Heather Dinich

  (12:00 PM)

Hello everyone. I'm here and ready to go, so let's get started.

Elton: (Washington, DC)

Heather, If you had to predict the Nevada/Terps game, being that the Terps have been inconsistent this year, will they get blown out. Is Nevada's offense that impressive?

Heather Dinich

  (12:02 PM)

Not only is Nevada's offense impressive, it's unique. The quarterback lines up in the shotgun with the running back behind him. Maryland hasn't seen anything like it. I don't think they'll get blown out, but I do think the Terps will have their hands full.

Dimitri (Miami, FL)

Hi Heather, After the Miami vs. Cal game what are your views of the Hurricanes. Who do you think will be their future starting QB? And what are your expectations for next year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:03 PM)

Hi Dimitri. I was impressed by Jacory Harris in that game, despite the fumble and the botched two-minute drill. I think Miami will only get better next season, but Randy Shannon has some personnel issues to figure out first.

Greg(Kingsport,Tn)

Do you think that Chavis has been hired to fill the D/C job at Clemson and they are waiting to annouce his arrival after the bowl game because he will be bringing his own assistants?

Heather Dinich

  (12:04 PM)

You have to remember that staffs are only allowed nine assistants, and if Swinney hires a defensive coordinator, somebody will have to be let go.

Akhil (Atlanta GA)

Whats your prediction for the GT-LSU game?

Heather Dinich

  (12:06 PM)

I've learned this season that even though a team has a good rushing defense on paper, that doesn't necessarily mean it's fit to stop Paul Johnson's offense. Obviously, the defending national champs don't LOOK like defending national champs. They've had issues at quarterback and will have issues in this game.

Sean McLaughlin (Tallahassee)

Heather, you've been pretty harsh towards my Noles all year. With a 9 win season, a good offensive line coming back and another top 10 recruiting class, is Florida State a preseason top 15 team next year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:07 PM)

I think top 15 might be pushing it, but I do think they've got a great nucleus coming back and keep more than they lose.

Jonathan Miami, FL

Heather, Do you think Randy Shannon is the right guy for the job to fix Miami and bring us back to prominence, or is he going to be the next Ron Zook where he sets the table up for another coach? Also, do you think Patrick Nix will get fired? He has been awful the past two years as offense coordinator and the last 3 minutes of the Emerald Bowl showed that.

Heather Dinich

  (12:08 PM)

I think year three for Randy will be very important, as will this offseason. He needs to get some offensive linemen in, figure out the situation at quarterback, and look closely at his staff. Nix wasn't the only one responsible for the Emerald Bowl ending, but he should shoulder some of the blame. I do think nobody knows Miami and it's recruiting grounds better than Shannon.

Samuel Winsor (Charlotte, NC)

What are the chances that NC State goes to the ACC Championship next year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:09 PM)

I think the Pack has a very good chance of being a contender for the ACCCG next year, but Florida State should also be strong in the Atlantic Division, and you can't count out Boston College, either.

Greg (Alpharetta, GA)

CJ Spiller: 1st round pick or returning for his senior season?

Heather Dinich

  (12:10 PM)

Every time Spiller has talked about this, he has said he's coming back, and a lot of that had to do with the hiring of Dabo Swinney. But remember how often James Davis changed his mind, so never say never. I expect him back, though.

Heather Dinich

  (12:11 PM)

Every time Spiller has talked about this, he has said he's coming back, and a lot of that had to do with the hiring of Dabo Swinney. But remember how often James Davis changed his mind, so never say never. I expect him back, though.

Jordan (Richmond, Va)

After so many years of horrible offensive production, why does beamer insist on keeping Stiney? How much longer will VT put up with Beamer not attempting to advance the offense?

Heather Dinich

  (12:12 PM)

I realize Virginia Tech fans would like to see more offense. Really, I do. But I also realize that it's not the foundation of Frank Beamer's philosophy. Beamerball is.

Lisa (NJ)

What's your take on the Rose Bowl? Do you think PSU has the speed and toughness to keep up with USC. Thanks.

Heather Dinich

  (12:14 PM)

Lisa, I'm hoping this is a good game, but I've seen USC play live this season, and they're one of the best teams I've ever seen. Penn State will be ready for this game, but they're going to have to start fast and score early.

Greg Atlanta, GA

With 10 teams in bowl games and an unimpressive record so far, the ACC is looking... well typical, does the conference have a remote chance of winning out the rest of the games?

Heather Dinich

  (12:15 PM)

Even though the league lost two of its three games this past weekend, I was impressed. I thought UNC played a great game, and Miami had the win heading into the fourth quarter. No, the ACC won't win the rest of its games. But of course there is a chance.

