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Andrea Adelson

  (4:01 PM)

Hey guys!

Kyle (CA)

Andrea, I'm not quite ready to say my Canes are "back", but I do believe that we beat Georgia Tech at home and Florida State in Tallahassee. Am I crazy?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:03 PM)

Not crazy, just excited. I think Florida State is going to be a tough game to win in Tallahassee. I still need to see a little bit more out of Miami as well before declaring the Canes "back" and I have no doubt we will get more answers with the GT/UNC comboe they have after USF. For some reason, I can see Miami dropping one of those two games.

victor (monroe,Louisiana)

Hi AA do you think Georgia tech can upset va tech?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:03 PM)

Georgia Tech is actually the favorite!

HokieMan (Annapolis MD)

Andrea.. after VT dispatches GT tonight should we assume the Coastal division will be determined by our game with Miami? The rest of the division looks pretty bad... yes?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:04 PM)

I would say the division looks wide open, but not bad. We have all learned to expect the unexpected. Pitt might not have a defense, but the Panthers have owned VT of late, right?

Da U (Cherry Pt NC)

Is GT the only real challenger to a Coastal division title for Miami? Or do you think VT, PITT or UVA pose a threat?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:06 PM)

Not necessarily. I still think VT has a shot (I picked 'em to beat GT tonight) based on the D. Looks like Pitt has a chance to make some noise. Miami ends the season at Pitt on a Friday that one could be really important. And UVa ... doesn't Miami finds ways to lose to this team?? The Hoos have had their number recently.

Zach (Clemson)

How would you rank the QBs in the ACC right now?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:06 PM)

1. Boyd. 2. Winston 3. CJ Brown

Luke (Raleigh)

How many wins do you think NC State could end up with?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:07 PM)

Could have 9 wins when it's all said and done, just looking at the schedule and how it plays out.

Travis Brown, USN Senior Cheif, Silverdale, Wa [via mobile]

During the Clemson N.C. State game Jesse Palmer would not let the term "Clemsoning" go because in his words "it happened just two years ago". Correct me of I am wrong but didn't FSU lose to N.C.State last year when they shouldn't have. Many teams have lost games they were supposed to win in the last two years. What does Clemson have to do to make this topic die? (Or have ESPN not let Jesse Palmer talk on T.V. anymore)

Andrea Adelson

  (4:08 PM)

I was at the game so I did not hear the broadcast but I heard about his comments. Clemson just has to keep winning all the games it should win and eventually the topic will die. Unfortunately, perceptions and misperceptions in this case, sometimes get so ingrained they are repeated without much thought. I am guilty of that as well. But I tried to set the record straight earlier this week with some good information on the types of wins and losses Clemson has had over the last few years. Clemson just has to keep winning.

Zach (Bridgewater, Va.)

How do you see the rest of UVa's season going? The defense has looked strong so far, especially against BYU, and maybe the VMI game gave the offense a little bit of confidence. Pittsburgh's D doesn't look good at all so far, so do you think UVa can capitalize on the opportunity?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:10 PM)

Great question, Zach. I am not really going to put much into that VMI game or the Oregon game for that matter. I don't think anybody expected either to be highly competitive games. I did see signs from the UVa D vs. BYU but Pitt has a much better offense and much better playmakers. What the Panthers have is balance on offense. That is something UVa is still looking for at this point. It is a little troubling that the Hoos haven't been able to establish the run the way they want or the pass game the way they want. Pitt's D is not the best, you are right there, but I'm not sure UVa has what it takes right now to keep opposing defenses on their heels, so to speak.

