On Dec. 31, 1993, Virginia Tech started a streak that would become a defining achievement of the program. That day the Hokies took the field and defeated the Indiana Hoosiers 45-20 in the Independence Bowl.

Virginia Tech's streak of going to a bowl game every season since 1993 remains unbroken, and at 23 it is the longest active streak recognized by the NCAA and the fifth longest overall.

Bowl eligibility hasn't been a slam dunk in every season for the Hokies. In 2012, 2014 and 2015, Virginia Tech extended the streak at the 11th hour with wins over rival Virginia in the season finale by a combined 10 points. Last season, legendary coach Frank Beamer ended his career as coach and steward of the streak exactly where it began, with a 55-52 win over Tulsa in the Camping World Independence Bowl.

In case you missed any part of our countdown:

24 days: In the first game of the historic rivalry, Navy beat Army 24-0

25 days: Desmond Howard won the Heisman 25 years ago

26 days: Arkansas State led the nation with 26 interceptions in 2015

27 days: Clemson's Greg Huegel led the nation with 27 field goals in 2015

28 days: Adrian Peterson wore No. 28 for Oklahoma

29 days: Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium opened in 1929

30 days: Vinny Testaverde won the Heisman 30 years ago