Jaime (Reston,VA)

Heather, So with FSU's convincing win over Wisconsin, do you think maybe they deserved a better bowl game...like perhaps, ahem, the Gator bowl that was given to a less deserving Clemson team?

Heather Dinich

  (12:16 PM)

Ha ... they certainly played like they deserved it, didn't they?

Alex Sohani (Atlanta)

If both Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech win their respective bowl games, who do you think will end up at the higher ranking?

Heather Dinich

  (12:18 PM)

Georgia Tech, considering they're No. 14 in the current BCS Standings and Virginia Tech is No. 19. It's not like the Hokies are playing Alabama. We'll save that for next year.

Carin (VA)

Why is the ACC so average? The only decent team at the moment is GT and they are not playing in a BCS game and VT is so inept on offense and it makes it easier for non-ACC team to beat them (ala Kansas). Is it the coaching or lack of good recruits? Thanks.

Heather Dinich

  (12:19 PM)

Definitely not the coaching. If you look at the recruiting across the board, you could argue not enough offensive skill players are being drafted, but I think it's because there are still programs going through coaching transitions, a TON of new quarterbacks this year, and the league was very, very young.

Ryan (Charlotte)

Wishing I was in Birmingham right now ... prediction on the State-Rutgers game today?

Heather Dinich

  (12:20 PM)

Me TOO! This is one of the bowl games I've been looking forward to the most. I'm sticking with the ACC on this one. I think Russell Wilson will be the difference in the game, and NC State's defense has been MUCH better in recent weeks.

Kelvin Tallahasse,FL

What do you think of Christian Ponder? This season he has been up and down,but has shown potential. Do you see him as being a great QB coming out of college?

Heather Dinich

  (12:22 PM)

As a person, he's terrific. I've enjoyed interviewing him this season. As a quarterback, he really needs to work on his mid-to-long range passes. If you broke down his game film, I'd be willing to bet he has really struggled with anything over 12 yards. He'll get better.

Gary (Charleston, SC)

Heather, my tigers are playing without DC Vic Koenning in the Gator Bowl. In your opinion is this going to be a big issue or do you think that the Clemson Defense will be just fine??

Heather Dinich

  (12:23 PM)

Well, I talked to Dabo and Jacoby Ford (not that he's on defense, I realize), but they said the team chemistry has been fine. I do think it will have an effect on the secondary. Those guys loved Vic. But he had them prepared and they should play well.

Greg Atlanta, GA

I've seen a lot of articles about how VT treats bowl games like a vacation more than a chance to make a statement. Do you think we'll see a departure from that philosophy in this year's orange bowl?

Heather Dinich

  (12:24 PM)

Oh, absolutely, and Frank has said that several times. The curfew is tighter, the players started practicing earlier. I just wonder what took so long, and why on earth they were allowed out til 2 a.m. to begin with.

JJ scottsdale

Heather why is no one giving Utah a chance to beat Alabama?

Heather Dinich

  (12:25 PM)

I'm giving them a chance. I'll be at that game and I want to see a good one, so they better put up a fight.

Matt Blacksburg, Virginia

How do you see as the front runner in the ACC in O9'?

Heather Dinich

  (12:26 PM)

I think 2009 will be as muddled as 2008, and I'm not just saying that to skirt the question. Georgia Tech has to replace three defensive linemen, FSU will have a great offensive line ... I don't know. You have to put Virginia Tech up there, though.

E (Omaha)

Heather, Joe Ganz vs Clemson's secondary. Do the Huskers have a good chance of moving the ball via the air??

Heather Dinich

  (12:27 PM)

Safety Michael Hamlin is one of the best in the ACC, and Clemson's defense was underrated this year. Then again, so was Ganz. Not his fault he's stuck in that high-flying conference.

Doug B (Washington, DC)

Heather, I think your defense of the VT OC displays the exact mindset that has Tech fans upset. A high scoring offense may not be the foundation on which Beamer builds his teams, but that doesn't mean the team should settle for a mediocre offensive coordinator. There is a huge difference between an effective, low-scoring offense, and one that is simply below-average and doesn't utilize the talent on the field. VT has the latter. That being said, I hope they keep Stinespring around for a long, long time. Go Noles.

Heather Dinich

  (12:28 PM)

I see your point, but the other thing is, does anyone realize what Stiney had -- rather DIDN'T have -- to work with this season? Good grief.

Marleynole, Charlotte, NC

Hi Heather, What's the latest on Mickey Andrews. Please tell me he is staying. Also, I heard that this was Corey Surrency's last year. He is only a Junior. Will he be playing for FSU next year. Thanks for any insite.

Heather Dinich

  (12:30 PM)

In the week leading up to the bowl game, Mickey had said he was sticking around another year. I think Corey is petitioning the NCAA for another season, but I'd have to check on that to be sure.

