Heather Dinich

  (12:00 PM)

Hi guys. Just got off Frank Beamer's teleconference and he has a lot of respect for this Georgia Tech team. Should be a great game, and there are tons of questions in here about it. Let's get started.

Nathan (Baton Rouge)

HD the question on every Yellow Jackets mind right now is what do you think will happen this weekend in Bobby Dodd? Do my Jackets make enough key stops on D to allow our offense to win the game? Or does Budd Foster do like he always does and have a great game plan?

Heather Dinich

  (12:01 PM)

If Virginia Tech plays the way it did against BC, the Hokies should win. Bud Foster will have his defense prepared, and I bet they study that Miami film closely.

Jason Jones (Richmond, VA)

Virginia has gone from an 0-3 start to beating two decent teams by double digits. Do you think this is a fluke or have they really turned things around in Charlottesville? Do you think they have a shot to go bowling?

Heather Dinich

  (12:02 PM)

Considering how soundly Virginia beat Indiana this past weekend, I'm becoming more and more convinced in the Cavs. I think they can win at Maryland this weekend, but a bowl game will still be tough.

Anthony (Tennessee)

Just wondering if you are going to rank Bosie St and Ohio St in front of the Hokies? I don't think they should be ranked in front of the Canes, much less the Hokies.

Heather Dinich

  (12:03 PM)

Actually, Virginia Tech is No. 4 in my rankings this week. I am finally sold on their offense having been at Lane this past weekend.

Adam (Reston)

Heather, I am concerned that after this weekend, the Hokies will have a relatively weak schedule. Any chance someone else jumps them in the polls?

Heather Dinich

  (12:03 PM)

If anyone should be concerned about a weak schedule, it's Boise State.

Stephen (Anderson S.C.)

When will my tigers finally get rid of this curse and win? We could easily be 5-0 right now but its always a could have been scenario!

Heather Dinich

  (12:04 PM)

As soon as they find their offense.

Edgar (Hokie Nation)

Heather - Do you see a possible rematch in either the Orange Bowl or Nat'l Title Game between Alabama and VT?

Heather Dinich

  (12:05 PM)

It's definitely possible (and no, I don't think this is the weekend Florida loses). But they're obviously going to need some help from everyone playing the Gators and Texas. Not to mention they have to win out, and anything could happen in Atlanta this weekend.

Mark W (Wilmington, NC)

HD, when Oklahoma beats Texas this weekend how much of a boost does that give to my Hokie's SOS and overall NC hopes?!

Heather Dinich

  (12:06 PM)

There's no question that would help the Hokies' NC hopes, but it would help the Canes' SOS more I think.

Bryan (Baltimore)

Who is the frontrunner for the ACC player of the year, Harris, Taylor, Skinner or another player?

Heather Dinich

  (12:07 PM)

This is a really tough question, and one I'll probably look at closer next week. I am so impressed with Riley Skinner this year and don't think he's getting enough credit. Tyrod has made a lot of improvement and Jacory is the key to the Canes' success. But don't forget about Ryan Williams, either. Going to be a tough call.

Jeff (Destin)

Christian Ponder for Heisman next year?

Heather Dinich

  (12:08 PM)

Um, let's wait until FSU wins a conference game before we start putting those things in the same sentence.

Lowell (Hamden, CT)

Can 5-3 win the Atlantic outright?

Heather Dinich

  (12:09 PM)

It was good enough to win the Coastal last year.

Justin (Spring Hill, Florida)

HD, love your blog. I've been watching FSU through the season and feel that Christian Ponder isn't getting enough credit. The FSU defense is the worst in 35 years, thier running attack has given almost no threat, and the recievers have fumblitis, but ponder keeps FSU in ever game. His stats put him to be the best QB in the ACC, why doesn't he get the credit he deserves? 44 points vs. tech and still a loss, give the guy a break!

