If we keep playing at our current level the NET expects us to finish in the top 30, most computer metrics are predicting we finish with 12-13 conference wins after starting 0-3. The NET rating doesn't drop just based on competition, it drops if you play inefficiently. It's why if you play very well @Duke you don't get punished but if you win a crappy game at home vs Pittsburg you don't benefit. If you're inneficient enough then you begin losing bad games. The metrics today say there's a better chance of us steamrolling the conference than finishing .500

We need to get out of this 2008 mindset, the NCAA committee has been much more metric driven since the advent of the NET rankings which is why you see teams like UVA last year who were underwhelming in games get a top 4 seed due to their efficiency metrics. VT is in a similar position this year where our efficiency metrics are really good we've just been measurably unlucky.