Orange Bowl Odds 2012: Clemson Early Favorite Over West Virginia

Read More: West Virginia Mountaineers, Clemson Tigers

Much to the surprise of everyone, the Big East still gets to send a team to the BCS. The West Virginia Mountaineers finished 5-2 in the conference to take a share of the conference title, and they've been rewarded with a place in the 2012 Orange Bowl alongside the Clemson Tigers, who defeated Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game.

Even though they lost three of their final five games, Clemson open as a 3 1/2 point favorite over WVU. Clemson likely would not have been favored against just about any other possible opponent, but WVU's two Big East losses give the Tigers the edge in the eyes of the oddsmakers.

This point spread is likely to change quite a bit in the run-up to the game, while the over/under and moneyline have not yet been set.

For more on each bowl game pairing, check out  SB Nation's college football bowl game bids coverage. For more on the two teams, check out Clemson Tigers blog Shakin The Southland and West Virginia Mountaineers blog The Smoking Musket.