Heather Dinich

  (12:00 PM)

Hey guys, ready for Week 9, or still trying to figure out what the heck happened in Week 8? I'm ready to take your questions on both ...

Tom, Orlando

After VaTech's loss this past weekend to BC, what sort of team will FSU be seeing at Doak this Saturday?

Heather Dinich

  (12:01 PM)

Just got off the phone for Frank Beamer's teleconference, and he gave a lot of respect to FSU's defense. I think we'll see the same Hokies we have seen, and that's struggling on offense.

Paul

Is UVA that much better with Peerman? Where was he when they were losing?

Heather Dinich

  (12:02 PM)

MUCH better, and don't forget about Verica, too. Peerman was banged up in the beginning of the season, which is why he didn't play at Duke.

Zach (Atlanta)

Tell me that GT won't get caught looking ahead to FSU and lay an egg against UVA. Its homecoming, UVA isn't good on the road, GT is good at home, Nesbitt knocked the rust off... its all going to be okay, right?

Heather Dinich

  (12:02 PM)

HA ... No promises in this league, buddy.

George P. Burdell (Atlanta)

Many analysts are bashing GT for it's 10-7 win over Gardner-Webb and for not blowing out Clemson. Why are they not understanding that G-W was our 3rd string QB and our 2nd string everything else most of the game? Do you think GT is ranked too highly at 21 or 18?

Heather Dinich

  (12:04 PM)

You are absolutely right in that it was a different team out there against G-W, and the offensive line had one of its worst outings of the season. But guess what? It's still G-W. Forget about that, though, they made up for it by winning against Clemson, and no, that's about where I have them in my top 25, maybe a little lower.

Kyle (Charleston, SC)

What's your opinion on Terry Don Phillips' sideline appearance Saturday in Clemson?

Heather Dinich

  (12:05 PM)

I think WAY too much was made out of it. He was only upset with the fourth-down holding call, not his new coach.

Bo (Atlanta)

How much did Virgina Tech's, North Carolina's, and Wake Forest's losses change the outlook of the ACC championship game.

Heather Dinich

  (12:06 PM)

Huge ... Wake Forest blew a chance to really separate itself, and UNC took a big hit by losing to its second Coastal Division opponent. Heck, even Miami is still in the mix at this point.

Dave (Boston, MA)

With BC's offense now able to put up yards seemingly at will and the defense arguably the toughest in the conference, is it fair to say that if Crane could eliminate his mistakes this could be the best team in the ACC?

Heather Dinich

  (12:07 PM)

You made the key point -- elminate the mistakes. Talked to Jagz last night, and he pointed out it's not just Crane with them, either. I still can't believe they turned it over five times and won.

Mike {Vero Beach,Fl }

Heather, Are Miami's freshman ahead or behind where you thought they would be at this point in the season ?? !! Thanks Mike

Heather Dinich

  (12:09 PM)

Honestly, I think they're a little ahead. You look at Travis Benjamin, Sean Spence ... their playmakers right now are the young guys. Jacory Harris. Not bad for being 18, huh?

Parker (Tampa, FL)

Do you think Bobby Bowden purposely timed his discussion with the refs about the holding calls so it would be heard on national television?

Heather Dinich

  (12:10 PM)

Haha .. that was prime time entertainment, no? And clearly it had an effect. I think there was only one in the second half. But no, I don't think he wanted that heard.

Richard (Clemson, S.C)

Any chance Maryland sneaks into the conference title game? How good is this team really? We saw that Clemson and Cal are not the teams that their rankings indicated.

Heather Dinich

  (12:12 PM)

You're right about both of those teams not being what people once thought, and you might say the same about Wake Forest, which has struggled mightily on offense against ACC teams. The Terps will have a tough time because of BC and Florida State, but yes, they can do it. They're not a bad football team, but they're not great, either. If they were great, they'd be more consistent.

T.C. (Richmond)

Is Dave serious? Wasn't BC scoreless in the second half, and can't VT's lack of offensive production be attributed to, well, a bad offense?

Heather Dinich

  (12:13 PM)

Yes, BC was held scoreless in the second half, and VT is 110th in the nation in total offense. It was a sloppy game, but Boston College could be a very good football team if it eliminates mistakes.

Devin, Hampton VA

With tyrod taylor looking completly lost on saturday. Do you think that Beamer may use Glennon in passing downs again like last year. If not what does tech have to do to score points from here on out?

