College Sports

Outback Bowl Matchup

Posted December 06, 2015 6:00 am

By The Associated Press

Northwestern (10-2, Big Ten) vs Tennessee (8-4, SEC), Jan. 1, Noon.

LOCATION: Tampa, Fla.

TOP PLAYERS

Northwestern: RB Justin Jackson, who leads the Big Ten in attempts (298) and ranks second in yards (1,344).

Tennessee: QB Josh Dobbs, who has accounted for 25 touchdowns (15 passing, 9 rushing, 1 receiving).

NOTABLE

Northwestern: Has five consecutive wins, with four of those decided by seven points or less. ... Averaged less than 2.0 yards a carry in consecutive losses to Michigan and Iowa in October.

Tennessee: Also has won five straight. ... Four losses have come by a combined 17 points to teams with a combined record of 39-8, including two College Football Playoff teams (Alabama, Oklahoma).

LAST TIME

Tennessee 48, Northwestern 28 (Jan. 1, 1997).

BOWL HISTORY

Northwestern: Making 12th bowl appearance and second straight in Florida. ... Last trip to the Sunshine State - the 2013 TaxSlayer Bowl - resulted in first postseason victory since 1949.

Tennessee: Earned consecutive bowl trips under same coach for the first time since 2006-07. ... Has a 16-16 record all-time in January bowls.

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