Heather Dinich

  (12:00 PM)

Hey guys. I'm here. Heading to Miami and College Park this week to find some answers in the league. Let's get started.

Bradford (Boise, ID)

Heather, what are Florida State's chances of winning out (including Florida) and making a BCS bowl?

Heather Dinich

  (12:01 PM)

I like FSU's chances against all of its remaining opponents (except Florida). The BCS bowl doesn't look good, though, and a lot of it has to do with what everyone else in the ACC has done.

Jordan (Richmond, Va)

Everyone is saying the Darren Evans will not be able to run the ball against Miami. Evans averaged 5.1 a carry against FSU, but they only gave him 15 carries. Whats your take?

Heather Dinich

  (12:02 PM)

Well, I saw Evans in person last week and my take is that if he can get the same blocking, he could be a consistent 100-yard rusher.

Tim (College Park)

So heather, what do you think of the Terps chances for Tampa? I mean both UNC and FSU are ranked teams at home! We should win right? Especially if FSU beats BC and they are ranked pretty high! If we could play ranked teams every week we would be BCS title contenders!

Heather Dinich

  (12:04 PM)

I wasn't impressed with the way Maryland played in Blacksburg (was anyone?) but they still control their own destiny. I don't think they beat FSU though, and you saw what BC did to Notre Dame. Well, I did, and it wasn't pretty.

Adam (Boonville, NC)

Do you think that wake will win out and play for the acc title?

Heather Dinich

  (12:04 PM)

Yes.

Matt (Philadelphia)

What's your opinion on the Myron Rolle/Rhodes Scholar controversy? I can't believe there would be any backlash for a kid wanting to pursue such an amazing opportunity.

Heather Dinich

  (12:05 PM)

Ah, what an amazing player and person he is. Personally, I think he should do the interview. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. There's another game the following week.

Jordan (Richmond, Va)

Was Maryland really that bad on thursday or was the VT Defense just getting the job done?

Heather Dinich

  (12:07 PM)

I keep asking myself that very question. Here's the thing though, if Maryland was THAT good, it wouldn't be so inconsistent and it would show up for every game. To be fair to the Terps, though, they were missing a fullback and key blocker to their running game.

Aaron (Richmond, VA)

Not so simple, simple question: Taylor or Glennon? Combination of the two?

Heather Dinich

  (12:08 PM)

How about they let the defenses dictate which QB they go with? If Darren Evans keeps it up, though, they won't need Taylor's feet as much as they used to.

Corey (New York)

Why are the Rhodes Scholarship interviews in Alabama? Wouldn't some Ivy league area be more appropriate? Even though there is a Birmingham in England it still isn't Oxford...

Heather Dinich

  (12:09 PM)

I asked him that, I thought it was odd too. It's because it's his district. I believe it's Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

Worried Tar Heel Fan

Heather- Please tell me that Butch Davis isn't leaving UNC to go to Knoxville!

Heather Dinich

  (12:09 PM)

Not the way he sounded on his teleconference last night. He said he already answered that and is done talking about it.

Jacob (Raleigh, NC)

What is your take on the upcoming Thursday night game between Virginia Tech and Miami?

Heather Dinich

  (12:10 PM)

I think whomever is able to run the ball in this smashmouth game will have a better chance. Graig Cooper and Javarris James vs. Darren Evans.

Rob Raleigh, NC

VT is 4 point dogs at Miami, the Tarheels have to be the favorite to make it to Tampa, should the heels be worried about a MD team performed so poorly last weekend? UNC v Wake in tampa seems to be the odds on favorite, right?

Heather Dinich

  (12:12 PM)

Yes, you never know which Maryland team is going to show up. That said, the Heels need to be just as concerned about Virginia Tech, because if the Hokies win out, they win it all.

Ben (Coral Gables, FL)

Do you see UNC losing any one of their remaining games? Odds of Miami winning the Coastal?

Heather Dinich

  (12:14 PM)

I don't see UNC losing again, and Miami's odds of winning depend very heavily on knocking off VT on Thursday. Huge game. And yes, I'll be there.

Alex (Columbus, OH)

Bottom Line: Do you see Al Groh coaching in Charlottesville next year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:14 PM)

Yes, Craig Littlepage said he will.

