Derek Mason’s first postseason appearance as a head coach will be at the Independence Bowl. Vanderbilt will play North Carolina State in Shreveport, LA on December 26.
The bid is Vanderbilt’s first bowl game since winning the 2014 BBVA Compass Bowl over Houston 41-24. It’s the Commodores’ fourth postseason appearance in the past six seasons but only the program’s eighth bowl ever. The team is 4-2-1 in the postseason all time.
One of those wins came over NC State. The ‘Dores beat the Wolfpack 38-24 in the 2012 Music City Bowl. Zac Stacy, who just had his school all-time rushing record erased by Ralph Webb, was named MVP of that game.