Michigan Vs. Virginia Tech Final Score: Wolverines Win 2012 Sugar Bowl In Overtime

It wasn't pretty, but Michigan won the 2012 Sugar Bowl, defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies 23-20 in overtime.

Virginia Tech actually dominated the game, outgaining the Wolverines 377-184, but Michigan took advantage of Hokie miscues and a few calls that went in their favor.

One of those favorable calls came in the top half of the first overtime on a touchdown grab by Danny Coale. Well, it was called a touchdown, but then overturned upon review.

What do you think?

On the very next play, Hokies kicker Justin Myer missed his first of five field goals in the game. Myer's miss allowed the Wolverines to play for the game-winning field goal. After three running plays, Brendan Gibbons drilled the winner from the same distance Myer missed his:

(Let's pretend we don't see the false start...)

Junior Hemingway was named the Allstate Sugar Bowl MVP after the game. Hemingway had two very impressive touchdown catches.

For more on the Wolverines, be sure to head over to the SB Nation blog Maize 'N Brew. Check out Gobbler Country for everything Hokies. Head over to the official site of the Allstate Sugar Bowl for more info on this year's game.

ANIMATED: Virginia Tech's Danny Coale Unsuccessfully Attempts Fake Punt-Punt

Michigan had gained less than 30 yards in the half and Virginia Tech had an opportunity to pin the Wolverines back inside their own 20.

That seems too obvious, so head coach Frank Beamer opted to go with a fake punt, which team wide receiver/punter Danny Coale turned into the fake punt-punt.

Only he couldn't get the late kick off because he was getting dragged to the ground:

It should come as no surprise that Michigan took the great field possession and gained almost as many yards as they had collected on their previous four possessions and kicked a go-ahead field goal.

Coale's making up for the above-animated embarrassment by catching three passes for 50 yards on the Hokies' final drive of regulation ...

For more on the Wolverines, be sure to head over to the SB Nation blog Maize 'N Brew. Check out Gobbler Country for everything Hokies. Head over to the official site of the Allstate Sugar Bowl for more info on this year's game.

Michigan Vs. Virginia Tech Score Update: Logan Thomas, 2-Point Conversion Ties Up Sugar Bowl

Like Michigan did on their second half touchdown drive, the Virginia Tech Hokies cashed in on a defensive interference penalty that kept their drive alive.

Two plays later, Hokies quarterback Logan Thomas plowed his big body right up the gut and into the end zone from the one yard line to put the Hokies within a two-point conversion from knotting things up.

Here's video of the touchdown:

Thomas then hit his tight end in the back of the end zone for two and a tie game in New Orleans.

Michigan will get the football back, but they have only gained 27 yards in the second half, momentum clearly in Hokies favor.

For more on the Wolverines, be sure to head over to the SB Nation blog Maize 'N Brew. Check out Gobbler Country for everything Hokies. Head over to the official site of the Allstate Sugar Bowl for more info on this year's game.

Michigan Vs. Virginia Tech, Sugar Bowl Update: Junior Hemingway Has Wolverines Up 17-9 Going Into Fourth

The third quarter of the 2012 Sugar Bowl between Michigan and Virginia Tech was as wild as the final seven minutes of the second quarter.

After punts from both sides, the two teams started to play hot potato with the football. First Denard Robinson threw an interception, but it was overturned and ruled incomplete. After Michigan was forced to punt, Virginia Tech threw it right back to the Wolverines on the first play. Two plays later, Robinson threw another interception that was luckily overturned, this time due to a defensive pass interference.

Michigan finally capitalized off their fortune with an 18 yard touchdown pass to Junior Hemingway to extend the lead to 17-6.

Virginia Tech answered with an eight play drive all the way inside the Michigan 20, but once again had to settle for just three.

Virginia Tech will have it at the Michigan 48 when the fourth quarter begins.

For more on the Wolverines, be sure to head over to the SB Nation blog Maize 'N Brew. Check out Gobbler Country for everything Hokies. Head over to the official site of the Allstate Sugar Bowl for more info on this year's game.

