Missouri rolls past Tar Heels
Published 1:57 am Tuesday, December 27, 2011
SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — James Franklin ran for two touchdowns and threw for another, and Missouri easily beat North Carolina 41-24 in the Independence Bowl on Monday night.
Missouri (8-5) won its final football game as a member of the Big 12, finishing the season on a four-game winning streak for the first time since 1965. The Tigers will join the Southeastern Conference next season.
Franklin rushed for 142 yards and threw for 132, leading Missouri to an Independence Bowl-record 31 first-half points. Kendial Lawrence added 108 rushing yards for the Tigers, who gained 337 yards on the ground.
North Carolina (7-6) fell in interim coach Everett Withers’ final game on the sideline. The Tar Heels lost five of their final seven after starting the season with a 5-1 record.
Bryn Renner threw for 317 yards, three touchdowns and an interception for UNC.