Heather Dinich

  (1:00 PM)

Week 6 is in the books. Let's move it along ...

Robert (Blacksburg, VA)

Heather, thanks for your excellent ACC coverage. It was a beautiful day in Chapel Hill Sat. but a long drive back to B'Burg. You know it looks right now, it looks like VT may have a tough time finishing the regular season with a 6-6 record, although anything can happen. What is your view ?

Heather Dinich

  (1:01 PM)

Thanks, Robert. You're absolutely right. The one prediction I would make about the Hokies right now is that their 10-win season streak will come to an end this year. Beyond that, your guess is as good as mine. They could very well lose this weekend, but at the very least, they should be expected to beat Duke, BC and UVa for bowl eligibility.

Clark (Raleigh)

Last week you picked UVA to run it up on Duke. h]How do you feel about Duke following it's 25 point beat down with our Backup QB? Any predictions on how many wins we end up with?

Heather Dinich

  (1:02 PM)

I knew I shoulda picked Duke. As for Duke's win total, I think they reach their ceiling at six or seven this year, and I'm looking at the possibility of back-to-back wins over GT and Miami to end the season.

Ryan (Jax Beach )

Am I the only FSU fan that thinks Jimbo needs to stop being so conservative? Granted there was a lot of missed opportunity for FSU to win, but the play calling on the last drive was pathetic!!!

Heather Dinich

  (1:03 PM)

The playcalling has been a hot topic. I think it's fair to say Tom O'Brien did the better job on the sideline this weekend. What do you guys think?

Julian (Washington, DC)

Everybody gave you grief for saying the Noles would be challenged, then look at the result. Do the Canes have any shot at handing them a 2-loss conference bid?

Heather Dinich

  (1:04 PM)

Miami will only draw more confidence from seeing NC State do it.

Matt (Durham)

What could Duke do if it had its injured starters back? Especially on defense.

Heather Dinich

  (1:05 PM)

It could beat Virginia Tech this weekend.

RAY GORDON REID (MIDDLEBURG FLORIDA 32068)

QUESTION TO HEATHER DINICH AT 1.O5 PM WILL THE ACC EVER BE IN A NATIONAL TITLE

Heather Dinich

  (1:05 PM)

I think this was its best shot. How many of those FSU players are going to leave early for the NFL draft? Next year could be Clemson's year.

CPJfan (Atlanta)

Will Groh get the boot or be given one more season? Why can CPJ not not get a good defense? How will Teach go bowling this year?

Heather Dinich

  (1:07 PM)

That's a great question. I would think somebody winds up as the scapegoat this year if things continue at this rate, and Al Groh is probably at the top of the list. My prediction right now is that GT has a new DC next year, but that's just a guess on my part.

Joshua (Bailey,NC)

Hey heather, So what is up with these Tom O Brien teams coming out and beat teams when they are not suppose too? And do you think NC State has a good chance to win the atlantic Division?

Heather Dinich

  (1:08 PM)

Heck yeah NC State has a good chance to win the division. They've got the edge on FSU. That's huge. I have no explanation for NC State's ability to knock of ranked teams and lose to other lesser teams. It's baffling.

Gray (Chicago)

Should I just put some money aside for my Duke bowl game tickets? I have never said that once in my adult life.

Heather Dinich

  (1:08 PM)

Dude, I RANKED Duke this week. I have never once done that in my career.

Andrew (Bethesda, MD)

Is it safe to say Randy Edsall still has a lot to prove? He now has a whopping TWO conference victories...both against teams with numerous starters suspended (Miami 2011; Wake 2012). With one of the worst offenses, can this team actually beat another ACC opponent this season (fully manned, that is)?

Heather Dinich

  (1:09 PM)

Of course. Maryland's offense still has much to be desired, and like you said, this team really hasn't done anything yet. Edsall deserves credit for the 1-0 start in league play, though, and for not letting it come unraveled after C.J. Brown got injured. The defense is the real deal.

John (Atl)

I just don't get the ACC. Is there a more inconsistent conference? For the all the players that make it to the NFL (and are good), no team can rise to elite status. Was it premature to anoint FSU back or do really need another year? Not an FSU fan, but was kind of hoping they could make the ACC relevant.

Heather Dinich

  (1:11 PM)

I don't think it was premature, John. Florida State had all the pieces in place to make it happen.

Jon (South Carolina)

Will UVA go to a bowl game this year? What will their finishing record be? What are their chances to beat VT?

Heather Dinich

  (1:13 PM)

I do not have UVa going to a bowl right now, no. If they're going to finish with four wins, they need to win the next two weeks, and to tell you the truth, I'm not sure they can get past Maryland's D. As for the Hokies? Pillowfight at this point.

Joshua (St. Louis MO)

Heather, at what point does Duke winning games change from being a reason the ACC should be ashamed into being a bragging point for the ACC? Can it even happen this season or is that a few seasons away?

