This weekend UNC wrapped up another football season with a loss to West Virginia in the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte. While the Tar Heels clearly weren't looking for the loss, it cannot be denied that the Heels had a great season compared to last year (or the year before...or the year before that...).

For starters, the Heels had a winning record this season. OK, that sounds pathetic on paper, but think about where they were at last year.

Also, Carolina did not choke in every game they played, only a few (State, Maryland, Virgnia), another clear improvement from last year.

Finally, UNC made it to a bowl. Sure, it wasn't a BCS bowl (but the Orange Bowl was almost briefly kinda sorta in sight), but hey, maybe next year? If this season taught Carolina fans anything it's that it is OK to dream big (or at least bigger)--Carolina football isn't quite Carolina basketball, but one day it could get there.