Heather Dinich

  (12:59 PM)

We're almost at the first kickoff, guys, let's get started!

Taylor Ball (Richmond,VA)

With UVA gaining momentum from the Chick-fil-a bowl last season, how do they expect to carry that? The QB battle seems interesting, I call my bets on Micheal Rocco for the job. DO you think Phillip Sims could improve?

Heather Dinich

  (1:01 PM)

No doubt the team carried that momentum and confidence into the offseason. I agree with you on Rocco. Of course Sims will continue to improve, but it's tough to replace a guy who has starting experience in the system. On Friday, London said the QB race was status quo, no news to report there.

Jason (orangeburg,sc)

what do you think clemsons over all record will be at the end of the year? will they live up to the hype of being one of the most talented teams in the country an show it on the field? or will they pull a clemson an win the big games an loss a few to teams they arent suppose to loss too???

Heather Dinich

  (1:01 PM)

Until Clemson proves its consistency, I think many (myself included) will count on Clemson "pulling a Clemson" again.

Don (Lindenhurst, IL)

What are the Terps going to do with their QB situation now?

Heather Dinich

  (1:02 PM)

Pray?

Kami Djamal (Miami)

It looks like the Canes "don't have the roster" to win an ACC championship, but I wouldn't be surprised if they competed for it. What are the chances they win the ACC Championship as the Dark Horse team?

Heather Dinich

  (1:03 PM)

I don't even see Miami as a darkhorse team this year. The Canes have talent, no question, but it's young and inexperienced. I think Georgia Tech and UNC have better chances.

Alex (Miami)

Haven't been on here in awhile but as an FSU fan.. How concerned should I be about the dismissal of Greg Reid? Is our Defense going to suffer from his absence?

Heather Dinich

  (1:05 PM)

On a scale from 1-10? I'd say the concern should be around a 7. There's no question he will be missed on defense and special teams, but overall, I think FSU has enough depth and talent on defense to compensate for it eventually.

Phil (At work in my cubicle)

Where are the UVA blogs/articles/ or anything. Are Mike London's Cavaliers flying under the radar like last year? Or do people still have no respect for the rebuilding of the program? I predict 7 wins and another bowl game appearence.

Heather Dinich

  (1:07 PM)

There has been plenty written on the Hoos lately, and there will be more -- they've got some of the best access/interview policies in the ACC. I think there are still a lot of questions to be answered on defense, though. I wouldn't say they're flying under the radar, I just think expectations have been tempered a bit.

Rett (Oregon)

Frank Beamer said a while back he wanted an "Alabama defensive Line". How close are they to that goal?

Heather Dinich

  (1:09 PM)

Getting closer, but Florida State is there. The Hokies are in great shape, and defensively, the front should be the biggest strength. All four starters return, and so do the top four backups. James Gayle and J.R. Collins, the Hopkins bros. ... it's a very talented group, but they've got to stay healthy.

KC (Portland, OR )

You have mentioned on several occasions that GT's D-Line is cause for concern for the Jackets this season. Their experience is definitely reduced outside of Izaan Cross, but what about the current cores upside. Do you think TJ Barnes, Too Tall, Izaan Cross and Anthony Williams have more upside than last years group?

Heather Dinich

  (1:09 PM)

Can I answer that after Labor Day? I think we need to wait and see to find out.

Clark (Raleigh)

Would you say Dukes biggest thing holding them back from a bowl game is the schedule or the talent?

Heather Dinich

  (1:11 PM)

Don't you think the schedule wouldn't matter so much if they had the talent? I do think the recruiting classes have been better and Duke is starting to LOOK much more like a football team, but depth is still a concern.

JP (DC)

In the Countdown to Kickoff, you mentioned VT's streak of consecutive 10 win seasons, but you didn't make any predictions on whether or not you think it will continue. So what's the call?

Heather Dinich

  (1:13 PM)

Yes, I think it will continue. It should continue. The question is whether or not they'll need a bowl win for it to.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Given that Florida State likes to rotate their defensive lineman, how big a year are you predicting for Tank Carradine behind Jenkins and Werner.

Heather Dinich

  (1:15 PM)

I think he'll have a tremendous season. He's a great pass rusher, tough to block in passing situations and has gotten better in defending the run. Oh, and his nickname is "Tank." C'mon, he has to be good.

John (Georgetown, KY)

I know this is old news- but UNC can't win the ACC title this year,right? Where do they find their motivation for this year?

