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Heather Dinich

  (12:00 PM)

Hey guys, I'm here, let's get Week 10 started.

Evan (Atlanta)

Heather, what do you think the odds are that Georgia Tech's defense just didn't show up to play a bad offensive team? I think this might be what some people were expecting after the VT win, just delayed a week. The fact that Vandy got shut down in the second half might support this. Me, I'd say the odds are 3:1. What about you?

Heather Dinich

  (12:00 PM)

Evan, I think GT's defense hasn't shown up one too many times this season, but you know what? It hasn't mattered yet and I don't think it will stop them from winning down the stretch.

Robert (Clemson)

So HD, Are you going to be on your way to see the tigers play on saturday?

Heather Dinich

  (12:01 PM)

Indeed I am, and looking forward to it. Should be a great game.

JON (Tally, FL)

Do you think, with any sort of scheme changes or personel changes, that FSU's defense will show any signs of improvement before the season is over?

Heather Dinich

  (12:01 PM)

If FSU's defense hasn't shown significant improvement yet, Jon, odds are it is what it is.

GTjacket (Atlanta)

I think I can speak for a lot of tech fans when I say that a rematch with Clemson is downright scary. I am hoping for Boston College to pull it out somehow down the stretch. Does this sound about right?

Heather Dinich

  (12:03 PM)

Georgia Tech fans should be scared of a rematch with Clemson. I think the Tigers could pull that one off. Jackets fans might want to start cheering for FSU about now.

John (Fort Lauderdale)

Some scary Halloween in the ACC Saturday.

Heather Dinich

  (12:03 PM)

I think the team that got spooked the most, though, was Virginia Tech. Just got off the phone with Beamer. Hokies taking it tough, but have to move on against ECU.

Beau (Minot, ND)

DO you think this weekend's Clemson-FSU game will decide the winner of the Atlantic?

Heather Dinich

  (12:04 PM)

I do, because if Clemson wins this one, they've got their toughest obstacle out of the way.

Matt (Philadelphia)

Are you going to still provide quality responses after 12:30 or will the Hoosier in you rear its ugly head during the second half of the chat?

Heather Dinich

  (12:05 PM)

Lol stick around to find out ...

Jesse (Green Cove Springs, FL)

What is Ponder's status for Saturday vs. Clemson. He is having a Heisman season regardless of FSU being a .500 team. The defense isn't good enough to keep Spiller at bay, we need points on the board. Is backup EJ Manuel ready to play if need be?

Heather Dinich

  (12:06 PM)

We don't know status reports until Thursdays, but I talked to Ponder on Saturday night and he said he's fine. Remember, though, he had the same injury last year and you could tell it affected his play. I think Manuel is good, but he's not ready for this Clemson D.

Nathan (Baton Rouge)

HD what is the best scenario right now for the ACC after we continue to get no respect from anyone despite any conference really looking solid top to bottom?

Heather Dinich

  (12:07 PM)

I'm not sure I'd call three bowl eligible teams "solid" from top to bottom. I think the ACC looked better last year as a whole.

Brian (Coral Springs, FL)

HD, should FSU win in Death Valley, who do you think will represent the Atlantic division in Tampa?

Heather Dinich

  (12:07 PM)

Boston College.

Joe (Atlanta)

Hey HD, hasn't USC being blown out by Oregon showed everyone how biased the polls are? If USC was worthy of #4 ranking, why isn't Oregon worthy of that now?

Heather Dinich

  (12:09 PM)

It shows it can be a popularity contest, yes. I think at this point, voters are simply rewarding the teams that remain undefeated, regardless of how they've looked in the process.

C.J. Spiller (Clemson)

Why am I in ACC POY and Heisman discussions? If you take away my special teams play (most superstars don't play special teams) and look at my team's poor play outside of the Miami game, I am not within sniffing distance of these awards. Josh Nesbitt... now that's someone who needs more hype.

Heather Dinich

  (12:10 PM)

Is this George P. Burdell? Spiller is the ACC's top candidate right now, period. Nesbitt has had a great season and been invaluable to his team, but he won't win the Heisman throwing one pass per game.

chris (palo alto, CA)

Heather, what do you think about Duke getting a few votes in the USA Today poll? Do they deserve it? Or do those coaches just not realize the schedule that Duke has left to play (UNC, GT, Miami...)?

