Column - Plenty of reasons for fans to travel to Orange Bowl

I've had many discussions with people about the dilemma going to the Orange Bowl presents. I'd like to weigh in on the situation and hope to clarify what is a difficult decision for a fair amount of West Virginia fans.

On one hand, you have the opportunity to watch the Mountaineers take on an exciting Clemson team in one of the friendliest climates known to winter – South Beach, anyone?

On the other hand, there are significant costs that have to be considered. After factoring in a game ticket, travel expenses, hotel accommodations and food, it's a pretty pricey trip.

In addition, there is the intangible cost of being away from your family for a precious couple of days near the end of Christmas break – unless, of course, they're going with you.

While it may be an easy decision for some, others will have to deeply consider the pros and cons of both options – but there isn't much time to deliberate. Plane tickets and hotel rooms will be booked soon, and as time closes in on Jan. 4, prices will escalate.

So what should you do?

If you can't afford it or fit it into your schedule, I can assure you, it will be incredibly fun watching at home with friends and family.

Eating leftovers and catching the game in high-definition is a pretty nice consolation for those that simply cannot attend.

If you are on the fence, then you have a decision to make.

Rest assured, this decision is not as important as one a recent Miami native had to make. Also, unlike LeBron James, you won't have to do it in front of a national audience with your hometown ready to burn you at the stake.

There's no denying the weather is going to be sweet in Miami. I know the recent weather in Morgantown – until yesterday – has been reason to celebrate, but 75 and sunny in Florida is very nice this time of year.

Did I mention there is also a football game to watch?

This is going to be one of the more exciting matchups of this bowl season. Both teams are liable to put up 40-plus points, and the evenly matched personnel on both sides should result in a close game.

It's head coach Dana Holgorsen's BCS debut. It's the game in which junior quarterback Geno Smith will surpass former Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm's Big East record for most passing yards in a season. It could very well be West Virginia's last game as a member of the Big East Conference.

It's a chance for a 10-win season. A chance to stand with Mountaineer fans from all across the country in a former NFL stadium, cheering on your favorite university as it makes the quest for a win in its third different BCS bowl.

Finally, it's an opportunity to have fun. If you're a student, there are no classes or exams to worry about. If you're a member of the work force, it's a chance for a vacation.

There's no telling when West Virginia will be back in a BCS game. The Mountaineers could lose by 30 and it would feel like your time and money have been wasted. Then again, West Virginia could win in stunning fashion, and you could be there to see it.

So, in closing, don't put too much pressure on yourself in the coming days.

Don't do something foolish if you shouldn't go, but if you can – I think you should be there.

Orange you glad you read this column?