Ethan (NY)

AA, what do you think the Hokies' chances are of beating GT? I saw your prediction earlier, but both you and HD made it sound like the game was a toss-up. Who will win? VT's O or GT's D? And how about the other side of the ball? VT's D or GT's O?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:12 PM)

I think it is a toss up, Ethan. I gave the nod to VT based on the D. I don't see the Hokies O being able to run up and down the field, but the VT D has had success vs the GT O the last few years so that is why I think they have the advantage. The games in this series are typically close so it stands to reason this will be a close one, too.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:14 PM)

Great question, Eddie. Seems everybody wants to laser in on that game. I think FSU definitely has a shot. Clemson looked beatable a few weeks ago, though the Tigers will have such a huge home-field advantage in Death Valley. FSU has not won there since 2001. I give FSU a 25 percent chance.

Mike (Florida)

O/U 9 wins for the Canes. I say 10 or 11

Andrea Adelson

  (4:14 PM)

Minimum is 9. There is no way they win fewer.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:15 PM)

1. Duke. 2. Everybody else.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:17 PM)

Seriously, there are a lot of guys jumbled up behind Duke. I really do not think anybody has asserted himself behind him. Maybe Andre Williams? Maybe James Conner?

Mike (Florida)

Am I the only one not buying into the Winston hype? He has to play a decent team 1st!!

Andrea Adelson

  (4:17 PM)

You might be the only one, Mike.

Larry F (Chapel Hill)

Andrea, we really let one slip away last week in Atlanta, didn't we?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:17 PM)

Yes. UNC's O disappeared in the second half.

Chris (Pittsburgh)

Do you think Pitt is a bowl team this year? The D is terrifying, so far.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:18 PM)

We have Pitt as a bowl team.

Steve (Arlington VA)

Everyone is talking about Pitt's offense, but UNM and Duke have both struggled on D for years. Isn't the game against FSU (13 points) more indicative of what they can expect against a good defense?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:18 PM)

Good point, Steve. I am not sure the game vs FSU is more indicative. How many other D's in the Coastal matchup to what FSU does? VT? And Pitt has had VT's number lately.

Jim (Tampa)

Is Steven Morris overrated, or is his lack of big time production the curse of playing for yet another OC? I have seen him miss too many wide open receivers to be considered an elite QB

Andrea Adelson

  (4:19 PM)

Not sure he is overrated. NFL scouts are pretty credible to me, and they love his arm strength. I do think there is a bit of a learning curve/transition this year with Coley as the OC. I agree, we need to see more consistency out of him. He is not playing at an elite level this year -- just yet.

Tim (Coral Gables)

Do you think Miami may be a bit overrated? They have beat 2 lowly teams, and beat a FLA team that shot itself in the foot. I am not convinced they are "back"

Andrea Adelson

  (4:20 PM)

Certainly Miami has to do way more before anybody says the Canes are back. But you gotta give them credit for the Florida win. I mean look around the country, just about everybody has racked up wins vs. patsies.

FSU131 (Tallahassee)

I hear a lot of Miami fans talking that the game vs FSU is a certain win for the Canes. Why is that?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:20 PM)

Got me.

Kyle (Charleston)

I'm honestly tired of hearing about Jameis. I honestly think that he is going to be rudely welcomed when he finally plays teams with a pulse like Maryland and Clemson. Teams that can actually put pressure on him.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:21 PM)

Kyle, I completely agree that Maryland game is going to be a big test. And it comes right before Clemson, so it should be a welcomed challenge because there has not been one of much so far.

Gail (Pensacola)

What can we take from the PSU decision by NCAA as it relates to the Canes...or nothing to take away???

Andrea Adelson

  (4:21 PM)

Nothing. Completely different set of circumstances.

Sean (Fort Bragg)

Forget FSU vs Clemson (which I am excited to see), what about the undefeated Terps going into Tallahassee and upsetting the Noles?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:22 PM)

Not sure I see that happening, Sean. Talk about a team that has not played anybody yet -- that would be Maryland. No true tests yet for the Terps. Sorry, WVU does not count!

Chris S. (Tallahassee)

Do you see one RB taking the lead for the Noles or is this going to be a continued time split? Are we ever going to break the 1,000 yard curse?!?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:22 PM)

Still think it is going to be split, and there is nothing wrong with that, Chris. Not with the pounding these guys take.

