Tennessee and Illinois will meet up for the first time ever on Tuesday evening at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The Vols come into the Music City Bowl at 8-4, and so do the Fight Illini. Neither team is ranked, but both teams have an experienced quarterback, likely making their final appearance in college in the Music City Bowl.
Tennessee will be missing some familiar faces due to opt-outs, but the core of this young roster will be competing on Tuesday evening. Illinois will be missing its left tackle, J.C. Davis, and their best pass rusher, Gabe Jacas. This is an advantage for the Vols, as Illinois' pass rush and pass blocking has been mediocre this year.