Northern Illinois has done it, according to Pete Thamel. The MAC will reportedly get its first team into the BCS, where they'll take on 11-2 ACC champion Florida State, which just survived Georgia Tech in a grueling conference title game after falling to Florida.

NIU boasts one of the most exciting players in the country in quarterback Jordan Lynch, but also just lost coach Dave Doeren to N.C. State.

The 2013 Orange Bowl will take place soon after the conclusion of the Rose Bowl, and is the second of the major BCS bowls this season. It has often featured the ACC champion squaring off with the Big East champion, although some of its most memorably games from the past featured teams like Nebraska.

TV schedule: Tuesday, January 1st, 8:30 PM, ESPN

Locale: Miami, FL; [Sun Life Stadium, 78,468 capacity]

My thoughts on the title sponsor's services: The Orange Bowl is sponsored by Discover. And of course, what better way to celebrate a week of revelry in Miami than a credit card that freely allows anyone to sign up for whatever total they desire?

Last year's score: West Virginia 70, Clemson 33

Last year's score: Michigan State Spartans 33, Georgia Bulldogs 30 (3OT)

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