Music City Bowl: Boston College vs. Vanderbilt

By JOHN GARRETT

December 31 * 3:30 PM * ESPN

The possibility of a low-scoring game looks high as these two solid defenses go head-to-head in Nashville, Tennessee with defensive stars D.J. Moore of Vanderbilt and Mark Herzlich of BC leading the way. Vanderbilt is making its first trip to a bowl in 26 years, although the trip will not be very far. The Commodores lost six of their last seven games and hope to prove that starting 5-0 wasn’t a fluke. Their offense has been the problem down the stretch, with Chris Nickson and Mackenzi Adams splitting time at the quarterback position. Vanderbilt’s defensive line, which tied for third in the SEC with 30 sacks, should also play a huge role in trying to nullify the Eagle running game, putting the pressure on freshman quarterback Dominique Davis. Boston College also has a very good defense, which ranked 6th overall, allowing just 273.4 yards per game. The Eagles will be looking to get back on track after losing the ACC championship game and the defense will hope to capitalize on the Commodores’ passing inefficiency – they ranked last in the SEC. Giving Davis time to make reads and establishing a ground game should be a priority, and should be possible with an offensive line that allowed just 16 sacks – tops in the ACC.

Inside the Numbers
Pass, Run & Catch

Boston College Eagles (9-4, 5-3)
Pass: Dominique Davis – 551 yards, 4 TDs
Run: Montel Harris – 832 yards, 5 TDs
Catch: Brandon Robinson – 39-606-3 TDs

Vanderbilt Commodores (6-6, 4-4)
Pass: Mackenzi Adams – 882 yards, 5 TDs
Run: Jared Hawkins – 580 yards, 4 TDs
Catch: Sean Walker – 34-452-3 TDs\

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Boston College)