I think there is too much value here on Vanderbilt out of the SEC. Despite the ACC dominating the SEC This year and I have praised the ACC this is one match up I don't think they should be almost a TD favorite in. NC State got waxed last year against the SEC in the Belk Bowl and they are 3-6 vs. the SEC the last 3 years in post season play.
Vanderbilt really came on strong down the stretch, but overall they had been in a lot of games and they have several big wins on the season against bowl teams. South Carolina, Western Kentucky, Georgia, and a hot Tennessee team. Time off usually hurts a team, but I think they have found some confidence in the QB that they can ride. Overall NC State seems to be stronger in the trenches, but Vanderbilt makes up for that having in my opinion the best linebacker in college football Zach Cunningham.
That has led to the #1 overall red zone defense. NC State is just too inconsistent they don't run the ball as well as Vanderbilt does even though it will be an intriguing match up of running backs. I'm predicting it's Kyle Shurmur who helps get a victory for his team. Over the last 5 games this team was averaging +11 points per game and +187 yards per game compared to their first 7 games.
