OK, the deals are only 12 years, but they might as well be forever. It is difficult to fathom that ESPN will lose any portion of the major bowls in anyone’s lifetime.

Yesterday, ESPN announced a 12-year deal with the Sugar Bowl. Today, it is the Orange Bowl’s turn.

Coming soon: Formal announcement that ESPN lands the new national title game, which begins in 2015.

As far as the Orange Bowl is concerned, the ACC champion will play an opponent from the SEC, Big Ten, or Notre Dame. According to ESPN.com’s Brett McMurphy, the SEC and Big Ten are guaranteed at least three appearances over 12 years: A maximum of two for Notre Dame.