Heather Dinich

  (12:59 PM)

I heart ACC fans. Let's go ...

Eric (Tallahasee)

Heather, time for a bold prediction. All the other peices are in place for FSU. If, and it's a big if, if Fsu's Oline comes together and plays solidly next year, how good will they be?

Heather Dinich

  (1:00 PM)

I will go no further than to say they can win the Orange Bowl. That's as bold as I'm willing to get with the Noles right now.

Saki (Tampa, FL)

Virginia Tech had a good 2011-2012 season, but had both their losses to Clemson. Can you see a similar pattern happening in this coming season?

Heather Dinich

  (1:02 PM)

I think there are too many questions facing the Hokies on offense right now to say just how good they can be. Let's see how the running backs and o-line look this spring/summer. I think they should still be a favorite to win the Coastal, but by no means are they a lock.

Tyler (Blacksburg)

With the new developments of West Va going to the Big 12 what kind of precedent has been set as far as Syracuse and Pitt joining the ACC early?

Heather Dinich

  (1:02 PM)

I think it opens the door for 2013 as the most realistic scenario right now.

Mike (Seattle, WA)

If there is another mass exoudus of players from the Terps program after next season does Edsall finally get fired? Yes it is great that Diggs signed (expected transfer date Jan 2013), but losing DOB and the face of the program hurts alot more.

Heather Dinich

  (1:04 PM)

Again, it all goes back to the contract and the buyout situation. The question is, would Maryland be able to afford to fire Edsall? It depends on how disasterous the season goes.

Matthew (Boston, MA)

How can you justify BC's coaching changes as a needed shakeup? While it's true that BC's offense has been awful, all three moves were made by the coach, not Spaz (including a purely lateral move by Sirmans to Rutgers in a conference that is shaky at best). I think this is a case of coaches grabbing life boats off of a sinking ship, not an offensive shakeup.

Heather Dinich

  (1:05 PM)

I talked to Spaz yesterday on the phone and he went through each scenario and explained why each assistant left. Titles are important to these guys, especially the OC. I think their RB coach THOUGHT he was going to get a title, at least Spaz was under that impression. I'm just saying that when your offense is the problem, change isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Julio (Shenzhen, CN)

Do you think Edsall's obstruction regarding Danny O'Brien playing for his old OC, now at Vandy, has anything to do with the possibility that O'Brien might be successful at Vandy, thus making Edsall look like a complete imbecile.

Heather Dinich

  (1:07 PM)

No, I think it has more to do with the concern on Edsall's part that Vandy might have been talking to O'Brien before he was officially released, at least that's the implication, according to the Washington Post.

Lane (Kukuihaele, HI)

Clemson will be the defending ACC champs. Until they're not I'll go with them.

Heather Dinich

  (1:08 PM)

That's fair, but I'd be leery of the work they have to do replacing three starters up front on BOTH sides.

aj (charlotte)

as a die hard Tarheel fan, what are the realistic expectations i should have for the Heels this upcoming season? with a scheme change to both the offense(a spread version) and defense(4-2-5) is a bowl game out of the picture? btw love the blog!! happy valentines day to acc fans worldwide!!

Heather Dinich

  (1:10 PM)

I think UNC could really surprise some people this year. I think the offense should be even better. To me, the defense is the biggest question mark. If they get the receivers and DBs they need and the depth at those positions, they'll be fine.

Lexie (DC)

Wake just lost its third assistant, Steve Russ to Air Force, of the off season. That's a lot of turnover for what is typically one of the most stable staffs in the ACC. Will this be a negative or will the infusion of new blood be a positive?

Heather Dinich

  (1:11 PM)

You're right, Lexie, but Russ to AF was a personal decision. He's an Air Force guy, nothing more to it than that. I think it will be a positive for the Deacs.

Tony (My Couch)

Turn on Auto Update please

Heather Dinich

  (1:11 PM)

I've got it on on my end guys, sent a note to Bristol to check it out for you.

Flipp2Hokie (Wild and Wonderful)

What is your predicition for Logan Thomas 2012 season, slow start and build as the season goes, start off were he left off from the 2011 season or the wheels come off and he not be a factor?

Heather Dinich

  (1:12 PM)

Starts off where he left off. Spoke to Logan last week. He gets it now. I think he could have a fantastic season.

Kati - a Mere Duke Fan (Raleigh)

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEWS ON DUKE?!?

