Bowl season has taken on an entirely new look over the past handful of years. It’s no longer a given that key players will suit up one more time and hit the field in late December or early January. Instead, several choose to preserve themselves and look ahead to the NFL Draft.
For both Tennessee and Illinois, that’s the case heading into the the Music City bowl. Tennessee will be without several key names due to both opt-outs and injuries. Illinois hasn’t been hit quite as hard, but they’ll be down
a few key contributors that will be looking ahead to starting their professional careers.
Key Tennessee opt-outs
WR Chris Brazzell
CB Jermod McCoy
CB Colton Hood
LB Arion Carter
EDGE Joshua Josephs (expected to opt-out)
RB Peyton Lewis (transfer)
Backup QB Jake Merklinger (transfer)
Tennessee injuries
OG Wendell Moe (OUT)
DL Jaxson Moi (OUT)
Obviously Brazzell and Hood are the two most impactful absences here. The Tennessee offense roared back to life this season, thanks in large part to Brazzell’s ability to win downfield. Tennessee will replace him with true freshman Radarious Jackson in the lineup, who has continued to flash late in the season. Expect Travis Smith to see some time as well.
Heupel will lean heavily on DeSean Bishop in this one and it will be interesting to see how much run Daune Morris gets. There’s a reason Peyton Lewis hit the portal, and there’s also a reason Star Thomas has seen his playing time dwindle over the last few games. I think this staff really likes Morris going forward and that may be on display on Tuesday.
A real issue for the Volunteers will be depth at cornerback with Hood out. Tennessee is already down McCoy and Rickey Gibson this season, forcing true freshman Ty Redmond into action. William Wright will likely slide into the lineup against Illinois, and it’s anyone’s guess what the depth looks like from there.
Tennessee will likely start Sham Umarov in place of Moe, which is another big loss. Jaden Perlotte emerged at linebacker in Carter’s absence and will help ease that blow in the middle of the Tennessee defense.
George MacIntyre returns home and will obviously serve as the backup quarterback with Merklinger out of the picture.
Key Illinois opt-outs
LT J.C. Davis
EDGE Gabe Jacas
Illinois injuries
DB Matthew Bailey (OUT)
Illinois doesn’t have many losses here, but the ones that they do have are significant. Davis has started 25 straight games for the Illini, shooting up NFL Draft boards during that time. The first-team All-Big-Ten performer has already turned his focus to the pros.
Standout edge rusher Gabe Jacas has as well. Another first-team All-Big-Ten performer leads the conference in sacks with 11 on the year. The 6-3, 275 pounder projects as a day two prospect this spring.
Matthew Bailey, a starter in the secondary, will miss this one with a shoulder injury. Bailey led the team with 76 tackles on the year and will decide whether or not to return or go pro over the next week or so.
Through all of this news, Tennessee remains a small favorite for Tuesday’s matchup. The Volunteers are 2.5 point favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The total sits at 61.5.
Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. ET in Nashville on December 30th.