VIDEO: Junior Hemingway's Second Touchdown Vs. Virginia Tech In 2012 Sugar Bowl

First Denard Robinson threw an interception, but it was overturned and ruled incomplete. After Michigan punted, Virginia Tech threw it right back to the Wolverines. Robinson then threw another interception, but it was wiped out by a defensive interference penalty.

After all that dusty suck settled, Michigan ultimately took a 17-6 lead over the Hokies on Junior Hemingway's second touchdown of the night.

It was a beauty, so watch it here:



Hemingway's first touchdown was a 45 yard reception from Denard Robinson and he similarly bailed him out on the throw above, although this one was perfectly thrown in that if Hemingway didn't make a remarkable grab, it would've been incomplete. I don't know if the same could be said for the first Robinson touchdown toss.

For more on the Wolverines, be sure to head over to the SB Nation blog Maize 'N Brew. Check out Gobbler Country for everything Hokies. Head over to the official site of the Allstate Sugar Bowl for more info on this year's game.

VIDEO: Junior Hemingway's 45 Yard Touchdown In 2012 Sugar Bowl

After Michigan stuffed Virgnia Tech on fourth-and-one in the red zone, Denard Robinson then made Virginia Tech pay for a roughing the kicker penalty that gave the Wolverines a fresh set of downs near the end of the first half.

Robinson hit Fitzgerald Toussaint for 14 yards and a first down on a third down and three plays later, on another third down, avoided a series crushing sack and threw one up to redshirt senior Junior Hemingway at the Virginia Tech 20-yard line. Hemingway went up and nabbed the pass, turned, and ran it the rest of the way for a touchdown to give Michigan a 7-6 lead with 38 seconds left in the first half.

We have video:

For more on the Wolverines, be sure to head over to the SB Nation blog Maize 'N Brew. Check out Gobbler Country for everything Hokies. Head over to the official site of the Allstate Sugar Bowl for more info on this year's game.

Michigan Vs. Virginia Tech, Sugar Bowl Update: Wild Finish To First Half Has Wolverines Up 10-6

Michigan started the Sugar Bowl like a bunch of players deficient of sugar. If it weren't for 27-yard backwards run by Hokies running back David Wilson and a Wolverines' defensive stand on fourth-and-one, Virginia Tech would probably have a commanding lead in this game.

Any average fan could tell you the red zone stand by the Wolverines, stuffing the Hokies to a no gain on fourth-and-one at the Michigan four-yard line, was a potential game-changer. Here's video:

And it was. Michigan then took their next possession the distance on 11 plays, capping off the near-seven minute drive with a Junior Hemingway 45 yard touchdown reception from Denard Robinson to put the Wolverines on top following the extra point.

On the ensuing kickoff, Michigan's J.B. Fitzgerald forced Hokies' returner Tony Gregory to cough it back up to the Wolverines with 38 seconds left in the half.

With Michigan threatening to turn the game completely on its head, Virginia Tech's defense appeared to have Michigan stopped three-and-out, forcing them to try a 36 yard field goal. Michigan dipped into their cross-state rival's bag of tricks, though, with a fake field goal try which broke down almost immediately. Drew Dileo's desperation pass, however, was tipped into the hands of the Michigan's long snapper Jareth Glanda for a first down and goal from the Virginia Tech eight with eight seconds left.

V-Tech breathed a sigh of relief, though, when Robinson's screen pass to Vincent Smith was only good for seven yards and left too little time for Michigan to take another crack at the end zone. Michigan's kicker Brendan Gibbons hit the chip shot field goal and the Wolverines went into the half leading just 10-6.

The Hokies will get the ball to start the second half. If you're interested in seeing how the Hokies' fans are reacting to the first half, head over to see Live Commentary from Virginia Tech fans.

For more on the Wolverines, be sure to head over to the SB Nation blog Maize 'N Brew. You can also head over to the official site of the Allstate Sugar Bowl for more info on this year's game.

