Heather Dinich

  (12:01 PM)

Ok I'm here ... let's go ...

Jeff (Villa Rica, GA)

Georgia Tech rolled over the little bulldogs of the SEC. If they can play the way they did with no turnovers that they can have a chance with the UGA bulldogs this year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:02 PM)

I feel like I get this question no matter who Georgia Tech plays the week before. No, Georgia is a national championship contender. The Yellow Jackets are a Coastal Division contender. Big difference.

Mike College Park, MD

Which maryland comes to play this weekend?

Heather Dinich

  (12:02 PM)

The good one. Ralph Friedgen loves playing in Death Valley.

Bradford (Boise, ID - Bronco Country)

There was so much hype and optimisim in Tallahasee before this weekend, where do the Noles go from here?

Heather Dinich

  (12:03 PM)

Offensively, they can only go up.

Matt, Raleigh

Hey Heather....who do you think benefits more from the bye week; Duke or VA?

Heather Dinich

  (12:03 PM)

Virginia ... the Cavs needed time to regroup and take a breather from the Peter Lalich drama.

Jim (Annapolis)

How do you think the Hokies match up with Nebraska this weekend?

Heather Dinich

  (12:04 PM)

Just listening to Frank Beamer on his teleconference ... I can't believe he's never been there. If they're not awed by the atmosphere there, the Hokies should fare well.

Bo (ATL)

How does a late loss to Va Tech effect UNC's chances of an ACC title game?

Heather Dinich

  (12:05 PM)

Not as badly as losing their starting quarterback just did.

Becky Callura (Atlanta, GA)

Is Paul Johnson proving to be the best off-season hire in the country?

Heather Dinich

  (12:06 PM)

Ooh, the country? It has to be up there. Trying to think of a better one ...

Matt, Raleigh

UNC's "big" win over Rutgers isnt looking so big anymore huh?

Heather Dinich

  (12:06 PM)

My thoughts exactly. Just wrote that in the last blog post.

Kevin

Considering the injury to Yates at UNC, would you say GT and Miami are the front-runners in the Coastal division now?

Heather Dinich

  (12:07 PM)

Can't count out the Hokies.

Kevin (charlotte)

Bill Young at Miami may have been the best off season hire

Heather Dinich

  (12:07 PM)

As far as coordinators go, he has made remarkable improvements to their defense.

Matt (Panama City)

Is FSU going to be OK?? They are extremely young! What are your thoughts??

Heather Dinich

  (12:09 PM)

They are young, but it was older guys making mistakes too (see: penalties). Neither Jimbo Fisher nor Bobby Bowden were panicking after that game. Both said everything that went wrong was correctable. However, that was a very poor performance offensively. Way below expectations.

Matt, Indianapolis

How good is Ball State's chances to "run the table" this year and maybe get into a major bowl game if teams like Utah slip?

Heather Dinich

  (12:10 PM)

We were talking about that on our podcast for this week. Check it out. A little too early for major bowl talk with that program, but I think Graham Watson said last night she thought they could get nine or 10? Again ... it's on the podcast.

Riley Cope, SC

Whats your prediction on what happens this weekend in Death Valley? Does Clemson finally start to play up to their potential, or is it another "oh they're Clemson" year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:11 PM)

Predictions are posted in the blog every Thursday, but the vibe I'm getting out of Death Valley is they already laid their egg. We'll see.

Adam (Reston)

Go 2 years in the future. Do you think that the ACC will be the conference to beat since they are so young with players?

Heather Dinich

  (12:12 PM)

Considering Miami has played 21 true freshmen and Florida State about 23, I'd say things are only giong to get better. As for the conference to beat? That might be pushing it.

AJ (Clemson)

It seems to me as though Clemson wasn't overrated at all at the beginning of the season, Alabama was underrated..Clemson will beat Maryland by more than 13, but who wins between Alabama and UGA?

Heather Dinich

  (12:13 PM)

I'd say Georgia, especially considering it's a home game for them.

Corey, East Lansing

Hey Heather - What do Spartan fans take away from Saturday's big time win versus Notre Dame?

