4. Tennessee can run against anybody
While there was a lot of talk about Northwestern’s defense, in particular against the run, Tennessee again proved that it can run against virtually anybody. The Vols already had the second best rushing total in the SEC despite taking on six of the top 50 run defenses in the nation during the regular season. Against a Northwestern defense that came into the game 13th in the nation against the run, the Vols put up big numbers – piling up 226 yards on 53 carries and an Outback Bowl-record five touchdowns on the ground.
