Heather Dinich

  (12:01 PM)

Hey everyone. I'm here, let's get started.

Jacob VaBeach

your thoughts on fsu not in the gator bowl

Heather Dinich

  (12:01 PM)

Well, I think at first FSU folks were probably a little stunned, but this might work out for the better. They should have an edge against Wisconsin in Champs, and will have a home state crowd behind them.

Matt (Savannah, GA)

Good afternoon Heather, nice job this year and hope you're back next year. With LSU's defense struggling all year and especially lately (last 4 games giving up 30 points per), do you think it even matters how much time they have to prepare for GT? Not that GT's defense has been much better lately, but I don't see LSU getting more stops than Tech.

Heather Dinich

  (12:02 PM)

Hey Matt .. ha, thanks, I'm going to hope I'm back next year, too. Considering Georgia had a bye week to prepare for PJ's offense, I don't think it matters.

CFzax (Asheville NC)

Interesting analysis on the Podcast shared. I for one think BC will do fine in the Music City Bowl. Vandy should pack the stands and BC plays well away from home. Main question, do you feel FSU will bring the fans for the bowl game? Concerned that the attitude will be negative but hoping that we rally to show the fans will show up!

Heather Dinich

  (12:03 PM)

Seriously? You're wondering if FSU fans will show up to a game in Florida, but have no concern about BC fans showing up for the Music City Bowl?

Raymond (Emmaus, Pa)

How do you see Cincy-Virginia Tech playing out? I know you said it was your least exciting bowl game, but these two teams seem to be made to play each other.

Heather Dinich

  (12:05 PM)

I DO think it's a good matchup, and it should be a good game. Virginia Tech's defense has been its strength this season, but the offense needs to take one more step I think to win this game.

Jay (Frederick MD)

Do you think Paul Johnson will stay at Ga Tech or is he already looking for greener fields. There are rumors about Auburn circulating around.

Heather Dinich

  (12:05 PM)

Yeah, there are rumors, but Dan Radakovich is meeting with Johnson this week to try and prevent him from going anywhere.

Ben (Atlanta)

GT will return 19 starters in 2009 (based on who was on the field vs. Miami and UGA) and all 11 starters on offense. The road to the ACC Title in 2009 goes through Atlanta!

Heather Dinich

  (12:06 PM)

Let's wait and see how that defensive line fares without Michael Johnson, Vance Walker and Darryl Richard first.

Blake (Greensboro, NC)

Hello Heather, what do you think the outcome will be of the NCSU vs RU game?

Heather Dinich

  (12:07 PM)

This is secretly one of the games I'm most excited for, and it's because I have no idea what the outcome will be. I think it will be close, and NC State will need another strong performance from its defense.

Zach (knoxville, TN)

what bowl games will you be enjoying in person?

Heather Dinich

  (12:08 PM)

We haven't figured out our assignments yet, but since I live in the Washington D.C. area, I wouldn't be surprised if I saw the Navy-Wake rematch. Nor would I mind it so much. It's the venue, not the game, that bugs me on that one.

BleedRed (Burlington, NC)

Heather do you think Russell Wilson will have any success against Rutger's defense?

Heather Dinich

  (12:11 PM)

Absolutely, but it's not going to be easy. Rutgers does have the No. 2 pass defense in the Big East, but Wilson's mobility will be key.

Ashwin (Fairfax, Va)

HD, VT's running backs are looking good. With Ryan Williams red shirting this year, how are the Hokies going to manage the RB situation next year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:12 PM)

That's a great question, and it should be one of the Hokies' strengths next year. I would think they'd have a good one-two punch there, and the competition will only make them better.

CFzax (Asheville NC)

Heather - you missed the point. BC does not travel and Vandy will fill stadium. FSU typically does travel but with Gator Bowl snub, will they Rally. Hopefully stated better.

Heather Dinich

  (12:13 PM)

Sorry for the misunderstanding ... Yeah, I definitely see FSU playing well in that game, and I would think there would be a good fan turnout to see it.

Gabe (OKC, OK)

Did the polls/computers work this bowl years?

Heather Dinich

  (12:14 PM)

I think the BCS worked, but the Big 12 tiebreaker didn't.

Nathan (Duffield, VA)

In all seriousness, how empty was the stadium in Tampa?

Heather Dinich

  (12:14 PM)

Seriously, it was about a third full. Maybe 20,000?

Daniel, Atlanta

Do you think GT will look great on the national scale with a win over LSU? LSU didn't look too hot this season, but they still have the prestige.