Heather Dinich

  (12:15 PM)

Frank just said about 10 minutes ago that their struggles on offense aren't just about Tyrod. Receivers are dropping balls, and linemen are missing assignments. He said Tyrod is actually a pretty accurate passer.

Jesse (Raleigh, NC)

Has any team ever been more deflated by the loss of a kicker than Wake Forest?

Heather Dinich

  (12:16 PM)

Oh man, great question. And this. is. huge. Anyone who suggests otherwise need not look back further than the FSU game. No doubt Sam Swank was missed against the Terps.

Paul (Houston, TX)

Since the UVA v GT game will decide who sits atop the Coastal next weekend, are you coming to GT Homecoming?

Heather Dinich

  (12:17 PM)

No, I'm actually going to Tally this weekend ... but no doubt will have my eye on that game. Major road test for Virginia, and Al Groh said last night he's not thrilled about preparing for Paul Johnson's offense.

K-Dogg (Atlanta, GA)

Have you seen a better defensive front 4 this season than the one Georgia Tech trots out there each week?

Heather Dinich

  (12:18 PM)

No

Rob (Orlando)

Isn't that a bad sign by itself, when your kicker is your entire offense?

Heather Dinich

  (12:18 PM)

Haha, yes Rob, it is.

Mike (Atlanta)

I love how you take every opportunity to knock anything good that BC does. Funny how you're able to say how awful BC's opponents are, but not mention BC's 1st in the nation pass D efficiency and 4th in the nation total defense.

Heather Dinich

  (12:19 PM)

Not true, I agree, Boston College's defense is amazing, and I think Frank Spaziani is one of the best coordinators in the league.

Eric (Chapel Hill, NC)

A lot of fans are blaming the coaches for UNCs collapse against UVA. Is that fair, or should we be looking at the players' execution?

Heather Dinich

  (12:20 PM)

Rarely do I ever question coaches' playcalling and decisions because I'll concede they know more about the game than you or I do. You have to look at execution first. Butch Davis is a smart guy, and so are both of his coordinators, Shoop and Withers.

Richard (lexington Ky)

Which of GT's dominant defensive linemen will be taken first in the NFL Draft next year and how high will he be drafted?

Heather Dinich

  (12:22 PM)

Those inside the program, while maybe not publicly, will tell you Vance Walker has had the best season, and Derrick Morgan has the most potential. Scouts love the athleticism of Michael Johnson, though. Watch him against Eugene Monroe this weekend. Might be the matchup of the week.

Steve (Northern Va)

Do you think with the acc in the state that it is in now will continue to lose national respect, or will people finally see this is a great defensive conference?

Heather Dinich

  (12:23 PM)

I've been impressed with every defense I've seen so far, and I think everyone is having fun watching this league this year.

Jay: Asheville, NC

Heather, love the blog. Do you see any solutions to fix wake's Offense, or is this the product of the young O-line we were warned of early? (I miss you Swank)

Heather Dinich

  (12:25 PM)

Haha ... I do think you can trace the problems to the oline this year, yes. It's certainly not Riley Skinner, and they've got the 2007 rookie of the year at running back.

Chris (tampa)

Heather, in the event of a 3-way tie atop the division, what is the 2nd tiebreaker? example: FSU, Wake, and BC all finish at 6-2 in conference. Wake beat FSU, BC beat Wake, and FSU beats BC later in the year, Who wins the division?

Heather Dinich

  (12:26 PM)

I'm getting a TON of questions about the tie-breaker situations in the league so what I'll do is post it in the blog later today. Heck, I'll even do it after the chat. It's too long to write here.

Craig (Charlottesville, VA)

What are your thoughts on Marc Verica's progression at quarterback for UVA over the last 3 weeks?

Heather Dinich

  (12:27 PM)

I can't tell you how impressed I am with this kid. Not only has he gone from fourth-string to one of the difference-makers, but he's also a good person. I've gotten a chance to talk to him and he's very humble.

Mike (New York)

Do you think Friedgen is doing a good job or a bad job at Maryland this year? They are beating good teams but the inconsistency has to fall on him at some point.

Heather Dinich

  (12:29 PM)

I think Ralph is doing a 5-2 job, which isn't all that bad. But yes, he's got to take some responsibility for getting the guys ready every Saturday, and he has done that.

