38 Days till Kickoff: 38 First Downs against UNC in Russell Athletic Bowl

As always, keep track of both the stats and roster countdowns in the Offseason Hub!

While on their way to a program record 645 single-game rushing yards, Baylor recorded their most ever first downs in a bowl game with 38 against North Carolina in the Russell Athletic Bowl. 

After starting the season 9-1, both BU starting quarterbacks, Seth Russell and Jarrett Stidham, came down with season-ending injuries. The Bears limped across the finish line, losing to both No. 19 TCU and Texas to end the regular season at 9-3.

Still, without a quarterback, Baylor fell to No. 17 in the rankings and was slated to play No. 10 North Carolina in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

Not having a QB made the Bears have to change their game plan to run, run, and run some more. Baylor crushed the Tar Heels, running for a program record 645 yards and seven touchdowns while dominating the time of possession, 37:06 to 22:54. 

Johnny Jefferson had 23 carries for a BU record of 299 yards, and Devin Chafin added 27 carries for 156 yards and a touchdown. Terence Wiliams also contributed 16 carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns. While Lynx Hawthorne and Chris Johnson combined for 16 carries, 99 yards, and a TD.

Thanks to the ground game, the Bears walked away with an unconventional 49-38 bowl win over No. 10 North Carolina. It was their sixth straight bowl game and third victory during that span.