Heather Dinich

  (12:00 PM)

Hey everyone. The ACC picture is a little clearer, the bowls are not. Let's get started.

George P. Burdell (Atlanta)

So, how realistic are GA Tech's chances of making it to the ACCCG? I understand that it hinges on UVA/VT, but did you see the Duke game last week?

Heather Dinich

  (12:01 PM)

I was thinking the exact same thing, George. Anything is possible in that game, and Frank just said on his teleconference he's got a few injuries that will limit some guys in practice.

Bradford (Boise, ID)

Heather, what does Florida State need to do to beat Flordia? Can they atleast keep it close? Thanks.

Heather Dinich

  (12:01 PM)

Pressure Tebow like they did Chris Turner is a start. I think it will be close for a while, and then, well, not.

Jeremy(Atlanta, Ga)

Who would you rather see in the ACC championship? GT or Virginia Tech?

Heather Dinich

  (12:02 PM)

Georgia Tech, only because the Hokies were there last year, and the Yellow Jackets have more of an offense to watch.

Greg(Atlanta,Georgia)

Hey Heather love the blog. How do you like the Jackets chances against UGA, the spread seems a bit high at 11.

Heather Dinich

  (12:03 PM)

Hey Greg. I think the Jackets will keep it interesting because Georgia will struggle against the option just like it did against Kentucky.

Bradford (Boise, ID)

Heather, in your blog you said something like "Bring on Boise State." How do you think Boise State would fare against the ACC rep?

Heather Dinich

  (12:04 PM)

Ha ... yeah, heck, Boise State, Utah, BYU, Ball State, whoever. I think they'd all give an ACC team a run for its money.

Darren (Atlanta, GA)

How likely is it for the ACC to finish with a winning record against the SEC this week? And whats your take on the Sagarin putting the ACC as the top Conference in the nation?

Heather Dinich

  (12:05 PM)

I think the odds are slim, but I also think FSU and Georgia Tech will play better than a lot of people outside ACC land expect. Wake should redeem itself against Vanderbilt, but who knows. As for Sagarin, I don't think it matters unless the ACC is winning those games, which it's not.

Justin (Tallahassee)

Do you think Maryland can pull off the win at BC?

Heather Dinich

  (12:06 PM)

Of course. It doesn't mean anything and BC is ranked. Perfect formula for the Terps. Plus, BC will have its backup quarterback.

Bill (Providence, RI)

Heather, which game are you going to this week? Are you bringing your "luck for the hometeam" to Chestnut Hill? I hear Clemson and Tallahassee are much nicer this time of year

Heather Dinich

  (12:06 PM)

Haha, yes, I will be in Chestnut Hill, sorry, Bill.

Matt (Philadelphia)

Heather, how about the job Frank Spaziani does year in and year out? They never have all-world talent but he has to be among the handful of top D-Coordinators in the country.

Heather Dinich

  (12:07 PM)

I absolutely agree. Spaz has won a lot of football games for those guys this year. Jagz has surrounded himself with very good coordinators. Steve Logan does a great job, too.

Nick (NJ)

As a Rutgers fan hoping to go to the Car Care Bowl, what are the chances of UNC not being invited to Charlotte (and increasing the odds of Rutgers going)? Please say 100%.

Heather Dinich

  (12:08 PM)

Actually, some of the Maryland folks I've talked to think they'll wind up there. Bowl projections coming on the blog later today. Still waiting to hear back from some bowls ...

Stephen (Knoxville, TN)

Heather, if Clemson remains competitve against South Carolina but loses do you think that Dabo gets the job?

Heather Dinich

  (12:09 PM)

Unfortunately for Dabo, I don't. He's done an admirable job with the team and the atmosphere and won some games. I don't think fans could have asked for more under the circumstances, but Clemson needs to go after an experienced head coach.

H.L. (Tampa, FL)

Heather, I've been compiling your negative quotes about FSU's chances against Florida the last couple of weeks and plan to send them to the athletic department for some bulletin board material. If you can give me another one where you trash FSU, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Heather Dinich

  (12:11 PM)

Make sure you send Bobby Bowden's, too, since he said Florida and Oklahoma are in a class of their own when it comes to explosive power. Oh, and it would take about 50 points to beat them. http://www.tampabay.com/sports/college/article914874.ece

Paul (Detroit)

Heather, I think its safe to say Notre Dame will lose to USC. If Weis loses the bowl game as well, does Notre Dame have to make a change?

