The West Virginia Mountaineers came into Sunday all but locks to make the 2012 Orange Bowl against the Clemson Tigers. They needed only to be the highest-ranked Big East team in the final BCS standings. Looks like they've done it, if the Orange Bowl's website is to be believed -- they're already selling Clemson-WVU merch.
The Orange Bowl has been played annually since 1935, making it the oldest active bowl game outside of the Rose Bowl. Traditionally, the game pits the champion of the ACC Conference against an at-large opponent, except when that champion has been selected to play in the BCS National Championship Game.
Fans are hoping for a better game this year than Stanford's 40-12 demolition of Virginia Tech last season. This year's iteration will get the Monday Night Football treatment, with Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski and Jon Gruden set to call the game on ESPN and ESPN3.
Game date, time: 8:30 pm ET, Wednesday, January 4th
Location: Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
TV channel: ESPN/ESPN3
2010 winner and loser: Stanford, Virginia Tech
For more on each bowl game as it’s announced, stay tuned to SB Nation’s 2011 college football bowl game bids coverage. And visit our many college football blogs.