I really think a big part of the reason we got to the National Championship game last year was because we had a big chip on our shoulder to prove to so many naysayers nationwide that we were an elite program. As Dabo said in his press conference "prosperity is a terrible teacher". I believe we now find ourselves in a good position to make the CFP if we win out and win the ACC Championship game, which appeared very much out of reach last evening around 7:30pm.
However, we have to prove ourselves again and we have a very tough team with great leadership. I can really see our boys steamrolling our remaining games to get into the CFP. This loss might put that chip back on our shoulder and propel us in the remaining games.
I wouldn't expect a large margin of victory. After 10 games, I find it hard to believe that, suddenly, there will be significant changes and results. In my view, the best hope is to cut out SOME of the mistakes,and to get through the next three games any way they can. I think the team would need the four weeks or so between the ACC championship game and the play-off for there to be any chance of us seeing any big improvement. Even with that time, there is no guarantee.