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Russell Athletic Bowl 2015, North Carolina vs Baylor preview, predictions, odds and live stream info

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Lynx Hawthorne (7) and wide receiver Jay Lee (4) celebrate the touchdown by Hawthorne (7) against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Lynx Hawthorne (7) and wide receiver Jay Lee (4) celebrate the touchdown by Hawthorne (7) against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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No. 10 North Carolina Tar Heels vs No. 18 Baylor Bears

North Carolina came just a bit short in the ACC title game against the No. 1 Clemson Tigers, but the Tar Heels still proved to be more than just an overrated team from the conference. The Tar Heels could have potentially snuck into the College Football Playoff with a victory, but a top 10 ranking seems to be better than expected for Marquise Williams’ final season.

The Bears have been riddled with injuries all season and we didn’t really get to see them live up to their potential as both Seth Russell and Jarrett Stidham fell to the injury bug. The offense hasn’t quite been the same in recent weeks and a loss against a depleted Texas team to end the season was the nail in the coffin for 2015.

Details for Tuesday’s Russell Athletic Bowl are below:

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 29
Start Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
Location: Orlando, FL
Stadium: Orlando Citrus Bowl
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: For North Carolina radio affiliates, click here. For Baylor radio affiliates, click here.

Keys to Victory

North Carolina Tar Heels

North Carolina has one of the better offenses in the league, averaging nearly 500 yards per game. Getting the run game going will be key against the Bears, especially since that’s been North Carolina’s bread and butter this season.

However, stopping Baylor’s passing attack will be crucial. The Bears have one of the top passing offenses in the country, but without their top two quarterbacks, the Tar Heels will need to make sure passing has no negative effect on the defense.

Baylor Bears

North Carolina has a solid pass defense, so gaining some momentum through the air even with Chris Johnson starting will be key. Finding Corey Coleman, just like the other quarterbacks did all season, will definitely be important if the Bears want to pull off the “upset”.

Baylor’s defense has been suspect all season long, but containing dual-threat Marquise Williams will need to be a priority. The Bears have had a tough time slowing down offenses all year long and that needs to change against a top attack.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: North Carolina -3
Moneyline: North Carolina -160, Baylor +140
O/U: 68.5

Predictions

North Carolina will use Marquise Williams’ dual-threat ability, and use it often on Tuesday. Baylor’s defense has been pitiful this season and Williams will have a field day. Chris Johnson is getting the start and it will be tough for him to get anything going against a solid passing defense, but he will get a few plays to go his way before it’s all over.

Final Score: North Carolina 41, Baylor 28

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