Heather Dinich

  (12:15 PM)

Well, one, that it's Notre Dame. Don't be declaring best of the Big Ten just yet or anything there. But the Spartans are clearly headed in the right direction. Javon Ringer is unreal.

Pavlo (Saratoga Springs)

Heather, what no love for BC?

Heather Dinich

  (12:15 PM)

Well, I was wrong about my UCF upset, although it didn't look that way in the first half. BC could be good if Chris Crane asserts himself like he did in the second half.

Mike, Atlanta

Who looked better Jaybo or Nesbit?

Heather Dinich

  (12:16 PM)

Shaw did a great job of running the offense, and he's a tough guy, but Nesbitt is the guy.

Andy (LA)

Shouldn't they just hand over that BCS trophy to USC at this point?

Heather Dinich

  (12:16 PM)

It seems like it, huh? But Oklahoma is legit, and if Georgia can get through its schedule, look out.

Paul (Michigan)

Hey Heather do you feel that Tressell playing Pryor so much against last weekend was a reaction to criticism of him following the USC game?

Heather Dinich

  (12:17 PM)

Heck no. It was the play of Todd Boeckman thaf forced him to do it.

Tim (Denver)

I know it was against SC St., but are the Tigers back on track now? Also, After this week, has the ACC gotten out of the cellar and passed the Big East for the worst conference?

Heather Dinich

  (12:19 PM)

Well, they haven't really played anyone besides a struggling NC State team, so we don't know if they're back on track yet. As for your second question, yes. The ACC is looking much better lately.

Hannah (Greenville)

Why does Clemson always have the best looking QB's in the country?? i.e. whitehurst, harper

Heather Dinich

  (12:19 PM)

Uh, have you seen Max Hall? Chase Daniel? Mark Sanchez?

Steve (Athens, GA)

knowshon moreno will win the heisman right? or if not, it has to be matt stafford!

Heather Dinich

  (12:21 PM)

Eh ... I don't know. Still very early, and there are so many good QBs out there.

mike (college park)

Is there any word on da'rell scott's status for this weekend?

Heather Dinich

  (12:22 PM)

Ralph said last night he thinks Scott should be good to go.

Kathi (San Francisco)

I tried to watch the Ohio State/Troy game for the first 3 quaters and fell asleep twice. It was so boring I thought I was watching the Raiders/Chiefs game from a week ago... Is Beanie Wells 95% of their offense?

Heather Dinich

  (12:22 PM)

They've got more problems than Beanie Wells.

Steven (Madison, WI)

If Wisco can beat OSU and PSU at Camp Randall, do you think they're a shu-in for the Rose Bowl? Who would they play with the PAC10 being weak?

Heather Dinich

  (12:24 PM)

No doubt, and I'd guess the second best team in the Pac 10 would be Oregon.

Erik D (Allston, Mass)

Are Nebraska & Colorado any good? Can the ACC teams playing them this weekend make any claims if they win?

Heather Dinich

  (12:25 PM)

Not really ... Colorado looked good in its win over West Virginia but both those guys and Nebraska are middle of the pack Big 12 teams.

RAY GORDON REID ORLANDO FLA 32801

QUESTION FOR HEATHER DINICH AT 12.25 PM HI HEATHER CAN NCS STATE UPSET SOUTH FLORIDA

Heather Dinich

  (12:26 PM)

HI RAY QUESTION ANSWERED AT 12:26 I'D SAY NO BUT I DIDN'T THINK THEY WOULD UPSET ECU, EITHER.

Richard (Fort Bragg, NC)

In light of this past weekend, who has got the best defense in the ACC?

Heather Dinich

  (12:28 PM)

Great question. Florida State's numbers are deceiving because of the first two games, but Wake's D kept them undefeated. Georgia Tech is among the best.

Nick (Miami, FL)

How do you have the Miami vs. UNC game?

Heather Dinich

  (12:28 PM)

How you can you not go with Miami after UNC just lost Yates and it's in Coral Gables?

Mike (Naper)

Heck, if Wisco can beat OSU and PSU, end up going undefeated, are they in the BCS Champ game vs. USC (assumingly) over a possible 1 loss (OU, Georgia, etc) team? yes, lots of assumptions.

