Hyundai Sun Bowl Highlights and More As NC State Dominates

A Chamber of Commerce day for El Paso's Chamber of Commerce event, the 84th edition of the Hyundai Sun Bowl. This is why you have a bowl game in the desert in December, right?

It was like Chuck DeBroder, Doppler Dave, and Sandra Diaz all got together and made a wish around the radar.

NC State was missing one of its leading lights. Defensive end Bradley Chubb, as expected, would not play.

Possibly the third overall pick of the NFL draft, Chubb was there to support his team and get a little work in, but wasn’t about to get in there and mess with a future contract that may well have eight numbers on it.

It didn't phase his team in the least, as NC State dominated time of possession and in the trenches and on the scoreboard, 52-31.

After the game, outgoing ASU head coach Todd Graham admitted what everybody knew — the distractions were…distracting.

As for Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren; whether or not Bradley Chubb played, there was plenty for his program to play for. Not many Wolfpack teams have made been able to count to nine at the end of the season. This team can: 9-4, and the stats all count.

Nyheim Hines was named the C.M. Hendricks MVP, but for my money, that should’ve gone to quarterback Ryan Finley who was a masterful 24-of-29 for 318 yards and a touchdown, no turnovers. Finley came up with huge third down throws to keep drives alive.

The Pack was 10-of-15 on third down conversions.

Doeren will have to replace a whole bunch of seniors, but if NC State can keep the momentum in what is arguably now the toughest division in college football, the ACC Atlantic, there’s no telling where they can go next.

A great performance to put a wrap on 2017.