Heather Dinich

  (12:11 PM)

I would think it would be hard not to.

Pete (Boston)

Can you confirm with the Chicken Bowl that they are not in fact forced to take the loser of the ACCCG this year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:12 PM)

This is true, and the Chick-fil-A folks are well aware of it.

Jim W. (Sacramento)

So, Heather was it the Ga. Tech offense that did in my Canes or was it poor tackling and positioning by the defense? I haven't watched Tech closely enough to tell if they just played at or above their potential in that game, but the Canes looked lost out there.

Heather Dinich

  (12:13 PM)

A lot of it -- a ton of it -- was Miami's inability to defend the triple option. That said, Jonathan Dwyer is going to get his yards on everyone.

Jerran: Green Springs, Ohio

Do you think the ACC will be strong enough next year to compete for a national championship next year? And if you do what team(s) will be there.

Heather Dinich

  (12:14 PM)

No, not next year. In fact, with the way everyone is beating up on each other and the slow rise of Duke, it's going to be hard for the ACC to have a NC contender.

Chan (Kansas City)

Heather, Paul Johnson has done a good job with GT that was picked to finish almost dead last. Should he get ACC Coach of the Year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:14 PM)

He should absolutely be considered for it.

Josh (Raleigh)

How bout them wolfpack! what do you think beat Miami and go bowling?

Heather Dinich

  (12:16 PM)

Man, I actually gave a thought to putting them at No. 1 in the ACC power rankings this week, because right now they look like the best team in the league. I say they have a good chance to go bowling.

Nick (Brighton, MA)

Can you talk for a second about the play of BC's junior linebacker Mark Herzlich? Is he front runner for defensive player of the year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:16 PM)

What he did against Wake Forest was critical in keeping BC's hopes alive. There are a ton of good choices on the defensive side, since it is SUCH a defensive league this year, and no doubt he's one of them.

Young (Atlanta GA)

Heather- Is Miami's inability to stop GT's triple option a sign of things to come in Athens this weekend? Like Miami, Georgia prides itself in a fast (but undisciplined) defense that can often overrun the play.

Heather Dinich

  (12:18 PM)

Absolutely. Like I said, they struggled with the option against Kentucky -- 42-38 win -- I think it will be similar, but as long as they keep somebody on Dwyer they should be ok.

Billy (Jasper, GA)

Heather, do you think if GT beats UGA and FSU beats UF that the ACC will get some much deserved respect and the mediocre charges will die down a little?

Heather Dinich

  (12:19 PM)

I can only speak for myself, and I'd certainly be impressed.

John (Watertown, NY)

Do you think the constant switching of Marve and Harris also had something to do with how the Canes performed, at least on offense? They never seemed able to get into any type of rhythm.

Heather Dinich

  (12:19 PM)

No, I think that Georgia Tech's defense had everything to do with that. Those guys played lights out.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

Can you put Notre Dame's loss in perspective? They lost at home to an 8-loss team whose coach has been fired after having a 13 point second half lead. Good stuff, huh?

Heather Dinich

  (12:21 PM)

Ha, I think you just did put it into perspective, thanks.

Dave (Memphis)

Don't blame Duke for the ACC not having a NC contender, but will they upset UNC this weekend? That would top off a terrific year...

Heather Dinich

  (12:22 PM)

If Duke's defense plays the way it did against Virginia Tech, then yes, Duke will win. Oh, and they'll need Thaddues Lewis, back too.

Shonn Greene (Iowa City)

Heather, since the ACC doesn't have a notable Heisman candidate, will you please rally the conference around me? I'm way too good for ESPN to continue ignoring me.

Heather Dinich

  (12:22 PM)

You're No. 5 on my list this week. :)

Vince (Sterling, Va)

Heather, who do you see leading in the Clemson coaching searching? Please tell me that Terry Don Phillips is NOT looking at Tuberville or Bobby Johnson.

