ACC Bubble Watch: Surprise Starts from Clemson, Virginia Tech Don't Impress Computers

"Get out of here with your fancy RPI formulas!" - Grant Halverson/Getty ImagesAlas, barring a complete reversal of fortunes that involves, oh, winning 6 of the next 7 games or so, NC State "bubble watch" features are just not going to be a thing this season. But what about the league as a whole? Clemson and Virginia Tech are off to surprising starts in league play, but it hasn't impressed the computers enough to make either appear to be so much as even on the bubble. Despite a combined 9-2 ACC start, the Tigers are nearly 50 spots south of Easy Street and the Hokies are in the same neighborhood as the Pack in terms of RPI. Even if they can sustain their early league success--a definite maybe in Clemson's case and a real longshot in Va. Tech's case--both programs might be on the outside looking in on selection Sunday. Could an 11-7 or even 12-6 Tech squad get left out Seth Greenberg style? Odds are we probably will never know.

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