Outback Bowl Preview: Tennessee vs. Northwestern
Friday, Jan. 1 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
One of the nation's hottest teams will battle one of the toughest defenses in the country at the Outback Bowl.
After three devastating losses in the first five weeks of the schedule, Tennessee reeled off six wins in its final seven games, and began to look like the team many expected to make a run at the SEC East at the beginning of the season.
Northwestern boasts one of the most stifling defenses in the country, but back-to-back in-conference losses did the Wildcats in. A 10-2 record slotted Northwestern in second in the Big 10 West, its best finish since 2012.
Both teams have something to prove, as Tennessee looks to stake its claim as a contender in the SEC next season, while Northwestern looks to win when it counts, which the Wildcats failed to accomplish in their biggest games this season.
HOW THEY STACK UP:
Tennessee
Record: 8-4
College Football Playoff Ranking: No. 23
Points per game: 34.3 (32nd)
Points against per game: 21.2 (25th)
Total Offense: 422.5 yards per game (49th)
Passing Yards: 199 (92nd)
Rushing Yards: 223.5 (20th)
Total Defense: 370.4 (45th)
Passing Yards Allowed: 217.2 (59th)
Rushing Yards Allowed: 153.3 (50th)
Turnover Differential: +3 (T-45th)
Northwestern
Record: 10-2
College Football Playoff Ranking: No. 13
Points per game: 20.7 (T-112th)
Points against per game: 16.4 (7th)
Total Offense: 332.6 yards per game (114th)
Passing Yards: 139.3 (119th)
Rushing Yards: 193.3 (37th)
Total Defense: 310.5 (11th)
Passing Yards Allowed: 192.7 (25th)
Rushing Yards Allowed: 117.8 (13th)
Turnover Differential: +5 (T-33rd)
WHY TENNESSEE COULD WIN: Tennessee's run game will be the story if the Vols come away with a win. Carving the Wildcats' defense is easier said than done, but Tennessee has a lethal one-two punch between quarterback Joshua Dobbs and running back Jalen Hurd. If it weren't for Leonard Fournette and Derrick Henry running rampant on the SEC all season, Hurd would be much more recognized. The sophomore rushed for 1,115 yards and 11 touchdowns without getting a whisper of attention. Dobbs registered nine scores himself, while sophomore backup running back Alvin Kamara added 645 yards and six touchdowns to the potent Tennessee run game.
WHY NORTHWESTERN COULD WIN: Winning becomes a lot easier when your opponents can't score, and that's exactly what Northwestern does. The Wildcats will lull you to sleep with an underwhelming offensive attack, then refuse to give up an inch on the other side of the ball. The defense pitched two shutouts this season, and averaged a measly 16.4 points against per game. It might not be the most glamorous style of play, but Northwestern is a 10-win team that limited its opponents' options all season long.
IMPACT PLAYER TO WATCH: JOSHUA DOBBS, QB, TENNESSEE
If Tennessee is to pierce the armor of Northwestern's near impenetrable defense, the attack needs to be led by Dobbs.
Dobbs quietly enjoyed a strong junior season that saw him rack up 2,125 yards and 15 touchdowns to only five interceptions, while adding an extra 623 yards and nine scores on the ground.
The Volunteers pivot has a dual-threat arsenal that is well-equipped to put the Wildcats on their heels. Dobbs is most effective in space, and will need to combine his speed with ball protection in order to elude a Northwestern defense that rarely falters.