Heather Dinich

  (12:00 PM)

Hey guys. I'm here. Let's get started.

Patrick (Cheyenne,Wyoming)

Why is it so much fun to watch Georgia Tech and the option, there is so much going on in the trenches when Georgia Tech, in the day of the spread the option still being effective is great do you think he will be successful for a while and will stay around?

Heather Dinich

  (12:02 PM)

I think it will stay around as long as Paul Johnson is around. Other coaches don't use it just because it's not attractive to recruits. But like Bowden said, Paul Johnson is a master at it.

Stephen (Fort Worth, TX)

Do you see the winner of the Utah - TCU game to have the inside track to a BCS bowl or will the win not be enough to have TCU jump Boise State in the polls?

Heather Dinich

  (12:03 PM)

Yeah, I do see that as being a key game, and right now, it's looking like TCU is playing the best, regardless of Boise State's place in the polls.

Mat- Harvest, AL

With how crazy it has been in the ACC, what do you think the chances of having 10 bowl eligible teams are?

Heather Dinich

  (12:03 PM)

I still think the chances of that are very slim, but then again, I didn't think this league was good enough to get nine bowl eligible teams coming into the season. Ten is a serious stretch, though.

Jimmy (Baton Rouge, LA)

For the first time in a long while Gator fans were cheering for FSU, and they still lose. Is it coaching or a lack of playmakers that keeps this once dominant program from taking off again?

Heather Dinich

  (12:04 PM)

Well, on Saturday it was one fumble in the end zone. Other than that, they were taking off again.

Ray (College Park, MD)

What are the chances Maryland comes out of their division? They've got a tough (by ACC standards) remaining schedule: at VT, vs. UNC, vs. FSU, at BC. But that might actually be a good thing the way these Terps play to their competition.

Heather Dinich

  (12:06 PM)

I know it's not the answer you want to hear, but it's up to Maryland. They're in a good spot right now having beaten Wake Forest. Even if they lose to VT on Thursday night, they've still got an edge. A win over Florida State would be huge, but they'll need more than just that.

Wil (Fairfax, VA)

After giving a fantastic effort against Georgia Tech, how many carries should FSU freshmen Jermaine Thomas be getting per game? Also any word on when Antone Smith will be back to full strength?

Heather Dinich

  (12:07 PM)

Bobby Bowden says Thomas should be getting more. He didn't say how much, but he was very complimentary to the freshman. Something he's usually reserved about. Haven't heard about Smith yet.

Bryan (Leesburg, AL)

Should Georgia be concerned with the way Tech is running the ball?

Heather Dinich

  (12:08 PM)

Considering how Georgia struggled against Florida, it should be more concered about scoring points against the D.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

There's nothing like some HD college football chat! Ms. Dinich, do you believe that Penn State can compete with any of the other top five teams or have you adopted the popular opinion that they are just the best team in a weak conference and they would get crushed in a BCS title game.

Heather Dinich

  (12:09 PM)

Ha. You're funny. HD it is. Two things. Yes, PSU is the best team in a watered down Big Ten, but it's also legit. I think that patchwork defense would give those Big 12 offenses the best look they've seen.

Blake (Tuscaloosa, AL)

Alabama has kept winning up to this point and has earned a #1 ranking yet sports writers have already written them off from the title game because of the difficulty of the SEC? Why does the tide get no respect?

Heather Dinich

  (12:09 PM)

And what, might I ask, do you call No. 1?

Goose (Chicago)

Is Cutcliffe going to be one-and-done at Duke and head back to Tennessee? What a shame that would be.

Heather Dinich

  (12:10 PM)

It would be a shame, and the Tennessee job is going to be open sooner than later. Cutcliffe would be a good choice, but he'd have to win more games at Duke to sell it to the boosters.

Bobby (Boston, MA)

Heather I think Coach Jags was rude/curt/frustrated with his answer to your question in his Sunday presser and could have handled it much better but at the same time, what did you expect to here as a response to that question? Where do YOU see BC at this point?

Heather Dinich

  (12:13 PM)

Random. Where did you hear or see that? I expected him to tell me exactly what I asked: Where he thought his team was in the overall picture. I think they pretty much played their way out of it, but like everyone still has a chance. Their offense doesn't have enough answers. He can't do too much without risking turnovers.

