Jefferson leads Baylor to win over North Carolina in Russell Athletic Bowl

Despite not having its top quarterback, running back, or wide receiver, Baylor rushed for a bowl-game record 646 yards Tuesday night, paving the way for a 49-38 win over North Carolina in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

Art Briles claimed to have "some stuff" up his sleeve prior to the game, so perhaps it was his plan all along to unleash running back Johnny Jefferson, who was unstoppable.

The sophomore rushed for 299 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark on the season.

North Carolina failed to reach 12 wins for the first time in school history, and will be forced to end 2015 looking back on two missed opportunities to show its worth in big games.

Here's what you need to know:

• On top of Jefferson's performance, Devin Chafin rushed for 156 yards, and Terence Williams rushed for 97, as the Bears had 84 carries.
• Tar Heels quarterback Marquise Williams finished 22-for-36 with 243 yards, three touchdowns, and one critical interception.
• North Carolina's Elijah Hood got lost in the fold, but rushed for 118 yards on 13 carries.
• In its last five bowl games, Baylor has averaged 633 yards and 49 points per game.
• North Carolina tight end Brandon Fritts left the game with a head injury, and wide receiver Mack Hollins was ejected for targeting.
• All seven of Baylor's touchdowns came on the ground, from four different players.
• Baylor earned its first bowl win since the 2012 Holiday Bowl.

Play of the Game

Eighty of Jefferson's yards came on this play, as he took the direct snap and left the Tar Heels defense in his wake: