2015 Bowl Games: Picking all 41 college bowls and championship game against the spread

Nov 28, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Alvin Kamara (6) runs the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 53-28. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Outback Bowl
Northwestern vs. Tennessee
Tampa | Raymond James Stadium
Jan. 1, Noon on ESPN2

Nobody expected much out of Northwestern this season, and everyone expected too much out of Tennessee.

Northwestern relies solely on their defense, as their offense is severely limited. They finished the season seventh nationally in scoring defense, giving up only 16.4 points per game, but only managed to score an average of 20.7 points per game, 112th in the nation. They did pull some big upsets and spoil a few seasons along the way.

The Vols can score, but on defense they’ve been Jekyll and Hyde all season. Even from half to half in some games. Depending on which Tennessee defense shows up, we might see a low-scoring defensive game, or we might see something worse.

Line: Tennessee, -8

The Vols are still a team that has a lot to lose in this game, and they’ll be fired up. Joshua Dobbs has beaten better pass defenses than this. Take the Vols to cover.

Next: Citrus Bowl