Charlotte bowl scenario not clear yet

It will likely be Sunday before Meineke Car Care Bowl officials know for certain which two teams will be playing in their game at Bank of America Stadium on Dec. 27.

Will Webb, executive director of the game, said Friday that he remains hopeful North Carolina will be the ACC representative against either West Virginia or Pittsburgh from the Big East.
However, it's possible the Tar Heels could wind up playing someplace other than Charlotte depending on various factors.

Webb had hoped the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando would release the Tar Heels this week so the Meineke Car Care Bowl could finalize bringing the Tar Heels to Charlotte. However, Webb said, the Orlando bowl hasn't released the Tar Heels though Florida State is expected to be headed there.

Should a scenario play out that keeps the Tar Heels out of Charlotte, Webb said it was likely the Meineke bowl would invite Maryland.

The Big East representative will likely be determined by the Sun Bowl, which is expected to have its pick of either West Virginia or Pittsburgh, leaving the other free to come to Charlotte.

-- Ron Green Jr.