Heather Dinich

  (1:14 PM)

I'd say it's a few seasons away, and the reason is because Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech have played so poorly. That division is so weak this year it's embarrassing. As well as Duke has played, it will be overshadowed by what the league favorites haven't done.

Alex (Miami)

Which is more fair to say: FSU lost or that NC State won?

Heather Dinich

  (1:16 PM)

That's a popular question in here. The truth is, it's a combination of both. FSU was leading 16-0. Mike Glennon, though, was the better QB down the stretch. He made those fourth-down plays. NC State won that down the stretch.

Heather Dinich

  (1:16 PM)

auto-update is on, sorry ...

Raiford (Norcross. GA)

-Yes - Jimbo Fisher was out coached in the NC STATE GAMEHow bad is DUKE'S first string QB injured ?Besides the SPAZIANI at BC (how bad was the loss to ARMY) and GROH at TECH (610 yrds given up - over 1100 in the last two games) - Anyone else in trouble in the ACC ?

Heather Dinich

  (1:18 PM)

Duke QB Sean Renfree could've played last week if they needed him. Clearly they didn't. I think Spaz and Groh are leading the hot seat, but somebody will likely be held accountable in Blacksburg, too.

Allen (Newton, NC)

Do you feel the ACC has a solid chance of filling all of its bowl allotments this year? Does it have a shot to steal some bowl spots from other leagues?

Heather Dinich

  (1:18 PM)

Um, have you seen the ACC this year? Virginia Tech might not even get to six.

Jason (Philly)

The way the acc has been this year, maryland's next four games all look winnable (uva, ncsu, bc, gt). What are the chances maryland is still in first place in the atlantic division on election day before it starts its killer stretch (clem, fsu, unc)?

Heather Dinich

  (1:19 PM)

Winnable, yes, but I have a hard time seeing the Terps beating NC State. Pack has a much better QB.

Nelson (WV)

The ACC dropped 2 spots in the conference rankings. Do you think the Big East deserved to pass them up?

Heather Dinich

  (1:20 PM)

The ACC is 3-4 against the Big East. I'd say yeah. More on that in the blog later.

Jason (orangeburg,sc)

Did Nuke put his self in the race for the hiesman?

Heather Dinich

  (1:20 PM)

More on that in the blog tomorrow, but he is definitely on the radar.

Lemm (Charlotte, NC)

HD-The Tigers have had a pretty weak defense this year. That might stem from having only one senior on the line and no juniors. How about giving the Tigers some props for making the stops against the triple option?

Heather Dinich

  (1:21 PM)

I'm not so sure allowing almost 500 yards is putting a stop to anything, but yeah, holding them to three points in the fourth was huge.

John (Boston)

Do you think BC will fire Spaz before the season ends? Something needs to be changed right now.

Heather Dinich

  (1:22 PM)

I don't. I don't think that's the answer. It would only cause more problems and confusion. Look at it this way, the only direction to go at this point is up.

David (Miami)

Who plays against FSU in the title game? Duke?!?!?!!?

Heather Dinich

  (1:23 PM)

Who says FSU is even PLAYING in the title game? NC State controls its own destiny now, not FSU.

MJ (Raleigh)

HD, do you think UNC has a chance to go 10-2? They should be favored in the rest of their games.

Heather Dinich

  (1:24 PM)

UNC would have to win out. I'm not willing to go there. I don't even know if I'm picking UNC over Miami this weekend. And of course, they've still got the NC State game.

Heath (Florence, sc)

Call it, who else do the tigers lose to this season?

Heather Dinich

  (1:24 PM)

South Carolina. Fo sho.

Will (Nc)

NC State isn't beating Clemson this year... It's in Death Valley, and NC State can't beat both FSU and Clemson in the same year...

Heather Dinich

  (1:25 PM)

Stranger things have happened. Like Duke having the best record in the state.

Trey (Aiken, SC)

HD, if we keep incorporating the teams from the Big East that keep beating us, we will have 30 teams in the ACC. Thoughts?

Heather Dinich

  (1:25 PM)

Lol

Ana (Miami)

Is there a deadline for Miami to impose a bowl ban for this year?

Heather Dinich

  (1:26 PM)

I don't think so, but I'm not sure. Last year they didn't do it until the weekend Al Golden found out his team was bowl eligible.

Scott (WV)

Is it possible for any ACC team to get in the NCG at this point?

Heather Dinich

  (1:26 PM)

Possible? Yes. Likely? No.

Matthew (Boston, MA)

Heather, how can firing Spaz cause more problems than what BC is already experiencing? They just lost to a winless Army team that had lost to Stony Brook. Spaz clearly is not the answer, maybe someone else is?

Heather Dinich

  (1:27 PM)

Then you name an interim, the players need to buy into a new leader, then you have to start the search all over again this offseason if the interim isn't the right guy ... I just don't like it. It doesn't solve anything.

