Vanderbilt gets dominated by NC State in the Independence Bowl, 41-17

Derek Mason will have to wait for his first winning season as Vanderbilt’s head coach. Uncharacteristic defensive lapses and a return to the ineffective offense that marred the early half of the Commodres’ 2016 season cost Mason’s team in a 35-17 loss to North Carolina State in the Independence Bowl.

Quarterback Kyle Shurmur struggled with his accuracy and spent much of his time in the pocket dodging blitzers in defeat. The sophomore started the game by completing only three of his first 14 passes and threw three interceptions, including a pick-six to end the game. All-SEC tailback Ralph Webb was often the team’s only offensive threat; he finished the bowl with 111 rushing yards and a…