THURSDAY'S DINICH LINKS

*There are three coaches in the ACC who are feeling the heat right now, and considering Bobby Bowden is one of them, nobody is immune.

*It's taken some patience, but Maryland's defense has made progress in recent weeks under first-year coordinator Don Brown.

*Virginia Tech's offense, the missing link the past few seasons, appears to have figured things out this year. They're reaching marks they haven't met since 2005.

*Clemson running back C.J. Spiller has been the one constant for the Tigers' offense -- and he's not done yet.

*FSU's defense is hurting. No, really.

*Meanwhile, Miami's secondary is getting better. After all, they're going against some of the top receivers every day.

*Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer and Bowden have gone in different directions over the past decade.

*NC State safety Bobby Floyd #31 is one of the most productive former walk-ons in the ACC.

*UNC offensive lineman Greg Elleby has made the move from defensive end, and even he can't believe he'd be playing so much so early.

*Boston College got a little extra inspiration this season from one of my colleagues.

*Georgia Tech safety Cooper Taylor has had some heart problems that have kept him sidelined for the past three weeks, but he still expects to play this season.