Heather Dinich

  (12:15 PM)

I think GT proved itself on the national scale with its win over Georgia, and if it plays the same way against LSU will do the same again. It IS still the defending national champs, even if they don't look like it.

Keith (Jacksonville, FL)

Heather: Jimbo Fisher and Auburn; What do you kow?

Heather Dinich

  (12:16 PM)

I know exactly what Jimbo told me on Saturday -- they haven't contacted him and he's happy at FSU.

Michael (Hickory, NC)

Heather, what's wrong with RFK?...I hear Southeast DC is beautiful this time of year.

Heather Dinich

  (12:16 PM)

Very funny :)

Steve (Chicago, IL)

now that you have a season under your belt, who has the best game day atmosphere in the ACC?

Heather Dinich

  (12:17 PM)

I still think Clemson is right up there, although I had an interesting experience there this season when I accidentaly got swept up in the first Tiger Walk and walked in with James Davis. Whoops.

Giles (Washington DC)

HD, how do you see UNC's D stacking up against the running attack of Pat White and Noel Devine from West Virginia?

Heather Dinich

  (12:19 PM)

It's got to start up front in that game, and UNC's defense took a hit when Paschal got injured. He was their leading tackler, but he was having a great season in part because of the two linebackers around him. Their pass offense isn't that impressive, it's stopping White's feet that will be important.

Elton: (Washington, DC)

Heather, Terps need a change. Two coaches have left the staff, is Ralph Friedgen next?

Heather Dinich

  (12:19 PM)

Nah, all indications out of CP are that Friedgen's job is secure.

Confused (ACC)

How does Russel Wilson get Offensive player of the year when he played all of 3 games? There should be a higher minimum games played mark before you qualify

Heather Dinich

  (12:21 PM)

Three games? He hasn't thrown an interception in his last eight starts. That's pretty darn good. Oh, and the fact he led his team to a bowl game should count for something.

Nick (Clemson, SC)

How do you think the ACC will play out next year? Will it be another unpredictable year, or will somebody come out as the frontrunner?

Heather Dinich

  (12:22 PM)

I think there will be several more unpredictable seasons to come. There were sooo many young players in the league this year. NC State, UNC, FSU, Miami, Georgia Tech ... so many teams are on their way up, and very few seem like they're going to take a step back.

spencer: (nj)

Heather, why in your opinion does it always have to be FSU or Miami that needs to bring back the ACC as a powerhouse conference? I think you put way too much stock into those two teams and hold their expectations above everyone else.

Heather Dinich

  (12:23 PM)

I don't think it has to be them. I used them as examples in my "What we learned" this week, but it could be Georgia Tech, Clemson, UNC, VT -- anyone, but the league needs somebody in the top 10 of the BCS standings and winning its bowl games.

Alex (Richmond, Va)

Heather, Clearly you haven't been to a VT night game. Try coming to a Thursday night game and you'll change your mind.

Heather Dinich

  (12:23 PM)

I did, I was at the Maryland game. Good stuff, I agree.

EDDIENOLE SOUTH POINT OH

do you think fsu fans are responsible for their place in the bowl game

Heather Dinich

  (12:24 PM)

I think Clemson fans had more to do with it.

Lewis: (College Park, Maryland

Heather, how is it that Ralph Friedgen is considered an offensive expert with his offensive looking so inconsistent in recent years? Any coaching changes on the horizon?

Heather Dinich

  (12:24 PM)

I think recruiting is what needs to change first.

Nicholas (Christiansburg, VA)

Whats the word on Bud Foster being the coach in waiting at VT? If there is no news, what are the chances that it will happen??

Heather Dinich

  (12:25 PM)

I asked Bud on Saturday after the game if he heard anything about it and he said no. I'll try to get Jim Weaver on the phone this week and ask him. I think it's a good move that would make sense, especially for a program so entrenched in staff stability.

John (DC)

What do you think about FSU going to its 27th bowl game in a row? Can Jimbo continue this streak after Bobby?

Heather Dinich

  (12:26 PM)

He won't have much choice if he wants to stay there. And let's be honest, it's not that difficult to make it to a bowl game these days.

John (Watertown, NY)

How do you see the Canes doing against Cal?

Heather Dinich

  (12:27 PM)

If they can overcome the location, I think it will be a good game. Their run defense has taken a step back in recent weeks, though, and that's not good against a healthy Jahvid Best.

Will (Clemson)

Have you heard more news about who is going to be Clemson's defensive coordinator?