ANIMATED: David Wilson Runs The Wrong Way In Sugar Bowl

In the first quarter of the 78th annual Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Superdome, Virginia Tech's running back David Wilson was looking for running room against the Michigan Wolverines' defense. On first-and-goal from the Michigan four-yard line, Wilson found plenty of open field to run, but the only problem was that it was the wrong way.

Here is Wilson's 27-yard backwards run in forward loopiness [via Bubbaprog of Mocksession]:

Virginia Tech ultimately had to settle for a Justin Myer 27-yard field goal because Wilson's backtracking set up a nearly impossible goal line situation from, oh, just the 31-yard line. Virginia Tech now leads Michigan 6-0 in the second quarter.

For more on the Wolverines, be sure to head over to the SB Nation blog Maize 'N Brew. Check out Gobbler Country for everything Hokies. Head over to the official site of the Allstate Sugar Bowl for more info on this year's game.

Michigan Vs. Virginia Tech, Sugar Bowl Score Update: Hokies Leading 3-0 After First Quarter

The Sugar Bowl could not have started any worse for the Michigan Wolverines. In fact, before the game even started, the team's All-American center David Molk was injured during warmups and did not play the first series in which Michigan went three-and-out.

Michigan's lone break of the first quarter was Virginia Tech running back David Wilson running 22 yards the wrong way on first down from Michigan's four-yard line. The Hokies ultimately kicked a field goal to take a 3-0 lead.

Michigan picked up two first downs on the ensuing possession, but Denard Robinson was intercepted the very next pass.

Virginia Tech will start the second quarter at Michigan's 33-yard line, thanks to two third-and-long conversions.

Michigan has 29 yards of total offense to the Hokies' 110, but luckily, it's only 3-0.

For more on the Wolverines, be sure to head over to the SB Nation blog Maize 'N Brew. Check out Gobbler Country for everything Hokies. Head over to the official site of the Allstate Sugar Bowl for more info on this year's game.

David Molk Injury Update: Michigan's Center Back For Second Series

Michigan's All-American center David Molk was injured during pre-game warmups and did not play the first series. Redshirt junior Rocko Khoury started instead and Michigan went three-and-out after a couple suspect snaps.

Alright, well, that was enough -- Molk took the field for Michigan's second series after Virginia Tech got on the scoreboard with a field goal. Molk is moving with a noticeable limp, but injured Molk is probably better than no Molk.

Molk is a redshirt senior captain and would probably need to be carted off the field for him to not at least try to play his final game as a Wolverine.

We'll keep you posted if he isn't able to finish.

For more on the Wolverines, be sure to head over to the SB Nation blog Maize 'N Brew. Check out Gobbler Country for everything Hokies. Head over to the official site of the Allstate Sugar Bowl for more info on this year's game.

David Molk Injury: Michigan's Center Hurt During Pre-Game Warmups

Bad news for the Michigan Wolverines before the Sugar Bowl even kicked off -- their starting center David Molk was injured during pre-game warmups and did not play the first series. Redshirt junior Rocko Khoury started in his stead and Michigan went three-and-out after a couple suspect snaps.

The extent of Molk's injury is unknown, but ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe said that Molk was having trouble pushing off during warmups and he is walking with a limp on the sidelines.

Molk was named this year's Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, is an All-American first teamer, and the recipient of the Rimington Trophy, which is awarded annually to the best center in college football.

We'll keep you posted on this big injury as more info becomes available.

For more on the Wolverines, be sure to head over to the SB Nation blog Maize 'N Brew. Check out Gobbler Country for everything Hokies. Head over to the official site of the Allstate Sugar Bowl for more info on this year's game.