T.Boone Pickens, PA

i think FSU is gearing up for a title run within the next 2 years, how about you?

Heather Dinich

  (12:15 PM)

Aren't you supposed to be in the Big 12? If you're talking about national title, I'm not so sure they're there yet. The Florida game will go a long way in determining how wide that gap is. If you're talking ACC title, no doubt.

JD (Durham, NC)

With all the talk in the SEC and Big12 surrounding great QBs, who would you give the honor to out of the ACC, thus far?

Heather Dinich

  (12:16 PM)

Oh man, that's tough. I'd probably say Riley Skinner.

Pete (NC)

Best 3 in ACC right now? And please don't say Maryland again.

Heather Dinich

  (12:18 PM)

I'm thinking Florida State, North Carolina and Wake Forest or Virginia Tech. I've got Wake third in the power rankings this week in large part because their defense is outstanding and one of the best in the nation in turnover margin. Not to mention they've got Skinner and the most favorable remaining schedule.

Kevin (Memphis, TN)

Fire Patrick Nix threads own the Hurricane message boards. What is your objective opinion of the OC at Miami and will he keep his job?

Heather Dinich

  (12:20 PM)

I think that Canes fans should be happy they're on a four-game winning streak heading into Thursday night and have a shot at winning the Coastal considering how young this team is.

Steve (Durham, NC)

Do you see Butch Davis as a Coach of the Year candidate for the ACC this year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:21 PM)

Absolutely. He's done a great job of keeping his guys in it, despite losing his top playmaker and starting quarterback.

Heather Dinich

  (12:22 PM)

Sorry guys, UNC's Ryan Houston just called ... hang on one sec.

Timmy (Lynn, MA)

What do you think BC's chances of winning out to get to the ACC Championship are realistically, cause they do have quite a tough schedule left?

Heather Dinich

  (12:26 PM)

I'm just not convinced about BC's offense, but the defense was certainly impressive against Notre Dame.

Luke (Kingsport, TN)

Is the obvious lack of one (or more) dominant teams hurting the ACC's already tarnished image on the national stage?

Heather Dinich

  (12:27 PM)

It depends on who you ask. Personally, I think the Big East is having a rougher season than the ACC, and I think the ACC is filled with young talent. But yeah, you can't confuse parity with mediocrity, and generally, the latter is most associated with the ACC.

Chris Miami, FL

who do you think should start thursday for Miami, Marve or Harris?

Heather Dinich

  (12:28 PM)

I think Harris has earned it with his wins off the bench, but Randy doesn't necessarily agree. :)

Mike (Kaiserslautern, Germany)

How successful do you think Evans will be against Miami? Teams have run successfully on the Canes (for a half) with misdirection or QB runs and scrambles, not so much by punches to the gut.

Heather Dinich

  (12:29 PM)

I don't think he'll have another career day ... Miami's run defense has improved over the past few weeks, but at the same time, look at what the Canes let Ponder do.

Roy Williams (Titletown USA)

what did my friend Mr. Houston say?

Heather Dinich

  (12:29 PM)

Good stuff ... I'll blog it tomorrow first thing.

Nick (Alexandria, VA)

Heather, What are your thoughts on Mickey Andrews? Will he stay after Bobby leaves or does Jimbo want a whole new staff?

Heather Dinich

  (12:30 PM)

I don't think it's a matter of what Jimbo wants, I think it's more a matter of Mickey not wanting to be there without Bobby. I say when Bowden goes, Andrews goes.

Mike (Philadelphia, PA)

Let's talk national picture for a second. With the high level of competition within the ACC but little to no respect for the conference nationally, someone has to step up this year and get a big BCS victory in the Orange Bowl or we'll start looking like the Big East when they couldn't creap a team into the BCS top 15 and got stomped in the Fiesta Bowl. Who has the best chance of knocking off a Texas, Missouri, etc.?

Heather Dinich

  (12:31 PM)

The team with the best defense. Florida State? I don't see any team matching up with a Colt McCoy, though.

Jamaal (West Hartford, CT)

OK seriously HD, BC has to do something about its kicking situation...Aponavicious was a great story last year but has to be the worst kicker in D1A. Any word on whether they are going to make a switch soon?

Heather Dinich

  (12:32 PM)

Jagz is looking into it.

