North Carolina St, Vanderbilt meet in Independence Bowl

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.

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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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