Jay Greeson and Chris Lee preview the Music City Bowl between Tennessee and Illinois. Topics include:

• The Vols' 8-4 record was a disappointment, but they’ll be playing in Nashville and, perhaps, with a wish to bury a regular-season-ending loss to Vanderbilt and make better memories going into the offseason.

• Illinois went 8-4 against a tough schedule, and Bret Bielema had the Fighting Illini ready to play last year, when Illinois upset red-hot South Carolina in a bowl game.

• Key players out for Tennessee include wide receiver Chris Brazzell II, cornerback Jermod McCoy (potential first-rounder who didn’t play this season), Boo Carter (Carter was kicked off the team before the end of the regular season), linebacker Arion Carter, running back Peyton Lewis and backup quarterback Jake Merklinger. Safety Colton Hood (potential high NFL Draft pick) has not opted out as of the date of this video, but could.

• Key players out for Illinois include linebacker Gabe Jacas (its best pass rusher), All-Big Ten left tackle J.C. Davis and starting safety Matthew Bailey.

• Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar is trying to find eligibility to play in 2026, so he looks motivated to play here. He’ll still have a pair of outstanding receivers in Braylon Staley and Mike Matthews available.

• The Vols' defense wasn’t good on the whole, but it did find a pass rush in several games as well as the ability to put points on the board with defensive scores.

• The Fighting Illini will put their faith in veteran quarterback Luke Altmeyer, who completed 68% of his passes and was picked just six times.

• Illinois was good against the pass in the regular season on the whole, allowing just 5.9 yards on pass plays after adjusting for sacks.

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