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.
3 bold predictions for Tennessee vs Illinois 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.
Overall, this game should be a fun bowl game to watch. Most of each roster is still playing, and Joey Aguilar and Luke Altmyer will both look to cap off their careers with a win.
Tennessee vs Illinois Odds
Odds courtesy of Fanduel Sportsbook
Spread: Tennessee -3.5
Total: 61.5
Moneyline: Tennessee -154 | Illinois +130
Music City Bowl Prediction
Another reason this is such a great bowl game matchup is the contrast in styles. Tennessee wants to play fast, spread the ball around, lean on RPOs, and create explosive plays, while Illinois prefers to slow things down, control the clock, play smash-mouth football, and rely on its physical defense.
The most significant advantage in this game is that Tennessee still has its entire offensive line. Illinois averages only two sacks per game, and missing Jacas is a significant loss for the Fighting Illini. Tennessee's offensive line is young, but the continuity they have built all season should pay dividends. DeSean Bishop might have some trouble getting going versus the tough Illinois front, but Aguilar shouldn't have much trouble having time in the pocket.
Overall, I think it comes down to the fact that Tennessee has too many athletes for Illinois to handle. It should be a back and fouth contest, but I don't think Illinois will be bale to keep up with the Vols offensively. The game looks like it will be a track meet, and that favors the Vols.
Final score prediction: Tennessee wins 38-31