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Bracket projection: Clemson

For the first time in seven years, the Clemson Tigers have snagged an invitation to the Big Dance. Picked to be a second-division finisher in the heavyweight-laden ACC, Clemson served notice before the ball dropped in Times Square to start 2018 that it would be a force to be reckoned with, going 11-1 in nonconference play and notching metrics-enhancing wins over Ohio State and Florida. Thanks to a substantially improved defense, top-notch guard play, and better team cohesion, Clemson finished in a tie for third in the ACC standings, advanced to the ACC tournament semifinals, and assured itself of being included in the bracket for the first time since 2011. Having successfully scratched that seven-year itch, do the Tigers have what it takes to blossom into an office-pool menace?

ESPN Insider has your answers, as Joe Lunardi has enlisted a team of bracketologists to compile advanced metrics, key scouting intel and best- and worst-case tournament scenarios for all 68 teams to help you make smart picks in your bracket.