Russell Athletic Bowl
Baylor (9-3) vs. North Carolina (11-2)
Orlando, Florida
Dec. 29, 2015
Two of the nation’s top offenses are set to square off in the Russell Athletic Bowl, but one will be far from full strength.
When Baylor takes on North Carolina on Tuesday in Orlando, it will do so without its best wide receiver, running back and top two quarterbacks.
Starting quarterback Seth Russell has been out since suffering a neck injury in late October. True freshman Jarrett Stidham filled in admirably, but he too went down with a serious injury when he broke his ankle against Oklahoma State. With those two out, third-stringer Chris Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound dual threat, will make his third career start without All-American receiver Corey Coleman (hernia) and running back Shock Linwood (foot) at his disposal.
Coleman, the 2015 Biletnikoff Award winner, caught 74 passes for 1,363 yards and 20 touchdowns this season and has already announced that he will declare for the 2016 NFL draft. Linwood, a speedy junior, was fourth in the Big 12 with 1,329 rushing yards.
Johnson, who is returning from a concussion that knocked him out of the season finale against Texas, still has plenty of weapons to distribute to the ball to with receivers KD Cannon (46 catches, 828 yards, 6 TDs) and Jay Lee (36 catches, 726 yards, 8 TDs). Sophomore Johnny Jefferson (701 yards, 5 TDs on 6.2 YPC) should capably fill the shoes of Linwood as well.
Baylor, which started 8-0 before finishing 9-3, led the nation in total offense (604.6 yards per game), but averaged only 407 yards in Johnson’s two starts. In order to keep pace with Marquise Williams and the Tar Heels, the Bears need a big game from Johnson.
For North Carolina, a win over Baylor can cap off one of the best seasons in program history. After shaking off a season-opening loss to South Carolina, the Tar Heels reeled off 11 straight wins before dropping the ACC title game 45-37 to No. 1 Clemson.
Like Baylor, the Tar Heels can put up big numbers offensively and are averaging 486.9 yards (19th nationally) and 40.9 points (10th) per game entering Tuesday’s game.
Williams, a senior, leads the way with 2,829 yards and 21 yards passing and 867 yards and 11 scores rushing. He should have plenty of opportunities to spread the ball around against Baylor’s miserable pass defense. Ryan Switzer (52 catches, 668 yards, 6 TDs) and Quinshad Davis (49 catches, 578 yards, 4 TDs) are Williams’ favorite targets, but Mack Hollins (25.4 yards per reception, 8 TDs) is the team’s top big play threat.
But before looking to throw, the Tar Heels will lean on a heavy rushing attack led by Williams and Elijah Hood (1,345 yards, 17 TDs), a first team All-ACC pick.
This one has all the makings of a shootout. If one of these defenses can force a few turnovers, it should go a long way in determining the winner.
Picks
Graham: This had all the trappings of a really entertaining game until all of Baylor’s key offensive players suffered injuries and had to sit out. Now, it’s hard not to like the Tar Heels to run away with this game. UNC 45, Baylor 24.
Nick: Baylor without Corey Coleman or Jarrett Stidham is not a Baylor I'm willing to pick against North Carolina. This game is either going to end 60-50 or it could be a defensive struggle. Going to go low-scoring because why not. UNC 23, Baylor 17.
Sam: Baylor won't just lay down because of all of its injuries, but I don't see Johnson making enough plays, especially with his arm, to keep up with UNC. A couple of late turnovers will doom the Bears. UNC 41, Baylor 34.
For more Baylor news, visit SicEmSports.com.
For more North Carolina news, visit TarHeelIllustrated.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
