What Is 2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas was a college football bowl game played on December 31, 2009, featuring the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Buffalo, with Pittsburgh winning 38–31. It was held at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, and marked Buffalo's first-ever bowl appearance in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) era.

Key Facts

Game date: December 31, 2009
Location: Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas
Teams: Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Buffalo Bulls
Final score: Pittsburgh 38, Buffalo 31
Attendance: 65,347 fans

Overview

The 2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas was a postseason NCAA college football game that marked a significant milestone for both participating teams. Officially recognized as one of the 2009–10 bowl season matchups, it featured the Pittsburgh Panthers from the Big East Conference and the Buffalo Bulls from the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

This game was notable for being Buffalo's first-ever bowl appearance since joining the MAC in 1999, highlighting their rise in Division I football. Played on December 31, 2009, at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, the game drew a crowd of 65,347 fans, making it one of the better-attended non-BCS bowls that season.

Final score: The Pittsburgh Panthers defeated the Buffalo Bulls 38–31, securing their second consecutive Meineke Bowl victory.
Game MVP: Pittsburgh quarterback Dion Lewis was named Most Valuable Player after rushing for 159 yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries.
Historic appearance: Buffalo made its first-ever MAC-era bowl appearance, having only joined the conference in 1999 and rising to national prominence under coach Turner Gill.
Television coverage: The game was broadcast nationally on ESPN, reaching millions of viewers during the New Year’s Eve holiday window.
Weather conditions: The game was played indoors at Reliant Stadium, avoiding potential rain and ensuring optimal playing conditions for both teams.

How It Works

The Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas operated under standard NCAA bowl game protocols, with conference tie-ins and selection criteria determining team eligibility. The Big East Conference held a contractual agreement to send its highest-ranked available team not selected for a BCS bowl, while the MAC sent its highest-ranked non-champion.

Eligibility: Teams must have a winning record (at least 6–6) to qualify for NCAA bowl consideration, with exceptions for teams with 6–6 records if needed.
Selection process: The Big East and MAC had formal agreements with the Meineke Bowl, ensuring automatic bids for eligible teams from each conference.
Player awards: The Meineke MVP Award is given to the top performer, typically from the winning team, based on stats and impact on the game.
Sponsorship:Meineke Car Care Centers sponsored the game from 2006 to 2012, integrating brand visibility through signage, promotions, and community events.
Game duration: NCAA football games last 60 minutes over four quarters, with halftime entertainment and potential overtime periods if tied.
Halftime show: The 2009 edition featured a performance by the University of Houston marching band, adding local flavor to the event.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key performance metrics between the two teams in the 2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas:

Category	Pittsburgh Panthers	Buffalo Bulls
Final Score	38	31
Total Yards	427	398
Rushing Yards	223	187
Passing Yards	204	211
Turnovers	1	2

The statistical comparison shows that Pittsburgh had a slight edge in total yardage and turnover margin, which proved decisive in the close contest. Buffalo outgained Pittsburgh in passing, but Pittsburgh’s dominant ground game, led by Dion Lewis, made the difference. Both teams demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, but Pittsburgh’s ability to convert key third downs and protect the ball gave them the advantage.

Why It Matters

The 2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas had lasting implications for both programs and the landscape of non-BCS bowl games. It highlighted the growing competitiveness of mid-major conferences and provided national exposure for rising programs like Buffalo.

Program growth: Buffalo’s appearance signaled the rise of MAC football on the national stage, boosting recruiting and conference visibility.
Player development: Dion Lewis’s performance solidified his status as a top freshman in the nation, later leading to NFL draft consideration.
Conference prestige: The Big East strengthened its reputation by securing a winning bowl record for the 2009 season.
Financial impact: Each team received approximately $1.1 million from the bowl payout, supporting athletic department budgets.
Media exposure: National ESPN coverage provided valuable branding for both universities and the city of Houston.
Historic context: This game remains the only Meineke Bowl appearance in Buffalo’s history, marking a peak in their early 2000s resurgence.

The 2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas was more than just a postseason game—it was a milestone event that showcased the evolving parity in college football and the growing significance of bowl games for team development and exposure.