Heather Dinich

  (12:11 PM)

Look, I understand Ponder has been playing very well, really I do. His numbers are super, but he can't do it by himself, and you pointed out exactly what else is going wrong. If quarterbacks were based solely on their performances and not their team's, than Thaddeus Lewis would be the best in the ACC.

Travis (Blacksburg)

Heather,I sent in a comment on saturday about you not giving us any respect. However, you have admirably owned up to this mistake, and that is very respectable. I retract my earlier comments. Thanks for all the good work.

Heather Dinich

  (12:11 PM)

Don't thank me, Travis, thank the Hokies for playing lights out on Saturday. They earned it.

Cane's Fan (Hokie Nation)

when are they releasing the times for the upcoming games.

Heather Dinich

  (12:12 PM)

I usually get that at some point early in the week. I think it happened while I was chatting last week actually.

Greg (Blacksburg)

Any shifts on your list of top ACC passers with the recent performances by Tyrod Taylor and Thaddeus Lewis and the struggles of Ponder?

Heather Dinich

  (12:13 PM)

Yeah I was thinking about that this week, actually. At the end of the season it might be time to revisit that. I wouldn't say Ponder is struggling as much as those around him are, and Thaddeus has always been that good. Tyrod though? Stinespring is giving him what he can handle and it's looking much better.

Rob (Winston-Salem, NC)

How bad will it hurt the ACC when the Coastal will have a Top 10 team facing a most likely an unranked Atlantic team? Can we just rematch VT vs UM? And if VT is in the top 3 and fighting for a spot in the National Championship game, does a game against a lame-duck Atlantic opponent hurt them? GO HOKIES!

Heather Dinich

  (12:14 PM)

Yeah, I actually wrote a post on this earlier this morning. The ACC championship game isn't exactly shaping up to be a thriller, but I don't think that will hurt the Hokies. It won't win them any points, though.

Lowell (Hamden, CT)

"If quarterbacks were based solely on their performances and not their team's, than Thaddeus Lewis would be the best in the ACC."Riley Skinner's fifth in the country in passing efficiency and has been sacked more times than Lewis (12 to 11). Care to reassess the situation?

Heather Dinich

  (12:16 PM)

I don't know. Really, it's a great argument. I think Riley has had more players around him. Better recruits, better athletes. I think Thad has done more with less. To complete 40 of 50 passes is just insane.

Kevin (Blacksburg)

HD who do you think wins the battle next week in Atlanta? The GT triple option or the Hokies front 7? Do you see GT trying to throw the ball more with their recent success doing so?

Heather Dinich

  (12:17 PM)

I think GT will stick to what it does best. Did you notice that PJ ran the same play out of the same formation over and over against FSU's defense? I don't think that will happen against VT because Bud Foster will adjust, but they'll make VT stop that option before they go airing it out. Same for VT. Both teams throw minimally but hvae become much more effective at doing it.

Nathan (Duffield, VA)

Is Duke the best team in North Carolina?

Heather Dinich

  (12:17 PM)

I'd give that to Wake Forest ... today.

Ben (Carrollton)

Dave Shinskie is no Josh Nesbitt, and GT is at home. How is beating up on Duke and BC in successive weeks relevant to playing Paul Johnson in Atlanta?

Heather Dinich

  (12:18 PM)

It's because of HOW VT won ... Duke committed to stopping the run, and Tyrod was finally able to win with his arm. Against BC, it was the first time VT rushed AND passed for at least 200 yards since 2005. I don't care who it was against, that balance is the difference this year.

Brent (Durham, NC)

HD do you think Duke has a chance to make its first bowl appearance since 1994 ???

Heather Dinich

  (12:20 PM)

I still think it's going to be very difficult, but in talking to Cutcliffe on Sunday, the difference is that this team is better equipped to handle the success of that win. I think they can beat the Terps. Beyond that, it's anyone's game.

Mark W (Wilmington, NC)

Does VT gain more rushing yards than GT this weekend? Tough call here!

