Georgia Tech carries ACC banner; video from Yellow Jackets practice

Georgia Tech (11-2) carries the Atlantic Coast Conference banner into the Orange Bowl with fervor and a sense of purpose.

The ACC is 1-8 in its last nine BCS bowl games. The Orange Bowl hosts the ACC champion and before last year's 20-7 win by Virginia Tech over Cincinnati, the ACC had lost six straight Orange Bowls. Georgia Tech's players feel obligated to represent the ACC in the best possible away, and they actively root for their conference rivals as well.

"Last night I cheered for Virginia Tech (against Tennessee) in the Chik-fil-A Bowl," Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer said. "We're out here representing our school and where we're from. We want to give the ACC a good name. We want everybody to respect us.

"I cheered for Miami (against Wisconsin) in the Champs Sports Bowl. Unfortunately they lost. That's what we're here for we're here, to represent us as a team and represent our conference."

Georgia Tech has its own recent difficulties in bowl games, having lost its last four. Last year LSU rolled over the Yellow Jackets 38-3 in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

"I think guys don't want to feel that feeling that we had last year," Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan said. "We use it as kind of motivation."