What Is 2010 Meineke Car Care Bowl

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2010 Meineke Car Care Bowl was a post-season college football game played on January 2, 2010, between the University of Pittsburgh and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium. Pittsburgh won 19–17, securing its ninth consecutive bowl victory.

Key Facts

The game took place on January 2, 2010 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The University of Pittsburgh defeated the University of North Carolina with a final score of 19–17.
Pittsburgh improved to 9–0 in consecutive bowl games, a school record at the time.
The game was televised nationally on ESPN and drew approximately 4.1 million viewers.
It was the seventh edition of the Meineke Car Care Bowl, previously known as the Continental Tire Bowl.

Overview

The 2010 Meineke Car Care Bowl was a postseason NCAA college football game that featured the Pittsburgh Panthers from the Big East Conference and the North Carolina Tar Heels from the Atlantic Coast Conference. Played on January 2, 2010, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, the game served as a culmination of both teams’ seasons, with Pittsburgh entering as a slight favorite.

Despite a low-scoring affair, the matchup delivered dramatic tension until the final minutes, as Pittsburgh held off a late rally by North Carolina to secure a 19–17 victory. The win marked the Panthers’ ninth consecutive bowl win, a program-best streak that highlighted their consistent postseason success under head coach Dave Wannstedt.

January 2, 2010 was the official date of the game, making it one of the earliest bowl games in the 2009–2010 postseason lineup.
The game was held at Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, with a capacity of over 75,000 spectators.
Pittsburgh entered the game with an 8–4 record, having finished third in the Big East Conference during the regular season.
North Carolina posted a 8–4 record as well, highlighted by a strong defensive performance throughout the 2009 season.
The final score of 19–17 reflected a tightly contested game, with all points coming from field goals and touchdowns—no safeties or two-point conversions occurred.

Game Summary and Key Plays

The 2010 Meineke Car Care Bowl was defined by defensive stands and field position battles, with both teams struggling to sustain long offensive drives. Pittsburgh relied heavily on its running game and special teams, while North Carolina attempted to rally late behind quarterback T.J. Yates.

First Quarter: Pittsburgh opened scoring with a 27-yard field goal by Dan Hutchins, setting the tone for a field-position battle.
Second Quarter: The Panthers extended their lead with a 1-yard touchdown run by Ray Graham, making it 10–0 at halftime.
Third Quarter: North Carolina responded with a 32-yard field goal from Casey Barth, narrowing the gap to 10–3.
Fourth Quarter: Pitt added two more field goals, including a crucial 41-yard kick with under five minutes remaining.
Final Drive: North Carolina scored a touchdown with 1:05 left, but their two-point conversion attempt failed, sealing the Panthers’ victory.

Comparison at a Glance

Here is a side-by-side comparison of key statistical categories between Pittsburgh and North Carolina in the 2010 Meineke Car Care Bowl:

Category	Pittsburgh	North Carolina
Total Yards	287	263
Rushing Yards	114	89
Passing Yards	173	174
Turnovers	1	2
Time of Possession	31:42	28:18

Pittsburgh’s ability to control the ball for over 31 minutes proved critical, allowing them to limit North Carolina’s offensive opportunities. Despite fewer total yards, the Panthers capitalized on field goals and defensive stops, showcasing a disciplined, clock-management strategy that defined their bowl run.

Why It Matters

The 2010 Meineke Car Care Bowl holds significance beyond the final score, representing a pivotal moment in Pittsburgh’s football resurgence and North Carolina’s rebuilding phase. The game underscored the importance of special teams and defense in close postseason matchups.

Pittsburgh’s ninth straight bowl win tied a school record and elevated their national postseason reputation.
The game marked head coach Dave Wannstedt’s final victory before retiring from coaching in 2010.
North Carolina’s narrow loss highlighted their progress under coach Butch Davis, who was later embroiled in NCAA violations.
The ESPN broadcast reached an average of 4.1 million viewers, contributing to the growing visibility of mid-tier bowl games.
Meineke, as title sponsor, extended its partnership through 2012, using the game for nationwide automotive service promotion.
The 2010 edition was the last Meineke Car Care Bowl before the game was rebranded as the Belk Bowl in 2011.

Ultimately, the 2010 Meineke Car Care Bowl served as both a celebration of Pittsburgh’s consistency and a stepping stone for future changes in college football’s bowl structure. Its legacy endures in program records and the evolution of postseason branding.