MIAMI — Cincinnati's first bowl opponent was Virginia Tech, more than six decades ago. So maybe it's fitting that the Bearcats' first trip to the Bowl Championship Series will pit them against the Hokies once again.

The Orange Bowl slotted Big East champion and No. 12 Cincinnati (11-2) against Atlantic Coast Conference champ and 21st-ranked Virginia Tech (9-4) today, meaning those clubs will play in the 75th edition of South Florida's showcase game on Jan. 1.

The teams last met in 2006, when Virginia Tech prevailed 29-13.

Virginia Tech has been to the Orange Bowl twice before, losing to Nebraska in 1996 and Kansas at the end of last season. Cincinnati beat Virginia Tech in the 1947 Sun Bowl, 18-6.

Cincinnati beat Hawaii, 29-24, Saturday night at Aloha Stadium.