The Northwestern Wildcats began their season in a big way upsetting Stanford in their first game of the year. however, back-to-back losses to Michigan and Iowa clouded the early achievements of the team. Tennessee entered the year with higher expectations and they failed to meet them after losses to Florida, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Alabama. Now, both teams aim to end on a high note as they face off in the Outback Bowl.
Northwestern's identity is in their defense. Under head coach Pat Fitzgerald, the Wildcats' defense ranked 11th in the nation while allowing 310.5 yards per game. During the season, they have held seven of their opponents to fewer than 100 yards on the ground while Matthew Harris leads the secondary that has shut down the passing game. Northwestern's defense will meet a test against the Tennessee Volunteers as they need their offense to match the success.
The Wildcats will be led by Clayton Thorson who is more of a running quarterback than throwing. He has rushed for five touchdowns while throwing for less than 100 yards in four of his games. That is because Justin Jackson has led the Big Ten with 1,344 yards this season. He has been a major reason for Northwestern's success as the one-two punch of Thorson and Jackson has been critical this year.
Tennessee continues to keep an eye on the future as they were hoping for more success this year. The Volunteers came too close on several games as they lost against Florida to a field goal and fell to Alabama on an interception. Tennessee is hopeful things can change against Northwestern as they hope to head into 2016 with more momentum.
Josh Dobbs will look to impress against Northwestern after an improved second season as the starting quarterback. Dobbs tossed 15 touchdowns this season while putting up nine more on the ground. He will be the centerpiece of the offense and the focus of Northwestern. The rushing duo of Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara will also be keys as the two averaged 223.5 rushing yards per game to rank the Vols second in the SEC.
Tennessee failed to meet expectations placed on them this season under head coach Butch Jones. However, they continue to show they are an improving team with a young group of talent ready for the future. They will aim to put that on display in the Outback Bowl as they prepare to play the Northwestern Wildcats.
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