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Independence Bowl, NC State vs Vanderbilt: Highlights, score and recap

By John Buhler

Dec 26, 2016; Shreveport, LA, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tight end Jaylen Samuels (1) rushes for a touchdown during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Shreveport, LA, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tight end Jaylen Samuels (1) rushes for a touchdown during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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The North Carolina State Wolfpack defeat the Vanderbilt Commodores 41-17 in the 2016 Camping World Independence Bowl. North Carolina State finishes the 2016 NCAA season at 7-6 on the season, while Vanderbilt ends the year at 6-7.

North Carolina State would take a 14-3 lead at halftime at the 2016 Camping World Independence Bowl over Vanderbilt. The Wolfpack dominated the Commodores in total yardage in the first half.

North Carolina State quarterback Ryan Finley would key the Wolfpack offense by completing 14 of 17 passes for 164 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in the first half. Vanderbilt quarterback Kyle Shumur would struggle mightily in the first half, completing only 6 of 18 passes for 62 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception.

The Wolfpack would extend its lead over the Commodores to as much as 28-3 in the third quarter. Reggie Gallaspy would find pay dirt to make it 20-3 North Carolina State. Jaylen Samuels would get into the end zone a third time in the third quarter to make it 27-3.

Vanderbilt did not get into the end zone until very late in the third quarter when star running back Ralph Webb would finally break off a big touchdown to make it 28-10 Wolfpack after the made Tommy Openshaw PAT.

In the fourth quarter, Vanderbilt’s Khari Blassingame would get in on a goal line score to make it 28-17 North Carolina State. On the ensuing kickoff, North Carolina State kick returner Nyheim Hines would take it 100 yards to the house to make it 35-17 Wolfpack.

Hines’ kickoff return touchdown would be the backbreaker that Vanderbilt could not overcome. The defense that had been strong all season for the Commodores waned in their bowl game, as the Wolfpack offense was far too potent for Derek Mason’s SEC football team. Shurmur would throw his third pick of the day to end the game at 41-17 Wolfpack.

Highlights

Three Stars

  1. Jaylen Samuels: Samuels had an outstanding bowl game on Monday night. He had six catches for 104 yards and three receiving touchdowns. He would have two rushes for nine yards.
  2. Ryan Finley: Finley would play well at the quarterback position for the Wolfpack. He completed 19 of 30 passes for 235 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
  3. Ralph Webb: Webb would shine in the Vanderbilt backfield. He had 21 carries for 111 yards and a rushing touchdown. Webb had two catches out of the backfield for an additional 13 receiving yards.

Next Game

North Carolina State will likely open its 2017 college football campaign at home against a solid SEC team. The Wolfpack will play the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday, Sep. 2 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The ACC schedule of games has not been announced.

Next: Best college quarterback born in every state

Vanderbilt will play its first game of the 2017 college football season in the Nashville suburb of Murfreesboro against the regional rival Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. Kickoff from Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium will be on Saturday, Sep. 2.

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