North Carolina put on its best happy face on Thursday when talking about returning to Charlotte for the second straight year for the Meineke Bowl.
"We are excited about going to Charlotte," UNC coach Butch Davis said, putting an emphasis on the word "are." "Our kids had a phenomenal time there last year."
The Heels lost to West Virginia, 31-30 in last year's Meineke Bowl, and are making their third trip to the Queen City in six years. They dropped down in the ACC bowl order after a loss to N.C. State in the regular-season finale and when Florida State jumped up to the Gator Bowl, despite a 4-4 ACC record.
The Noles' cause was helped by coach Bobby Bowden announcing his retirement.
"I was like freakin' Bobby Bowden, what the freak?" UNC junior Marvin Austin joked.
Austin said after missing a bowl game in his freshman year, he's happy to still be playing.
"Going home for Christmas is no fun," Austin said. "We did that once and that's enough."
Junior cornerback Kendric Burney said the Heels don't have anyone to blame but themselves after losing to N.C. State, 28-27 on Nov. 28 to finish 8-4, instead of 9-3.
"We can't point the finger and say we should be in a better bowl," Burney said. "We did that to ourselves."
Comments
Where the sun....
Sat, 12/12/2009 - 17:44 — unc098Mieneke nice of you to rename the bowl Canus Lupus fans. Rameses .....well you get the picture....
rename the bowl to:
Thu, 12/10/2009 - 23:02 — izzykareem"NC State Beat Us Both Bowl"
izzy!
Sun, 12/13/2009 - 16:44 — gvillegatrI said a little prayer for you well over a month ago b/c I had assumed you had passed away at some point during the season b/c I never saw you here anymore.
anyway, at least I was thinking of ya!
How long are you..
Sat, 12/12/2009 - 22:04 — UNC1998going to ride that pony? Your barb did have humor, though.
Nice
Fri, 12/11/2009 - 13:37 — SurferVery original izzy, now that you have so much time on your hands.
I guess Pitt and UNC should feel pretty speicial. I mean since we are in such a small, select group (losing to NC State). Over the past 4 years only 19 out of 49 teams can claim such status. Gosh, to be so lucky.
Rename the MCCBowl
Fri, 12/11/2009 - 03:47 — LetsGoPittizzy - good one ! I also heard it called the "We both lost to NCSt Bowl"!
Anyway, I hope it is a good game, high scoring, lots of lead changes with the last team to score (Pitt) winning!!!
Lil Izzy!
Thu, 12/10/2009 - 23:27 — Heels20So nice to have you back now that State ended the season by FINALLY getting a win. Good to see you're a true fan!
I love the ...
Thu, 12/10/2009 - 22:20 — gvillegatrattitude of Burney and Austin. Face value at least tells us they are going to attempt to do more than just show up. It sure beats the heck out of NOT watching them and it appears these guys know that.
What's passed is past...
Thu, 12/10/2009 - 16:45 — UNC1998I'm sure the coaches and players are watching film on Pitt. Questions can be asked, and answers given. Only the game can erase the bad taste of the NCSU loss. Only a victory against Pitt can bring smiles about the season.