Heather Dinich

  (1:16 PM)

That's correct, UNC can't play in any postseason games. They've got plenty of motivation. Pride, playing the role of spoiler, setting the foundation for the future. I don't think finding motivation will be a problem, but fitting into the new schemes might be.

Bryan (Mooresville, NC)

HD, Do you think FSU will be as overrated as they were last season to start the season?

Heather Dinich

  (1:17 PM)

We won't know until the end of the season, right? But honestly, I feel like I say this every DAY ... there is no excuse for FSU not to win big this year.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Well considering his first name is Cornelius he had to come up with tough nickname. :)

Heather Dinich

  (1:17 PM)

haha this is true

Jay (Michigan)

Do you see CL/AU being a high scoring game?

Heather Dinich

  (1:18 PM)

Yes. Brent Venables should hope otherwise.

Sal Lizard (Mall Santa School)

Does the winner of the GT VT labor day game with the ACC Coastal again this year?

Heather Dinich

  (1:19 PM)

Yes. One of those two will win the Coastal.

Antonio (Charlotte, NC)

As an FSU alum I am quite aware of our difficulties on Thursday night games on the road. You don't have to look any further than Christian Ponder's fumble at the goal line in Raleigh two years ago. Do you see (as I do) the Noles dropping this year's game in Blacksburg?

Heather Dinich

  (1:20 PM)

Man was that two years ago already? Seems like it was yesterday. Official predictions will come out the week before every game, but as of right now, I'll stick with the home team on that one. It's tough to win in Blacksburg. I'm looking forward to watching both of those defenses that night.

John (Georgetown, KY)

FSU and Clemson are the favorites in the Atlantic Division. NC State has been called a "sleeper" pick so many times, they are actually awake. Of Maryland, Wake Forest, and BC, which team has the best chance to get to eight wins?

Heather Dinich

  (1:21 PM)

Definitely Wake Forest. No hesitation on that answer.

Kirk (Richmond)

ACC vs SECNC State or Tenn?Clemson or Auburn?Wake or Vandy?Clemson or USC?GT or UGA?FSU or UF?VT or ALABAMA? (not next year, this year in the big one)

Heather Dinich

  (1:22 PM)

Sounds like we need an ACC vs. SEC prediction post. Let's take it one step at a time. I say the ACC comes out of Week 1 2-0.

John (Boston)

Hi Heather - does the retirement of Gene DeFillipo mean anything about how warm coach Spaz's seat gets? Can BC start out on the right foot and beat Miami on opening day? thanks

Heather Dinich

  (1:24 PM)

It definitely could. You never know how a new AD might approach the situation. Odds are most of us couldn't predict what Kevin Anderson was going to do at Maryland. As for the opener, your guess is as good as mine. Both teams have issues. BC can definitely win that game, especially if it plays like it usually does -- with a turnover created by the defense, give Rettig a short field to work with.

Antonio (Charlotte, NC)

Due to favorable schedules, do you believe that both FSU and VT could possibly both make a BCS game?

Heather Dinich

  (1:25 PM)

Well, they've got to play each other, possibly twice, so I don't think it's likely. Two BCS bids didn't work out so well for the ACC last year. It's got to be a no-brainer this year if it's going to happen.

Andre (Monticello, FL)

Heather, call it which division is better the Atlantic or Coastal.

Heather Dinich

  (1:25 PM)

This year? Atlantic.

michael (NY)

Which team are you having the toughest time predicting an outcome for the season?

Heather Dinich

  (1:27 PM)

I've really been struggling with Wake Forest. I think they're getting overlooked. They're got some VERY good players on their roster, especially on D.

John (Durham)

Why is State looked upon so Highly this year? With no experience at receiver. Loss of key players such as Gentry and Bryan. Then the Defense is even more questionable with a very shaky linebacking core. I understand they should have a solid Secondary. but still... I think a lot of questions still need to be answered. D-line? Lindebackers? Tight Ends? Receivers? and where does their big play come from with no TJ Graham?

Heather Dinich

  (1:28 PM)

You raise very valid questions, John -- the same ones Tom O'Brien talked about at ACC media days, particularly at WR and LB. But the fact they've got so much experience on the offensive line and such a talented QB in Glennon could go a long way. And they're not empty in talent at WR. Tobais Palmer? They just need somebody to step up.

Drew (Destin, FL)

I've heard FSU's backup QB Tricket has put on 20 lbs of muscle from last year. IF EJ goes down (cross your fingers he doesn't) how do you expect FSU to respond with Trickett behind center?

