2009 ACC Championship Game - Postgame Effects

Postgame Effects

Georgia Tech's win brought it to a record of 11–2, while Clemson's loss dropped it to 8–5. The win ensured Georgia Tech's first outright conference championship since 1990, and as a reward for winning the conference, Georgia Tech received a spot in the 2010 Orange Bowl, a Bowl Championship Series game. In that game, the Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Yellow Jackets, 24–14. Clemson also was selected to participate in a postseason bowl game. The Music City Bowl, played in Nashville, Tennessee, selected the Tigers to play against the Kentucky Wildcats. In that game, the Tigers defeated the Wildcats, 21–13.

Several players from each team participated in postseason all-star games in preparation for the 2010 NFL Draft. Georgia Tech lineman Cord Howard played in the East-West Shrine Game, while Florida State had several players in the annual Senior Bowl. Florida State defensive backs Myron Rolle and Patrick Robinson and linebacker Dekoda Watson each played in the latter game. Three Florida State players were selected by NFL teams in the subsequent draft: Robinson was selected with the 32nd overall pick, Rolle with the 207th, and Watson with the 217th. For Georgia Tech, defensive end Derrick Morgan was taken 16th, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas 22nd, safety Morgan Burnett 71st, and running back Jonathan Dwyer 188th.