Heather Dinich

  (12:28 PM)

I have not, and it probably won't happen until after the bowl game.

hokiekayyali Sacramento

How do you feel about all the comments on your blogs about people calling you a "hokie-hater"?

Heather Dinich

  (12:29 PM)

Bah ... I can tell you they're one of the best staffs in the conference and did a heck of a job this season with what they had. If that's hatin' then I guess I'm guilty.

VTBoss (Blacksburg, VA)

HD, great job all season! I haven't watched Cincy play this season. Do they have the speed to keep Tyrod in the pocket and the physicality to slow Evans?

Heather Dinich

  (12:31 PM)

I don't know that anybody has the speed to really contain Tyrod, but Cincy's rushing defense is solid. They're holding opponents to 104 yards per game on the ground. The question is how the Hokies' o-line will fare.

Jim (Annapolis, MD)

How will the Boston College game affect the attitude of Virginia Tech heading to the Orange Bowl? Will being an "underdog" provide the edge to win?

Heather Dinich

  (12:31 PM)

I don't think the BC game will have an effect at all. I think last year's Kansas game will though. Frank hasn't forgotten that one.

T.C. (Richmond, VA)

HD--what do you do during the offseason? Is there still a blog?

Heather Dinich

  (12:32 PM)

YES! There's still a blog. Always a blog.

Sean (Blacksburg VA)

If tech has a poor offensive performance in the Orange Bowl whats the chance Steinspring looses his job?

Heather Dinich

  (12:33 PM)

He has taken so much heat this year, but Frank hasn't said anything other than he looks at that kind of stuff after the season.

Mike (Beautiful New England)

Heather, Do you see any recent recruits making huge impacts in a team's fortunes next year? Anyone special in the pipelines for any team?

Heather Dinich

  (12:34 PM)

If GT gets some offensive linemen, look out.

Nick (Charleston, SC)

Who has been the most pleasant coach and player you've met this season?

Heather Dinich

  (12:36 PM)

That's a tough question -- I have honestly come across some outstanding people and players. I'll tell you what, for how scary good they look on the field, Mark Herzlich and Everette Brown are two of the nicest, well-spoken players out there.

Jordan (Charlotte,NC)

Heather, with a rematch of the 1982 national championship game, how do you see the Clemson and Nebraska game turning out?

Heather Dinich

  (12:38 PM)

That's going to be a good game, and I'm most interested to see how the defense responds without Vic Koenning. They were a tight knit bunch. Joe Gantz at QB has had an impressive season that wasn't talked about much because he's in the Heisman conference. It will be a test for Clemson's D.

mgraham

Do you think Clemson will improve with Dabo as the new head coach? Is next year too early or will we have to wait?

Heather Dinich

  (12:40 PM)

I think only time will tell, especially considering they'll lose a couple of key players, but they've got one thing going for them, and that's the offensive line. It took almost the whole season, but that's an area they'll be in good shape for next year.

VTBoss

HD, you mentioned the O-line earlier. Have you heard any talks about possibly moving Curt Newsome from the O-line coaching position? The offense as a whole is young, but the line isn't. I feel more porduction by the offensive line isn't that much to ask given their experience coming into the season.

Heather Dinich

  (12:41 PM)

Experience doesn't necessarily mean the best, just ask Maryland. Their veteran offensive line was overrated too. FSU's? Underrated. (whoops).

David (Raleigh, NC)

Why is that people seem to think TOB brought in Russell Wilson as a change in QB to save the season? He was the starting QB at the beginning of the year at NCSU, just got knocked out of the South Carolina game.

Heather Dinich

  (12:41 PM)

I have no idea. The better question is what TOB will do with Mike Glennon next year.

Heather (lynn)

so why do you always pick against BC and underestimate until the week before the championship game when you hop on their bandwagon, then drop them from your radar once they lose when they still have one of the best defenses in the nation and accomplished more than most ACC teams, like FSU and Miami who you say will bring back the pride to the conference?

Heather Dinich

  (12:43 PM)

I don't think they dropped from my radar, just from second to third in the power rankings, right?

chauncey (Baltimore)

Why did Clemson all of a sudden turn it on against the GameCocks? I know the OL is bad, but that didn't improve that much from start of season.

Heather Dinich

  (12:44 PM)

Well, they HAD to win to get to a bowl game and salvage their season, and Dabo Swinney was coaching for his job. I still thought South Carolina's defense was better than that.

Raul (Philly)

Do you think BC will ever be given respect when it comes to Bowl Games? I feel as though even if we filled the stands, all bowls would still reject us for the bigger named programs.

