy talking ACC with him, but I have to respectfully disagree with him on this one. (Sorry, man.) I think it's a little high. I think Florida State has enough talent returning on its roster to be a Top 10 team this preseason and finish the same way, but I think the most realistic spot for them right now is No. 10 or No. 11. Don't forget, they haven't even won the ACC yet.

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Justin in Tampa, Fla., writes: Hey do you have an idea of when the ACC football schedule will be released for 2011?

HD: Hey, usually in February.

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Brett in Blacksburg, Va., writes: Heather, Why is it that Bud Foster seems to always be talked about in the off-season when head coaching vacancies come up, but never gets offered a head coaching job? Clemson a few years ago, Pitt this year, all seemed like great fits for him. Is he too straight forward when being interviewed? I heard that Stinespring would be a better HC due to him being a great recruiter?

HD: I've never sat in on one of Bud Foster's interviews, so I don't know his approach. It might be as simple as he's not what those particular schools were looking for at that time. I don't think, though, that it should be percieved as a knock on his accomplishments or his ability to be a head coach someday.

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Ryan in Tallahassee writes: Don't think just answer! FSU's record next year will be:

HD: Me? Think? 12-2

Earlier this morning, we looked at how the ACC stacked up after the 2010 season. Now it’s time to look ahead, and there’s a new leader in the league. And as of right now, the No. 1 spot is about the only one that seemed clear-cut. Every other one is debatable. This year should bring a wide-open race, and this list will fluctuate many times before the season’s end.

Here are the first ACC Power Rankings for 2011:

1. Florida State: This spot was a no-brainer for the Noles, as they finished the 2010 season with a win over the SEC East champs, and they did it with their backup quarterback. Jimbo Fisher led FSU to an appearance in the ACC title game in his first season, so expectations should be even higher in his second.

2. Virginia Tech: It’s a rebuilding year for the Hokies, who will have a new starting quarterback and are down to one proven running back after Ryan Williams and Darren Evans decided to leave for the NFL draft. That one running back, though, might be the best in the league, and until proven otherwise, the Hokies are still the team to beat in the Coastal Division.

3. NC State: Quarterback Russell Wilson hasn't announced he's going anywhere yet, so this is where the Pack land as long as he's on the roster. NC State also gets the nod over UNC because, well, the Heels haven't been able to beat NC State under Tom O'Brien.

4. North Carolina: The Tar Heels' roster is loaded with talent, and aside from the resignation of John Blake, there haven't been any major staff changes, despite the NCAA investigation. UNC will have a new quarterback, but expectations are high for Bryn Renner.

5. Miami: Despite the staff transition, Al Golden at least has enough talent to start with. He needs to name his starting quarterback and offensive coordinator, but Golden will rejuvinate the program and win in his first season.

6. Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets have to improve in all three phases of the game, but at least quarterback Tevin Washington got some experience, albeit at the expense of injured starter Joshua Nesbitt. The defense should also take a step forward in the second season under coordinator Al Groh.

7. Boston College: The Eagles have a Heisman-caliber player in linebacker Luke Kuechly, but it’s not the defense that needs an overhaul. BC’s offense, which could be under the direction of a new offensive coordinator, looked like it regressed against Nevada in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. Still, with Kuechly, running back Montel Harris and quarterback Chase Rettig returning, the Eagles have enough returning for another winning season.

8. Maryland: First-year coach Randy Edsall inherits a talented team led by ACC Rookie of the Year Danny O’Brien. The defense will stay the same under coordinator Don Brown, whom Edsall brought with him to Maryland, but Maryland's best win last year was over NC State. What separates Maryland from Clemson right now is its quarterback situation.

9. Clemson: The Tigers have a new offensive coordinator, a new defensive line coach, and a new quarterback, not to mention they lost their top player, defensive end Da’Quan Bowers, to the NFL draft. The pressure is on coach Dabo Swinney to avoid a second losing season and three straight losses to rival South Carolina.

10. Wake Forest: The Deacs should improve now that quarterback Tanner Price has had a year of experience, but they’ve still got something to prove. The linebackers will lose two starters, and center Russell Nenon and receiver Marshall Williams will be missed, but an extremely young roster in 2010 could pay off in 2011.

11. Duke: The Blue Devils will have to overcome the revolving door at defensive coordinator, as they’ve had three in three years, but they’re leaving because they’re good. In order for Duke to become bowl eligible, the Blue Devils have to develop a running game and take a big step forward defensively.

12. Virginia: Mike London has had instant success on the recruiting trail, but it’s going to take some time before it translates into a bowl appearance. He has to name a new starting quarterback and find the best spots for the new talent.

Maryland defensive coordinator Don Brown and receivers coach Lee Hull will remain on the coaching staff, the school announced on Tuesday.

Brown spent the last two seasons as Maryland’s defensive coordinator, while also overseeing the cornerbacks. Maryland ended the regular season ranked 38th in the FBS in points allowed (22.3 per game) and tied for 17th in red-zone defense (74 percent). The Terps were also ninth nationally in passing efficiency defense (107.4 rating).