Chris (Tallahassee, FL)

What is the Chances of a kicker being just nominated for the Heisman? Especially if he ends the season perfect and since a lot of the kicks were over 50 yards.

Heather Dinich

  (12:32 PM)

Ha ... sorry, but Gano is not on my Heisman list this week.

Josh (Tallahassee, FL)

Hey Heather! Great job as always! Just wondering if you were able to read the comments made by Drew weatherford in the Florida times Union about how he feels like he's the best QB here at FSU. What do you have to say about this whole situation? Thanks!

Heather Dinich

  (12:33 PM)

I have not seen those comments, Josh, but I will tell you this: Drew Weatherford has done a remarkable job handling this situation, considering FSU brought him to media day this past summer and everyone thought he'd be the starter.

Lewis (Washington, DC)

Heather, Maryland's defense is awful, Do you think they lose their next three games? Will there be changes?

Heather Dinich

  (12:34 PM)

I don't think they'll lose their next three games, but I don't think they'll win them all, either. I wouldn't be surprised to see a staff change.

Andy (Tallahassee)

Do you think Everette Brown a top 3 D-Lineman in the nation? And is he a big enough force to disrupt Tebow and the Gators?

Heather Dinich

  (12:36 PM)

I haven't scouted out all of the d-linemen in the nation, so I'll stick with the ACC, and no doubt he's one of the best in the league. Three sacks in each of the past two games? Amazing. He'll get pressure on Tebow.

Stay Home Bud! (Fairfax, Va)

Heather, I know the official answer, but what do you think are the chances that Bud Foster goes to Clemson?

Heather Dinich

  (12:37 PM)

Well, we all know he'd take it if they offered, but if I'm Clemson and can get an experienced head coach, that's who I'm going after. That said, Bud will make a great HC someday.

Mike (Leesburg, VA)

HD, you just made a post on your blog while doing this. Do you have an assistant, or are you multi-tasking?

Heather Dinich

  (12:37 PM)

Hahahaha ... assistant ... hahaha

Martin (Tallahassee, FL)

I remember seeing your interview with Drew Weatherford in the beginning of the season, when you were still putting our o-line as the worst in the ACC. Retraction time Heather?

Heather Dinich

  (12:38 PM)

Oh yeah, they've played very, very well. But even Bobby Bowden and Rick Trickett will tell you they didn't think they'd be THAT good.

Jeff (Destin, FL)

Do you think FSU will be a trap game for UF? Everybody seems to be talking Alabama v Florida for the SEC title...

Heather Dinich

  (12:39 PM)

That's because Alabama and Florida have the championship game locked up. But no, I don't see that as being a trap game.

JT Tallahassee FL

HD I know you said you dont like our chances against UF, but do you think that it will be a good game, the fact that it is in Tallahassee and that we have a better team this year keep it close, in your opinion?

Heather Dinich

  (12:40 PM)

Oh I think it will be a better game than many might think, I'm just saying FSU isn't there yet. They might not even play for the ACC title. One thing at a time.

Cory (Sanford, NC)

You gonna watch the heels and terps play n person on Saturday?

Heather Dinich

  (12:40 PM)

Yep. Two games for me this week.

josh manassas

Hey, whast your take on macho harris, and where does he go int he draft?

Heather Dinich

  (12:41 PM)

First, he is an amazing athlete, and a super guy. I've interviewed him several times, and he has helped the Hokies out in all three phases of the game. Second, that's what Mel Kiper is for. :)

Chris (Tallahassee, FL)

How long do you think it is going to take the NCAA to Change college football to a playoff systam?

Heather Dinich

  (12:42 PM)

Hopefully long after I'm gone.

Matt S (Arlington, Va)

Speaking of Macho Why is he so under rated? Is Alphonso Smith really (i mean REALLY) the best CB in the ACC? Your opinion?

Heather Dinich

  (12:45 PM)

Wow, that's a tough question. They are both outstanding. I'll be honest, before I figure that question out, I'd want to talk to a lot of coaches in the league who have scouted them both. That's how I'll figure out the ACC's all-conference team.

Eric (Atlanta, GA)

Do you really still rank GT's D-Line as high as you have all year? In the past 3 games there has been very little penetration, and even though teams have been running around them, our ends can't even push out and contain.