Heather Dinich

  (12:46 PM)

I think the Eagles are fighting an uphill battle when it comes to the bowl games. That whole rule about how the ACC runner up can't drop lower than the Music City? Yeah, that's pretty much for them. Not saying it's fair.

Blacksburg, VA

Will it be some sort of record if Virgina Tech wins the Orange Bowl by having one of the worst offenses to win a BCS bowl game?

Heather Dinich

  (12:47 PM)

The Hokies' 234 yards of total offense was the lowest offensive total by any team in the first four ACC title games. It's a good possibility.

Wade (Boston, MA)

Ok... It's gametime. Looks like we have 10 out of 12 teams playing in bowl games. We have the matchups... How will we fair against the other non-ACC teams? How many can we win, and how many will give the ACC respect as a tough conference?

Heather Dinich

  (12:48 PM)

I haven't gone through and made picks for each of the games yet -- heck, I'm still trying to digest all the matchups -- but I will say the ACC can only go up this year. After winning just two bowl games last season, they have to.

Mike(Blacksburg)

Time to camp out for those Orange Bowl Tickets right? Those are gonna go fast...NO WAY are you gonna be able to get them close to face on game day. Seriously though, will the schools even sell half of their tickets?

Heather Dinich

  (12:49 PM)

Considering VT sold about 5,000 for the ACCCG, I would hope Hokie fans were saving their money for this one.

Clifton, VA

What is keeping Al Groh alive at UVa? One would expect a head coaching change by now. So many losses to VT don't seem to factor in, either.

Heather Dinich

  (12:49 PM)

His contract?

John (DC)

I honestly believe FSU will play Miami in the ACC Championship next season. Care to make an early prediction?

Heather Dinich

  (12:51 PM)

Considering that was almost a possibility THIS season, it certainly wouldn't surprise me. But it's going to be a tough preseason poll in August. Expect more of the same next year.

John (Reston, VA)

Heather, Looking ahead to next year do you see any ACC players being up for national awards or do you think the reputation of the conference will hurt them?

Heather Dinich

  (12:52 PM)

Of course there will be ACC players up for national awards ... there are a ton of them up for them this year.

William(Tally Fl)

Hey Heather, really like the coverage you give, great job! Do you think FSU would get rid of Chuck Amato so that Jimbo would stay and feel secure? I don't know if Bobby is quite ready to go yt, he still seems like a firecracker and really wants to beat florida before he goes. Your thoughts?

Heather Dinich

  (12:53 PM)

Thanks Williams. First, I think Jimbo's contract is what will make him stay and feel secure. If he bolts, his buyout is $5 million. His contract states he's gotta be named head coach by 2010. Jimbo's not going anywhere.

Tim (Montgomery, AL)

Will you begin to track recruiting when season ends? I have never heard you mention recruiting classes all year and the fallout for a team like Clemson had after Tommy B "resigned".

Heather Dinich

  (12:55 PM)

I'm sure I'll do some stuff on it, but not like Tom Luginbill does. ESPN.com has a ton of stuff devoted to it. But yes, I'll keep an eye on it more once the season is over.

Manfred (Towson, MD)

How long do you see David Cutliffe at Duke? He can't stay there for more than 2 years right? I thought he would be getting looks from more schools this month.

Heather Dinich

  (12:56 PM)

He probably would have if they would have gone to a bowl game. No doubt Cutcliffe would be a top candidate -- his resume speaks for itself. And if you can win at Duke ...

Jon (Atlanta, GA)

Heather, do you find it funny on how the ACC was called the weakest conference in NCAA at the beginning of the season, but yet ended up with the best win record vs. other conferences? Not to mention whipping the SEC head to head. Did it surprise you?

Heather Dinich

  (12:57 PM)

Well, I DID pick GT to beat Georgia :) But yeah, I was a little surprised by the ACC's nonconference record this year. And I do think the league fared much better than expected after Clemson lost to Alabama (and we all know now how good Bama is).

Mike(Philadelphia)

The attendance for saturday's game is listed at 53,927. It didn't seem that way on TV. What is your best estimate to how many people were actually there?

Heather Dinich

  (12:58 PM)

That number is tickets "sold and distributed." That's why I didn't use it. They don't give you a turnstile count. And like I said, I'd guess about 20,000. The Hokies' fans put on a good showing though.

Heather Dinich

  (12:59 PM)

Alright guys, I gotta get my lunchtime links up here. Back to bloggin. Thanks for joining the chat today.