Heather Dinich

  (12:21 PM)

Ooh, great question. I'm going to say no. I think that seeing the weaknesses in Georgia Tech's secondary, the Hokies might try to throw it a little more. But they'll obviously have to use RW to open up that opportunity.

Justin ((Tallahassee))

With Mickey Andrews leaning toward retiring after this season, is he just not interested in the game anymore?

Heather Dinich

  (12:22 PM)

It certainly doesn't seem like it. That was a poor performance against GT, both in playing and in coaching.

Dion (Charlotte, NC)

Is it time for Tar Heel fans to start looking towards next year or is there a remote possibility they can scrap up enough offense to win some conferene games?

Heather Dinich

  (12:23 PM)

I wouldn't give up on UNC just yet, and that's because they've got a bye week to heal and get some players healthy. Plus that defense is going to keep them in some games.

Chris (Charlotte)

Who would have thought that Duke is in a better spot to make a bowl then the Noles?

Heather Dinich

  (12:23 PM)

Not me, that's for sure.

Lowell (Hamden, CT)

Scheduling quirk no one is talking about... does Wake gain an advantage by playing Navy two weeks before Georgia Tech (as well as playing Navy twice last year... and the year before that... and the year before that...).

Heather Dinich

  (12:25 PM)

Only if they beat Navy, unlike last year. But yes, Wake is one of the few teams that's become pretty familiar with that offense, and Grobe, from his days at Air Force, is good at coaching it.

Mark (boca raton, florida)

Heather, I enjoy your work. How many coaches do you think keep their jobs at year end? I think Clemson, Maryland, FSU and maybe Virginia all make changes. Canes look a year away from being top shelf National Title contenders looks like circa 1999-2000 right before younger players matured. Your thoughts?

Heather Dinich

  (12:26 PM)

Thanks, Mark. The only coaching change I'm really leaning towards right now is that this is Bobby Bowden's last season. Just a hunch. This is what Al Groh always does, I don't think the Terps could afford to get rid of Ralph, and I think Swinney should be given more than one year to see what he can do.

Sean (Blacksburg)

Heather if Miami were playing VT this week in Miami who would you put your money on?

Heather Dinich

  (12:27 PM)

I'd go with who won in Miami last year.

Trey Right (Charlottesville, VA)

Most people agree that Groh has to beat Tech and have a shot at the ACCCG to keep his job...Do you agree with that? And if he's fired do you think ol' Bud Foster is candidate number 1?

Heather Dinich

  (12:29 PM)

I don't, actually. I think that a lot of people - including the Virginia administration - realized how much turnover there was on the staff and with the players this year. They lost a lot and tried to change a lot. Not a good combo. I think just qualifying for a bowl game would have been considered a success and I still think that's the case.

Bo Ware (Charlottesville)

VT's defense should be able to stop GT... in Atlanta, Blacksburg or anywhere... since GT's defense is so weak dosen't this lead to a Hokie slaugher in ATL this weekend?

Heather Dinich

  (12:30 PM)

NO! Not even close. Defending the triple option is NOT easy. This offense is not a fluke. You don't just line up and win. Virginia Tech will have to be at its best defensively and play SMART. Paul Johnson is a very good coach. This should be a good game.

Jason F. (Greensboro, NC)

You know me better as Noleforever, but similar to previous weeks, I'm sitting here sulking in the corner. Seriously, any chance you see FSU getting things turned around enough to make it to a bowl this year, Heather? Is this really the end of the nation's longest bowl streak? Thanks and keep up the great work!

Heather Dinich

  (12:32 PM)

I don't think Florida State is done winning. But they'd have to win four of their last six to make it to a bowl game. It's possible, but I'd say the odds are against them right now. Sorry.

Dan (Tampa, FL)

I think its safe to say Mickey will be gone after this year. He has wanted to retire for at least a year now, probably 2 or more, but was asked back by Bobby. Any thoughts on who could become the new DC? Thanks!

