Clemson, South Florida to meet in Meineke Bowl

Updated: Bowl makes formal announcement

Clemson (6-6) will make its first appearance in Charlotte’s Meineke Car Care Bowl, playing South Florida (7-5).

The game is scheduled for noon on Dec. 31 at Bank of America Stadium and will be televised by ESPN.

Securing Clemson gives the Meineke Bowl another strong local draw with potential to add to the game’s history of turning Charlotte’s location in close proximity to many ACC schools into a large crowd.

"Both teams have played extremely hard this year with every game being very competitive," bowl executive director Will Webb said in a statement. "We feel that the Tigers and Bulls will be a very entertaining and compelling matchup on the field for everyone watching."

Over the past eight years, the bowl has averaged 60,000 fans, according to its web site, with three sellouts. Although Clemson failed to live up to expectations this season, finishing fourth in the ACC Atlantic Division after being picked for second place in the preseason media poll, the school's location means the bowl will count on the Tigers heavily to deliver fan support.

Clemson is about a two-hour drive from Charlotte and has a strong alumni base in the city.

"It’s a great situation for our fans," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said in a statement released by the bowl. "One of the main reasons we were selected for this bowl is because of our great fan support and the passion of our fans."


South Florida also appeared in the bowl game in Charlotte in 2005, losing 14-0 to N.C. State. The bowl will mark the return to North Carolina of Skip Holtz, the popular and successful former East Carolina coach who left after last season to coach South Florida.

The Bulls got their seventh win with an overtime decision over Miami on Nov. 27. South Florida athletic director Doug Woolard said in a statement that the program is riding "a wave of momentum" under Holtz.

"I think people around the country recognize that and it was reflected in our selection by the Meineke Car Care Bowl," Woolard said. "Coach Holtz has done a magnificent job with this football team and program in just a short time. He has provided outstanding leadership from day one and built a very competitive product on the field."
Ken Tysiac














Ken Tysiac