Heather Dinich

  (12:11 PM)

I think it's a little early for Duke to be considered a top 25 team, and I'd be David Cutcliffe would agree. Let's wait until the Devils get to a bowl game, but there's no question it's a better team under Cutcliffe.

Kevin (Atlanta, GA)

Will FSU kick it to CJ Spiller?

Heather Dinich

  (12:12 PM)

Not if they've studied any game film.

Marc (Charlotte)

Heather, I've got to give John Shoop some credit for once. He actually called a good game against VT. I'd still like to see him take more shots down the field though.

Heather Dinich

  (12:13 PM)

It's good to hear you say that, Marc, because he did. He made a difference in that game and was taking a lot of heat going into it.

Noles2011 (Altanta)

Does BC go undefeated to Tampa from here on out?

Heather Dinich

  (12:13 PM)

BC still nees Clemson to lose, but I think at the very least they finish with a share of the Atlantic Division title. Spaz for COY anyone?

cpljohnst (Atlanta)

Have you heard any medical reports on Skinner's concussion. Has he been cleared to practice this week?

Heather Dinich

  (12:14 PM)

Not yet, they're just getting back to practice today. Won't hit the field until this afternoon.

Mike (Blacksburg, VA)

Hey HD, what do you think Georgia Tech's chances are to lose to Wake and Duke, percentage wise?

Heather Dinich

  (12:15 PM)

I think they have a better chance of losing at Duke, especially if the Blue Devils find a way to knock off UNC this week. If Riley Skinner is healthy, though, that game could be interesting. I think the Deacs' D learned what NOT to do against Navy's fullback.

Dabo Swinney (South Carolina)

Why doesn't anyone mention me for COY?

Heather Dinich

  (12:15 PM)

Because you have the most talent of anyone in the ACC to work with.

Corey (NYC)

What unit has had the most disappointing year to this point?

Heather Dinich

  (12:16 PM)

I think it's a toss-up between FSU's D, UNC's offense and NC State's D. I'll give it to NC State since they're the ones who have yet to win a conference game.

Evan (Miami, FL)

Why isnt anyone critizing Randy Shannon for miamis poor play against Wake. We were not ready as a team to play on saturday. Our defense looked absolutely awful and injuries arent good enough excuses. Our players are much more talented than theres.

Heather Dinich

  (12:17 PM)

Because injuries were a factor on defense, but so was Riley Skinner and Wake's offense. I don't think enough folks are giving credit to the Deacs in that game. They played well, and there's only so much a coach can do to lift his team's spirits after a tough loss like that. It's up to them to execute.

Joe (Miami (FL))

Heather, be honest. You wanna see GT lose 1 more ACC game so Miami and Clemson can rematch in the ACC title? They've had arguably the best game this year in the conference.

Heather Dinich

  (12:19 PM)

Ah, not true. I want to see the best teams the conference has to offer in that game, and right now, it's Georgia Tech. And the Jackets had a thriller of their own against Clemson. But yes, that Miami game was one of the most entertaining of the season.

Jeff (Chapel Hill)

Heather - Can the national and ACC media finally quit talking about how great Bud Foster and the Va Tech defense is. Two weeks in a row they got toasted first by the best offense in the ACC and then on Thursday night by one of the worst. No adjustments as Carolina ran Houston up the middle all game. Your thoughts.

Heather Dinich

  (12:21 PM)

Well, they're not great this year, Jeff, but for the past five or so they've found a way to finish among the nation's best. Shoop beat Foster on Thursday, I'll give you that, but I'm not going to negate years of good play and coaching under Foster for one bad game.

Mike (NYC)

Heather, will we ever see Jacory Harris break out of the pocket a run for a long gainer? He scrambles well in the pocket but I have yet to see him break one lose.