Heather Dinich

  (12:33 PM)

I think you're right, and Andrews has hinted at that. It's also part of the problem in Tally. I think Bowden was under the assumption he'd have a say in that if he stuck around. But how is that fair to Jimbo Fisher? He needs to start building his staff, and it needs to start with that hire.

Doug (Raleigh, NC)

MISSING PERSONS ALERT! Has anyone seen NC State's defense?

Heather Dinich

  (12:34 PM)

Thad Lewis sure didn't.

Jimbo Fisher (Standing in Line)

I'm breathing down Bobby Bowden's neck and he won't budge. Is this coach-in-waiting thing really worth it?

Heather Dinich

  (12:35 PM)

Haha ... Personally, I'm not a fan of it. FSU painted itself into a corner, and so did Maryland. Virginia Tech was smart not to do this with Bud Foster, though I know Hokies fans would love to tie him to his desk there and keep him forever.

steven (chicago)

I agree Skinner has been awesome, but what do you think about the speedy receivers in Brown, and Givens that he finally has to complement the posession guy in Marshall Williams? That offense when it's clicking will put up points even on VT if they meet in the ACCCG?

Heather Dinich

  (12:37 PM)

Yeah, you're right, he's gotten a lot more help around him than he had last year. And yes, I do think Wake is one of the teams in the Atlantic that could keep it interesting against Virginia Tech, but the Deacs still aren't on the same level as the Hokies this year, and a lot of it has to do with that young D.

David (Blacksburg)

I dont know if you noticed this but the ACC is one of three conferences without any teams with less than 2 wins each. The other two are the SEC and the Big East. Is this the year that the ACC finally gets some national respect back?

Heather Dinich

  (12:39 PM)

Eh ... let me play Devil's Advocate here, David. FSU and NC State are 0-5 in the conference. Nobody seems to want to win the Atlantic. FSU and Maryland already have four losses each. I do think the ACC will get some respect, though, if two teams wind up in BCS bowls.

Steve (Raleigh, NC)

What do you think NC State has ahead of them? Is there any chance they can still improve and be atop the ACC

Heather Dinich

  (12:40 PM)

Atop the Atlantic? Maybe. Atop the ACC? Nope. The Pack does have plenty of opportunities for redemption, though, as their next four games are against AD opponents. They have got to plug the holes in that secondary, though.

Brian (Richmond VA)

As always HD, I enjoy reading your blog. As a huge WF fan, I'm excited to hear you say that they are the team to beat in the Atlantic, and I do agree that they are the best team in that division right now. But I don't think they are the front-runner. Look at the remaining conference schedules and you will see that BC has a cake-walk to the ACCCG while Wake has Miami and GT to deal with.

Heather Dinich

  (12:41 PM)

Thanks, Brian. These are good points, and don't forget about Clemson this weekend. That's a HUGE game for both teams. Clemson has the athletes. Wake has the coaches. Let's start there first.

Evan (Atlanta)

Heather, saw instead of comparing conferences we compare divisions? Where would you put the ACC Coastal?

Heather Dinich

  (12:43 PM)

Ha, probably right where it is in the Top 25 rankings - right behind the SEC.

Aaron H. (VA)

Do you think that Amato will be FSUs next DC? Wouldnt that be the biggest mistake of the century?

Heather Dinich

  (12:44 PM)

I'll just go ahead and say I don't think that's the right move for Florida State, but let's wait until Andrews is actually out the door before we go there.

Jon (Columbus,Ohio)

Jacory Harris vs. Terrell Pryor...

Heather Dinich

  (12:46 PM)

Right now, I'd go with Harris. That's just having seen him play and looking at his passing efficiency. He's No. 17. Pryor is No. 58. I'd love to see them play each other later this year, though to find out.

Todd K. (Bedford, Va.)

why don't we see more of David Wilson?

Heather Dinich

  (12:47 PM)

It's a Catch 22 - he needs more experience. Beamer talked about Wilson a little bit today, and that's the only reason he gave. I'm sure it has a lot to do with pass protection, blocking, and the other responsibilities that aren't just pure running - the same things that kept RW off the field last year.

