At this point in the season, to pay attention to KU's game vs. Baylor (because that's who's ranked near us!) is somewhat shocking.

In mid-January, we would ordinarily be looking at ACC standings/opponents/schedule and plotting possible seedings for the ACC tourney, maybe. Outside the conference, we might be looking at the progress of a team such as (24) Nebraska and wondering if a loss for them might move VT into a ranking. And, we might be looking at the BPI of some OOC foe VT played (and maybe lost to!)

To think of us talking about a mid-winter high ranking competing with a program such as Kansas is kind of mind-blowing.

Right now, prior to this UVa game, VT stands at a nexus. Lose that game and the season is still fine -- with top 10 still on the table even. WIN that game, and what then? A lot of doors open up that VT has never walked through in terms of judging this group against big-time national opponents.

VT is in a real win/win situation right now, and it's a bit scary.