Heather Dinich

  (12:21 PM)

He's got enough guys around him to do that. Keep him healthy and protected.

cpljohnst (Atlanta)

Heather, how do you think Duke finishes their schedule? Their 3 ACC wins are against the bottom three ranked teams in your power poll (UVA, Maryland, NCstate). They have UNC, GT, Miami and Wake left.

Heather Dinich

  (12:23 PM)

I think it's a tall task for Duke, but they only need two more wins. I think their best chances are this weekend against UNC and in the finale against Wake Forest. If they can pull of a surprise somewhere in between, then it would be stunning.

Nelson DE [via mobile]

What do you make of all the empty seats at Doak Campbell last saturday?

Heather Dinich

  (12:23 PM)

Sad, sad state of affairs. But it's not hard to see why.

Coach Paul Johnson (GA)

How many times do I have to call you out for going against us?

Heather Dinich

  (12:24 PM)

I picked the Jackets this week and they were trailing 31-28! Hmph.

Mark (Atlanta)

How do you think GT would fare in a game right now against a FLorida, Bama, or Texas team?

Heather Dinich

  (12:25 PM)

I think that their offense would baffle any of those teams -- especially on a week's notice -- but that Georgia Tech's defense wouldn't be able to make the stops.

Brooks ((Spartanburg, SC))

Call me crazy but as a Clemson fan I'm more worried about the N.C. State game in Raleigh than the rest of the ACC schedule.

Heather Dinich

  (12:26 PM)

Crazy. Clemson fans should be worried about FSU right now. Huge game.

Steve (Deleware)

So many people say GT can't win a bowl game because people have enough time to prepare for the option. if this is true shouldn't every ACC coach be fired for not spend 3 weeks in the summer preparing to stop it?

Heather Dinich

  (12:26 PM)

Haha, they can do that, but will their players retain it? Heck, Wake's players might not have retained what they learned two weeks ago for Navy.

Chris (Fort Lauderdale)

Can FSU's secondary force Parker to throw a few picks this weekend?

Heather Dinich

  (12:28 PM)

It depends on how good the pass rush is, and how much pressure they get on him to force him into those mistakes. So far? FSU's defense hasn't exactly been scary.

Joseph (Durham)

What is Duke's biggest challenge facing UNC this weekend?

Heather Dinich

  (12:29 PM)

The UNC defense. Duke has relied on Thad and the passing game ALL season, and it's worked, but this defense -- much like Virginia did -- will give Duke fits in the red zone and pressure Thad all day long.

Mark (Knoxville TN)

Do you think the ACC gets little respect as compared to the SEC because it is a basketball conference, or because it is handicapped in recruiting due to higher academic standards and it really is a notch below?

Heather Dinich

  (12:30 PM)

Neither. It's because the SEC consistently has more teams in contention for the national title and wins the big games against the ACC in nonconference and bowl matchups.

Jake (deerfield beach, fl )

so right now they have miami projected to be in the gator bowl playing notre dame. That would be a fun game from miami fans but is there any realistic show of playing in a BCS game as an at large bid?

Heather Dinich

  (12:32 PM)

Well, first they have to work their way back into the top 14 of the BCS standings in order to even be considered. Ask me again if they do that.

Drew (Clemson, SC)

Heather, do you agree that a Clemson-Georgia Tech rematch in the ACC title game would do wonders for the conference? If I have to watch BC in another conference title game I might be sick...

Heather Dinich

  (12:33 PM)

Haha ... BC fans would obviously disagree, but I'm with you, Drew. That game needs a change -- a change of teams, a change of venue, the whole bit. AND it would be even better if Clemson is ranked, which I think it will be if the Tigers keep winning.

Payne (Athens, Ga)

Brandon SPikes?

Heather Dinich

  (12:33 PM)

C-low is up at 1 for your Spikes questions and comments. :)

Brian (Coral Springs, FL)

How many games do you see Maryland winning/losing before the end of the season? Which ones do they win against?

Heather Dinich

  (12:34 PM)

I don't see the Terps winning again, but I'll be nice and say their best chance is in the season finale against BC at home.

Hayden (Logan, UT)

Oregon could beat any team in the NCAA

Heather Dinich

  (12:35 PM)

Except Boise St.