Andy (Tallahassee)

The Tennessee job is open now, HD. Fulmer just stepped down at the end of the season with a mutual agreement from the school. Just letting you know the update.

Heather Dinich

  (12:13 PM)

Well, there you go. Thanks.

Eric (Milwaukee)

How do rank the ACC relative to other conferences? Obviously below the Big 12 and SEC, but how good compared to Big 10, Pac-10, and Big East?

Heather Dinich

  (12:15 PM)

Well, it's more competitive than the Big 10 and Pac 10, and Maryland beat Cal. It's a notch above the Big East. I think the Big 10 might be better, and we saw what USC did to UVa.

Troy (La Plata, MD)

Based on your locker room analysis, do you think Florida State will come into Saturday's game against Clemson deflated or fired up to prove themselves once again?

Heather Dinich

  (12:16 PM)

I'd say they'll be pretty fired up. I talked to Thomas afterwards and he had a good outlook. Bowden said something like they're not treating them like losers. Nice.

Aaron (Atlanta)

Any insight into the cluster that is the Coastal division? What do you think are the most likely scenarios as far as tiebreakers and who sits in position to win?

Heather Dinich

  (12:17 PM)

How much time do you have?

Jeff (Destin, FL)

is FSU still in control of their own destiny in the ACC? Would wins over BC, Clemson, and Maryland seal the deal?

Heather Dinich

  (12:17 PM)

FSU would have to win out, and Wake Forest would have to lose.

Carlos (Miami,FL)

What are the chances Miami wins out and makes it to the ACCCG. VA Tech is hurting right now and if Miami plays the run like we can then GT could be a W. NC State can play spoiler though. What do you think?

Heather Dinich

  (12:19 PM)

I think you bring up a good point about NC State being a spoiler. Too many people have written that team off, but with Russell Wilson in, they're capable of winning.

Mark (VA)

How do you see the rest of the Atlantic division race ending up?

Heather Dinich

  (12:21 PM)

Maryland is in such a good position right now. That said, the way the league has been, it's still anyone's game.

Troy (La Plata, MD)

Is Virginia good enough to beat Wake?

Heather Dinich

  (12:24 PM)

Yes, the Cavs are still a good football team, despite the loss to Miami. And Wake needs to find consistency on offense.

Zach (Atlanta)

Do you know anything about the status of Josh Nesbitt? GTs offense left when he did.

Heather Dinich

  (12:25 PM)

There wasn't an update last night, and I haven't heard back yet from the SID. If you noticed a pause between questions, it's because I've been trying to track that and the VT QB situation down for you.

Greg: (Atlanta, GA)

Do you see VT and Virginia losing one more game each so that GT can win the Coastal Division?

Heather Dinich

  (12:25 PM)

Considering they play each other, somebody's gotta lose.

Josh (Richmond, VA)

I know you're ACC and all, but I need answers. Everyone keeps saying that Texas holds the tiebreaker in a 3 team tie, but if Oklahoma beats Texas Tech, and both teams win out, wouldn't that scrap the head-to-head tiebreaker, and go to the #2 tiebreaker, of who's ahead in the BCS. I understand that this is the ACC chat, but step up and show us your knowledge about a real football conference.

Heather Dinich

  (12:28 PM)

This is what I know about that: Texas owns tiebreakers over Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Texas Tech needs to lose at least once for Texas to get a share of the division. Now the ACC is complicated enough with it's own tiebreaker stuff without having to figure out your Big 12!

Heather Dinich

  (12:28 PM)

This is what I know about that: Texas owns tiebreakers over Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Texas Tech needs to lose at least once for Texas to get a share of the division. Now the ACC is complicated enough with it's own tiebreaker stuff without having to figure out your Big 12!

Eric (Atlanta, GA)

Just to be sure...GT wins the coastal only if they win out the ACC, and Virginia Tech loses one more? Really, VT is in control of the coastal as it stands right now because of their wins, right? Or am I just way off?

Heather Dinich

  (12:30 PM)

Not too far off. The Jackets need to beat Miami and North Carolina, but they've also got to get some help. Virginia AND Virginia Tech have to lose once.

Robert (Atlanta GA)

Real football conference, the Big 12? I think the ACC is 4-0 against them.