Hull oversaw the receiving corps the last three seasons. Under Hull’s guidance, Torrey Smith was a two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference performer. Smith posted 67 receptions for 1,055 receiving yards and a school-record 12 touchdown catches in 2010.

Edsall is expected to announce the remainder of his staff over the course of the next few weeks. Longtime linebackers coach Al Seamonson was not retained.

Here’s a quick recap of Maryland’s 51-20 win over East Carolina in the Military Bowl Presented By Northrop Grumman:

How the game was won: East Carolina did what it could to help the Terps with four turnovers and 15 penalties, but Maryland’s defense was a major factor in the game, and the Terps found their running game. ECU was averaging 38 points per game under the direction of quarterback Dominique Davis, but the Pirates couldn’t get into the end zone enough. Nor could they keep Maryland out of theirs.

Turning point: On East Carolina’s first possession of the third quarter, Davis threw an interception to David Mackall, who returned it 34 yards to the Pirates’ 1-yard line. D.J. Adams scored one play later to give Maryland a 23-3 lead and really distance the Terps.

Stat of the game: East Carolina finished with 15 penalties for 123 yards. The Pirates only had six more first downs than they did penalties.

Player of the game: Running back Da'Rel Scott. Maryland entered the game with the No. 94 rushing offense in the country, but Scott got it going against the Pirates. He finished with 201 yards and his 61-yard touchdown run at the end of the third quarter put the Terps ahead 37-13. He averaged 15.5 yards per carry and added a 91-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Unsung hero of the game: Defensive coordinator Don Brown. He had this team well-prepared for the nation’s No. 12 scoring offense. ECU was held to just 32 rushing yards and was successful on only 7 of 19 third downs.

What it means: The Ralph Friedgen era is officially over at Maryland, and it has ended on a positive note. Friedgen, the ACC’s Coach of the Year, will end his career at Maryland with a 9-4 record this season. It’s the 14th time in school history that Maryland has won that many games.

Record performance: Friedgen will leave as the school’s winningest coach in bowl games with a 5-2 record. Friedgen won a school-record three straight bowl games from 2003-06. Prior to Friedgen's arrival, Maryland made only one postseason appearance in the previous 15 years.

The Terps entered this season picked by the media to finish last in the Atlantic Division, and coach Ralph Friedgen’s job was on the line. Those within the program, still embarrassed by their 2009 2-10 finish, were determined not to let either of those things happen, and Maryland went on to finish 8-4 for the second-best turnaround in the FBS this year behind Miami (Ohio). Friedgen was named the ACC’s Coach of the Year, and quarterback Danny O’Brien was the leauge’s Rookie of the Year. The defense made significant strides in the second season under coordinator Don Brown, and the Terps were one of the best teams in the country in turnover margin.

Maryland was in position to win the Atlantic Division title, but a home loss to Florida State knocked the Terps out of the running. They rebounded on Senior Day, though, and played the role of spoiler in an impressive win against NC State.

Offensive MVP: Wide receiver Torrey Smith. In the win against NC State, Smith had career highs in receptions (14), receiving yards (224) and receiving touchdowns (4), which was also a school single-game record. Smith became the second Maryland player to post more than 1,000 receiving yards in a season (1,045), joining Marcus Badgett (1,240 in 1992). He is third on the school career receptions list with 150. He also holds the Maryland career all-purpose yards mark, passing Lamont Jordan (4,960, 1997-00).

Defensive MVP: Safety Kenny Tate. He is sixth in the ACC in tackles (7.8 per game), first in forced fumbles (0.33 pg) and tied for 12th in interceptions (0.25 pg). He is also the leader in sacks among ACC defensive backs (.32 per game).

Turning point: The season-opening 17-14 win against Navy. This was literally the beginning of the turnaround, and how Maryland fared in this game set the tone for the rest of the season. It was a quality win against a bowl team on the road, and in order for Maryland to reach the postseason, it needed to go 3-1 in the nonconference schedule with an expected loss to West Virginia. This win gave the team the confidence it needed to know this season could be different.

What’s next: Maryland will face East Carolina in the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman. The Terps were hoping to get an invitation from the Champs Sports Bowl after their win against NC State, but officials chose the Wolfpack instead. The Terps are No. 9 in the nation in pass efficiency defense and will have to play like it against former Boston College quarterback Dominique Davis, who has thrown for 36 touchdowns and 3,699 yards, the fourth-most in the nation, while completing nearly 65 percent of his passes.

» Predictions: ACC | Big 12 | Big East | Big Ten | Pac-10 | SEC | Non-AQ

Here, watch, see this? It’s me flipping a coin this week. Heads, I lose in the ever-unpredictable ACC. That’s right, I’m blaming last week’s 3-3 record on Clemson, Miami and, well, Navy, for not winning the games they were supposed to win. Kudos to Virginia, Boston College and Duke for proving me wrong. Shame on you, North Carolina, for giving your fans a mild coronary for three quarters. And thanks, Tom O’Brien, for making me look smart. Just not smart enough. The grand total is a 51-18 record (73.9 percent) heading into Week 10.

Nobody has a bye week this week, so there are even more opportunities for surprises. Will Georgia Tech be the first to turn the tables on the Hokies? Doubt it:

Virginia Tech 45, Georgia Tech 24: The Hokies are on a roll -- one of the best teams in college football right now -- and Georgia Tech’s defense won’t be able to stop them. Tyrod Taylor and the boys will go up and down the field enough times to make Al Groh dizzy.

Boston College 21, Wake Forest 7: If Clemson couldn’t score on the Eagles, Wake is going to have a heck of a time. Montel Harris will run the ball for another 100 yards, and BC’s defense will win the game for them.

NC State 21, Clemson 17: Russell Wilson will make just enough plays to put the Pack over the top, and Clemson’s offense will struggle even more without injured running back Andre Ellington. Clemson is a very one-dimensional team without C.J. Spiller or Jacoby Ford to stretch the field.

Florida State 35, North Carolina 14: It’s going to be a coming out party for FSU. It’s a bounce-back game, as the Seminoles know they’re still in the hunt and it will likely come down to them or NC State. Especially since …

Miami 21, Maryland 20: The staff will put Stephen Morris in position to succeed, and the Canes will rise up and win it without Jacory Harris. Maryland is sound. The quarterback is underrated. Danny O’Brien facilitates their playmakers, plays smart and is well-coached. Terps defensive coordinator Don Brown has done one of the best jobs in the league this year, but Miami gets the win at home.

Duke 31, Virginia 21: Duke got some confidence in its road win over Navy, particularly at the quarterback position, where it needed it the most. Yes, Virginia was able to knock off a ranked Miami team last week, but it’s not easy to win on the road anywhere in the ACC. In a battle of the Coastal Division’s two cellar-dwellers, the home team wins.

If ever there was a time for Maryland to beat Miami -- on the road, no less -- this would be it.

The Terps are hot, Miami is not.

Maryland has turned around its 2-10 2009 season and became bowl eligible with its 62-14 win over Wake Forest this past weekend. The Terps enter Saturday’s game in a tie with NC State for second place in the Atlantic Division. The Hurricanes not only lost to Virginia on the road last weekend, they also likely lost their starting quarterback, Jacory Harris, who suffered a concussion. The Canes will turn to a true freshman who was on the path to redshirting, Stephen Morris, while Maryland has a quarterback who is making his case for rookie of the year in Danny O'Brien.

The Terps are still expecting the best from Miami.

"They are coming off a difficult loss, so we know that they are going to come into the game fired up,” linebacker Alex Wujciak told reporters at the team’s weekly news conference. “They have great athletes on offense from wide receiver to tight end and three good running backs. Whichever quarterback plays is going to be good and we saw that with their freshman coming in and playing well against Virginia. We have to be prepared no matter what quarterback plays."

Right now, it’s likely to be Morris, who shook off some butterflies in his first collegiate appearance against Virginia and accounted for three fourth-quarter touchdowns in the 24-19 loss. Morris had gone from fourth-string quarterback to first in a matter of minutes. Backup A.J. Highsmith was injured, and third-string quarterback Spencer Whipple threw two interceptions in six pass attempts.

“That shows a lot of promise on what we’ve done with [Morris], and how recruiting him shows what we see in him,” Miami coach Randy Shannon said. “He’s a guy that everybody thinks is a quiet guy, but around his teammates he’s happy-go-lucky, a get-after-it kind of guy. On the football field, his presence is unbelievable.”

It’s going to have to be if Miami is going to stay in the ACC race. The Hurricanes can’t afford another conference loss, even if it does come to an Atlantic Division opponent, and they still need one more win to become bowl eligible. A win would give Maryland a 7-2 record and a 4-1 start in ACC play for the first time since 2006.

Maryland and Miami have played each other just once since 1987 -- a 14-13 Maryland home win in 2006. There is more recent familiarity, though, as Maryland defensive coordinator Don Brown worked with Miami offensive coordinator Mark Whipple at UMass.

“It’s going to be interesting,” Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said. “I’m sure that there is a lot of familiarity, and that may be a good thing or it could be detrimental. I know that knowing someone so well, you can over-plan at times. But I know that they are very good friends; I think they talk with one another once a week, throughout the year, not just during football season.”

Brown’s defense has shown a lot of improvement in his second season. Maryland held Wake Forest, which was averaging 206.6 rushing yards per game, to minus-3 yards on the ground (the lowest total by an opponent in 11 years). The Terps have held each of their past four opponents under 100 rushing yards. Miami, meanwhile, has been racking up the yards but not the points. Miami is coming off its lowest scoring output of the season.

“We had 177 yards rushing, but we need points,” Shannon said. “Let’s face it: We’re running the ball well, but we need points. Like I said earlier, if we’re doing all the discipline things off the field and in the classroom, we need to take it on the field. That’s the thing that’s disappointing me -- we’re not transitioning that onto the field. Those penalties have been hurting us, hurting the drives. We get a 26-yard run, bring it back, or we get down to the 5-yard line, and bring it back. Those are things that really get you in bad situations that you don’t want to be in.”

Situations like having to beat Maryland in order to stay in the ACC race.