Guy (Clinton,SC)

How much is the DaQuan Bowers loss going to hurt Clemson's defense against a good FSU offense?

Heather Dinich

  (12:36 PM)

It obviously will hurt to lose one of your best defenders, but I think his backups have been given enough snaps, and a veteran like Kevin Alexander will do fine in helping close that gap.

TJ (Atlanta)

I know this is WAAAAY early, but based on what you are seeing in the conference in the final half of the season, do you have any projections on the state of the ACC for 2010?

Heather Dinich

  (12:37 PM)

You know, I thought this year was going to be much better than it has been. Much better. You would think that teams like Miami, GT and VT would be among the nation's best next year with some NC hopes. FSU should -- and needs -- to improve dramatically quickly but who knows how the offseason changes will affect that program.

Bradford (Boise, ID)

Heather, the game isnt until next season, but can you let Va Tech fans and program know we're thankful Va Tech has the cajones to schedule us!

Heather Dinich

  (12:38 PM)

Haha, the Hokies will be happy to hear it. They certainly aren't afraid to play great teams early.

Molotov (Atlanta)

Heather,Which ACC teams do you see making a coaching change at the end of this season? I see FSU, Maryland, UVA, in that order...

Heather Dinich

  (12:39 PM)

I think Virginia would be at the top of my list. Maryland and FSU don't count as "changes" to me, really, since we know who's next in line and it will be a while before those guys put their stamps on the program.

Matt (Cairo)

Is GT the best in the ACC, or have they just been lucky when they needed to be.

Heather Dinich

  (12:40 PM)

Ah, there's my not-from-Egypt buddy. Welcome back. Yes, GT is the best in the ACC. They've been consistent, not lucky. Big difference.

James (Atlanta)

Is the utter destruction of UGA in Tech's future this year? TOTAL DESTRUCTION!

Heather Dinich

  (12:42 PM)

A little excited for the rivalry game this year I see. Georgia Tech is better than Georgia this year and should win that game. Again.

John (Jacksonville, FL)

Whats it going to take for the calls for Bowden's job to end? personally as a die hard Nole it hurts to see people treat the man who made FSU like they are....

Heather Dinich

  (12:44 PM)

Honestly, I got the vibe that that decision was made in October when the money men met to discuss the future of FSU football. I'm not sure just reaching bowl eligibility this year is going to change a lot of folks' minds.

nick (ohio)

heather, do you think having conference challengeswould work in college football as they have the acc vs big 10 challenge in basketball?

Heather Dinich

  (12:44 PM)

I don't know if it would work, but I think it would be fun. I say bring on ... the Big East?

Chris (Gaithersburg)

Is VT finally feeling the pains of not recruiting good passing quarterbacks? When you have so many good running backs, don't you need a passer in there somewhere?

Heather Dinich

  (12:45 PM)

I think VT felt the pain of UNC's D.

James (Atlanta)

Weak response, Heather. I was looking for some excitement from you over the possibility of tech going 3-0 against the evil SEC.

Heather Dinich

  (12:46 PM)

Sorry, must be that Hoosier in me kicking in in the second half. :)

Chris (Richmond (VA))

Is it time to start pointing fingers at coaches in Blacksburg? It seems like every season, VT wins early only to lose mid/late in the year to a team they shouldnt.

Heather Dinich

  (12:47 PM)

Everyone always wants to point fingers after a loss. I say give the Hokies a break. BTW, though, Beamer was asked about Stiney on his teleconference call this a.m. and instead of defending him, he said that criticism like that won't help them beat ECU this week.

Anthony (Haymarket, VA)

As a GT fan I'm really hoping Coach Grobe does the right thing and benches Riley Skinner. I mean, in all honesty the defense and offensive line probably got a little banged up too, so he should bench them as well. Your thoughts?

Heather Dinich

  (12:48 PM)

Haha ... I know Jim Grobe will do what's best for Riley, but it's just a hunch -- I think he'll play.

Bill (Ramstein, Germany)

What are the chances GT gets beat by WF without Skinner?

Heather Dinich

  (12:49 PM)

Slim to none.

Mitchell (Huntsville)

Why does Ponder get no recognition? I know FSU is 4-4, but with stats like that he should get something.

