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Missouri Vs. North Carolina Halftime Update: 31 Points Later, Tigers Seize Control Of Independence Bowl

Earlier the question was asked if either the Missouri Tigers or the North Carolina Tar Heels defense would step up after each team scored a touchdown in the game's first five minutes.

Missouri answered the call, while North Carolina has begun to self-destruct before our very eyes.

One fumble, one interception and 31 points later, the Tigers have a commanding 31-7 lead over the Tar Heels in the 2011 Independence Bowl. Shreveport hasn't seen this type of takeover since the Louisiana Purchase back in 1803.

James Franklin rushed for a two-yard touchdown in the first quarter, then passed for an 8-yard touchdown to Jerrell Jackson in the second quarter to springboard the Tigers into a big lead. Kendial Lawrence then scored from 9 yards out to push the Tigers lead to 24 points.

So far in one half of action, the Tar Heels defense have given up a whopping 318 yards of offense to Gary Pinkel's unit. Bryn Renner has struggled in the first half after throwing for an early touchdown to give UNC a 7-0 lead, and UNC's rushing attack has mustered just 13 yards.

Missouri needs to keep their pedal to the metal in the second half, bowl games have a way of becoming exciting when you least expect it.

For more on the Mizzou Tigers, check out Rock M Nation. For info on the North Carolina Tar Heels, visit Carolina March. For everything college football, go to SB Nation's college football news hub.