Heather Dinich

  (12:29 PM)

Right, lots of assumptions, but hey, Ohio State somehow wound up there last year so anything is possible. Chris Low, our SEC guy, is convinced Georgia can get in it with one loss.

Tony Tallahassee

FSU wins that game if Weatherford starts..FSU is historically at their best with a fifth year senior...Thoughts?

Heather Dinich

  (12:30 PM)

Weatherford must have regressed pretty bad if they didn't use him in that game. Geez.

Tim (Denver)

Heather, what game will you be attending this weekend?

Heather Dinich

  (12:30 PM)

I'll be in Death Valley.

Will J (Portland, OR)

I sure hope people get their kicks out of bagging on the Pac-10 this year. It won't happen again next season, oh and by the way our conference champ will win the National Title. Thanks.

Heather Dinich

  (12:30 PM)

Ha ... Hey, at least you have USC.

Adam (Reston)

Doesnt sound like you have much respect for the Hokies (as does anyone). What game will change that?

Heather Dinich

  (12:32 PM)

It's not that I don't respect them -- they're playing hard and trying to figure out their offense. The big game I want to see them play, though, is obviously at Miami. They should be much better by then.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

I think if they can run the table, PSU can give USC a run for their money. I wouldn't declare USC National Champs yet. I think someone did that when they played Texas and we all remember how that turned out, don't we?

Heather Dinich

  (12:33 PM)

PSU hasn't played anyone yet, but man have they looked good winning. Still, I haven't seen a more complete team than USC.

Tim (Chicago, IL)

1-loss Georgia team? What about when Florida goes undefeated?

Heather Dinich

  (12:34 PM)

Ask C-low, he's up next. If Florida goes undefeated I think it would be real tough.

Eric (DC)

How do you leave Miami out of top ACC defenses? They shut down precious Tebow for 3 1/2 quarters.

Heather Dinich

  (12:34 PM)

Very good point.

Robb (Raleigh

If Duke gets past VA and start 3-1 isn't a bowl for them an outside possibility? I think you have to say that they might have the best offense in the Coastal with Yates down and Thad is making a real push to be first team All-ACC QB. I for one haven't seen a better QB in the ACC this season.

Heather Dinich

  (12:35 PM)

As I wrote in last week's power rankings, the more Duke wins, the more you have to ask why not again? But this game against Virginia is a whole new obstacle, I don't care how bad UVA has looked. But yes, Thad Lewis is one of the most underrated qbs out there. But don't forget about Riley Skinner.

Bill (Dallas, TX)

Heather, BYU vs. Wake Forest. Neutral field. Who you picking?

Heather Dinich

  (12:37 PM)

Oh man. Considering BYU had what Wake didn't against FSU - offense, I'd go with the Cougars. Somebody schedule that, though.

Scott (Fairfax, VA)

Over or Under: UVA winning 1 more game this season.

Heather Dinich

  (12:37 PM)

I'll be honest with you ... I found my preseason notebook this week and saw I had UVA winning two games.

William (tally)

Noles defense looked outstanding! Barring the miracle of Ponder and Richarson gaining some poise, could the Noles make a run at thee ACC? If no, then how bout Miami?

Heather Dinich

  (12:39 PM)

After watching that game on Saturday, they need to worry about making a run to the film room, man. And we'll see how Miami looks after a conference game, but so far, so good.

Craig, Florida

I get that FSU's offense looked terrible, but Wake's did not look much better! Is it possible that that game was just a match up of two of the better defensive teams in the league?

Heather Dinich

  (12:40 PM)

It WAS a defensive matchup. They both looked good on that side of the ball. But come ON ... seven turnovers? 12 penalties?

Jason (Cullman,Al)

I think people are really underestimating the defending national champs. If Jarett Lee can play half as good as he did against Auburn in the second half, along with Charles Scott in the backfield and our defense, LSU will be back in the title game. Do you agree?

Heather Dinich

  (12:42 PM)

Eh ... I don't see it. However, LSU did make a statement at Auburn, and you're right about Lee in the second half. I just think Georgia is better.

