The Volunteers clash with Illinois on Tuesday in Nashville for the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl. Here are the keys to a Tennessee Music City victory.
Tennessee (8-4, 4-4 in Southeastern Conference) takes on Illinois (8-4, 5-4 in Big Ten) on Saturday (5:30 p.m. ET) for the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tenn. The keys to a Volunteers victory are found below:
DeSean Bishop
As Tennessee’s clear RB1 this season, sophomore DeSean Bishop has played an integral role in shaping a dynamic Volunteers offense. With several 2 TD, 100+ yard outings, the second-year man finished the year ranked third in the SEC with 14 touchdowns and fifth in conference with 983 rushing yards.
As Bishop and the Vols look to close out the 2025 season with a bowl game victory, they will do so without the help of star wideout Chris Brazzell II. In his absence, the Vols will rely on Bishop to deliver multiple complete drives and scoring punches on the day.
Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop (18) scores a touchdown during a game against Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 29, 2025. (ANGELINA ALCANTAR/ News Sentinel) Putting pressure on Altmyer
Playing in his final college football game on Tuesday, Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer will attack the Volunteers defense with every fiber in his body. In his third year commanding the Fighting Illini, the fifth-year QB has posted career bests in completion percentage and total yards, behind an impressive 21 TDs and five INTs.
Tennessee’s already depleted defense will face Altmyer, without several key pieces including linebacker Arion Carter, defensive back Colton Hood and defensive lineman Joshua Josephs, all of whom declared for the NFL draft.
However, Illinois will play this game without star left tackle J.C. Davis who also opted out to prepare for the draft. With Davis out of action, the inexperienced Vols defense’s uphill battle on Tuesday is made slightly more manageable.
If Tennessee’s defense, led by interim defensive coordinator William Inge, can apply consistent pressure to Altmyer forcing incompletions and turnovers, the Vols will have a much greater shot at winning the Music City Bowl.
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (KAYLA WOLF/Imagn Images) Pass Protection
Tennessee’s offensive line has to be sharp against Illinois in this Music City Bowl clash. In their last outing, against the Vanderbilt Commodores, the Vols offensive front gave up four sacks on quarterback Joey Aguilar.
The tale of the tape is that when the line fails to protect Aguilar, the Vols chances of winning are significantly lessened.
Squaring off with an Illinois front that has registered 25 sacks this season, the Tennessee line will be in for a challenge similar to the many that they faced in the regular season, against several talented SEC defenses.
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) huddles with the offensive line during game against Florida on November 22, 2025, in Gainesville, Florida. (SAUL YOUNG/News Sentinel)