Heather Dinich

  (12:31 PM)

Yeah, but it's not like they beat Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. And if you recall, Virginia lost to TT in the Gator last year.

Daniel (Atlanta, GA)

I see UVA winning against VT when they play each other. Is Wake Forest good enough to beat UVA to give Tech the boost it needs to be uncontested at the top of the Coastal?

Heather Dinich

  (12:33 PM)

If Wake has the kind of day on offense it did against Duke, and if it gets field goals from Popham, and plays defense like Alphonso Smith did, then yes. But so far, that hasn't been the trend. And I could also see Virginia beating VT this year.

Jimmy OH

How do we know the Big 12 teams are as good as the media seems to think they are?

Heather Dinich

  (12:33 PM)

I think the proper question is how good are the Big 12 defenses?

Mike (Corona, CA)

ND-BC looked like a decent game a few weeks ago, who's more desperate this Saturday?

Heather Dinich

  (12:34 PM)

Great question. Four overtimes later, you'd think Notre Dame, but BC is playing for more than pride.

Steve (Blacksburg, VA)

HD: You've probably been asked this already but I just sat down in class.. I can't find any updates on who will be starting for us on Thursday night.. Just learned that my class was cancelled so give me good news!

Heather Dinich

  (12:35 PM)

Ha ... still waiting for the call back from VT, sorry. I'll post as soon as I know, promise.

Tom (Chicago)

Heather, I know you're the ACC blogger, but what did you think of Urban Meyer calling timeouts in the last minute of the game? To me, it just continues to show he's one of the biggest jerks in college football.

Heather Dinich

  (12:35 PM)

Classless. Let the score speak for itself.

Big 12

What is defense?

Heather Dinich

  (12:36 PM)

Ha

Matt (Atlanta)

Enough analysis about how messed up the ACC races are. Why don't you go on record here and make a prediction for the ACC title game for us?

Heather Dinich

  (12:38 PM)

Seriously, every coach in the league who's been around a while will tell you he's never seen anything like this. You've got five teams - FIVE! - in the Coastal with two losses. Anybody who thinks they know what's gonna happen is full of something. Maybe I'll throw out some predictions on the blog later, though, just for fun.

Jimmy OH

Heather Dinich: (12:33 PM ET ) I think the proper question is how good are the Big 12 defenses? And your answer is ;) ?

Heather Dinich

  (12:39 PM)

Anyone who consistently gives up 400-500 yards of total offense can't be that good.

John (dc)

Heather, just want to point out ACC is no joke. same TT team barely beat UVA last year. I believe it was a last second field goal that beat the Hoos.

Heather Dinich

  (12:40 PM)

Yeah, I was there for that. They always seem to find a way to win, though, don't they?

Mark (Norfolk, VA)

The Coastal is a mess as everyone knows...who do you think will separate themselves in the final weeks of the season? I'm a UNC grad here, and I think they have what it takes to win out and hopefully get into the championship game (maybe with some help from a tie breaker).

Heather Dinich

  (12:41 PM)

OK, fine, since y'all are pushing ... I think Maryland and Miami will play for it. I'm also going to change my mind about that in three seconds.

Aziz (Riyadh, KSA)

Do you think Alabama is got what it takes to become the National Champs?

Heather Dinich

  (12:42 PM)

Yes, complete team.

George P. Burdell (Atlanta)

What are the most intriguing and interesting games in the ACC as we come down to crunch time? Which ones bear the most weight in the races?

Heather Dinich

  (12:44 PM)

Florida State at Maryland, Virginia at Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and North Carolina, Virginia Tech at Miami and everyone left on BC's schedule.

clayton (jax beach, fl)

Do you know who would win the tiebraker in the atlantic division if Wake, FSU, and Maryland all finished with 2 losses?

Heather Dinich

  (12:45 PM)

Maryland would win if it doesn't lose to Florida State.

Bryan Mobile

Hi Heather, With Spiller back and Clemson fineally coming through in the fourth quarter and given the pandomoneum in the ACC have you counted the Pre_Season ACC chanps out of it yet? Wake could still lose twice, maryland three times, Boston College once more, and if the Tigers knock of Florida State they will have the tie-braker to ultimatly win the division given they win out. A pipedream perhaps?

