3 Stars: UNC-Texas A&M

North Carolina lost to Texas A&M in the Orange Bowl on Saturday night in a game the Tar Heels led in the fourth quarter, but there were still some terrific performances put forth by UNC players, three of which we are highlighting here.

Carolina lost, 41-27, to close its season at 8-4 while the Aggies finish at 9-1. UNC played three top-10 teams over its final four games routing Miami on the road, hanging with Notre Dame until the final minute and battling A&M until the final couple of minutes.

Here are our 3 Stars from UNC’s loss to Texas A&M:

Downs displayed some of those qualities the media has heard a lot about by catching four passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns. One went for 75 yards when he just flat beat the defender and raced into the end zone. Dazz Newsome said afterward that Downs is a lot like him, and that was evident Saturday night. Entering the game, Downs had three receptions for 28 yards and a TD.

Filling in for opted-out all-everything Chazz Surratt, Asante led the Tar Heels with 10 tackles, including seven solos, and would have had a few more if he wrapped up the ball carrier better. But that he was there is a positive, and with an offseason getting stronger and simply getting better, Asante will pull those guys to the earth next fall. Very athletic, fast and he closed well. Terrific performance in his first career start.

Sam Howell has a beautiful touch on pretty much all passes, but he showed again Saturday that he’s a tough dude, too. Howell took on some of the running game to try and make up for the loss of Javonte Williams and Michael Carter. He ended up with 12 rushing attempts for 25 yards, but four sacks cost him 13 yards, so 8 carries for 38 yards was part of his gritty effort. Not to mention how he managed the game, threw some tough passes (18-for-31, 234 yards, three TDs, one INT) and his growing leadership emerged even more. This was a veteran performance even though Howell is a sophomore.

In addition, Howell's three TD passes give him 68 for his career, tying the all-time UNC record with Darian Durant, whose mark held for 16 years.

Also receiving votes: Tony Grimes, Ja’Qurious Conley, Dazz Newsome.