MIAMI GARDENS - Virginia Tech brought two quarterbacks to the FedEx Orange Bowl, but neither Sean Glennon nor Tyrod Taylor was effective enough to help the Hokies avoid a 24-21 loss to Kansas.
Since the Hokies instituted the two-quarterback system against Florida State in the 10th game of the season, it was the first game where neither one could ignite the offense.
Between them, their turnovers were converted into 17 Kansas points.
Branden Ore gained 48 yards and scored a touchdown before the half to close the gap to 17-7, and Harper's 84-yard punt return pulled the Hokies within 17-14.
Glennon gave the Jayhawks the opportunity to seal the game when Justin Thornton intercepted his pass intended for Harper and returned it 30.
Todd Reesing ran 2 yards for a 24-14 with 10:57 to play.
The deficit was too big for the Hokies to overcome.
Miller Says Goodbye
James Miller, a graduate of Fort Lauderdale High, ended his playing and coaching career at Virginia Tech at a familiar place.
An offensive lineman (2002-2004), Miller has been a graduate assistant for the Hokies the past two seasons.
"I'm ecstatic that it ended before my family and friends," Miller said.
"What happened to me at Virginia Tech was a dream come true. It's sad to leave, but I'll take away some great memories."
Miller, who begins a job as an assistant at UNC-Pembroke in a couple of days, played and in the school's first BCS bowl as ACC champs, a 16-13 loss to Auburn, in the 2005 Nokia Sugar Bowl.
Rare mistake
The 60-yard interception touchdown was the first allowed by the Hokies in a bowl game since the 1968 Liberty Bowl when Miami's Bob Bailey returned one 70 yards. ...
The Hokies were the home team but chose to wear white jerseys. They were 5-0 on the road in white jerseys.
They wore maroon in a 48-7 loss at LSU. ...
LB Vince Hall, who tweaked in his left knee on a Jet Ski on Saturday, started.
Hannah, Davis Inducted
Hall of Fame offensive lineman John Hannah of Alabama and Oklahoma quarterback Steve Davis were inducted into the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame.
Former Jayhawks Gale Sayers, Bobby Douglass and John Riggins were in attendance. Bruce Smith, DeAngelo Hall, Bryan Randall and David Clowney led a large contingent of former Hokie players. Sayers and Smith were honorary captains.