Heather Dinich

  (1:30 PM)

I didn't see that about Tricket, but that's good for him. I remember talking to him last year and thinking how scrawny he was (sorry). Anyway, based on what I saw him do last year, I think the Noles would be fine, but I don't think they'd have the kind of season they could with EJ leading them.

Blaine (Thomaston, GA)

Mark my words, Georgia Tech may stay in the Top 25 most of the season. I have a feeling about them this year. Their O-line is better, their linebackers are great, the secondary ain't bad. Their running game is always steller and probably better than last season's. D-line is questinable but I really think they can overcome that.

Heather Dinich

  (1:30 PM)

You might be right, Blaine, and those are all reasons the Jackets got some votes in the AP preseason poll.

Joe (Springfield, VA)

I keep reading that junior UNC QB Bryn Renner is "picking up" Larry Fedora's spread offense. But Renner ran the spread in high school, and ran it extremely well. Do you foresee a big year for him?

Heather Dinich

  (1:31 PM)

Yes, I do, Joe. He had a big year last year -- and he was playing with bone spurs in his foot. Plus he's got an excellent O-line to work with.

John (Atlant)

It's funny how when Miami had experience last year everyone thought it could compete. Turns out they probably weren't as good as the people thought (Seems NFL didn't think they were too hot either). Now the current team is very young, but lots have two years with Golden. There's no chance for 7 / 8 wins or are they a year away from truly playing as as top recruits?

Heather Dinich

  (1:33 PM)

It's not just the youth, John, have you looked at the schedule? How many true/redshirt freshmen will be playing AT BC, AT K-state, AT GT, and then AT Notre Dame in Chicago? in the first six weeks?

Luis (Tampa, FL)

Is Golden still the coach in two years at Miami? I think he moves on honestly.

Heather Dinich

  (1:33 PM)

I say yes. If he hasn't run screaming for the hills now, he's not going to.

Laura (Va)

Another year of ACC football, and it's the exact same situation as it is every year.....BOTTOM LINE, THE ACC HAS TO WIN A BCS BOWL!!!!! We can talk all we want about national respect and whether VT and FSU are legit title contenders, but until this conference wins a BCS game, IT'S ALL IRRELEVANT!!!!!!!!

Heather Dinich

  (1:34 PM)

Tell us how you really feel, Laura ... and good afternoon to you.

John (Durham)

Its going to take more than Tobais Palmer for them to fill the receiver slot. Especially considering State is pretty pass first. And Glennon is a talented QB but he has had questionable games too. I just think State has bigger depth issues then any team. If Glennon goes down... They are DONE!

Heather Dinich

  (1:34 PM)

Well, yeah, sort of like ... Maryland?

Bobby (Brenmar, FL)

HD, you've said FSU should be in for a big year. Everyone has said it. I want to believe it but HOW will their running game improve this year? I just don't see any magical transformation over one year.

Heather Dinich

  (1:35 PM)

As long as the offensive line stays healthy, it will be better, and right there is a big part of the equation. They've got guys who can run the ball. They just have to be a little smarter in doing it.

Bobby (Brenmar, FL)

Do you think Maryland's 5 star receiver (forget his name at the moment) is questioning why he signed on with Maryland considering there is really no QB to throw him the ball?

Heather Dinich

  (1:37 PM)

Stephon Diggs. He caught three TD passes in the scrimmage, I'm pretty sure. He's probably feeling good right now.

Kellen (Early, GA)

Can GT finally beat Georgia this year? Aren't they going on a six or seven year drought now?

Heather Dinich

  (1:38 PM)

Nah, GT has won there under Paul Johnson. I need to watch Georgia Tech's defense play a little bit this year before making that call, but right now I'd give the edge to Georgia (again).

Colt (Greensboro)

How many games do you predict Duke to win this year? I would put down the NCCU and Memphis down as "Guranteed wins" and then the FIU, UVA, Wake, GT and UNC as winnable games.

Heather Dinich

  (1:39 PM)

I think they can win five, and surprise with six. I agree with your list, but seven is pushing it.

Rett (Oregon)

Do you think the ACC's BCS record is pushing the conference to Big East levels of respect? In that a 1-loss-SEC team may get a BCS playoff bid ahead of an undefeated ACC Team?

Heather Dinich

  (1:41 PM)

The ACC's respect-o-meter is still above the Big East, there's no question about that. I think it would be hard to ignore an undefeated ACC champ that started out in the preseason top 10.

Alex (Miami)

Any of the ACC bottom feeders (BC, Maryland, Duke, etc) have a legitimate shot at an upset in or out of conference this year?

