SHREVEPORT, La. — North Carolina suffered a 41-24 defeat against Missouri here at the Independence Bowl.

Some post-game thoughts and observations:

SHREVEPORT, La. — After North Carolina’s 41-24 defeat against Missouri in the Independence Bowl, Everett Withers walked into the Tar Heels’ locker room for the final time as UNC’s head coach. He said told his players that he loved them.

He referenced the drama the Tar Heels have experienced in the past two seasons – an NCAA investigation, the firing of Butch Davis – and Withers said he told his team to carry on the lessons they learned from those trying times. The Tar Heels had desperately wanted to give Withers a victory in his final game.

But their trip here to Independence Stadium didn’t come with an ending fit for storybooks or movies. Instead, UNC (7-6) gave a disappointing performance that led to a disappointing defeat. As much as the Tar Heels talked about winning for Withers, they lacked the effort – and the execution – necessary for the desired outcome.

SHREVEPORT, La. — Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Shreveport. And, specifically, to Independence Stadium, where in just a bit North Carolina will play against Missouri in the Independence Bowl. The scene here: It’s raining. About an hour before kickoff, there aren’t many people in the stands. And players for both teams are out on the field, going through their warm-ups.

A few thoughts and observations before kickoff: