UT coach Josh Heupel fist-bumps a supporter prior to a game last month. Photo: Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images
The Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl pits the home-state Tennessee Volunteers against the Illinois Fighting Illini on Dec. 30 at Nissan Stadium.
Between the lines: After a somewhat disappointing regular season, the Volunteers (8-4) will look to end the season on a high note in front of what figures to be a partisan crowd.
Tennessee opens as a 6.5-point favorite, according to FanDuel.
By the numbers: The Music City Bowl has served as an economic boost to Nashville during what historically was a tourism lull.
Over its 27 years, the game has welcomed nearly 1.5 million fans and generated almost $450 million in economic impact, according to the Music City Bowl website.