Damien (Seattle)

I'm a Boise State fan and am hearing the "weak schedule" argument ad nauseum this whole season. next year they have VT (in Washington DC) and Oregon st (not sure whether it is a home game). IF Boise wins both games, would you (or any other blogger) consent to them having a strong schedule? considering there's nothing they can do about in conference play....

Heather Dinich

  (12:48 PM)

Sure, that's a step in the right direction. I understand your frustration with it because they're stuck in the conference they're in, and that's not their fault. But they CAN schedule more tough noncon games. It's just so hard to give them credit when they're not playing in the Swamp, at the Shoe or in places like Lane Stadium and other teams are on a weekly basis.

Tyler (Lynchburg, VA)

If the Hokies win this weekend are they #3 in the BCS even if Texas, Bama, and Florida win?

Heather Dinich

  (12:50 PM)

That's up to the computers. I bet humans keep them at No. 4. The first BCS standings come out Oct. 18, I believe, so we'll find out soon.

Chris Danter (Charleston, WV)

Who do you think will end up playing each other in the ACC championship game?

Heather Dinich

  (12:52 PM)

Right now - this second - I say VT and Wake Forest. And, I believe that's the same answer I gave last Monday.

Eric (Charlotte)

Is VT's offense really gotten any better or just playing weak teams in BC and Duke? When will Bud Foster finally get the head job somewhere so I can stop worrying about how well he will have his team prepared for my Jackets?

Heather Dinich

  (12:52 PM)

Look, I've been one of the biggest doubters in Virginia Tech's offense over the past few years, despite my support for Bryan Stinespring. But this year I'm convinced. It's different, and it's better.

Francis (Atlanta, GA)

For Tech's defensive Scheme : 4-3-4 or 4-2-5?

Heather Dinich

  (12:54 PM)

I'm assuming you're talking about Georgia Tech, and I'll say flip a coin - that's what Dave Wommack seems to be doing every weekend. I say stop the run first. No reason to load up on the pasing game against VT.

JD (Hot Springs, AR)

What are your thoughts on the Razorback's win and the chances Sat at the Swamp. One minute AR looks to be a year away the next they look like they can compete in teh SEC. Thoughts?

Heather Dinich

  (12:54 PM)

I would be very, very surprised if Florida lost that game.

Chris (Columbia SC)

Heather, What do you predict from the record setters of skinner and spiller on sat?

Heather Dinich

  (12:55 PM)

I think Riley is going to have a much tougher time. Clemson's defense is very good and it has veteran starters in the secondary. That defensive line will get to him. As for Spiller? Typical day at the office - he'll return something for a TD.

Mark W (Wilmington, NC)

Lets see HD's top 10!

Heather Dinich

  (12:56 PM)

Haha ... I'll post it in the blog later this afternoon, promise.

Khourey (Charlottesville, Va)

HD, I know you said that it be tough for UVa to make a bowl game but if virginia gets back to .500 how much of a stretch would it be and after seeing the play calling the last few weeks do you think responsibilities have shifted as in al groh has been making more calls? or have they gone a more conservative route?

Heather Dinich

  (12:58 PM)

I think Groh has told Gregg Brandon to simplify things. Get the players back to what they were comfortable doing. I think Groh made that decision and Brandon has run with it, and it's made a huge difference, but I think Groh's main focus is still the defense.

Sean (Blacksburg)

How would you rank the O-lines after this passed week VT's line must be in the top 3

Heather Dinich

  (1:00 PM)

Man, what a disappointment a lot of them have been this year. I think Miami and Virginia Tech are the only two that come to mind quickly as having played consistently well, save for when Miami played at VT. Everyone has had problems up front, especially Maryland.

Heather Dinich

  (1:00 PM)

Ok guys, I'm out. Thanks for joining me today. See you back in the blogosphere.