Baylor breaks UNC 49-38 for Russell Athletic Bowl

Bears overpower Tar Heels

The Baylor Bears ends the year right by sealing a win in the 26th Russell Athletic Food Bowl against the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Scoring a 49-38 win, the Baylor Bears proved to be a dynamite team even without their key players. With their proven combination of powerful offense and stellar running plays, the Russell Athletic Bowls was theirs to claim. And Baylor has Coach Art Briles to thank for.

Against the odds

Handicapped by the absence of his top two quarterbacks – Seth Russell to neck injury and Jarret Stidham to a broken ankle, his best running back – Shock Linwood to a broken foot, his starting right tackle – Pat Colbert, and to cap it off, the nation’s best receiver in Corey Coleman, the odds of the Bears winning were stacked against them.

And yet, Coach Briles delivered what ESPN is calling as “one of the most creative game plans in recent memory.” In Coach Briles’ hands, the Baylor Bears turned into a rushing machine that gouged through North Carolina’s defenses. The result was not just a win for the Bears, but as well as a 645 yard rushing record and 756 yards in total – a double record for the 26th Russell Athletic Bowl.

The Bears’ ball carriers did not fail to make the most of Briles’ strategic play. Devin Chafin brought in a touchdown and a 161-yard rush, along with Terrence Williams’ 97-yard rush and two touchdowns. Johnny Jefferson sealed the deal with three touchdowns and a record run of 299 yards.

Banking on Better

With the most recent win, the Baylor Bears have proven that third time’s indeed a charm. This is their first bowl victory since 2012 and with the team’s success, effectively ending a string of consecutive losses at the Russell Athletic Bowl. After losses to Texas and TCU, Baylor has displayed its team depth and adaptable playing strategy to much success.

Its reputation of having an offensive plug-and-play system that works no matter the players on the field has been reinforced. And this is largely thanks to Briles’ strategies and offensive mind play that is among the best in collegiate football. Come 2016, the future is indeed bright for Baylor.