Bradley’s Buzz: ESPN’s Dinich now likes Clemson over Tech
According to ESPN's ACC expert, Tech won't win this time. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
Say this for Heather Dinich of ESPN.com: She’s consistent. She didn’t pick Georgia Tech to win the Coastal Division, and she’s not picking the Coastal champ to win the ACC title.
Ms. Dinich call her choice of Clemson over Tech in Tampa on Dec. 5 a “wacky prediction.” I wouldn’t call it wacky. I’d just call it misguided. You can make a case for Clemson. You can make a much better one for Tech.
Winning the ACC would put Clemson in the Orange Bowl. So where, according to Ms. Dinich, would Tech land? The Chick-fil-A? Nope. She has Georgia Tech falling behind Virginia Tech in the pecking order and landing in the Gator Bowl against a Big East opponent or Notre Dame. (I understand the Chick-fil-A might not want to have Georgia Tech for a second consecutive year, but I also understand that there would be local pressure from Jacket fans to keep Tech out of Jacksonvile.)
But … Notre Dame? Is it even bowl-eligible? And if so, is it bowl-worthy?
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
339 comments Add your comment
jacket3
November 23rd, 2009
7:38 am
She is much better than the ESPN on air bimbo woman covering the GT games. At least Dinch writes with complete sentences and phrases.
That being said: I’ll bet the Dinch girl never even played touch football – and maybe I’m wrong – but I’ll guarantee you that she was someone’s wet dream when Johnson was coaching and setting records with his no nonsense “backyard option” games.
Clemson VS GT for a BCS spot – gonna be a toughie. Clemson is better now sure, but so is GT. So let us be the underdog – CPJ likes to proving them wrong……and GT has done that all year long!
Old Gold Britches
November 23rd, 2009
7:44 am
Every team has a bad game or two. Georgia Tech had 3 and managed to win two of them. Clemson had several too and lost seveal. Paul Johnson and TEAM are focused with tunnel vision on the mutts game this weekend.Nothing else. We can talk about a good Clumsum team next week.
A Rob
November 23rd, 2009
8:14 am
Hope we find somebody to kick it in or near the endzone by ACCCG, or we might as well just go ahead and spot them 7. We’re gonna need to score lots!! Should be exciting!
Gt4ever
November 23rd, 2009
8:29 am
ESPN has become worthless…. They hire all these females for what, well, you don’t have to be very smart to figure this out. Ms. Dinich a football analyst. PLEASE! She has little or NO knowledge, but hey, she looks good….
RYan
November 23rd, 2009
8:40 am
To the one that said “YOu had to go to overtime to beat Wake forest” Didn’t Alabama have to block a last second kick against an inferior opponent to stay in the race? Do they need to lose their ranking now too, or are SEC teams exempt from having close games count against them?
Trade School Junkie
November 23rd, 2009
8:47 am
Its gonna be a weekend to remember for the ACC.
GT will beat UGA
Clemson will beat USC
(both games could be closer than many expect)
But, as I have stated for the past 3 weeks,
FSU will SHOCK THE WORLD and upset Florida at The Swamp on Saturday.
Saturday’s “Trifecta” will make the ACC 6-1 vs SEC.
B. Dodd
November 23rd, 2009
8:57 am
Well what do you expect from ESPN? They have ignored Tech all year so picking Clemson in the championship game is SOP. Tech fans need to man up and remember that the Jackets are a very good team. There is no reason to tremble at the thought of taking on the Tigers. Just play our game and let the chips fall where they may. In the meantime, concentrate on beating the stuffing out of Georgey.
Wreckbone
November 23rd, 2009
9:11 am
What makews me think we will win against Clemson by more than earlier in the year? Yes I admit Clemson has goetten better, but so has Tech….on both sides of the ball. HD’s been a Clemson homer all year, no surprise there. And I am sure she really hated it when CPJ called her out in person at the post game. She probably won’t attend one of our games next year at all in my opinion.
Its funny how some Clemson fan called Bradley a homer……well it is the AJC and jsut down the road from tEch so if we are not getting love from them then who else? Go complain to the spartanburg (if they ahve one) or greenville paper about being homers… But that’s what he’s supposed to do. Tech has been very good this year look at the record. Previously, I would have wanted Tech to play a weaker opponent. I was worried about quite a few games before they happened this year. But with Johnson, I’m pretty confident he gets our team ready to play the better teams so bring on the Tigers!