Chris (Boston, MA)

What is the % chance Clemson beats SC this year?

Heather Dinich

  (1:28 PM)

I don't know. I watched enough of the South Carolina game on Saturday though, to know that their defense is going to create some problems up front and put Tajh Boyd in some uncomfortable positions. I would not want to line up against that D if I'm a QB.

kb (Richmond)

Why is everyone hating on the ACC when the Big 10 doesnt even have a ranked team??

Heather Dinich

  (1:29 PM)

You hear that, Ritt? That's what I'm talkin' bout.

Heath (Florence, sc)

Who's your team? I have a feeling it's not an ACC team...

Heather Dinich

  (1:30 PM)

It's the Steelers. But I went to Indiana, so I know all about the heartbreak ACC fans feel.

LifeLongNole (Tallahassee, Fl)

It is not that FSU lost Saturday night. It is how they lost that is most troubling. Should FSU start looking for a replacement at head coach?

Heather Dinich

  (1:30 PM)

No. It should start looking for an offensive coordinator.

David (Miami)

Ohio state?

Heather Dinich

  (1:30 PM)

Oh yeah, right.

Kyle (Atlanta, GA)

HD- Did the Florida State loss make the ACC look that much weaker and is there still hope that Florida State could make the BCS championship game?

Heather Dinich

  (1:32 PM)

Yeah, it did, Kyle. National writers across the country have already written off the ACC. Check today's lunch links.

CPJfan (Atlanta)

OSU and Michigan in AP...but MIchigan is out of the Today and OSU is ineligible...like UNC.

Heather Dinich

  (1:32 PM)

Yeah I don't think I had Michigan ranked in my poll.

Robert (ATL)

Heather- I know Hopkins was not in your top 25 players but is he not in the hunt for POY in the ACC?

Heather Dinich

  (1:33 PM)

Actually, he WAS in my top 25 -- the first draft -- I swear this to you. And then I took him off for Michael Campanaro. He's definitely in the hunt.

Gene (Kansas)

Is Carolina's Miami, Duke, NCSU stretch turning out to be the one of the harder conference stretches??

Heather Dinich

  (1:35 PM)

No doubt about it. Virginia Tech, though, has at Clemson, at Miami and FSU. That might take the cake.

Jason (Crestview, FL)

What's more disappointing??? Virginia Tech's offense OR Georgia Tech's defense?

Heather Dinich

  (1:36 PM)

My take is Georgia Tech's defense. Hokies had to replace eight starters. We should've expected some trouble. More was expected from Groh in Year 3.

John (Kentucky)

Who you picking in the Coastal? I would say UNC, but they're ineligible. Miami? Duke?

Heather Dinich

  (1:38 PM)

I think North Carolina might be the most complete team in the division right now, but my guess is Miami is runner-up.

Matt (Eastern Shore)

If Perry Hills ends the season with pretty decent statistics and great leadership qualities, does he start next year and CJB transfers? I would imagine that you don't sit a qb after a full true freshman year of experience under his belt...thoughts...?

Heather Dinich

  (1:41 PM)

Great question. If he has a great season, he SHOULD start next year. It's up to Randy Edsall to make sure CJ Brown doesn't transfer.

Jake (DeFuniak Springs, FL)

I don't think FSU's offensive coordinator needs replacing. I do think the offensive play calling needs tweaking. Maybe Jimbo should be more involved.

Heather Dinich

  (1:42 PM)

Jimbo is the one who calls the plays. He just needs more patience doing it.

Mike (Richmond)

HD - is anyone leaving the hokies early after this season? James Gayle? Kyle Fuller? LT??

Heather Dinich

  (1:43 PM)

I'd be really surprised if they didn't have some guys go early. I would imagine it's easier to go after a tough year.

John (Pennsylvania)

Heather, I haven't seen you share the secret of how you called the NC State - FSU game... What were your instincts that it was going to be close?

Heather Dinich

  (1:46 PM)

Well, I DID pick FSU to win, but that's just how NC State rolls. All summer long I was touting how good NC State could be. The Pack was my darkhorse to win the Atlantic Division. They just looked so underwhelming in the first few games I lost some confidence in them. I knew they were going to play better than they did at Miami.

Bob (Atlanta, GA)

Bring back Chan Gailey to Georgia Tech! While we're at it let's bring back John Tenuta at Def Coordinator.

Heather Dinich

  (1:49 PM)

Tenuta getting it done in Raleigh.

Mike (Chapel Hill)

Undefeated with Gio starting. Any chance he's a Heisman hopeful?

Heather Dinich

  (1:50 PM)

Not with an ineligible team, but he is having a fantastic season.

Heather Dinich

  (1:50 PM)

Hey guys I've got cut the chat short today by a few minutes. Have an interview here I have to take, sorry. Thanks for joining me, talk to you next week.