The Outback Bowl has been one of the most exciting bowl games in recent years, and the 2015 version between Northwestern and Tennessee should be no different. The last four Outback Bowls were decided by just one score, including an overtime victory for Wisconson over Auburn last year and a thrilling triple-overtime win for Michigan State against Georgia in 2011.
- Northwestern is 1-4 SU in its last five games in January.
- The total has gone UNDER in four of Tennessee's last five games against the Big 10.
- Tennessee is 3-1 SU and ATS in its last four games in January.
The Volunteers were expected to contend for the SEC East title this year but suffered defeats at the hands of Oklahoma, Florida and Arkansas in the first half of the season before winning five straight contests to end the year on a high note. Northwestern was beginning to make some noise in the early goings of the campaign before falling off a proverbial cliff thanks to losses to Michigan and Iowa. But the Wildcats have been red-hot since, finishing with 10 wins for the first time since 1995.
Both clubs have been solid at the betting window lately, as Tennessee is 5-2 ATS in its last seven while Northwestern is 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS in its last five.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Several shops tracked by Odds Shark (including Sportsbook) set the point spread at -9 for the Tennessee Volunteers . NCAA football bettors had to wait for the Sportsbook over under value, which was not available at press time (check the live lines pages here for the latest totals updates).
Odds Shark prediction models pick the Volunteers to win this game on Friday 31-23. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NCAAF matchups here.
Northwestern Wildcats vs Tennessee Volunteers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Tennessee Volunteers sit at 8-4 (7-5 ATS) on the season; in comparison, the Northwestern Wildcats are currently 10-2 (8-4 ATS). Looking to bet on the totals? Tennessee is 6-6 OU, and Northwestern is 4-8 OU. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Tennessee vs Northwestern injuries news.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Tennessee's No. 33-ranked offense, averaging 34.33 PPG, against a Northwestern defense that ranks No. 7 this week at 16.42 PPG. The Tennessee aerial game is averaging 199 yards per game, more than the Northwestern Wildcats secondary allows through the air, 192.67 YPG per game.
In comparing defenses, the Northwestern Wildcats own the league's No. 6-rated front 7 in terms of stopping the run, allowing 102.4 yards per game when on the road. Tennessee, on the other hand, rates No. 27 this week in generating rushing yards at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
In their last game, Northwestern got a 172-yard performance from Justin Jackson as a key part of its 24-14 win over Illinois.
Jalen Hurd ran through the Vanderbilt defense for 120 yards in Tennessee's last game, handing the Commodores a 53-28 setback on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
