Auburn vs. Virginia: 5 Things We Learned from the Chick-Fil-a Bowl

ATLANTA - Auburn took on Virginia in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, and thanks to a strong running game, the Tigers took care of the Cavaliers 43-24.

It was a good win for the Tigers because it will gives them momentum going into the 2012 season as well as the 2012 Chick-fil-A kickoff game when they face Clemson.

However, Virginia did play well, and head coach Mike London showed why he was named ACC Coach of the Year.

Here are five things to take away from the bowl game played at the Georgia Dome.

The Running Game Is Fine Without Michael Dyer

Before the game, Auburn head coach Gene Chizik said that Onterio McCalebb would get a lot of carries due to Michael Dyer being suspended.

McCalebb was up to the challenge as he rushed for 109 yards on 10 carries an one touchdown. He also caught two passes for 53 yards and one score.

Let's not forget about true freshman Tre Mason who rushed for 64 yards on nine carries and one touchdown.

There's a QB Controversy in Auburn

Clint Moseley looked to lead the Tigers to a Chick-fil-A Bowl win, but he got injured in the first quarter and could not return.

That turned out to be a good thing for the Tigers because backup quarterbacks Barrett Trotter and Kiehl Frazier stepped up in a huge way.

Trotter completed 11 of his 18 pass attempts with 175 yards and one touchdown. Trotter also had 32 rushing yards on five carries.

Frazier did not throw one pass but did have 55 rushing yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns.

It will be really interesting what Chizik does moving forward.

Virginia Has To Work on Special Teams

From the two blocked punts to the missed fake field goal, the Cavaliers did not execute on special teams.

They also weren't prepared for the onside kick that Auburn attempted which proved to be the difference in the game.

Virginia is a team on the rise in the ACC. But if they want to go to and win bowl games on a consistent basis, they have to play well in all three phases of the game.

Michael Rocco Will Have a Great 2012 Season

Michel Rocco showed that he is the right guy for the Cavaliers, and that's going to be huge if they want to take that next step.

Rocco was 26-of-41 with 312 yards and two touchdowns. He did have one interception, but that was late in the game, and it was when the receiver had possession, popped out of his hand and was recovered by the Tigers.

Rocco made good decisions all game long, and if he works on the little things in the offseason, the Cavs will do some big things in 2012.

Auburn Will Be Back in 2012

The fact that the Tigers did not have two of their best players from last year's national championship team, they had a solid season with an 8-5 record.

With this win at the Chick-fil-A Bowl and the way they beat Virginia, this really could be a sign that the Tigers could be back on their way to winning another title.

Now, they have to get past Alabama, LSU and Arkansas, but the Tigers a young, talented group that will only get better.

And they will have a chance to prove that when they face Clemson to kick off the 2012 season.

Brian Jones is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand.