With Virginia Tech's Orange Bowl victory, Atlantic Coast Conference teams were 4-6 in bowl games, breaking an eight-game conference losing streak in BCS bowl games. Is that about what you expected?
Biggest disappointment: Georgia Tech getting thumped 38-3 by LSU, and in an Atlanta-based bowl no less. I had thought Paul Johnson's group was better than that.
Most exciting game: West Virginia 31, North Carolina 30. There were a bevy of big-time offensive plays in this one. Would have been fun to see Terps-Mountaineers, though.
Obviously it wasn't a banner year for the ACC. But I think there are some positive signs for the conference in the future -- notably freshman quarterbacks Russell Wilson of N.C. State and Jacory Harris of Miami. North Carolina is a team on the rise, Florida State finished strong and ended with nine wins, and Virginia Tech had another good year.
Footnote: Will be fun to see if Maryland can again shut down talented Cal running back Jahvid Best next season. Best had 186 yards in Cal's Emerald Bowl win over Miami. Maryland will travel to Cal early in the '09 season.