NFL Show
The Vanderbilt Commodores take on the NC State Wolfpack on Saturday night in a non-conference showdown from the United Center in Chicago. With the non-conference slate winding down for both teams, grabbing a win against a Power 5 opponent is top of mind for both teams heading into this one. The Commodores are coming off of a dreadful loss the last time out, while the Wolfpack are only .500 over their last our games, though they at least have a win their last time out. The last time these two teams met, the Wolfpack were able to come away with a double-digit win. With that one happening all the way back in 2018 though, it'll be interesting to see how much different this rematch looks.
The Commodores have some nice wins on the season but their lack of consistency is starting to become a problem for this group. Last time out, the Commodores weren't able to take down Grambling State, which remains a baffling loss, as does their loss to Southern Miss earlier this season. Wins against Temple and Pitt are nice but certainly don't move the needle as much as a win over the Wolfpack would. At .500 on the season, the Commodores need to grab a win in this one, which might be their last true test before SEC play starts. With a 2-2 record away from home, as well as the United Center not necessarily being a hot spot for NC State fans, the atmosphere on Saturday shouldn't be too daunting for the Commodores either.
Vanderbilt isn't completely in the clear when it comes to the injury report, which might not bode well for taking on the Commodores. Jordan Wright (hip) is questionable for this weekend& #39;s tilt and as one of the best guards on the team, his experience and scoring would definitely be missed in this one.
?? wheels up for Chicago. pic.twitter.com/IHXEPvBVxf
— Vanderbilt Men's Basketball (@VandyMBB) December 16, 2022
Vanderbilt's offense has been a work in progress this season and there's no better time than Saturday for them to come away with the win. NC State has an elite offense and the Commodores certainly could struggle to keep pace. Even without Wright potentially, the Commodores have three other double-digit scorers, focused on the frontcourt. Liam Robbins (12.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg) has been rock solid this season and if he can control the paint and get the Wolfpack in foul trouble, it could do wonders in this one. Their poor free-throw shooting has hurt them this season as well, though the hope is that it doesn't come back to haunt them in this one.