Heather Dinich

  (12:23 PM)

I've heard he's not looking at Tuberville, but that Bobby Johnson could be a possibility.

Kurt (KC)

How far down is the ACC really this year and do you see the conference as a whole making significant strides in the next year or two?

Heather Dinich

  (12:24 PM)

You're asking me this two days after eight teams combined to score five touchdowns? I admit, I was really disappointed in the ACC this weekend. With the exception of NC State, Georgia Tech and FSU, there was little to no offense. But yes, I think it will be better in the next two years. Significantly.

Jared (Tallahassee, FL)

Heather, while Herzlich has had a great season, and no doubt deserves a ton of respect...don't you think Everette Brown has got to be the ACC Defensive Player of the Year (and possibly National Defensive Player of the Year)? And is Graham Gano your front-runner for the Groza Award?

Heather Dinich

  (12:26 PM)

Yeah, I talked to Everette after the game. He constantly amazes me that he can be such a nice guy off the field, and an absolute monster on it. He'll get consideration, as will Gano for the Groza, but I don't vote for that. He has been the best in the ACC though.

John (richmond, va)

If your Frank Beamer, start Glennon or Tyrod this week? I never thought id see the day where VT fans were booing Tyrod and cheering Glennon like this weekend.

Heather Dinich

  (12:26 PM)

Frank was mum -- again -- on his quarterbacks this morning, but said it wasn't all Tyrod creating the problems.

Chris (State College, PA)

Do you think Oregon State will make it past Oregon to play a rematch against Penn State in the Rose Bowl?

Heather Dinich

  (12:27 PM)

I don't know, but I'm sure PSU is hoping they don't. The Nits would rather see USC from a challenge standpoint, plus, it's harder to beat the same team twice.

Dave (Austin)

I need a non-biased college football fan such as yourself to answer this one: what's the better win, Texas over OU by 10 in a neutral field or OU by a landslide over Texas Tech at home?

Heather Dinich

  (12:29 PM)

I will tell you this: I have Texas at No. 3, and Oklahoma at No. 4 in my power ranking for ESPN.com this week.

Mike (Randleman)

Russel Wilson's play at QB is very impressive as only being a R-Fr. Only one pick on the season and that was against clemson in his 2nd start. Do you think he has any chance of being on 1st Team All ACC?

Heather Dinich

  (12:31 PM)

It depends on how much stock the media puts into their record, and how much they care that he missed a few games. But yes, he definitely has a shot, at least on my list.

Bill (Miami)

Do you see two big 12 teams going into the NC? And who would you most like to see in the ACC CG?

Heather Dinich

  (12:33 PM)

No, I don't, I think it's going to be hard to keep Alabama or Florida out of it, and as for the ACC CG, I wouldn't mind an FSU/GT rematch, since that game came down to a fumble in the end zone. Or even BC/GT because it was close, too. It would be interesting to see how much better either of those teams can be against the triple option after having played against it once in the same season.

Jerran: Green Springs, Ohio

What team in the ACC do you think has been the most disapointing this year? Which team has been the most surprising this year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:34 PM)

You have to give it to Clemson for most disappointing, considering the No. 9 preseason ranking, the plethora of injuries and the head coaching change. The most surprising would probably be GT, but Miami surprised me.

Kyle (Atlanta, GA)

Who is going to win the ACC in 2009?

Heather Dinich

  (12:36 PM)

Ooh, super early prediction, fun. I say it's FSU and Miami, with FSU winning. Not that I've given it any thought or anything ...

Justin (Chester, VA)

Heather what is the matter you don't want to watch VT's D win this and the championship game? The D is up to 8th at least we have one unit that is working.

Heather Dinich

  (12:37 PM)

Haha, yeah, I know, and credit to Bud Foster on that one. Like Frank said today, it doesn't matter how they get there, just as long as they do. I just think it would be neat to see somebody different for a change.

