By Jojo Doria

Shreveport, LA

Missouri quarterback James Franklin ran for two touchdowns and threw for another to lead Missouri to a 41-24 victory over North Carolina Monday in the Independence Bowl.

Franklin helped Missouri break a school record for scoring in a bowl game as well as cap its final season in the Big 12 Conference with a win.

The Tigers (8-5) closed the season with four consecutive wins for the first time since 1965. Missouri has posted eight wins in six consecutive seasons and have also won two Independence Bowl titles in six years - it defeated South Carolina in 2005.

Franklin ran for 142 yards as of Missouri racked up 343 yards rushing against a North Carolina defense that came into the game with the 14th-best run defense in the country, allowing 106.2 yards per game.

The Tar Heels (7-6) lost four of their last six regular-season games, and were out of this one early.

North Carolina scored on its first drive, then Missouri took over, scoring 31 consecutive points before a field goal by the Tar Heels on the last play of the half cut the Tigers lead to 31-10.

Missouri, which heads to the SEC next season, has won all three meetings with the Tar Heels, who haven't beaten a current Big 12 team since 1986.

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Independence Bowl: Missouri Pounds North Carolina