Its also funny how the 790 guys rip on Dabo. I think he’s done a good job. But I believe CPJ has done better. And to those who have posted “with his players” on either side. Get a grip, both coaches are playing with past coaches recruiting classes. And Clemson ahs been r9anked much higher than Tech each year and we still find a way to win.
The Clemson fan whos saying “You better look out for CJ, Ford, etc” – yeah, but we got guys who will be playing on Sunday too. And probably go higher in the draft. We will see who will do better at the next level running the ball and I’ll bet it will be the Diesel.
Our Defense has gotten better since the Clemson game too. But you can’t argue with the offensive numbers put up by either team. I agree this is the best the ACC has to offer.
Go Jackets!!
HEy UGA fans on here whining about your blog full of cocky Tech fans, just dishing out what your fans have given us each year since these blogs have opened. Sucks doesn’t it? Get over it. Im sure the day after the season twice as many UGA fans will be on here saying how much we will suck next year. So we’ll enjoy it as much as we can, as you do when you guys are on top.
Doug the Jacket
November 23rd, 2009
9:15 am
Is this the same analyhst that cost Ron Franklin his prime time ESPN anchor position with another stupid comment?
OneEyed Jack
November 23rd, 2009
9:44 am
1. BEAT UGay. All else pales in comparison. Their little puppie dog passed with a heart attack, bless his heart, now mash the leg humpers for real.
2. Clempson’s next. Line ‘em up, and play smash mouth football. If GT avoids beating itself, we should prevail in a hard-fought game. Don’t fumble, play hard defense, and never underestimate your opponent.
FWIW, I’ve gotta tell ya I’m a little ticked about all the Heisman hype for that Clempson dude, he’s pretty good as a one dimensional scat back, but our #21 is a pretty fair running back in his own right. He can scat with the best of them, and run you over as well. The full package.
GO YELLOW JACKETS!
feller
November 23rd, 2009
9:46 am
Spiller is a one dimensional? Do you even know what that means?
That Boy
November 23rd, 2009
10:02 am
I get so tired of all the GT fairweather nerd fans thinking Paul Johnson is some kind of football god and Clemson coach Swinney is some kind of idiot. It was Clemson who made the adjustments in the Clemson-GT game to bring Clemson 27-24 after falling behind 0-24 early. Where was Johnson’s mastery of adjustments during that stretch when GT went something like 5 drives without a single first down?
GT fans may love him now, but they’ll be ready to run him out of Atlanta in about 3 years when they see that few top players want to play in that antiquated triple option offense.
Flowery Branch Yellow Jacket
November 23rd, 2009
10:43 am
For all those who have knocked ESPN because of Heather’s prediction, it should be pointed out that there other two prognosticators (Mark Schlabach and Bruce Feldman) have both projected GT to travel to the Orange Bowl. So that makes two out of three “analysts” who pick Tech … does that seem unreasonable? I think not. While it’s true that HD has been overtly “anti-GT” since the start of the season, it’s also reasonable to think that Clemson could win the game in Tampa.
Honestly, going into the season, how many people would have predicted that Washington would beat USC, that NC State could knock off Pitt, or that Kentucky could win in Athens for the first time in 38 years?! I doubt that anyone would have predicted these outcomes … and I’m almost certain that no one would have BET on them. Nevertheless, each of these events took place.
I think the Yellow Jackets have the ABILITY to beat Clemson for the second time this season, but it doesn’t surprise me that one out of three analysts might disagree. Clemson is a good football team, with good skill people and a good coaching staff. Tech will need to play its “A-game” that Saturday night in Tampa. The Jackets have already proven that they can beat the Tigers once this season. Let’s just hope they will do it again.
joe
November 23rd, 2009
10:52 am
Good Lord, now the AJC has this blog listed at Tech: The UNFAVORITE?
One ACC reporter thinks Clemson may win, and now it’s a vast conspiracy that everyone thinks Tech will lose.
Maybe the AJC should write for the Obama administration.
RC Tiger
November 23rd, 2009
10:57 am
HD has hardly been a homer for Clemson on her blog. For most of the season she’s been predicting that the “typical” Clemson collapse will show up and blow it – like we always did under CTB. This isn’t the same CTB led Clemson team that you’ve gotten used to.
