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Monday, Dec.26
NC State (6-6) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6), Camping World Independence Bowl in Shreveport, LA (ESPN2/ 5 p.m. ET)
The Commodores finally got their bowling shoes after an upset win over Tennessee in the final regular season game. An afterthought all season in the SEC, Vandy is going to rely on its defense if it wants to take down the Wolfpack and win its first bowl game since a 41-24 victory over Houston in the BBVA Compass Bowl following the 2013 season. The Commodores clock in at 65th in the FBS with 411 yards allowed per game. If you prefer points per game against, they shoot up to 27th with 22.6. Their not-so-secret weapon is first-team All-American linebacker Zach Cunningham who led the SEC in tackles.
The Wolfpack has much more offensive punch than Vandy, averaging 521 yards per game (12th in FBS) whereas Vandy is almost dead last — 242 yards per game, 126th of 128 teams. It’s a classic game of offense vs. defense. Can Cunningham and Co. hold down NC State and their top-40 run game and pass game? You might wonder how a team with so much offense only broke even, but remember three of their losses were against Louisville, FSU and Clemson.