Jay (Michigan )

Can BC make the game interesting this weekend? Not saying they win or come close, but hang around for 4 quarters?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:22 PM)

I do not see BC hanging around for 4 Qs.

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Are you ready to pull the trigger on the Terps upsetting Clemson now that Maryland has improved to 4-0, and after watching the Tigers performance in Raleigh? A letdown after FSU looks a lot more feasible at the moment.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:23 PM)

A little premature to say that today.

Mike (Florida)

What do the Canes have to do for you to buy in?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:23 PM)

Get to Florida State undefeated and win that game.

MIke (Florida)

FSU131 I completely disagree. Not a lot of Miami fans are saying that. But what should we do? Say we are gonna lose? Will be tough to win in Tally.

McIntyre2K7 (Temple Terrace)

Hey AA!!! It's your favorite USF shoe guy from the old Big East blog. Question, which ACC team (not named VT, Clemson, FSU and Miami) do you think could cause havoc in the ACC this year?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:24 PM)

Georgia Tech!

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Did Martavious Bryant turn the corner in the N.C.State game?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:25 PM)

Not sure, considering his throat-slashing gesture that was caught on film. He is being disciplined for that this week and will see his playing time cut. You cannot do that if you want your teammates to rely on you.

Steve (Arlington VA)

Remind the Terps fans that Maryland also has yet to play a decent D ... sigh

Andrea Adelson

  (4:25 PM)

I thought I just did :)

Brad [via mobile]

If Clemson, Ohio state, and Oregon goes undefeated. And Bama has 1 loss, who do you think would be the 2 teams playing for it all?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:26 PM)

Brad, that is a tough question to answer at this point. A lot will be based on strength of schedule. Obviously it will be extremely beneficial for Clemson to have Georgia and South Carolina ranked very high in that regard. Ohio State and Oregon do not measure up with their nonconference opponents in that regard.

JP (Baltimore, MD)

Hi Andrea, when do you think the Terps will start getting some attention? Randy Edsall has rebuilt the program and they have a great shot at going to a bowl this year and could make some serious noise in the ACC on their way out. What are your thoughts on the Terps?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:28 PM)

I think the Terps are getting attention, the problem is they have not beaten anybody with a winning record yet. So that is why I am not too surprised to see they are still unranked. Having said that, I don't think there is any doubt this is a bowl team in2 013.

Rayshawn (FL)

Will Miami blow out USF or will it be closer than expected?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:28 PM)

Blowout.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:29 PM)

I am working on a USF story for tomorrow. And it is staggering how many steps back that program has taken since beating Miami in 2010.

Jay (Michigan )

Keys for both teams tonight...

Andrea Adelson

  (4:31 PM)

For the VT D it is always playing disciplined football against GT. Gotta tackle well, that is obviously huge. Scoring on D I am sure would be much appreciated. I am interested in seeing Cody Journell kick, too. He was suspended last week but the game before that vs ECU was the worst one of his career. He won the game for VT last year ... is he up for the challenge if it comes to him this year? For GT, I think the Jackets need to get off to a fast start on offense. If they can score quickly, then VT might not have a chance to get back into the game based on the way its O has played of late.

Brett (STL)

After only having 13 sacks last year, how high you think the Canes can get this year? McCord looks like he wants 13 himself.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:33 PM)

No doubt the Miami DL is playing so much better than a year ago. Everybody is bigger and stronger and there is way more depth. Cannot underestimate the value of a healthy Curtis Porter. If Miami can keep up this pace, I wouldn't be surprised if the total ends up in the 30s.

Earl (VA)

Does Frank Beamer have a rabbit's foot in his pocket? The Marshall coach lost the game when he didn't try to do anything but kick a FG in the 1st OT.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:34 PM)

Hey sometimes you need a little luck to win games, rabbits foot or not!

