Missouri routs Tar Heels, leaves Big 12 on a big note

Associated Press

shreveport, la.

James Franklin’s hard running and timely passing led Missouri to an easy win in its final game as a member of the Big 12. It also gives the Tigers plenty of hope heading into their new home in the Southeastern Conference.

Franklin ran for two touchdowns and threw for another, and the Tigers easily beat North Carolina 41-24 in the Independence Bowl on Monday night.

Missouri (8-5) ends the season on a four-game winning streak for the first time since 1965. The Tigers will join the SEC next fall and showed one reason they should be a factor immediately: The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Franklin, a sophomore who generally did as he pleased in both the running and passing games.

Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said Franklin has just started to realize his potential.

“After the game, I gave him a hug and said congratulations,” Pinkel said. “Then I went back and asked ‘What happens when you get really good?’ ... He kind of gave me a look, but that’s a huge compliment.”

Franklin, named the game’s offensive Most Valuable Player, rushed for 142 yards and threw for 132 despite less than ideal conditions in the cold and rain at Independence Stadium.