Tennessee is finally playing on New Year’s Day again, ending an eight-year drought. However, the No. 23 Volunteers (8-4) will have a considerable challenge on their hands when they face No. 13 Northwestern (10-2) in the Outback Bowl.
Both teams enter bowl season on five-game winning streaks, and both teams will lean heavily on dynamic running backs. Tennessee’s success against a stout Northwestern defense could be the deciding factor in the game.
Let’s take a look at some key early points in the matchup between the Vols and Wildcats: