VT is not "in the race". Be it this year or any year. So theres no broader story to them. We are the chaff that the 12 or so elites whittle through to prove themselves.

So VT is just a measuring stick for FSU, not the reverse. We dont play in the national title/playoff sandbox. Its what does this game indicate about FSUs/Taggarts chances. VTs larger journey is mostly irrelevant to them because our destiny is regional at best, not national.

Its an old story if the haves/have nots.