SPORTS & RECREATION

The Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl will kick-off New Year's Eve celebration on ESPN on Monday, Dec. 31 at 11:00am at LP Field in Nashville.

"We are very excited about this year’s matchup between NC State and Vanderbilt,” said Brad Lampley, Bowl chairman. “These are two talented teams, and both have had some very impressive victories this season. With such a competitive game, followed by one of America’s best New Year’s Eve celebrations, there isn’t a better place to ring in the New Year than the Music City.”

“This is our third year as the title sponsor and every time we are thrilled by the positive impact the game has on the local economy, while supporting numerous charities, as well as the recognition it brings to our company,” said Dan Crockett, president and CEO of Franklin American Mortgage Company. “We see our sponsorship as a way of saying thank you to our community, customers and business partners all across the country, while promoting the game we love. The Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl is Nashville’s Holiday Tradition and these two universities representing the ACC and SEC will once again provide a fantastic matchup.” 

North Carolina State ended the regular season with a 7-5 record and 4-4 in the conference. Senior quarterback Mike Glennon led the Wolfpack’s offensive attack, finishing first in the ACC in passing yards per game (304) and second in total offense (292 yards per game). Senior safety Earl Wolff was named to first-team All-ACC, while redshirt senior offensive lineman R.J. Mattes and junior cornerback David Amerson were both named second-team All-ACC. The Wolfpack also had two honorable mentions on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball: Glennon, senior center Camden Wentz, redshirt junior defensive end Darryl Cato-Bishop and senior safety Brandon Bishop. The Pack defense ranked third in the ACC in scoring defense (24.6 points per game), second in interceptions (16) and second in sacks with 32 total sacks. NC State is making its first appearance in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, its third straight bowl appearance, and the fourth in the last five seasons. NC State was the only ACC team to defeat conference champion Florida State this season. The Pack downed then-No. 3 FSU 17-16 in Raleigh in mid-October.

“Nashville is a unique city with a tradition all its own. The Wolfpack will enjoy becoming familiar with it and appreciate its charm,” said Deborah A. Yow, NC State Director of Athletics.

The Vanderbilt Commodores football team has sailed to an 8-4 record during the 2012 campaign, improving from last year’s record of 6-7. Anchored by cornerbacks Trey Wilson and Andre Hal, linebacker Chase Garnham and defensive tackle Rob Lohr, the Commodores defense finished the regular season ranked among the top 20 in the nation in scoring defense, total defense and pass defense. Vanderbilt’s offense, led by senior quarterback Jordan Rodgers and junior wide receiver Jordan Matthews, has been one of the Commodores' most productive in decades. Matthews found the endzone five times this year and led the SEC in receiving yards per game. The Commodores’ rushing attack ranked 53rd nationally with an average of 170.4 yards per game. In conference play, All-SEC running back and school career rushing leader Zac Stacy finished fifth in in the league with 1,034 rushing yards.

This is the second time Vanderbilt has played in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl. The Commodores are also making back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time in program history.

“We had a tremendous experience when we played in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl four years ago,” said David Williams, Vanderbilt Director of Athletics. “We are excited to accept this invitation and give the Commodore football team and our fans another opportunity at the 2012 Bowl. We are proud to represent our great conference and university in this outstanding event and once again look forward to painting downtown Nashville black and gold.”

The 2012 game will mark the seventh consecutive Bowl matchup between the ACC and SEC in Music City. Last year, Mississippi State defeated Wake Forest 23-17 in the first-ever matchup between the two teams.

“We look forward to hosting the teams, fans, coaches and administrators from North Carolina State and Vanderbilt at our 15th annual Bowl, in a matchup that hasn't occurred since 1946. We are proud of our affiliation with the ACC and SEC and hope everyone from NC State and Vandy will enjoy all that Music City has to offer over the New Year’s weekend,” said Scott Ramsey, president and CEO, Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl.

Established in 1998, the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl has transformed the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day into one of the city’s busiest times of the year for tourism. Since its inception, the Bowl has produced $207 million in direct economic impact to Nashville.