Lewis:(College Park, Md)

Heather, Happy New Year to you. If the Terps look extremly inconsistent against Nevada and lose badly, will there be a coaching change(s)?

Heather Dinich

  (12:31 PM)

Happy New Year to you, too, Lewis. And no, the Terps won't be ringing in 2009 with a new head coach. Defensive coordinator? Maybe. Recruiting coordinator? Not a bad idea.

Andy (Charleston, SC)

Stiney had plenty to work with last season...see Eddie Royal, Josh Morgan, Brandon Ore, etc This year's horrible offense isn't the first

Heather Dinich

  (12:31 PM)

This is true.

Matt (athens)

Which ACC TEAM do you think has the best gameday experience? (stadium and fan wise)

Heather Dinich

  (12:32 PM)

Very impressed with Clemson and Virginia Tech this season, but I do love the tradition at Doak.

Ashli (D.C.)

In terms of recruiting,different schemes/preparation and in-game decision making, how would you rank the top 3-5 coaches in the ACC?

Heather Dinich

  (12:33 PM)

Jim Grobe, Frank Beamer, Paul Johnson, David Cutcliffe and Butch Davis are the first to come to mind.

Jaime (Reston,VA)

Is Tyrod the next Michael Vick? (minus that whole dog fighting incident) Do you see VT competing for another national title in my lifetime. I'm 23 and in excellent health but I sometimes wonder if I will ever see it.

Heather Dinich

  (12:35 PM)

Haha, no, I don't think he is. I've seen Tyrod and Pat White both play live, and with all due respect,Taylor is no Pat White. And I think it's going to be tough for any team in the ACC to reach the national title because they beat up on each other so much.

Adam (Rockville, MD)

Hi Heather, What chance does Maryland have next year to improve? I know we lose a ton of players to graduation, but keeping Turner, Scott, and Wujcak has to count for something, right?

Heather Dinich

  (12:36 PM)

Well, yeah, but if there was ever a year for Maryland to take advantage of its seniority, this would have been it.

Max Ocala, Fl

After a stellar performance by Everete Brown in the Champssports Bowl do you see him leaving early for the draft?

Heather Dinich

  (12:37 PM)

Selfishly, I hope not. He's great to talk to, very smart, and fun to watch play. He also seems like a guy who cares about setting records and having his name on the wall at FSU if you know what I mean, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him stick around.

Ryan (Harrisburg, PA)

Hi Heather, whats your thought on the Huge EAGLES victory yesterday??

Heather Dinich

  (12:38 PM)

Considering I'm a Steelers fan? Ick.

Mike (jacksonville)

Do you like Dabo Swinney, and do you think Clemson can win a National Championship in the next 20 years?

Heather Dinich

  (12:39 PM)

Ha, I haven't gotten to know Dabo yet, it's one of the trips I'd like to make during winter conditioning. What I do know of the few times I've talked to him is he's a smooth talker who can recruit. As for the national championship? Let's focus on an ACC title first, shall we?

Lou Holtz (Hall of Fame)

Hi Heather! What do you think has bigger impact: VT stomping the Bearcats or the Bearcats stomping VT?? And what do you think it would mean? -Dr. Lou

Heather Dinich

  (12:41 PM)

Dr. Lou! Ha ... I think Virginia Tech losing would have a bigger impact because it would be the second straight year the Hokies blew it, whereas beating an unheralded Cincy team isn't exactly the win that will change the ACC's reputation.

Matt R (Wisconsin)

Ugh, don't mention Everete Brown, still getting over badgers horrible season. Heather do you think Wisco can win the big ten or get into a bcs bowl with Bret Bielema at the helm?

Heather Dinich

  (12:42 PM)

Not if they played the way they did this season. The offensive line underperformed -- didn't they have like four seniors and a junior? And obviously fell way below expectations.

Todd (Charlotte)

Is there any whispers or reports on who the QB is for NC State next year? Russell Wilson is reigning MVP but I read that Obrien loves Glennon. You have any predictions on how it will pan out? I think a 2 QB system would be a bad move.

Heather Dinich

  (12:43 PM)

O'Brien does love Glennon, but you would think it's Wilson's job to lose. I agree that a two-quarterback system isn't the answer. No doubt it will be one of the top story lines heading into 09.

Joey (Florence, AL)

How much are you looking forward to the kickoff next year between Bama and Va. Tech?

Heather Dinich

  (12:44 PM)

A ton. I think it's going to be a better game than what Clemson did this year. Well, let's hope, anyway. I really think Virginia Tech is going to be a better team next season, but Bama's defense is bringing back everyone.

