2015 Bowl Games: Picking all 41 college bowls and championship game against the spread

Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Corey Coleman (1) leaps over a Texas Longhorns defender during the second half at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Athletic Bowl
North Carolina vs. Baylor
Orlando | Orlando Citrus Bowl
Dec. 29, 5:30 p.m. on ESPN

Ten years ago you would have laughed if someone told you that North Carolina and Baylor were going to be national football powers. But they are, and they are both darn good teams.

If Baylor weren’t nursing so many injuries at quarterback (last we heard, 3rd string Chris Johnson was slated to start) this would be a much tighter game to call. Both teams have explosive offenses and both teams have their struggles on defense.

What will decide this game is which elite player steps up and carries his team to a win – North Carolina quarterback Marquise Williams, or Baylor wide receiver Corey Coleman? Both of them have the knack for showing up when needed most, and both are facing defenses that leave a lot to be desired.

Emotional edge has to go to Baylor in this game, as they were thinking national title from the start of the season, until injuries simply went too deep for them to fix. Carolina was a bit of surprise, and played Clemson tough in the ACC title game. They’re “just happy to be here” more than likely.

Line: Baylor, -2

Williams is prone to mistakes, and he has more opportunity to cost his team than does Coleman. Bears dispatch of the Tar Heels by at least 3 and cover. 

Next: Arizona Bowl