Baylor football closed its regular season with a disappointing 9-3 record, including losses in its last two games. However, the Bears have an opportunity to make a national statement against No. 10 North Carolina in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

Here's a quick scouting report of the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Record: 11-2, 8-0 in ACC

Last: Lost to the Clemson Tigers 45-37 in the ACC Championship game

Key number: 18.3 - the amount of points per game North Carolina is outscoring its opponents by this season.

1. Overachievement. This has to be a gratifying finish for the Tar Heels. UNC was picked No. 5 out of seven in the ACC Coastal Division, but beat the four teams picked ahead by a combined 73 points. North Carolina ended up finishing undefeated in the ACC and with only two losses overall. The two losses came in the first week of the season, in a bizarre game to South Carolina, and a tight loss to Clemson in the ACC title game. UNC got to 11 wins for the first time since 1997.

2. Star quarterback. North Carolina quarterback Marquise Williams has compiled over 10,000 yards of total offense in nearly three years as the starting quarterback. The senior was named All-ACC second team each of the last two seasons and should be well on his way to the same honors again. Williams compiled 3,696 total yards and 32 total touchdowns on the way to leading North Carolina to one of the top offenses in the ACC. Balor struggled this season against dual-threat quarterbacks, and Williams is certainly that.

3. Explosive offense. Since Larry Fedora took over, North Carolina has consistently been one of the most productive offenses in the nation. This season, the Tar Heels finished tied for No. 19 with 486.9 yards per game and No. 11 with 40.9 points per game. The aforementioned Williams ranked No. 25 in total offense, while running back Elijah Hood finished No. 15 in the country in rushing yards as a sophomore. North Carolina has the ability to attack in many different ways, making the Tar Heels hard to stop.

4. Improved defense. In the past few seasons, North Carolina has had one of the worst defenses in college football. However, defensive coordinator and former Auburn head coach Gene Chizik has changed the game. The total defense numbers are pretty average, but the scoring defense now ranks No. 35 in the country. The Tar Heels' improvements on that side of the ball has been the biggest catalyst for overall improvement.

5. Opportunity. Baylor and North Carolina both had good seasons this year, and can make a statement in what is considered one of the better bowl games in the country this season. Sports Illustrated gave the Russell Athletic Bowl five out of a possible five, while ESPN named it the No. 6 best bowl overall. Both teams are looking to improve their brands on a national scale, and will have an opportunity to do so on Dec. 29.