James (Salem Utah)

Heather, is BYU really that good?

Heather Dinich

  (12:42 PM)

Yes.

Brandon (Buffalo, NY)

Do you like Penn State this week at home against Illinois?

Heather Dinich

  (12:44 PM)

Yes ... even with Juice. Penn State's spread HD is going to be tough for the Illini to stop.

Bill (Glan-Munchweiler, Germany)

Do you think Cooper looked good enough this week to handle the reins on his own or do you think the Canes are in trouble having James out most likely till UCF.

Heather Dinich

  (12:45 PM)

No, I think Cooper did a nice job and they'll be OK there.

Ben (louisville)

Do you think Louisville will blow out Uconn this friday?

Heather Dinich

  (12:45 PM)

No ... somebody has to finally start giving UConn some credit.

Rob (Charleston, SC)

Heather, if the Hokies win again this weekend, do you see them busting in to the top 25?

Heather Dinich

  (12:47 PM)

No, sorry.

David (Atlanta, GA)

If you could see GT vs VT at the END of the season instead of the beginning, who do you think would win it?

Heather Dinich

  (12:47 PM)

Georgia Tech ... their timing would be better and they'd play more like they did against Mississippi State. Then again, VT will be much improved on both sides by then, too.

Adam (Reston)

Who is the next ACC team to break into the top 25?

Heather Dinich

  (12:48 PM)

My quick reaction is Ga Tech or Miami, but if Maryland beats Clemson this weekend, that'll be two top 25 teams they've knocked off.

Matt (Detroit)

Heather - are you surprised Wisconsin is only a 7 point favorite against Michigan this weekend, RichRod's team looks terrible!

Heather Dinich

  (12:50 PM)

Is that all, really? That might be because of injuries. Or the fact that Wisconsin might be looking ahead to Ohio State and Penn State. That said, I think the Badgers are more than 7 points better than Michigan.

Dan (Long Branch, NJ)

Maryland's Darius Heyward-Bey. The guy is a physical freak at WR. Why doesn't he get more national exposure?

Heather Dinich

  (12:51 PM)

He hasn't earned it yet. He's been growing into the position. This could/should be the year for him.

Chris (Annapolis, MD)

Heather, what do you base your conference rankings on? Is it schedule, coaching, talent? What are you looking at? I have seen nothing special from GT and MD yet this year to warrant putting them near the top (#3 and 4) of the ACC. Looking at the talent level of these team's, I just don't see how they compare favorably to teams like Miami, VT, FSU and UNC. Granted, UNC lost Yates for a while so that changes things, but IMHO, they are still better than either GT or MD. Thanks for explaining your thought process.

Heather Dinich

  (12:52 PM)

I look at everything, Chris. Intangibles, coaching, injuries, how much a team won or lost by, what I've seen in person, what coaches say ...

Evan, Blacksburg

How does a win at Nebraska in prime time not merit VT a spot in the top 25?

Heather Dinich

  (12:53 PM)

They're playing Nebraska, not Oklahoma.

Andy (Tallahassee)

Who's in more trouble FSU's Offense or Michigans?

Heather Dinich

  (12:54 PM)

FSU, but close call.

Bo (Atlanta)

Heather, when are you going to make it up here to The Flats?

Heather Dinich

  (12:55 PM)

I was there for Jax State.

Austin (Indianapolis)

Assuming Miami's offense looks as good as it did Saturday against ATM do you seen anyone that can beat them in the ACC?

Heather Dinich

  (12:57 PM)

Georgia Tech's offense didn't look so bad, either.

Eric (Atlanta, GA)

Do you think VT's controversial refereeing is one of the reason's they're still just outside the Top 25.

Heather Dinich

  (12:58 PM)

No, but their offense is.

Jesse (Philly)

With Yates being out, how good does it look if miami beats UNC convincingly like they should? Id rather Yates be healthy.

Heather Dinich

  (12:58 PM)

Yeah, not an impressive win without Yates.

Heather Dinich

  (12:59 PM)

Alright guys, my time is up ... it's SEC time ...