Heather Dinich

  (1:13 PM)

Will have more on the Blue Devils for you next week, but I think overall, the offense could be much better this year.

Lincoln (MO)

Who is your "dark horse" pick to at least make the ACC championship game? I'm thinkin a team like Boston College could make an impact

Heather Dinich

  (1:14 PM)

I'm going with NC State for the ACC's 2012 dark horse. Not sold on BC yet.

TimVB (DC)

Give Edsall more than 1 year, jeez. The player exodus was all Friedgen players who were upset a coach actually made them follow team rules and help them accountable. Now Edsall has another whole class of his own players.

Heather Dinich

  (1:14 PM)

This is an opinion I have not heard a lot of out there.

Jamie (C)

How long do you think it will take Venables to get Clemson's D up to par?

Heather Dinich

  (1:16 PM)

I don't think it will take long, especially with the talent we should be seeing at linebacker, and there are options up front like Mallaciah Goodman.

Eric (FL)

If FSU And Clemson played today, who wins?

Heather Dinich

  (1:17 PM)

Great question. Both have issues with their offensive lines, but FSU has the better D. I'll go with the Noles.

Ben (SC)

does WV move from the Big East speed up Syracuse and Pitt's move to the acc for next season?

Heather Dinich

  (1:18 PM)

Yes, I think it will. Pay attention, Ben!

Ryan (Ohio)

As a pitt fan i'm really disappointed with the new divisions. I would have like to see them move Maryland over and keep BC, Pitt, and Syracuse all together. Any chance that the ACC will reconsider?

Heather Dinich

  (1:19 PM)

No, and I don't think they should. What they did will work fine. Keep it simple.

Arnold (Chantilly, VA)

HD, four years ago, a vaunted recruiting class arrived in Coral Gables with the promise of restoring the U to its former glory, but didn't live up to the hype. Will the 2012 class fair better than Sean Spence & Co?

Heather Dinich

  (1:20 PM)

I'll predict it does, and we'll know quickly because so many of them will have to play soon.

Jeff (Winston-Salem, NC)

Given the preseason hype that florida state has been building for the past couple years, is there any way they don't win the national championship this year?

Heather Dinich

  (1:21 PM)

Hahaha

Jamie (Clemson, SC)

Do you think Clemson can have a great enough year to help us forget about the Orange Bowl disaster?

Heather Dinich

  (1:21 PM)

Didn't signing day do that for you guys?

noles 1 fan (acclum)

ej didt turn the corner last year was that because of the oline problems and do you think that this will be his breakout year as he really is a good player , happy vd

Heather Dinich

  (1:22 PM)

I believe he is a very good player, and it wasn't just the o-line, it was the injury that got him off-track. I think he could have a breakout season if the o-line comes together. He hasn't thrown a pick since the WF game.

IBGG15 (Not BGG) (ACCylum)

Do you think Tajh Boyd has an chance of getting the starting QB job back with Swag Kelly now in town?

Heather Dinich

  (1:23 PM)

You think Dabo is going to replace a 3,000-yard passer who was a Heisman candidate after an 8-0 start? My guess? Not a chance.

wahoowa22334 (The ACCylum)

Who's your early early early ACC POY?

Heather Dinich

  (1:24 PM)

Wow, honestly haven't given it enough though, but I guess you'd have to start with a guy like Sammy Watkins, maybe Gio Bernard, nor name your QB.

mahimahi99 (Tampa)

Heather, Happy Valentine's Day!! Do you think Nevin is going to take Miami downtown to Chinatown???

Heather Dinich

  (1:25 PM)

Isn't that where he's writing all of his emails from?

Cane4Life (Atlanta)

Any word on which Miami signees are expected to make the biggest impact?

Heather Dinich

  (1:26 PM)

Talked to Jedd Fisch today, and the problem with answering that question is that there are only two or three guys who will be there for spring ball, and they're either QBs or linemen. My guess would be Duke Johnson this summer.

Steven Garrett (Camp Lejuene, NC)

HD, With the addition of defensive coordinator Brent Venables and with some much anticipated players starting from the 2011 recruiting class and with some returning playmakers on offense, What should Clemson fans expectations for their team be in the 2012 and 2013 seasons?

Heather Dinich

  (1:28 PM)

I think you guys should be expecting another run at the division title this year, and a possible national championship run in 2013. Yep, I just said that.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

How big is the Stefon Diggs commitment for Randy Edsall and the Maryland program? Will Edsall be able to build on this and land Diggs junior standout teammates (O'Daniel, Fuller, and Carr), as well as other top recruits in the DC area?