Robert Memphis TN

At this point with the BCS being released what are fsu chances this year for a national championship title

Heather Dinich

  (12:30 PM)

Slim to none. 19 of the 20 teams that have played in the national championship title were ranked in the top six the first week of the BCS Standings.

DJ Cuse

Will Bobby be back on the sidelines next year and do you think FSU might think about buying out Jimbo and going a different direction-not inpressed at all with his play calling?

Heather Dinich

  (12:31 PM)

Not sure about Bobby, but ... FSU fans should be thanking Jimbo. His play-calling has been smart and careful with Ponder.

Gerard (Delmar NY)

how long do you think texas can stay on top with 'bama and Joe Pa riding their tales?

Heather Dinich

  (12:32 PM)

If this year is anything like last year, I'd say not too long. The Penn State game this weekend is pretty much a Big Ten championship.

Joseph (Blacksburg, VA)

Is there any chance that VT can finally start clicking on offense or is this just going to be a frustrating year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:33 PM)

Well, considering we're going into Week 9, I'd say it is what it is.

Tony (Iraq)

Do you think its a good idea for shannon to stick with marve over harris for the up comming wake forest game ?

Heather Dinich

  (12:34 PM)

Personally, I'd go with the guy who came off the bench and won the game for you, but that's just me. I get what Shannon is saying, though, they're both going to play, they both have to learn, and they're both OK with it. Kudos to those guys for being unselfish players, otherwise it would be a mess.

Trey (Cincinnati)

Based on what you see now and the youth movement of the league, is there any potential for a national contender in the next few years?

Heather Dinich

  (12:35 PM)

Eh ... I'm not so sure about national contender, but I am pretty sure this league will be much better this year. I'm not sure people realize just how young it is, and the fact there are still relatively new coaches makes a difference.

Chris (tampa)

Heather, non-acc question(kinda) Why is Missouri still ranked as high as they are? They are the only team with 2 losses still in the poll. If any ACC team had 2 losses they wouldn't be near any of the polls.

Heather Dinich

  (12:37 PM)

Well, I don't think they are the only team with two losses. I think Kansas has two. But good lord, Oklahoma State and Texas? That's not exactly like losing to Duke and NC State my friend.

David Telluride Colorado

Ok your on the spot. Who do you think is the best team in the ACC?

Heather Dinich

  (12:38 PM)

On the spot, toss-up between Georgia Tech and Florida State. GT is No. 1 in my power ranking this week.

Patrick (Norfolk, VA)

UVA has always played very well at home under Groh and struggled on the road. Has this team really turned their season around or will they be brought back to reality when they travel to Atlanta?

Heather Dinich

  (12:40 PM)

You know, Al talked about that last night. I DO think the Cavs have turned it around. Good think I don't have to make my picks til Thursday, because that's one I'm really not sure of.

Gavin Raligh NC

Is the problem with VT's running game Darren Evans, or the offensive line? For such a highly touted recruit, he is not living up to expectations.

Heather Dinich

  (12:41 PM)

You can't be serious ... he's been one of the bright spots for those guys this season. I think he had eight TDs heading into the BC game.

Jonathan: Tallahassee, FL

With VT's relatively inept offense, coupled with FSU's seemingly new "control-the-clock-offenese" that Jimbo is running, do you see any chance of VT's offense seeing the field long enough to even give the Hokies a chance at winning?

Heather Dinich

  (12:43 PM)

Yes, I do, especially if they continue to rely on their running game. That said, this might be the best defense they've faced. (I know, I know, BC's defense is very good ...)

Mike (NJ)

What was with all the "gadget" plays that Clemson opened up with in the 1st quarter with Korn?

Heather Dinich

  (12:44 PM)

No doubt a grab-bag of offensive, tricks, huh? That fleaflicker w/ Grisham didn't work. Further proof you've gotta have the o-line.

Brian (Charlottesville)

Does Clint Sintim have a chance for defensive player of the year in the conference?

Heather Dinich

  (12:46 PM)

Absolutely. He is the real deal, but I'll tell you what, the way the defenses have been playing, that might be the toughest call. I really like Everette Brown, DE at FSU, and Vance Walker, Myron Rolle ... lotta options.

Mike (Rockville, MD)

How big is the loss of Toal on BC's defense? He was playing great, but they have tons of depth at linebacker and they shouldn't miss a beat in my opinion. Still feel bad for Brian though.