Sugar Bowl 2012: Virginia Tech Player Thinks There's Too Many Distractions, Gifts In Bowl Week

The Michigan Wolverines and Virginia Tech Hokies are set to do battle in the Sugar Bowl, but that all hinges on whether or not the various players can actually resist attending various strip clubs, bars and other sultry establishments. In a somewhat odd blog for ESPN, Virginia Tech's long snapper, Collin Carroll, talks about how there's too many distractions and, more than that, too many distractions during bowl week:

For the seven days we spend in New Orleans, we received a per diem check totaling $450.71. That equates to $64.39 in daily spending cash, when we already receive roughly two meals and two snacks from the team per day. The Sugar Bowl committee also brought us to a bowling alley, New Orleans' finest steakhouse and a Mardi Gras float parade that included a visit from the Saints' cheerleaders. What on Earth could we possibly need all this money for?

Here's the scary part: I can think of a few options.

While all this that Carroll says is true, the fact that he can think of a few options means little when preaching about temptation. Needless to say, he'll avoid such options, but it does bring up an interesting point that he's able to make without acting as though $64.39 is nearly enough to sin on these days: bowl games being important outside of just earning a berth. It does seem that, occasionally, folks forget that you're supposed to, you know, win these games.

He actually makes a good point about bowl week in general, so be sure to head over and read the whole thing - you might agree.

Michigan Vs. Virginia Tech, 2012 Sugar Bowl: Time, Location, History And More

The Michigan Wolverines and Virginia Tech Hokies are set to face off in the 2012 Sugar Bowl on Tuesday evening. It will mark the first time the two teams have ever met when the 8:30 p.m. (ET) kickoff rolls around on ESPN.

The Wolverines' last visit to the Sugar Bowl was 9-7 loss in New Orleans to the Auburn Tigers in 1984, but obviously plenty of things have changed over the past couple of decades. The Wolverines will enter the game as a slight favorite as Denard Robinson leads the offense onto the field. The defense, which has been better than expected, will be counted on to keep Robinson's contributions from being all for naught.

The Hokies finished the season ranked 11th in the BCS standings, despite losing in the ACC Championship, and are expected to be a tough opponent for the Wolverines to solve. Michigan's offensive coordinator Al Borges has a little bit of insight into his team's opponent, however, and apparently has been watching quite a bit of film to figure out how to beat the Hokies.

This year's game marks the first time an SEC team has not appeared in the Sugar Bowl since the 2000 BCS Championship between the Hokies and Florida State Seminoles, for what it's worth.

For more on the Wolverines, be sure to head over to the SB Nation blog Maize 'N Brew. Check out Gobbler Country for everything Hokies. Head over to the official site of the Allstate Sugar Bowl for more info on this year's game.

2012 Sugar Bowl: Michigan's Will Heininger Out For Sugar Bowl

While the Virginia Tech Hokies will be without two kickers for the Sugar Bowl this week, Michigan will have to make do without a starting defensive lineman. Will Heininger, one of the starting defensive tackles for the Wolverines, has now been ruled out for the Sugar Bowl with a sprained right foot:

"Heininger probably won't be ready," Michigan coach Brady Hoke said Sunday during a news conference at the team hotel.

"He's tried. It's just going to be a shame because, he's played his senior year like a senior should."

Heininger originally injured his foot in a Dec. 22 practice in Ann Arbor. Will Campbell will serve as his replacement. On the season Heininger had 23 tackles and a sack while earning Academic All-American and Academic All-Big Ten honors.

For more on the Michigan Wolverines, check out Maize n Brew. You can also head over to SB Nation's main NCAA Football hub at SBNation.com/NCAA-Football.

Sugar Bowl 2012 Odds: Michigan Remains Favorite To Beat Virginia Tech

The Michigan Wolverines continue preparing to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Sugar Bowl on Tuesday evening as the odds move in favor of the Maize and Blue.

Odds makers initially established Michigan as one point favorites to slip by the Hokies, but in the weeks leading up to the game that number has moved, according to SB Nation partner Oddshark. The general consensus among the various books listed now has the Wolverines as 2.5-point favories with Bovada making Michigan a full 3-point favorite.

The over/under is now set at 50.5 points which certainly indicates an entertaining game between two teams that put up plenty of points this season. Michigan averaged 34.2 points per game compared to Va Tech's 28.5 points per game, so that over/under number expects the defenses to make an impact of some sort to decide the game. Both teams surrendered 17.2 points per game.