Heather Dinich

  (12:49 PM)

If they keep winning and he stays healthy, he probably will. I asked him about it on Saturday night, and he said the same thing.

Seth (Boston MA)

What do you think of the development of Luke Kuechly, aka Wonder Boy, and why is he not getting any kind of love nationally?

Heather Dinich

  (12:50 PM)

I think Luke has had an OUTSTANDING season and could be the next Mark Herzlich or Mike McLaughlin. Eventually, he'll get the attention.

Chad (Las Vegas)

BTW.Spikes was just suspended by UF for the 1st half of the Vanderbilt game.

Heather Dinich

  (12:51 PM)

Thanks for the update.

Sebastian (Miami)

So if GT loses, is Miami back in the ACC championship game? If they win out?

Heather Dinich

  (12:51 PM)

Don't forget about the Dookies ... they control their own destiny in the Coastal.

Michael (Atlanta)

Heather, is Billy Lynch the most animated coach in college football? I thought he was going to rip a ref's hat off.

Heather Dinich

  (12:51 PM)

Wouldn't you? :)

Bryan (Clemson)

If Clemson makes it to the ACCCG will the pressure on Dabo subside? I know many of the national media question Dabo's hiring, but those close to the program think he's an exceptional coach with a ton of potential.

Heather Dinich

  (12:52 PM)

Oh it definitely should, Bryan. You're right .. the jury was out, but this is a different team under Dabo. Hasn't quit. Let's see what the rest of the season holds, though.

Grayson (Atlanta)

Heather, Do you see an FSU win over UF at the very end of the season something big enough to save quite a few careers? Or maybe even a safe note to retire on? or Both?

Heather Dinich

  (12:53 PM)

I think that's pushing it, Grayson, especially if Florida stays in the top spot. Not saying the Gators are invincible this year, but let's just start with the defense, which would have the edge in that game.

Jeff (Unemployed)

I know I'm cashing a $2 Million dollar check from the Bucs, but shouldn't I have stayed at Boston College?

Heather Dinich

  (12:54 PM)

Haha, sorry, Jagz, but I think the Eagles have proven they're doing just fine without you.

Brian (Georgia)

How would you rank the top 3 ACC QBs, and does Thad Lewis have a realistic chance to be in the running for any national honors?

Heather Dinich

  (12:56 PM)

Off the top of my head I'd say Christian Ponder, Thad Lewis and then probably Nesbitt, but it's a toss up with Harris. It would be nice to see Thad get some recognition but it's going to be tough if they don't get to a bowl game.

Jeff (Destin)

Can someone who is not on the watch list for a particular award still win it?

Heather Dinich

  (12:56 PM)

I think it depends on the award. For the Davey O'Brien, for example, no.

Ted (Miami, FL)

Heather, thinking back to the GT-Miami game, it seemed like Miami provided a blueprint for defending Tech's triple option, yet since then, no one has stopped it. Did Georgia Tech adjust or are their opponenets just not good enough or smart enough to stop it?

Heather Dinich

  (12:57 PM)

I bet you every coach in the ACC knows how to defend it, but it's up to the players to execute it. It's that simple.

Bill (Ramstein, Germany)

Are WF's chances better than slim to none if Skinner does go? Please say yes.

Heather Dinich

  (12:58 PM)

Oh definitely. Skinner knows how to win, and he's pretty mad about that Miami loss. He could be a difference maker in that game.

Phillip (Gainesville)

If GT had last years Defense are they a NC contender?

Heather Dinich

  (12:59 PM)

I believe they could be, yes. Those three guys up front? Very good. But don't forget they were young at other spots.

Tyrie (Atlanta)

Did you answer my question about the significance of Tech's probably 3-0 record against the SEC? Did I miss that?

Heather Dinich

  (1:00 PM)

No, you didn't, but last one before I go ... it's significant, and the ACC needs it, but at the same time, many will point out that it wasn't against the SEC's best. Even Georgia is down.

Heather Dinich

  (1:00 PM)

Alright guys, thanks for joining me today. Back to the blogosphere. See you there and in Death Valley on Saturday.