Heather Dinich

  (12:46 PM)

Mathematically, you can't count Clemson out yet, either. But not only would they have to win out, but Maryland AND Wake need to lose.

Lubbock, Tx

heather i know this is acc blog but i read it all the time. i just want to say that big12 defenses are good but the offenses can't be stopped. The best QB's in the nation live in the big12. if you hold a team under 400 yards like tech did to texas then you will win games.

Heather Dinich

  (12:47 PM)

Thanks for reading, and I agree with you -- the best QBs are in the Big 12. And TT's defense will determine its fate in the next two tough games. We know what the offense can do.

Heather Dinich

  (12:48 PM)

Just wanted to update VT and Maryland fans ... The quarterbacks will be a game time decision. They have been limited in practice this week, and are still wearing the boots when they're not on the field.

Bart (Mebane, NC)

Heather....love reading the blog.....what do you see for the Tarheels in the coming weeks, with TJ Yates coming back from injury, and such? Is this gonna be a helpful addition or will the Tarheels have problems readjusting to Yates?

Heather Dinich

  (12:50 PM)

Thanks, Bart. Actually, Butch has said he's sticking with Cam Sexton. If that changed in the past few days, it's news to me.

sean (wv)

how does wvu get no love, their two losses came early in the year when they were still finding themselves without rich rod and slaton (who has proven how good he is), however, teams like ohio are right up there with two losses even though they got dismantled by USC.

Heather Dinich

  (12:51 PM)

Oh now. Look, I gave WVU credit in my power ranking this week because they've reeled off, what, five straight wins and are undefeated in the Big East? But come ON ... you beat Rutgers, Syracuse, a struggling Auburn team and a UConn team that shouldn't have been ranked in the first place.

Mike (Kaiserslautern, Germany)

HD, don't the Heels hold the tiebreaker over the Canes if both win out? I'm pulling for the Canes, but not many are writing about UNC's edge.

Heather Dinich

  (12:53 PM)

Yep, but in the split second y'all made me pick :) I knew that Miami only had ONE Coastal Division loss. That's an edge. Unless, of course, UNC keeps winning.

Ben (Ca)

Probably about 2,000 miles out of your jurisdiction but Cal vs SC... does Cal have a chance?

Heather Dinich

  (12:53 PM)

If they have a healthy quarterback. The defense is good enough to keep Sanchez and Co. in check. The offense? Not so convinced. Not against the nation's best D.

John (Watertown, NY)

What are the Canes' chances of winning out, I'm kind of biased, being a lifelong Miami fan, but look like the hottest team in the ACC right now.

Heather Dinich

  (12:55 PM)

You are absolutely right. This team is on a hot streak, and the defense is playing much better. The Canes have VT, GT and NCSU left. I think their chances will depend on what they do at QB, and who's playing QB for VT and GT.

tom (CT)

Heather - Jacory Harris or Robert marve - who should be the "1"?

Heather Dinich

  (12:56 PM)

Harris. If he's the guy in there in crunch time, he's the guy who should be starting.

Pistol (Texas)

what are the chances Texas Tech goes undefeated.... slim to none if you ask me.

Heather Dinich

  (12:57 PM)

I agree, considering Oklahoma State and Oklahoma are up next.

Bobby (SC)

Lets face it: Clemson has seen better days. However, the Clemson team that we are seeing now is nothing like the Clemson team that we have seen for the past several years. As in, there is actually some passion out there. Given this new Clemson look, do you think the Tigers should be given more of a thought to win out?

Heather Dinich

  (12:58 PM)

Look, considering where the team is right now, it's just hard to give them any more credit until they earn it back.

Aaron (Bowling Green, Ohio)

I still can't believe how embarassing Michigan has been playing, now that they're not bowl eligible for the first time in 33 years. Do you see them coming back in the next couple years and being a dominating team once again?

Heather Dinich

  (12:59 PM)

I think once Rich Rod recruits the players he wants in his system, they'll be fine.

Chris (Georgia)

Heather how much will GT losing 3 on the D-Line affect the defense for next year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:59 PM)

Oh my ... Georgia Tech fans might not want to think about that until they absolutely have to.

Heather Dinich

  (1:00 PM)

Alright guys, my time is up. Back to bloggin. Thanks for joining the chat today. Same time next week.