Heather Dinich

  (1:29 PM)

I think it was huge, Tony, but was it outweighed by the fact they just lost their QB? It might be.

Mike (Saratoga)

Happy V Day, Heather. How come spring practices take place at all different times of the spring? I'm sure there are some set of NCAA rules, right?

Heather Dinich

  (1:30 PM)

You guys will notice that the teams that start early didn't go to a bowl game (hence BC this week). They need to get back onto the field as quickly as possible. No bowl practices make a difference.

Alex Hancock (Atlanta, GA)

Heather, any news on FSU securing a replacement for West Virginia on Sept 8th? Any rumors on possible teams, do you think FSU will be able to get a BCS school to come in or do you think it will be the likes of North Texas or UAB?

Heather Dinich

  (1:31 PM)

I've got nuthin' on this, guys. It's wait-and-see. Holding up the ACC sked.

InsureThis (Accylum)

Now that they're both finished in the ACC....Who ya got? David Wilson or Lemar Miller?

Heather Dinich

  (1:31 PM)

The top 25 countdown should answer that for you.

Greg (Pitt)

HD once Pitt gets to the ACC, how do you think the Panthers will fare in the Coastal?

Heather Dinich

  (1:33 PM)

I think they'll be right in the mix with everyone else. Perfect addition to an already strong group. It should make that race even more interesting. That being said, last game I saw them play live was Miami at Pitt ... yikes. Gotta be better than that.

Da Judge (ACCylum, WORLDWIDE)

Hey HD, someone may have already asked this, but do we have any idea where Danny O'Brien will end up? Happy Valentines Day

Heather Dinich

  (1:34 PM)

Nope. I sent him an email before the chat asking him and haven't heard back from him yet.

Matt (Tally)

Isn't it true though, that FSU really wants a cupcake to make the schedule more friendly to running the table? I mean, SOS doesn't matter anymore, just wins.

Heather Dinich

  (1:35 PM)

I disagree with that. I think SOS is still very important, which is why the 9-game sked will make things tricky. That being said, look at VT's sked last year -- and they were in the Sugar Bowl.

Alex Hancock (Atlanta, GA)

Heather, do you think with the ACC will be able to secure more (if not better) bowl tie ins with the league expanding to 14 teams....you have to admit after the Orange Bowl and the Chic fila bowl (which has a lower pick from the SEC side) our bowl ties ins are really awful....thoughts on some better bowls, back in the Gator, perhaps something like the Outback or Capital One?

Heather Dinich

  (1:36 PM)

The ACC should be happy the Orange Bowl still WANTS to be partners, let alone any other bowls after another losing record.

TimVB (DC)

Cj Brown looked much more comfortable in Edsall's system last year, while Danny was clearly missing Torrey Smith. Is the DOB departure really that detrimental?

Heather Dinich

  (1:38 PM)

I don't think he was as good of a passer as Danny was. And yeah, the receivers certainly didn't help any of the QBs out. But yes, it really is that detrimental because overall, I think DOB was the better QB, and because without him, the position is way too thin. If C.J. gets hurt, they're in trouble.

Leader > Judge (ACCylum, boyee)

Does Wake Forest have any chance to make a splash and catch people by surprise in 2012?

Heather Dinich

  (1:39 PM)

Again, we go back to the offensive lines. Deacs need to replace four starters up front and Tanner Price got sacked like 35 times last year. Who will replace Givens? Lots of questions.

Joe (Rochester NY)

Can't wait for the new additions to join. As a Pitt fan I KNOW we will easily be in the ACCCG every year!

Heather Dinich

  (1:39 PM)

Let the trash talking begin ... early ...

Danny A. Walters (Browsing for Valentine's Day Cookies)

HD, do you like your Valentine's Day cookies with frosting or without? But seriously now, is Bud Foster a flight risk with each passing year, or will he eventually take over for Beamer?

Heather Dinich

  (1:42 PM)

I think it depends on the other openings throughout the country, if there's something he's interested in, how much longer Beamer sticks around. Now that Shane's on staff, it opens up that option, too, but both of them always say they never talk about it.

Flipp2Hokie (Wild and Wonderful)

Right Joe, you couldn't get past WVU and you expect to win the ACC. Good Luck!!

Heather Dinich

  (1:43 PM)

Here we go ...

