Tennessee vs. Nebraska prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the Music City Bowl matchup between the Volunteers and Cornhuskers.
Tennessee vs. Nebraska Game Preview
When: Saturday, December 30 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Tennessee is coming off a regular season that saw everything: a Hail Mary pass for the win, inexplicable losses, players leaving the program, and a lot of injuries. It all added up to a frustrating 8-4 record.
Nebraska started the season on fire, winning its first seven games before dropping three of its last five. An injury to quarterback Tommy Armstrong against Ohio State was a root of the problem, as backup Ryker Fyfe could not do anything to ignite the offense, but Armstrong returned in the season finale.
What To Know About Tennessee
It will be quarterback Joshua Dobbs’ final game in a Tennessee uniform after an illustrious career, so expect him to come out with a fire in his eyes. Still, the Volunteers are at their peak on offense when running the ball to set up the pass, and that comes down to running backs Alvin Kamara and John Kelly.
On a defense that has so many injuries, there are a couple of mainstays in defensive end Derek Barnett and cornerback Cameron Sutton. Barnett has been dominant this season, recording 12 sacks and creating nightmares for opposing quarterbacks, while Sutton has been a steady force in the secondary. Pressuring Armstrong will lead to success for the Vols.
What to Know About Nebraska
If Nebraska wants any chance in this game, it must get the running game going with Terrell Newby. The Huskers are at their best when the rushing attack sets up Armstrong at quarterback. Blocking Barnett will be a big priority for the offensive line, as he could become Armstrong’s worst nightmare.
Nebraska’s defense is back to being feisty, ranking No. 21 in the nation in total defense by allowing a mere 350.6 yards per game. Against Tennessee, the Huskers will focus on keeping Dobbs in the pocket while shutting down the rushing attack.
Advantages
Offense: Tennessee. Dobbs and Kamara are an explosive backfield..
Defense: Nebraska. Are the Black Shirts back for the Huskers?
Special Teams: Tie. Nebraska kicker Drew Brown is perfect on extra point attempts this season.
Coaching: Tie. Neither fan base has warmed up to its head coach.
Intangibles: Tennessee. Dobbs’ last game will inspire the Volunteers.
Matchup To Watch
Tennessee defense vs. Nebraska rushing attack
Shut down the Huskers rushing game and putting pressure on Armstrong would be key for the Vols..
Tennessee vs. Nebraska Betting Odds
Spread: Not available at time of publication
Over/Under: Not available at time of publication.
Tennessee vs. Nebraska Prediction
Two historical powerhouses will meet in Nashville, but only one has a chance at winning this game. For all the troubles that Tennessee has faced this season, it still has its leader at quarterback, and that is a big motivator. Tennessee will play in front of a largely orange-clad crowd and end the season with a win.
Tennessee vs. Nebraska Score Prediction: Tennessee 34, Nebraska 17
Campus Insiders Staff Picks
Brian Stultz: Tennessee
Jeff Bartl: Tennessee
Rich Cirminiello: Tennessee
Robert Judin: Nebraska
Pete Fiutak: Tennessee