Stanford, sans McCaffery, ready for bowl vs. North Carolina

EL PASO, Texas — Christian McCaffery isn’t at the Sun Bowl with his Stanford teammates. That doesn’t mean the star running back hasn’t been a topic of discussion.

McCaffrey helped spark a national discussion when he decided to skip not only his senior season for the NFL but Friday’s bowl game pitting the No. 16 Cardinal (9-3) against North Carolina (8-4). LSU’s Leonard Fournette is skipping a bowl game, too, and some argued the players were leaving their teams in the lurch even as their teammates and coaches defended the decisions.

“Well, we would be lying if we said we weren’t a little disappointed, but at the same time we are also understanding,” Sun Bowl executive director Bernie Olivas said.

North Carolina junior quarterback Mitch Trubisky has thrown for more than 3,500 yards, has completed just under 70 percent of his passes and completed 28 touchdowns against just four interceptions. However, he won’t make a decision on his future until after the Sun Bowl.

“I respect it,” Trubisky said of McCaffery’s choice. “It’s a business decision and he’s a smart kid. He’s doing what’s best for him, and no one else is going through that situation except for him.”

North Carolina head coach Larry Fedora agreed.

“It’s each individual’s right to do what’s best for them,” he said. “It’s unfortunate for us and the game and the bowl itself, because he’s obviously a great player. I would’ve loved to have lined up against him, but it’s not going to happen, and I know that the next guy, Bryce Love, is a guy we recruited. We know how explosive he can be.”

Love, a sophomore and North Carolina native, rushed for 664 yards this season. That included 129 yards and a score against Notre Dame, when he got the start in place of the injured McCaffrey.

“It’s definitely a different experience (being the starter), but definitely a great experience,” he said. “I have a lot less nerves and a lot more confidence.”

Stanford coach David Shaw says the game plane won’t change because Love is now the featured back.

“I was asked midseason what I thought about Bryce when he eventually takes over. I think he’s one of the most dynamic backs in college football,” Shaw said. “It just so happens he’s been behind the most dynamic back in college football the last two years. I think Bryce is a special back.”

Key matchup — Love against the North Carolina defense. The Tar Heels are ranked No. 113 in the nation in rushing defense, allowing 235.5 yards per game. Stanford is the No. 34 rushing team in the FBS, averaging 215.6 ypg. The matchup looks favorable for Stanford.

“I think that’s a fair assessment as far as what the black-and-white numbers say,” North Carolina defensive coordinator Gene Chizik said. “Our players know the challenge. If we’re going to have a chance to win the game, we have to play exponentially better in the run game.”