Phil (Miami, FL)

How far do you see this Miami Hurricanes team going this year?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:37 PM)

ACC championship game was my prediction when the season started and I stand by that prediction. At this point, though, I still think Miami is behind Clemson and Florida State. But imagine this scenario ... the loser of the FSU/Clemson game ends up with 1 loss, which would make them eligible for a BCS at-large berth. The winner of FSU/Clemson LOSES to Miami in the ACC title game and ends up 12-1... Miami goes to the BCS ... Which team -- Clemson or FSU -- gets that BCS at-large berth? OK my head is spinning.

Bert (Florida)

What's your opinion of the NCAA delay in providing a verdict on Miami?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:37 PM)

Complete and utter joke.

Tyson, Spartanburg [via mobile]

Since Al Golden has taken over clearly Miami has taken on a new persona. What is the biggest thing that has taken place thay you feel has changed their approach and mentality?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:39 PM)

It is simple, Tyson. He has gotten everybody to buy into his vision, and his belief system. Everybody is on the same page, with the same goal in mind. Nobody is looking ahead, nobody is thinking about themselves. They are thinking team first, one game at a time. Al is a very detail oriented guy, and he has a system that worked at Temple. It is working now.

AL (Dallas)

Hello Andrea, I read your chats all the time. A two-fold question for you, do you believe UM possible sanctions include an additional bowl ban or a reduction in scholarships and do you believe with this cloud hanging over UM is currently hurting recruiting with the remaining uncommitted south florida blue chip recruits?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:40 PM)

I think Miami has done enough with its self-imposed two year bowl ban. I would be surprised if the NCAA added more to it. On the scholarship front, I cannot say. Miami has not disclosed how many scholarships it has reduced on its own. As for recruiting, it does not seem to having an impact at all. Miami is currently ranked No. 4 in the ESPN Recruiting Rankings for 2014.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:42 PM)

Steve, WVU is worse than BYU, I think, but both are having some major struggles. I just did a quick scan ... I don't think anybody else has beaten a noncon team with a winning record.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:43 PM)

Jimbo Fisher said this week he would get Williams some carries earlier in the game. I agree with you on JWJ ... I think they should get Williams in there earlier in the game and see how he does. This would be a good test, the BC D is better than it was a year ago.

Anthony (FL)

How much practice time does a back-up QB get? I know reps are important but the 2nd is only a snap away from being the starter.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:44 PM)

The starters get the bulk of the reps in practice. I hear what you are saying but the plan always has to involve your starter playing a full game and being completely comfortable with the game plan.

Steve (Arlington VA)

As a Hoos fan, I put T3 for BYU and WVU because Maryland throttled WVU and UVa squeaked by BYU ... not that the wins were equal!

Andrea Adelson

  (4:44 PM)

Fair enough. We will know more when the season ends but boy WVU is worse than I thought.

Tim (Fl) [via mobile]

If you could only pick 1 player in the Acc to build your team around who would you choose?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:45 PM)

Does it matter what class? If it is a senior, Tajh Boyd. If it is a freshman, Jameis Winston. I always would build around a QB. Always.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:46 PM)

Baylor has put up big numbers but has not beaten anybody, either. So not sure yet on the mighty Bears. Fresno State should run the table without question. If it does, then it is a matter of where it lands in the BCS standings and whether it can get an auto bid in the final year of the BCS.

FSU131 (Tallahassee)

Does an ACC team make a playoffs next year? If yes, which team?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:47 PM)

I can barely predict who is making the BCS this year! We will save 2014 talk for 2014.

Tim (Miami)

Duke wins the Heisman trophy next year

Andrea Adelson

  (4:47 PM)

Boy does anybody want to talk about 2013?

Rayshawn (FL)

The job at Miami that Golden is doing is nothing short of remarkable given the circumstances. Agree??