Chauncey from Baltimore

After watching that Heels game on Saturday, how would that rank as most exciting games played in ACC this season?

Heather Dinich

  (12:45 PM)

Oh, man, it's up there ... and to answer your other question in here about the offense possibly without Hakeem Nicks, I think the Tar Heels will struggle. They really need to get that ground game going.

Ned (chapel hill, nc)

Hi Heather. What is your prediction of North Carolina's future? Also do you think Hakeem Nicks is gone?

Heather Dinich

  (12:46 PM)

After that performance, I'd be gone, wouldn't you? I think Butch is bringing in a good recruiting class and the Tar Heels will again be in the running for the Coastal, but I wasn't convinced about them offensively this season WITH Nicks.

Riley (Durham)

I love reading all the little jabs Obrien and Butch Davis keep throwing each others way about the "best team in the state". Who do you think has more success in the next 5 years between the two programs? Does Wake rebound from this year and contend with them too?

Heather Dinich

  (12:47 PM)

I know, it's funny, isn't it? That's a great question, and so far, O'Brien has the edge. He also has the quarterback for the next few years. No doubt Wake is the mix. Since when did an eight-win season become a disappointment in Winston-Salem??

Mike (Clemson)

Hi Heather! Out of the ACC teams left in bowl games, who has the greatest chance of winning?

Heather Dinich

  (12:49 PM)

I'm trying to think of who all still has games left ... My mind is one big bowl blog right now ... I think Boston College might have the best chance, that is, if Dominique Davis plays better than he did in the ACCCG.

OT THE CANE Bloomington IL

Heather, bottom line, nix has to be fired in order to get the canes back to the top, some say as soon as today, any thoughts

Heather Dinich

  (12:50 PM)

I think part of the problem was how Randy used his quarterbacks this season. I think that put Nix in a bit of a bind at times.

Andrew (Greensboro, NC)

Lets say NC States team was as healthy through out the year as they are now...Whats their record?

Heather Dinich

  (12:51 PM)

Oh geez. Considering they lost by three points to Maryland and a touchdown to BC? At least an eight-win season sounds fair.

Chris (Washington, DC)

Heather, we know you picked UNC in the MCCB. That being said, WHAT A GAME!?! Is Pat White a college football HOF lock now after going 4-0 in bowls?

Heather Dinich

  (12:52 PM)

I DID! It was really an incredible game. Pat White should be, he's an amazing player.

Brian (LA)

Outlook for duke next year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:53 PM)

I'm going out on a limb and calling bowl game for the Devils, but that's without looking at their schedule or anything. My point is, David Cutcliffe has them pointed in the right direction.

David (NC)

How do you think a 6-6 NC State will match up to a hot Rutgers team? I was not all that impressed with the Wolfpack until the last few games.

Heather Dinich

  (12:54 PM)

And you shouldn't have been. They weren't very good. I've been yapping a lot about the quarterbacks in this game, but really, watch Nate Irving and Alan-Michael Cash on defense. Those guys will make a difference, and NC State has the ability to win the field position battle as well.

Jordan (Richmond, Va)

How much longer before the ACC puts someone in the NC?

Heather Dinich

  (12:55 PM)

Everyone keeps asking questions like this, but look, until somebody can win the Orange Bowl and more than two bowl games it's a moot point.

Karen from Raleigh

In your opinion, who has the best chance at winning the ACC Championship game next year out of the NC schools? I watched the UNC game Saturday and they look like a tough contender.

Heather Dinich

  (12:57 PM)

They were a tough contender, but if their top playmaker, Hakeem Nicks leaves, they're going to need to find somebody to compensate for that, and the running game has been inconsistent. Watch the Papajohns.com Bowl at 3 today, and you might be just as impressed with NC State.

Bernard (Princeton, NJ)

Heather, there is a rumor going around the message boards that you had a not so nice run in at some point with Joe Paterno. Any truth to this rumor?

Heather Dinich

  (12:58 PM)

Hahaha ... I covered Joe when he was 3-9 and had the worst season in school history. He wasn't happy with ANY reporters that year, nor the following 4-7 season.

scott(md)

DHB back for another year or headed to the draft?

Heather Dinich

  (12:59 PM)

I wouldn't be surprised if Maryland's Darrius Heyward-Bey left, but he's not ready for it. If he were, he would have at least made the all-ACC team.

Reese (Charlotte,NC)

Will UNC continue to get better with the nice job Butch Davis has done recruiting and how soon could we see a consistent stride for the ACC championship?

Heather Dinich

  (1:00 PM)

Considering it only took him two seasons to go from four wins to eight, I'd say not long at all.

Heather Dinich

  (1:00 PM)

Alright guys, my time is up. Don't forget to watch NC State and Rutgers at 3. Later!