Michigan also received some favorable news while in New Orleans yesterday when dynamic quarterback Denard Robinson confirmed his plans to return to Michigan next season after taking a peek at his NFL prospects. Stay tuned to SB Nation for updates on the point spread, money line, and over/under for the Sugar Bowl.

Sugar Bowl 2012: Virginia Tech Loses Another Kicker, Tyler Weiss

Virginia Tech's kickers are dropping like flies. After the news that Cody Journell was suspended indefinitely from the school's football program after an arrest, his replacement, Tyler Weiss, is also no longer eligible for the Sugar Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines:

Kicker Tyler Weiss missed curfew last night and is being sent home. Justin Myer will be the kicker in the Sugar Bowl.

As the Tweet notes, Myer will now take over the kicking duties for the game. He's played in all of Virginia Tech's games this season as a kickoff specialist, but has only attempted two field goal attempts. Both of them were misses, so Virginia Tech may be in a bad place with this one.

In other, related news, Weiss is going to be sent home via Greyhound bus, a fitting punishment.

Journell, the original starting kicker for Virginia Tech, was arrested for a home invasion last Friday. He was charged with a Class 2 felony due to the alleged use of a deadly weapon, at this time believed to be an AirSoft handgun.

VIDEO: Michigan Arrives In New Orleans For Sugar Bowl

2012 Sugar Bowl: Virginia Tech Previews Michigan

Many people felt that Virginia Tech did not deserve a BCS Bowl berth, but the SB Nation blog for the Hokies, Gobbler Country, has published an extensive preview and is excited for the 2012 Sugar Bowl Against Michigan. The Wolverines feature a vastly improved defense and a dynamic quarterback in Denard Robinson, but Virginia Tech can be deceptively good with a stoic approach to the game:

Michigan used a vastly improved defense and the most dynamic quarterback in the nation to record its first 10-win season since 2006, when the Wolverines started the season 11-0. Michigan's two losses coincided with by far its two worst offensive performances of the season, a 28-14 loss at Michigan State and a 24-16 loss at Iowa. Against MSU, the Wolverines were an abysmal 3-for-15 on third down. The Iowa game was the only game all year they didn't force a turnover and they finished -2 in turnover margin, their worst of the season.

Virginia Tech was undefeated this year as long as they did not play Clemson, so their BCS berth is not as undeserved as some perceive. Had they reversed their earlier loss to Clemson in the ACC championship game there is a possibility that the Hokies would have an argument for being in the national title game, so they are not an opponent to be taken lightly.

2012 Sugar Bowl: Nathan Brink Out, Will Heininger Misses Practice For Michigan

The Michigan Wolverines are still gearing up for the Sugar Bowl, but have some mounting concerns along their defensive line. With bowl game practices on Wednesday, there has been some injury news trickling out. The first thing to note is Nathan Brink, who will miss the game due to injury, according to Angelique Chengelis on Twitter. Brink is used mostly for depth on the defensive line, working in some playing time here or there.

Also of note is Will Heininger, who will not practice with the rest of the team on Wednesday after hurting his foot on Thursday. Heininger has been one of the better players on the line, a strong veteran presence who will be missed if he's not able to play against Virginia Tech.

According to a tweet from Kyle Meinke, both Quinton Washington and Will Campbell are expected to see more time playing on the defensive line. Both players haven't done a lot recently, but could easily be in-line for bigger roles come next season with veterans departing. This could provide some good seasoning for both.

Sugar Bowl 2012: Michigan Researching Ways To Defeat Virginia Tech

The 2012 Sugar Bowl is still more than one week away, but the participants are busy preparing for the contest over the holidays. The Michigan Wolverines believe their research may have even found a way to circumvent the staunch defense of the Virginia Tech Hokies.

Al Borges, offensive coordinator for the Wolverines, has coached against the Hokies in the Sugar Bowl once before -- in 2005 while with the Auburn Tigers -- and says that Virginia Tech's schemes haven't changed all that much ever since. He did notice one thing while watching their previous games, however, that might allow his team a leg up, according to comments to AnnArbor.com.

