it doesn't mean they still didn't get more bluechips to sign with the school or have more recruiting classes with at least 1 bluechip. Signing projected talented players and getting the most out of their talents are two different things.

Given Clemson's location, which is in the heart of SEC Country, and the fact that Clemson plays 1-2 SEC schools every year, then it should give Clemson an advantage over VT at least as a starting baseline (when considering the "Rule of Thirds"). Where VT can surpass Clemson is when it has more than a third of its players "exceed their talents" (aka star rating) and/or Clemson has more than a third of its players "underachieve their talents."