LVJacket
November 23rd, 2009
11:19 am
Heather who?
CPJ rocks
November 23rd, 2009
11:37 am
I give thanks for having this week off so that I can look at GT highlights…this is for GT fans..got to take a look at 2nd half highlights of 08 Tech UGA game. If that doesn’t fire you up nothing will!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJPTYTswPCI
Perfect Option
November 23rd, 2009
11:40 am
GT mission statemen this season is “FULL STEAM AHEAD” that was meant for Clempsun, cause GT will just back the train up and run over you again and do not give a d@mn who is coaching your team so yaha dabo doo to that
Brad in KY
November 23rd, 2009
12:03 pm
Dinich is an idiot. She’s picking Clemson to beat Georgia Tech in the title game, but in her Power Rankings she ranks GT ahead of Clemson. If she thinks Clemson is better than GT, then why not put them ahead in the Power Rankings? Ridiculous. Besides, she’s picked against GT in every significant game this season, including the game against *Virginia.* She has no clue what she’s talking about…
WTFyousay
November 23rd, 2009
1:08 pm
Who is Heather Wench and why do we care what she thinks?
CrazedJacket
November 23rd, 2009
1:47 pm
I have to say I am not surprised. She has doubted this team, offense and coach all year. Big shock she didn’t pick us to win. Actually if she did pick us to win I would be more worried.
Continue to prove her wrong Tech. THWG!
Ph.D. of Pigskinology
November 23rd, 2009
2:24 pm
Absurd that ESPN is putting women in football commentator positions in the first place…the ladies have no business “analyzing” football…sorry, got to tell it like it is
Go Jackets!
November 23rd, 2009
2:25 pm
I must admit the leghumper’s tears are nutrition for my soul; sweet sweet water like finding an oasis while lost in the desert. However, I don’t know what you expected. You guys hired a coach who tries to be jesus, when everyone with any analytical sense at all knows that religion is just a crutch for the masses; yet we endured all these stories about St. Richt and how he was a good christian man and was raising these kids right. Sure – your fairy tale is better than the rest of the world’s, what if these kids happened to be born in a country that was not majority christian? What then? Would your St. Richt be telling them they would go to hell without the almighty jesus christ as their saviour? I think not, otherwise he would be losing a good football player and we all know that church is held at Sanford & Son Stadium on Saturdays. Apparently, he is like most christians, what he says he believes is only good PR and has no relevance regarding what he does or who he associates with; otherwise, the fleabags would not have a team full of criminals.
Also, I really have to wonder why a black athlete would even choose to go to Leghumper U. to start with, so he could be pulled over on campus for Driving While Black? It seems none of your athletes are smart enough to get a drivers license and the number one thing that the UGA & Athens police dept. look for is black drivers. Hell, look at the fleabags message boards if you want to see racism in action, or better yet, look around the campus and try to find the black students who aren’t athletes, then talk to the 5 of them about their experiences at Leghumper U. You may see a different story. For those that are athletes, take consolation in knowing that you will forever be referred to by all those fratboys as proof that they aren’t racist by claiming you as their “black friends” that they have in routine conversations after they’ve been called out on their racism for making a racist joke in public.
Welcome to the “ghetto”, as you guys call it, on Saturday. Our Jackets will be waiting and ready to show you what a real football team does to an inferior opponent!
Fillin' up @ Juniors
November 23rd, 2009
2:45 pm
haha, its gutsy, ill advised, but in the end almost silly. Doesnt make it any more or less possible. She has been on the Clemson bandwagon for quite a few weeks, and never was a big fan of GT. I read her blog daily cause its a great source for ACC data but when she adds in her own opinion watch out. ESPN doesnt put their best commentators on ACC football….
heather hater
November 23rd, 2009
5:02 pm
heather dinich has picked tech like twice this season, ans when she picks against them and they win she calls it a fluke she hates them and everyone knows that, please refrain from using her as a source for future articles,
Fools Gold
November 23rd, 2009
5:21 pm
UGA’s fixing to fall?
But speaking just for me
and some people from AJC,
we got a thing or two to tell you all.
This Dawg may have stumbled
but he ain’t never fell.