Borges said he's dissected the game film from those routs, and saw one significant weakness he plans to attack.

"(Clemson) got on the perimeter a few times," Borges said. "They got in the open field on them, and Clemson's got some pretty athletic kids. With anybody, if you can get some athletes in space, you have a good chance for success."

The Sugar Bowl will kickoff on Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN.

Sugar Bowl 2012: Virginia Tech Kicker Cody Journell Suspended Indefinitely Following Arrest

The Michigan Wolverines will be facing a team without its starting kicker for the Sugar Bowl, as Virginia Tech has suspended place kicker Cody Journell from its football program following an alleged home invasion. According to the Roanoke Times, Journell was arrested and charged with breaking and entering after he and two others entered the home of a Virginia Tech basketball player.Journell, along with Matthew D. Dunton and Matthew I. Brady, was charged with a Class 2 felony due to the alleged use of a dangerous weapon.

It looks as though that weapon could have been an airsoft handgun, the charges could still reflect a deadly weapon, especially if the situation is one that prosecutors and a judge deem as one that could has escalated into something life-threatening. According to the report, the whole incident revolves around some sort of drug transaction.

Journell is accused of entering the house of Dorenzo Hudson and Sean Allen with a weapon, with intent to commit larceny, assault and battery or perhaps another felony. The three supposedly rushed into the house after one of them knocked on the door holding a pizza box. An altercation reportedly occurred later, after the three left the house.

Virginia Tech's policy is to immediately suspend any student athlete arrested and charged with a felony. Journell is suspended indefinitely and should be out of action for the Sugar Bowl.

Sugar Bowl 2012: Michigan Unveils Special Uniform

The Michigan Wolverines experienced quite a bit of success in a 10-2 regular season, but as we speculated earlier, they will be switching things up by wearing a special road white uniform (check out a photo here) when they play Virginia Tech in the 2012 Sugar Bowl. Via SB Nation:

In addition to the jersey -- which features a blue collar, blue stripes on the shoulder pads, a block M on the upper right chest and the Sugar Bowl logo on the upper left chest -- the Wolverines will also wear gray face masks, a tribute to the school's helmets from the 1960s.

This will mark the third time that the Wolverines have worn a special jersey this season -- they wore a retro-inspired "Legacy" jersey in their home game against Notre Dame and their road game against Michigan State.

The 2012 Sugar Bowl is set to kick off at 8:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, Jan. 3, on ESPN.

PHOTO: Michigan To Wear Special Jerseys For Sugar Bowl?

Sugar Bowl 2012: Off Tackle Empire Previews Michigan's Bowl Game

The excellent Big Ten-centric blog Off Tackle Empire is breaking down each of the Big Ten's bowl games. Last night Graham posted an extensive preview and prediction of the 2012 Sugar Bowl against Virginia Tech. Graham cites Michigan's vastly improved defense as a reason to believe that the Wolverines can come away with a victory against the Hokies in New Orleans:

Michigan's offense is well known to be incredibly explosive, but the Wolverines and Hokies average about the same amounts of YPG. Michigan will need to follow the same script that worked for them all year: Dominate the interior and if things aren't working, make big 2nd half adjustments.

Michigan's run defense has given up over 900 fewer yards and 21 fewer touchdowns than the 2010 edition did. That should fill the Wolverines with confidence as the Hokies are a run-centric team. some of Michigan's best performances this season have come against the best running backs they have faced.

Sugar Bowl 2012: Ticket Sales Update For Michigan, Virginia Tech

Earlier in the week, tickets went on sale for the 2012 Sugar Bowl through Michigan and Virginia Tech. Each school received 17,500 tickets to sell, and Michigan made quick work of moving most of its seats. After one day, more than 13,000 tickets had been sold, and according to Angelique Chengelis on Saturday, almost all of the allotment is now gone for the Wolverines. That is not the case for Virginia Tech, however.

