University of North Carolina Athletics
One Last Goal: UNC O vs. Baylor D
December 28, 2015 | Football
Note: This story originally appeared in the December 22 issue of CAROLINA.
By Alex Zietlow
The North Carolina Tar Heels will play the Baylor Bears in the Russell Athletic Bowl Tuesday, December 29 in what could possibly turn into the highest-scoring bowl game of the year. Carolina has the fifth-most efficient offense in the nation, averaging slightly over 40 points per game on just 864 plays. Their opponent averages 48 points per game on the season, and 56 points per game in the team's wins. For both the players and those watching, the matchup between the two explosive teams spell the potential for a lot of fun.
“This is going to be a fun game,” senior quarterback Marquise Williams said. “I'm excited to see how it works out for us.”
As Williams points out, the respective defenses are not considered each team's weakness, however. The Bears only allow 3.64 yards per carry, which directly challenges Carolina's rushing attack, which has proven to be the Heels' offensive strength this season.
“Defense-wise they are big, physical…competitive; they make a lot of plays,” Williams said. “They have a good, physical defensive line that gets to the quarterback.”
Simply, the Bears play a 4-2-5 defense with nickelbacks playing closer to the line of scrimmage to help stop the run. The scheme requires a sufficient defensive line and capable cornerbacks to cover the opponents' receivers without much help from their safeties. An important defensive back that acts as one of the utility men for this Baylor defense is Travon Blanchard. He's recorded 80 tackles (7.5 for loss), two interceptions, and three forced fumbles in 2015.
Baylor struggles, however, when the opposing quarterback has time to make decisions, which could signal trouble for the Bears. Williams' ability to buy time and make plays out of the pocket could provide enough time for Tar Heel receivers to get open down-field. Williams' scrambling ability also prevents Baylor from sitting back in coverage, as the quarterback has proven effective running in the open field.
The tough test of the Baylor Bears is what stands in the way of the Heels accomplishing their final goal of the season on the football field.
“Coach Fedora mentions it everyday,” Williams said. “This is our last goal for the 2015 team: to get to twelve wins. It hasn't been done and we want to do that.”
The senior quarterback will put on his jersey one last time Tuesday, but before even playing the game, he recognizes that a dream of his has already been realized.
“I got the opportunity to graduate from the best university in the country,” Williams said. “It was a dream come true.”