Dave (VA)

HD did you seriously think to put NC State as Num 1 in your ranking?? Just like you put UVA there when they won 4 in a row and fooled you. NC State has put the same magic spell on you to think so. They are good but not num 1 or 4 good

Heather Dinich

  (12:39 PM)

This year in the ACC, Dave, there really is not that much separation. I do the rankings every week, and every week it seems like a different team is hot. Right now, this second, that team is NC State.

Dave (VA)

Why did we even play the season then HD?? Maybe next year we can just hand select who we want in the ACC CG b/c we want to see somebody different instead of someone who happened to win the games needed??

Heather Dinich

  (12:39 PM)

Fair point, but I also think Georgia Tech is a better team than Virginia Tech, and I would think most people would want to see the best team in it.

RYAN, HAMPTON VIRGINIA

Heather, I know that Va Tech is not the best team in the ACC but when are people going to realize that year in and year out we are gonna be in the hunt give us credit when credit is due!

Heather Dinich

  (12:41 PM)

I think that coaching staff deserves tons of credit for finding a way to win.

John ( Noleville , USA )

I get so frustrated with FSU sometimes. One game they look like the Seminoles of old, the next game they look like the Chris Rix era Seminoles. Where do you see the FSU program in the next 3 years? Thanks

Heather Dinich

  (12:43 PM)

I think a lot of that has to do with inconsistency at quarterback and the o-line. Ponder is still a first-year qb and the team will be less up and down and reliant upon the run as he matures. Not sure what happened to the defense against BC, though. As for the future, FSU should be one of the top teams in the ACC.

John Tallahassee

So saturday morning I noticed you changed your FSU pick to Maryland..lol. With that being said, What does Maryland need to do on offense to beat a good BC defense?

Heather Dinich

  (12:44 PM)

Ha ... see, and I was right! Because Maryland was supposed to win, FSU did! Perfect logic. :) The Terps need to protect Chris Turner WAAAY better than they did. Five sacks in the first half won't cut it.

(Chris, Boca Raton, FL)

How do you think FSU's offense will stack up against UF this weekend? ...and for you to say that FSU will need to score 50 to beat UF is a little over-the-top. The noles have one of the top defenses in the land!

Heather Dinich

  (12:46 PM)

Ha, first of all, I didn't say that, Bobby did, and I'm pretty sure he was joking. Second, they got a boost from the news that Florida could be missing two d-linemen. Still, I think FSU will struggle because they are so dependent upon the run, and Ponder hasn't been consistently able to throw like he needs to (see BC).

Hal (Atlanta)

Any chance the Peach Bowl takes GT? Or do they frown on that since GT is right there in town (and won't sell hotel rooms)?

Heather Dinich

  (12:47 PM)

No, they're looking at them for sure, and that's one bowl that doesn't pick based on fan base. In fact, they've only got about 600 tickets left.

Impressionable Kid (USA)

Better role model...Tim Tebow or Myron Rolle?

Heather Dinich

  (12:48 PM)

Oh man, seriously? Impossible to answer.

Aaron Miami

whathas to happen for miami to win the acc

Heather Dinich

  (12:49 PM)

2009

Chris (Arlington

HD - why every time I read your blog or chats is there no love for my Hokies??

Heather Dinich

  (12:49 PM)

I've been to Blacksburg twice this season! That's 20 hours in my car for the Hokies!

Jerran: Green Springs, Ohio

How many wins will Duke have next year under David Cutcliffe?

Heather Dinich

  (12:51 PM)

Enough to go to a bowl.

q (tha beach in nc)

after UNC beats DOOK next week, what bowl do u see them playingin and against what team? Gracias!

Heather Dinich

  (12:54 PM)

I'll be posting bowl predictions later today on the blog, and I'm still waiting to hear back from a lot of bowls, but because the ACC STILL has teams in contention for bowl eligibility, it's a wild guess at this point. I don't think they'd go to Charlotte.

Hal (Atlanta)

With UVA poor season, is Al Groh on his way out or does he get another year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:55 PM)

Craig Littlepage has already said Groh's job is safe, regardless of how he finishes the season.

Heather Dinich

  (12:57 PM)

OK guys, lotta bowl questions in here and I need to go try and sort that out, so back to bloggin'. Thanks for stopping by this week and have a Happy Thanksgiving.