Virginia Tech has sold 9,200 of 17,500 Sugar Bowl ticket allotment by Fri p.m. - Roanoke Times. Michigan has nearly exhausted its allotment

To be fair to Virginia Tech, its public sale only began on Friday. Before then only season-ticket holders and donors had a chance to purchase tickets, so perhaps the sales will pick up now that the public has a chance to get seats. Then again, tickets are extremely cheap on the secondary market right now. On StubHub, for example, you can buy tickets to the Sugar Bowl for only $60. Face value for tickets is well over $100, so it's likely that many fans are buying on the secondary market rather than directly through Virginia Tech.

Timing-wise, it's good that Michigan put its tickets on sale early in the week before prices dropped. It seems most fans have bought tickets through the school. I'm sure many will end getting tickets from other sources, but the good news for Michigan is that its allotment will be gone by the time that happens.

Sugar Bowl 2012: Michigan And Virginia Tech Bring A Financial Windfall To Their Conferences

In the Big Ten a second BCS berth is almost taken for granted. The conference normally gets two teams into the big money games, and this season is no different with the Michigan Wolverines earning a second BCS bid in addition to Wisconsin's trip to the Rose Bowl. The ACC has not been so lucky, so when Virginia Tech got a surprise bid to be Michigan's opponent in the Sugar Bowl it meant quite a bit to the conference as a whole according to SB Nation's Virginia Tech blog, Gobbler Country:

By placing two teams Bowl Championship Series games for the first time in its history, the ACC will receive approximately $41.3 million in bowl money from eight games, based on published reports regarding bowl payouts. The conference receives $22.3 million for Clemson's appearance as an automatic qualifier, $6.1 million for the Hokies' at-large appearance and approximately $12.9 million from the other six bowls.

That $6.1 million works out to a little more than $500,000 extra to each school within the ACC. The Big Ten, of course, receives a similar amount of money. The Big Ten also gets a slight bonus from Illinois making it to the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco as an at large bowl team. With a payout of just under $1 million per team, Illinois' addition means an additional $80,000 to the 12 schools of the Big Ten.

Sugar Bowl 2012: Ticket Sales Off To Strong Start For Michigan

Although some don't think it is fair, Michigan ended up in the Sugar Bowl in large part because of its massive fan base and strong brand. Obviously going 10-2 this season didn't hurt, but the appeal of tens of thousands of Michigan fans converging on New Orleans was a big reason why the Wolverines were selected, and so far the fan base is living up to the hype. From The Michigan Daily:

Steve Lambright, director of ticket operations for the University's Athletic Department, said that as of 3:45 p.m. yesterday, his office had sold about 13,000 tickets out of the 17,500 that were allotted to the University for the Jan. 3 game against Virginia Tech. Students bought 1,800 of those tickets at a price of $97 each.

For reference, tickets went on sale at 8:30 a.m. on Monday. That means that in approximately seven hours, Michigan moved 75 percent of its allotment for the Sugar Bowl. By the end of the week it's possible all of Michigan's tickets could be gone, as only 3,500 remained as of Tuesday afternoon, according to Angelique Chengelis.

The Sugar Bowl has received a lot of criticism for selecting Virginia Tech as Michigan's opponent. The Hokies were taken as the second at-large team in this game based in part on the notion that they would also travel in big numbers to the game, but their ticket sales are off to a much slower start.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Virginia Tech had sold just short of 5,000 tickets for the Sugar Bowl against Michigan. The school was given an allotment of 17,000, although only donors and season-ticket holders have been able to purchase them so far.

Unless Virginia Tech starts selling tickets at a higher rate, this will be more ammo for critics of the Sugar Bowl's decision to pass over teams like Kansas State, Baylor and Boise State in favor of the Hokies.

Bowl Game Gifts Include A Little Bit Of Everything For Michigan Teams

Sugar Bowl 2012: Michigan Vs. Virginia Tech

Update: Latest BCS Rankings are here.

Michigan is back in a BCS bowl for the first time in five years. The Wolverines will take on Virginia Tech in the 2012 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Jan. 3.