CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- It took just five days for Virginia Tech to go from national title contender to mystifying also-ran.

Then the Hokies began to turn their season around. They've been getting better ever since.

Slowly and quietly, they have climbed back with 11 straight victories, culminating in Tyrod Taylor's four-touchdown performance Saturday night as Virginia Tech (No. 15 BCS, No. 12 AP) beat Florida State (No. 21 BCS, No. 20 AP) 44-33 for its third Atlantic Coast Conference title in four years.

Nearly forgotten after falling to Boise State and FCS school James Madison, a confident and determined Virginia Tech is headed to the Orange Bowl on Jan. 3.

"Those two losses we had at the beginning of the year makes these 11 wins and an ACC championship seem even greater," said coach Frank Beamer, who won his 240th game.

Completing this turnaround sure helps when you have an elusive QB who draws comparisons to Michael Vick.

Taylor threw for 263 yards and three touchdowns and his dizzying 5-yard scramble for a TD early in the fourth quarter put it away for the Hokies (11-2) in front of thousands of fans wearing orange ponchos fans on a dreary and chilly night.

"He gives you a chance to win every Saturday," Beamer said. "We were fortunate to have Michael Vick at Virginia Tech. We were fortunate to have Tyrod Taylor. You get that feeling on the sideline like the next play could be a big play."

Selected the game's MVP, Taylor's top target was Danny Coale, who caught six passes for a career-best 143 yards and a score while exposing Florida State's shaky secondary.

Ty Jones rushed for three touchdowns for Florida State (9-4), while EJ Manuel threw two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, filling in for injured starter Christian Ponder.

The Seminoles will have to settle for the Chick-fil-A Bowl on Dec. 31.

"In the future, we'll learn from it," Manuel said. "Just remember how to get back in this position and win."

Up 21-17 at halftime, Virginia Tech took control with touchdown drives on its first two series of the second half as it converted 13 of its first 15 third downs.