North Carolina State (6-6, Atlantic Coast Conference) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6, Southeastern Conference), Dec. 26, 5 p.m. EST
LOCATION: Shreveport, Louisiana.
TOP PLAYERS
North Carolina State: DL Bradley Chubb finished second in the ACC with 20+ tackles for a loss and also had 9+ sacks.
Vanderbilt: QB Kyle Shurmur has played his best football over the past two weeks. He led the Commodores to a win over Tennessee in the season finale by throwing for 416 yards and two touchdowns.
NOTABLE
North Carolina State: The Wolfpack has had a frustrating season, playing powerhouse programs like Florida State and Clemson close before losing. … North Carolina State’s rushing defense was tops in the ACC, allowing just 104.7 yards per game.
Vanderbilt: The Commodores won their final two games of the season over Mississippi and Tennessee to become bowl eligible. … LB Zach Cunningham has been one of the league’s most productive players with 119 tackles, including 16+ for a loss.
LAST TIME: Vanderbilt 38, NC State 24. (Dec. 31, 2012, Music City Bowl)
BOWL HISTORY
North Carolina State: First appearance in Independence Bowl; 30th bowl appearance overall, including third year in a row.
Vanderbilt: First appearance in Independence Bowl. Eighth bowl appearance overall, and first since 2013 season.
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More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org
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