Judgeaintshizz (ACCylum, FL)

How healthy is BC's Montel Harris and what are his expectations this season?

Heather Dinich

  (1:44 PM)

Harris has been cleared to go this spring, but I think they'll still be careful with him. More on that in the blog tomorrow.

James White (Atlanta)

Does Vad Lee have a chance to play at GT this season?

Heather Dinich

  (1:45 PM)

Yes. Talked to CPJ about that last week, and while there's NO question Tevin is the starter heading into spring, Lee and Days could push him.

Allen (Boston)

Which team will be the suprise disappointment this year

Heather Dinich

  (1:46 PM)

I'm going with Virginia. I just think replacing seven starters on D will be tough for them to overcome, and expectations are a little too high after last season.

Jason (Asheville, NC)

HD, will there ever be a time when Jimbo finally gives up play calling duties? I cannot express how frustrated I get watching him play call and the two guys holding up the towls just looks silly. Happy VD!

Heather Dinich

  (1:48 PM)

I asked him about that and he said no, not any time soon. Don't forget that injuries limited in part what they could do.

Judge > Leader (Blue Ridge Mountains)

Who will have the better record at the end of next year: Miami or Virginia?

Heather Dinich

  (1:48 PM)

Hoos.

ClemsonFan4Life (NC)

Any early early Heisman hopefuls for the conference?

Heather Dinich

  (1:50 PM)

You've got to start where we left off ... Tajh Boyd, Sammy Watkins come to mind first. If FSU lives up to the hype, EJ Manuel could be in the conversation. Truth is, I don't see it happening again this year.

BantheJudge (ACCylum, FL)

HD, Who do YOU see as winning the starting QB job at Miami?

Heather Dinich

  (1:50 PM)

Stephen Morris. He's got the edge, the staff is confident in him.

Killer BEEES (In The Junkyard)

When will PJ fire Al Groh. Middle of the season or will both of them see the pavement at the end of the season if they don't win the Coastal?

Heather Dinich

  (1:51 PM)

I don't see Paul Johnson getting fired any time soon. As for Groh, I think this is a critical season for him.

GT0823 (ACCylum)

We all know the ACC needs to show up in their bowl games. Inculding my team GT which has been atrocious the last 7 years in ours. It hurts but it's true. Who do you think will finally get us a BCS win and will it come next season?

Heather Dinich

  (1:54 PM)

Virginia Tech is 1-5. Clemson couldn't do it. I'm moving on to option C, Florida State. I'll say yes.

Mike (Ellsworth AFB)

Duke upsets someone(s) in the coastal and finishes 2nd in division with the return of Renfree.

Heather Dinich

  (1:55 PM)

Second in the division is pushing it, but I'll give you the upset of someone in the Coastal. I'm not afraid to say Virginia Tech.

Sal Lizard (street jogging)

HD, Did any ACC schools stumble upon some good transfers inbound, not outbound?

Heather Dinich

  (1:55 PM)

We should find out about Ryan Williams, QB, at Miami this spring.

leaders are lame (Cakalak)

I like the idea behind the larry fedora's fast pace offense. Do you think the rest of the ACC might be headed in that direction?

Heather Dinich

  (1:56 PM)

Not necessarily, especially with the coaches who are already entrenched in their systems. Clemson did it well last year, though, and BC will be more up-tempo this year, too.

Mike (Rapid City)

You chose FSU to win a BCS game but have overlooked CU. After following the Va Tech BCS bandwagon for 5 years isnt it safe to say CU will have a better shot in second year of Morris' system? Last year was with freshmen and sophmores.

Heather Dinich

  (1:58 PM)

Didjya SEE the Orange Bowl? Wait, wait ... West Virginia just scored ...

Jon (NYC)

Do you think the BE commish finally said today that Pitt and Cuse may be able to leave in 2013 bc he knows the 2 schools can now try to bolt if they really wanted to?

Heather Dinich

  (2:00 PM)

Well West Virginia set a legal precedent, so it would certainly make it easier for them to.

NC > Florida (ACCylum Truth)

Do you think BC has a chance at beating FSU and/or Clemson this year?

Heather Dinich

  (2:02 PM)

So you're saying there's a chance ... Look, until BC proves it can move the chains, I'm not sold on the Eagles as a true contender in the race.

Heather Dinich

  (2:02 PM)

Ok guys, thanks for joining me today and showing the ACC some love! Happy Valentine's Day!xoxohd