Heather Dinich

  (12:47 PM)

Mike you're right. This hurts Toal the most, especially after last season. No disrespect to him, but I think the Eagles will still be OK.

Bob (Raleigh)

how do you feel about the rebuilding effort that Tom O'Brien is doing? Do you feel that they are on schedule for where they want to be?

Heather Dinich

  (12:48 PM)

Poor TOB. If it weren't for the injuries, I'd say he might even be ahead of schedule, but who knows how good this team could have been? Or last year's?

Jaime (Reston, VA)

How can you talk about ACC defensive player of the year and not even mention Victor "Macho" Harris? I am appalled and ashamed, Heather...tsk tsk

Heather Dinich

  (12:48 PM)

We'd be here all day if I mentioned everyone! But yeah, heckuva season for that guy. Offense, defense, special teams.

Alex (Miami, FL)

Hey Heather, who do you think is the best RB in the ACC? (You should have a blog on skill position rankings...just a thought)

Heather Dinich

  (12:49 PM)

How about more specifically, a B-back? :)

Wes (San Diego)

Do you think Clemson has a shot at signing Lane Kiffin?

Heather Dinich

  (12:50 PM)

Read Ivan's note on him today. You might not want him after that.

Sandeep (Atlanta, GA)

Does Duke have any fight left? Or is it back to Duke being Duke?

Heather Dinich

  (12:51 PM)

No, Duke is definitely not back to its old ways. No disrespect to the guys on the roster, they're great players and even better people, but David Cutcliffe needs to get some better athletes in there to really make a difference.

John (Columbia, SC)

What did you think of Dabo's antics Saturday (making the punter get back on the field and then sprint off, the Patton speech in the lockerroom, the over the top sprint down the hill)? It came off as in over his head to me...especially since they lost.

Heather Dinich

  (12:53 PM)

Yeah, seemed ... how do I put this ... a little like a recruiting pitch to the fans to hang in there.

T.C. (Richmond, VA)

a B-back? Come on, I know the guy @ GT is good, but how about some love for Antone Smith? As of last week he led the conference in scoring, no?

Heather Dinich

  (12:53 PM)

Agreed ... see how tough my job is?

Michael (Tallahassee, FL)

Do you feel that Clemson is better off with Tommy Bowden gone midseason, or would they have been better off to let him finish this season? He has a history of finishing strong after weak starts after all.

Heather Dinich

  (12:54 PM)

It was bound to happen sooner or later, and given the end result was the same on Saturday, I'm not really sure it mattered much when it happened.

Wes (San Diego)

Can't find the Ivan note on Lane Kiffin. link?

Heather Dinich

  (12:55 PM)

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/notebook?page=notebook/gamedayFinal088 on the right, No. 1

Brian (Dallas, GA)

what are GT chances of slipping into the ACC championship game with VT's loss on Saturday?

Heather Dinich

  (12:56 PM)

Definitely better, but the Hokies still have 'em beat on head-to-head. Like I said before, check the blog in the next hour or so and I'll put the tiebreaker rules up for ya.

Jeremy (Brevard, NC)

Any thoughts on Bud Foster taking the HC job at Clemson?

Heather Dinich

  (12:58 PM)

I think Bud Foster would be a great head coach someday, wherever it is. He's already said he'd jump at the Clemson opportunity if they offered.

Tyler (Atlanta)

With Georgia Tech's dominant Defense, What team has the best chance of defeating the Yellow Jackets?

Heather Dinich

  (12:59 PM)

Seriously, everyone left on the schedule could beat them.

Greg Cicero

I would pay anything to be at the Bowden Thanksgiving when Tommy and Terry get together. That ought to be quite exciting.

Heather Dinich

  (12:59 PM)

No kidding. I'll take an invite to that one, too.

Matt (york, pa

With the Hokies inept offense, will Stinespring be replaced next year, and if so, any good O.C.s out there (Coker?). Also, who wins between Penn State - Ohio State

Heather Dinich

  (1:00 PM)

I think you look at personnel before you look at firing somebody, and frankly, I think Stiney gets a pass on this season. Second, I think the Nits win this one.

andrew (new york)

how come we don't see you on gameday anymore?

Heather Dinich

  (1:01 PM)

Do I LOOK like Erin Andrews? :) Ha .. Ok, guys, that's it for me. Back to bloggin ...