Cincinnati played not to lose, and Virginia Tech played like it had everything to lose.

Instead, the Hokies gained respect and redemption in this year's FedEx Orange Bowl with their 20-7 win over Big East champ Cincinnati. Virginia Tech represented the ACC well by playing a complete game and snapping the league's eight-game losing streak in BCS games. The win gave the conference a needed boost, as the ACC finished with a 4-6 bowl record, and it helped ease the sting of last year's Orange Bowl loss to Kansas.

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-- Heather Dinich | Read more in the ACC blog

Great Year, Tough Finish
MIAMI -- Cincinnati had a great year. It did not have a great finish.

The Bearcats scored on their first possession and then never again, as Virginia Tech's defense overpowered them in a 20-7 Hokies win at the FedEx Orange Bowl. Quarterback Tony Pike threw four interceptions -- and could have easily had five if not for a replay overturn -- and he was stopped at the goal line in the fourth quarter on a fourth down run from inside the 1 yard line.

Virginia Tech earned a little ACC pride, snapping the league's streak of eight straight BCS losses. Tyrod Taylor and Darren Evans each had big games to power an offense that performed better than most expected.

It wasn't Cincinnati's finest hour -- the Bearcats had a season-low point total and made some costly mistakes -- but give most of the credit to Bud Foster and the Hokies' defense.

-- Brian Bennett | Read more in the Big East blog