And if the Techies don’t believe that
they can all go straight to hell.
We’re gonna put UGA’s feet
on the path of a Winning streak
and then God bless UGA nation again.
And you never did think that it ever would happen again.
In Georgia, did you?
You never did think that we’d ever get together again.
Well we damn sure fooled you.
We’re walking real proud and we’re talking real loud again
In UGA Nation.
You never did think that it ever would happen again.
NOW WE MAY HAVE DONE A LITTLE BIT OF FIGHTING AMONGST OURSELVES,
BUT YOU OUTSIDE PEOPLE BEST LEAVE US ALONE.
Cause we’ll all stick together
and you can take that to the bank.
That’s the Gators and the Jackets and the rebels and the yanks.
You just go and lay your hand on a Georgia BULLDAWG fan
and I think you’re gonna finally understand.
And you never did think that it ever would happen again.
In Georgia, did you?
You never did think that we’d ever get together again.
Well we damn sure fooled you.
We’re walking real proud and we’re talking real loud again
In UGA Nation.
You never did think that it ever would happen again.
Thank you Charlie!
Native Son
November 23rd, 2009
5:28 pm
Mark Bradley: Clemson will challenge, but alas; Clemson will fall.
cpjismyhero
November 23rd, 2009
5:43 pm
acworth dog, GTs offense may besomething popular in high school, but it sure does make yall look like middle schoolers (just like this weekend)
cpjismyhero
November 23rd, 2009
5:46 pm
fools gold, without an essay i will just say this in the polls GT:#7 #7 #7 #7 UGA: nr nr nr nr NOW MAY I ASK? WHATS THE GOOD WORD?
Starring Paul Johnson as Sheriff Buford Pusser
November 23rd, 2009
6:35 pm
Is the BOOGER EATER FROM HARTWELL GA still on the blog?
I thought he had a stroke after the KY game.
Alabama Jack
November 23rd, 2009
6:58 pm
Ya’ll know that both those second half interceptions by KY were by Hartwell GA boys that CMR didn’t recruit.
Go Jackets!
November 23rd, 2009
7:19 pm
The good word is TO HELL WITH GEORGIA!
Dave from GT
November 23rd, 2009
9:00 pm
BOOGER EATER …. THE SAME BEFORE AND AFTER !
Back to the subject….. Why in the hell should I listen to the unqualified remarks of a reporterette!??
Perhaps she should be selling Pharmaceuticals. Maybe she could sell Hummers? Just a thought.
Equal opportunity has really outdone itself this time. She should get on the field and take a couple hits…. then she would just shut up and go away.
GTman
November 24th, 2009
12:06 am
Bradley’s next headlines:
1. Garbage man predicts interest rate rise
2. Local school nurse develops health care overhaul bill
3. Local ACORN office leads community ethics roundtable discussion
Heather Dinich a pundit??? Really! With what credentials? I’d rather hear what UGA VII has to say about the game.
Try again Mark.
Gt4ever
November 24th, 2009
10:12 am
Turned on ESPN this morning and what do I see…… A good prospect for defensive tackle and another women who had NO clue…… What is up with all these women on ESPN! Let me say this, I love women, but good grief, they don’t need to be doing sports commentary….
Gt4ever
November 24th, 2009
10:21 am
Man, you really think that you see the worst from the UGA nation…… Then you read the comment by fools gold…… Priceless….. It’s great to be a yellow jacket, and not have to be associated with that kind of drivel…
Gt4ever
November 24th, 2009
10:24 am
Fools Gold, probably an honor student in Journalism……. UGA’s finest!
CJramblinrecluse
November 27th, 2009
8:06 am
Although I cannot say I was or am a football player from Grusha Tech, I can say that I suspect Heather is a lezbian who does not like the fact that my alma mater used to be an all male school. I watched the Clemson game on tv from my recluse location, and it was easily won by Grusha Tech, leading me to expect the same blowout to occur again.
Pete
November 28th, 2009
4:13 pm
Georgia has been over rated since the 80’s. They play 2 good teams a year……….and lose them both. Impressive.
Sat. nite, in Atlanta, there will be no place to hide.
Paul Johnson will show why he is one of the BEST coaches in the country.
Mr. Richt will be his normal Mr. Smooth, trying to look the part.
Kind of pathetic.
Tech by a bunch.