Heather Dinich

  (1:42 PM)

I'd give the edge to Duke -- and the Devils will HAVE to upset somebody just to get to a bowl game.

Noah (Tallahassee)

HD, how do you see the FSU/Clemson game at Doak playing out? Who wins and is it a nail bitter game or a convincing victory?

Heather Dinich

  (1:43 PM)

I think Florida State's defensive line is the difference in that game. I think it's a good game, but Florida State wins by like 10 points.

John (Durham)

What do you think will need to happen for Duke to get the 6th win? Phenomenal QB play/ Offense or spectacular defense?

Heather Dinich

  (1:44 PM)

Two things: Better play on the defensive line and starters stay healthy and on the field.

Kendall (Sumter, SC)

HD, FSU opens with three patsies before it plays Clemson. Advantage Clemson or no?

Heather Dinich

  (1:47 PM)

Um, you hear that Deacs? And I'd bet there are even a few FSU fans out there who wouldn't call Wake Forest a given. Both teams could be 3-0 heading into that game, though.

LifeLongNole (Tallahassee, Fl)

If FSU falls flat on its face this year, does Jimbo need to start preping his resume? If so, could Stoops be the next one in charge?

Heather Dinich

  (1:48 PM)

That's a huge "if," and I'd have to look at Jimbo's contract again to answer that, to be honest with you. I just don't see it. It would have to be an utter disappointment.

JP (DC)

Is it a good thing for VT to open against GT because they'll get extra time to work on defending the option, or is it a bad thing considering VT's track record on opening day against opponents with a pulse?

Heather Dinich

  (1:49 PM)

I think it's a good thing. If you have to play the Jackets, may as well get some time to prepare. It's not like the D has never seen it, though.

Tracey (Raleigh)

HD, how do you see the NC State/Tenn game shaping up?

Heather Dinich

  (1:50 PM)

I think NC State is going to be fired up for that game. Mike Glennon will play well enough to win, and the o-line will have the advantage.

chief (earth)

better NC game:FSU VS :LSU, BAMA, USC?

Heather Dinich

  (1:51 PM)

Oh man, great question. I wish we could watch all three. Personally, I'd probably pick FSU-Bama.

John (Georgetown, KY)

Which game are you more excited about opening weekend- NCSU-Tennessee or Clemson-Auburn? I wish I could be in Atlanta for both games. Can't wait for those two.

Heather Dinich

  (1:53 PM)

Yeah, they should both be pretty good. If I could only choose one, though, I would pick Clemson-Auburn. I'm curious to see how the lines play for Clemson, and how they fare without Sammy Watkins.

KC (Portland, OR )

Calvin Johnson, Demaryius Thomas, Stephen Hill.... Jeff Green? Which GT WR on the roster has the most potential to make an impact this season?

Heather Dinich

  (1:54 PM)

Haha, funny you ask. I'm going with Greene, since that's who I requested for an interview after practice today. I'm expecting the most out of him.

C.D. (PA)

Any chance whatsoever UVA ends VT's streak this season?

Heather Dinich

  (1:54 PM)

So you're saying there's a chance?

Donnell (Ashburn, VA)

Does Mike Glennon sneak up on Logan Thomas and steal all conference honors?

Heather Dinich

  (1:55 PM)

In order for that to happen, I would think NC State has to win the Atlantic Division. Not impossible. LT is the better quarterback, but will he have the supporting cast to help show it?

Travis Dye (Jefferson City, TN)

I've seen a lot about ACC quarterbacks in national and local media. Who do you got to be the best quarterback when all is said and done?

Heather Dinich

  (1:56 PM)

I'm sticking with Logan Thomas. He's got a better grasp of the offense this year, he's a big, physical qb who is tough to bring down, and we saw what he is capable of against Miami last year.

Noah (Tallahassee)

I think this is the most talent the ACC has had across the board in awhile? Would you agree?

Heather Dinich

  (1:57 PM)

Tough to say. There have been some pretty good defenses on a yearly basis. I would think this is the best group of QBs the league has seen in a while for sure. I think the RBs aren't as strong as they have been, though ... I think it varies by position.

Walter (Cali)

Do you think Duke has any chance of beating Stanford this year?

Heather Dinich

  (1:58 PM)

Didn't it look like Duke could beat Stanford in the first half last year? David Cutcliffe said his team honestly believed it was going to win that game -- until it got away from them. I believe Duke thinks it can win that game. But I don't think it will.

Heather Dinich

  (1:59 PM)

ok guys, my time is up here. Gotta run. Thanks for joining me this week. See you next Monday.hd