The Clemson Tigers have waited 30 years to return to South Florida for an Orange Bowl berth.
The West Virginia Mountaineers have waited a lifetime.
The 14th-ranked Atlantic Coast Conference champion Tigers (10-3) and No. 23 Big East champion Mountaineers (9-3) – each defined by electrifying, no-huddle offenses – will meet tonight at Sun Life Stadium in the Discover Orange Bowl.
Both aim to climax impressive seasons with one more rousing display.
“This is our greatest memory, if you will, as a program,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said, referring to the last time Clemson played in the Orange Bowl, a January 1982 victory against Nebraska for the national title.
The Mountaineers? They have never played in the Orange Bowl, but they have played in 10 consecutive bowl games, including BCS bowl victories against Oklahoma in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl and Georgia in the 2006 Sugar Bowl. Led by first-year coach Dana Holgorsen, West Virginia has 11 players, including former Miramar High quarterback Geno Smith, who grew up in South Florida and are aching to win in their backyard.
EXTRA POINTS
Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict says he’ll skip his senior season and make himself eligible for the NFL draft. … Receiver Mohamed Sanu will leave Rutgers for the NFL draft. … Tennessee coach Derek Dooley said Tuesday that he’s willing to allow freshman wide receiver DeAnthony Arnett to transfer to either Michigan State or Michigan to be close to his ailing father. … Indiana has hired former Arizona offensive coordinator Seth Littrell for the same position. … Kansas coach Charlie Weis tapped into his connections to Notre Dame on Tuesday and hired Rob Ianello as the Jayhawks’ wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. Weis also announced he was retaining Buddy Wyatt as defensive line coach. … Akron head coach Terry Bowden hired former North Carolina State coach Chuck Amato as his new defensive coordinator and associate head coach. … The Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office says former Tulsa football player George Clinckscale died Sept. 22 after an unsanctioned boxing match from sudden exertion because of sickle cell trait complications.
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