This isn't exactly where No. 10 North Carolina (11-2) and No. 17 Baylor (9-3) thought they would be at the beginning of the season, but the 2015 Russell Athletic Bowl will serve as a consolation prize for one program on Tuesday.
The Tar Heels had it all to play for in the ACC Championship, but couldn't muster enough to complete the comeback over Clemson. The 45-37 loss ended any hopes of the program making its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
As for Baylor, it all came crashing down in November.
A 44-34 loss to Oklahoma was the beginning of the end for the Bears. Consecutive losses to TCU and Texas to end the season eviscerated any chance of even participating in a New Year's Six bowl.
Competition in the form of North Carolina is all that's left to salvage a once promising season.
A free live stream of the contest can be found here.
Preview
Game Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
Location: Orlando Citrus Bowl
Weather: Partly Cloudy, High of 83
Odds, via ESPN: North Carolina -3, per Bovada
Radio: ESPN Radio
TV: ESPN
What They're Saying
UNC will be huge test for #Baylor. Last 4 Nat'l Champs have been 1st or 2nd in Points per Play Margin. North Carolina in 2015? Number 1.
— Tim O'Donnell (@TimODonnell25) December 29, 2015
Baylor coach Art Briles has spent pre-bowl practices tailoring offense to Chris Johnson's talents.
— John Werner (@JohnWernerTrib) December 28, 2015
Art Briles: "Chris has done a good job. Really love his attitude. His skill level is really good." pic.twitter.com/ad4O2tK7TB
— Nick Canizales (@NickCanizales) December 28, 2015
Larry Fedora confirmed on Monday that no additional offensive coaches will be added to the press box for the @RussellAthBowl.
— InsideCarolina (@InsideCarolina) December 29, 2015
For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