Andrea Adelson

  (4:48 PM)

If Miami wins 10 or more games and goes to the ACC championship game, he should get serious consideration for national coach of the year.

Tim (Miami)

What are our chances of playing for a national title

Andrea Adelson

  (4:49 PM)

1 percent? Just don't see it this year. And I am assuming you mean Miami.

FSU131 (Tallahassee)

FSU and Canes fans always look into the future lol

Andrea Adelson

  (4:49 PM)

I can see that!

Tony (Richmond, CA)

Do you think Edsall will be able parlay his on the field success this season into success on the recruiting trail?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:50 PM)

That would be a question for our recruiting experts, Tony. Any little bit helps. If you can couple a bowl season with a move to the Big Ten, you have a good sales pitch to give recruits.

Larry (Atlanta)

Is this the year Florida State finally kicks the bad habit of losing games they should never lose?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:51 PM)

I said at the beginning of the year it would be a disappointment if FSU did not win at least 10 games. So I am sticking with "yes" as my answer to this question.

Andrea Adelson

  (4:52 PM)

You guys are quiet today. We got 9 minutes left, anybody else with a question I have not answered yet?

PVJacket (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)

AndreaThe over/under for GT-VT tonight is 41. Seems low. What do you think?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:54 PM)

I picked VT to win 21-20 so I think it sounds about right! Last year they combined for 37 in overtime.

AV (PA)

wolfpack fan here. since there is debate about paying college athletes... why no just get rid of all the athletic scholarships and tell the athletes to pay tuition and board out of their own pocket..... i am sure that will make them think..

Andrea Adelson

  (4:55 PM)

No schollies in the Ivy League ... I could not agree with you more. I am firmly against athletes getting paid. They already get paid with their scholarships and everything else they get as student-athletes.

Otto (Syracuse)

Hi Andrea....just want to remind you that we are now in the ACC. Do you ever want to talk about us in these chats, or did we do something to you when you used to cover the Big East?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:55 PM)

I would be happy to talk Syracuse. Not one question today on the Orange, you got one? Don't be shy.

CanesFan (Atlanta)

Do you see the Coastal Champ winning outright or needing to win a tie breaker?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:56 PM)

I am going to predict tiebreaker!

Ryan (Clemson, SC)

In your opinion, do you believe that Vic Beasley's recent success will continue or do you believe that he has not been up against good enough offensive line?

Andrea Adelson

  (4:57 PM)

Yes, I do believe Vic will continue to have success. He was good last year, had a terrific spring and is now just continuing on an upward trajectory. He is working hard and really growing into that role after some uncertainty about where he should play early in his career.

Otto (Syracuse)

Ok.....Now that Hunt has solidified himself as the starting QB, how do you think the Orange finish? Bowl eligible?

Andrea Adelson

  (5:00 PM)

I think it is going to be really close, Otto. I really do. Been going back and forth on that when I do the bowl projections. It obviously hurts that one of the Coastal games is vs GT, which looks good right now. NC State and Maryland are going to be tough games. Obviously Florida State and Clemson are, too. I think there are 4 winnable games left to get to 6-6 but playing at NC State is tough. Maryland looks good right now with CJ Brown. So, in a roundabout way, I am on the fence about what will happen. I can see 6-6.

FSU131 (Tallahassee)

If Bridgewater declares to NFL this year, will Louisville be a contender in ACC?

Andrea Adelson

  (5:00 PM)

His backup looked good in the game I attended earlier this year, but I think FSU will go into next year as the fav in the Atlantic with Winston back.

Otto (Syracuse)

think there is a chance the Orange can surprise many and beat Clemson up in the done next week? They did it once to Nebraska back in the early 80's when they were #1?

Andrea Adelson

  (5:00 PM)

Also did it to Louisville and WVU the last two years so anything is possible.

Andrea Adelson

  (5:01 PM)

OK guys, thanks for joining me today! Enjoy tonight's big game and all the other ACC games Saturday!