Dec 29, 2015 03:42 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

On paper, the 2015 Russell Athletic Bowl looks to be an exciting matchup with two of the most high-powered offenses in the nation going against opposing defenses that would not put up much of a fight.

However, the absence of several offensive starters may influence the Baylor Bears (17) to shift their focus to slowing the North Carolina Tar Heels (10) explosive offense. Baylor will be without its top wide receiver and running back, as well as its starting and backup quarterbacks.

Click here to listen to the game live via TuneIn. WatchESPN will also offer a free live stream online. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET in Orlando, Fla.

Both teams were in the conversation for the College Football Playoff at various points this season, Baylor until the injury bug bit and North Carolina until they played number-one Clemson for the ACC title. But North Carolina quarterback Marquise Williams sees similarities between his Tar Heels and the teams that played for the Russell Athletic Bowl last year.

"We changed a lot this year," he told reporters at a pregame press conference, according to ESPN. "We've done a lot of great things and it's been a fun time.

"Last year Oklahoma and Clemson played in this game and that's two of the best teams in the country right now," he said. "It's an opportunity and it's going to be fun."

(Rankings: CFP)

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