NCAA Football
2012-12-31 - NC State Wolfpack at Vanderbilt Commodore
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NCAA Football
Monday 31 December 2012 - Kick Off 12pm
5pm (British Time)
Preview
This is essentially a home Bowl Game for the Vanderbilt Commodores (8-4) and their much sought after Head Coach James Franklin will get to test himself against an Interim Head Coach that the North Carolina State Wolfpack (7-5) will be using.
Tom O'Brien was fired after a really disappointing season when the team finished just 4-4 in ACC Conference play. While Dave Doeran was given the permanent Head Coach job at North Carolina State, he will not be calling the plays in this one and that will instead be Dana Bible, the Offensive Co-Ordinator.
Bible will at least be able to use Mike Glennon who is considered one of the premier Quarter Backs coming out of the College game this season. North Carolina averaged over 300 yards through the air this season and they will test a Vandy Defense that was pretty stellar for much of the season.
The Commodores Defense only allowed 175 yards per game through the air and they also got a lot of effective pressure on the Quarter Back. With the way the Wolfpack's Offensive Line has played, Glennon will find himself under pressure in the game. However, there has to be some credit given to Glennon that he didn't toss more interceptions than the 14 he did this season, considering the pressure he was on.
He did manage to also throw 30 touchdown passes, although that will be tested by a Commodores Defense that has allowed just 6 TDs through the air. This game will be on Glennon's arm as the Wolfpack have struggled on the ground and averaged just 116 yards per game on the ground, putting more pressure on the Quarter Back.
On the other side of the ball, Aaron's younger brother, Jordan Rodgers, will be starting at Quarter Back for Vanderbilt and will look to build on his season where he threw 13 touchdown passes and just 5 interceptions.
Rodgers does have a tough match up as the Wolfpack have two large Defensive Backs which give them a chance against any receivers they are matched with. North Carolina State have given up 261 yards per game through the air, but they are capable of turning the ball over and they will get pressure on Rodgers behind the Offensive Line.
In fact, the Wolfpack Defense led the ACC in terms of sacks and tackles for loss per game so I expect they will be able to get pressure on Rodgers. While he has been fairly good at taking care of the ball, pressure on any Quarter Back can lead to mistakes and that would keep the Wolfpack in the game.
Zac Stacy will be given the ball to keep the pass rush off of Rodgers and I expect the Running Back to have a strong game in this one. Stacy had another 1000 yard season rushing the ball and he should have a lot of success against a Defense that has allowed almost 160 yards per game on the ground at 4.3 yards per clip.
Head to Head
This will be the first time the schools have met since 1946 when Vanderbilt were 7-0 winners.
Prediction
This is a tough game to call as I think North Carolina State have under-achieved this season, while Vanderbilt have built up a lot of momentum.
While I think the winner is tough to call, I think the points on offer for the Wolfpack are a little too big to ignore and that is where I'll be putting my money in this one.
The Pick :
Vanderbilt Commodores 21-20 NC State Wolfpack