Heather Dinich

  (12:46 PM)

You're right, they haven't played up to their NFL potential. Michael Johnson got manhandled by Eugene Monroe. UNC had its best rushing outage in a season and a half against them. That said, the NFL scouts still love 'em. And they ARE very good.

Andy (Blacksburg, VA)

Macho IS a great athlete, but he tends to either get an interception or get smoked on a deep route. Do you think he tends to lose concentration after he makes a big play, leading to these blown coverages?

Heather Dinich

  (12:47 PM)

You're right, he got beat by Greg Carr a few times. I'm not sure he wouldn't be better if he could concentrate on one position.

Mike: (Leesburg, VA)

HD, interviewing other coaches is respectable, and I'm glad you're well informed, but that doesn't mean we still don't want to know your own opinion. what's your gut say?

Heather Dinich

  (12:48 PM)

That Macho does more for his team, but that Alphonso is the better corner.

Adam (Tampa)

Why would you not like a playoff system?

Heather Dinich

  (12:48 PM)

Because I love how every weekend means everything.

Brandon (Charlotte, NC)

Cowherd just announced Butch Davis is #1 on Tenn. list. What more does he have to say so that people will stop linking him to other jobs?

Heather Dinich

  (12:50 PM)

Oh geez. I'll post Butch's comments from last night on the blog. Just because Tennessee wants him, doesn't mean he'll go.

Nicholas Christiansburg, VA

Hey Heather, Do you think the VT @ Miami will be a close one. Or will it be a nail biter?? Also, who do you think wins?

Heather Dinich

  (12:52 PM)

Why is my answer not posting? Twice, now, I have typed definitely. They are the ACC's winningest teams on Thursday nights, but they have never played each other.

Will (Winston-Salem, NC)

Alphonso has got to have the edge over Harris. Alponso has consistently doen this for 4 years now, and has no signs of slowing down. He will make a great NFL corner.

Heather Dinich

  (12:53 PM)

Yeah, I think that's what I wound up saying. The poor kid was puking against Virginia and still played a helluva game.

T.C. (Richmond, VA)

Does NCSU have a legitamate shot at beating Wake? Or does BC? Is that the only way FSU has a chance, even if FSU beats UF and Wake loses to Vandy?

Heather Dinich

  (12:55 PM)

Oh heck yeah. I keep saying NC State is better than its record indicates. We saw what the Pack can do against East Carolina when everyone is healthy. Boston College can also beat 'em, but Wake has the Eagles at home. FSU needs to win out, plain and simple.

Mike (Leesburg, VA)

HD, i like how you call alponso "the poor kid" when you can't be any older than 27? BTW, i also look young, so no disrespect here.

Heather Dinich

  (12:55 PM)

29 and I get carded everywhere.

John (Watertown, NY)

First, can Miami win out and take the ACC? Secondly, how soon until you think they will be back in the national spotlight?

Heather Dinich

  (12:56 PM)

Miami HAS to win out in order to win the ACC, but it also needs UNC to lose. Second, I think two years and this team will be very, very good. Then again, so will a lot of them in the ACC considering how young it is.

Tran (Providence, RI)

Do you think Miami made a huge mistake by joining the ACC rather than staying in the Big East? It seems like the Hurricanes could have built another successful and prestigious dynasty by dominating the Big East.

Heather Dinich

  (12:57 PM)

You and I could've dominated the Big East this year, Tran. No, I don't think it was a mistake. They would've gone through the same troubles no matter what conference they were in.

Grayson (Tampa)

As a Clemson fan, my ACC Championship tickets mock me as they sit on my desk. On the other hand, my old man is a huge Tarheel fan. Do you think I'll be wearing Carolina blue in to Raymond James?

Heather Dinich

  (12:59 PM)

Oh man. To be a Clemson fan this season. I can't imagine. UNC can do it, but not without some help from Miami this week. Well, somebody's gotta knock of VT in order for Heels to be happy.

Jordan (Richmond, Va)

How much longer for Beamer? Can he get the Hokies back to the title game, or will it take someone like Bud?

Heather Dinich

  (1:00 PM)

They're on the same staff. If they can't do it together ...

Heather Dinich

  (1:00 PM)

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