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Outback Bowl Capsule

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 1, 2008

No. 18 WISCONSIN (9-3) VS. No. 16 TENNESSEE (9-4)

KICKOFF: 11 a.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa TV/RADIO: ESPN/WHBO, 1470 AM THE LINE: Tennessee by 11/2.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Tennessee — The Vols are down two starters in their front seven on defense (LB Rico McCoy and DL Demonte Bolden) because of academic issues, and another (LB Ryan Karl; elbow) has some health concerns. That's not good news against a Wisconsin team that loves to run the ball and is welcoming the return of its leading rusher (RB P.J. Hill).

Wisconsin — Junior TE Travis Beckum is a big-time playmaker and the most prolific at the position in Badgers program history. The consensus All-Big Ten pick led the nation's tight ends in receiving yards (960) and was second in receptions (73), while his six touchdown grabs also were a team-best.

KEY STAT

Tennessee — During David Cutcliffe's two stints as the Vols offensive coordinator, UT is 59-3 when scoring at least 30 points. The Vols eclipsed the 30-point mark in eight games this season and posted a 7-1 mark. The Badgers' defense has allowed 30 points or more in six games this season.

Wisconsin — In their past 12 bowl appearances, the Badgers have never lost a bowl game after ending the regular season with a victory. Wisconsin defeated Minnesota, 41-34, in its regular-season finale this season.

INJURY UPDATE

Tennessee —LB Ryan Karl (elbow), OL Ramon Foster (thumb) and LB Nevin McKenzie (ankle) are probable.

Wisconsin — None reported.

AT STAKE

Tennessee — A victory today would give the Volunteers their first 10-win season (the 20th in program history) since 2004 and their first bowl victory since that season as well (Cotton Bowl), while also erasing the memory of last year's Outback Bowl loss to Penn State.

Wisconsin — A victory today not only would give the Badgers a bowl victory in the Sunshine State for the third consecutive season, but it also would give the Badgers a third consecutive season of at least 10 wins, a feat never accomplished in the program's 119-year history.

KEY MATCHUPS

When Tennessee has the ball — Senior QB Erik Ainge is one of the best passers in the SEC and he should get plenty of opportunities today to make plays, but junior RB Arian Foster also must perform well, especially considering UT will be without leading receiver Lucas Taylor. Foster had a tough go in last year's Outback Bowl with two lost fumbles, but he's used that game as motivation to turn in a career year this season with 1,162 rushing yards and 12 TDs.

When Wisconsin has the ball — Senior QB Tyler Donovan has been very effective during his first year as a starter, earning team offensive MVP honors after throwing for 2,452 yards and 16 touchdowns. But expect the Badgers to look to move the ball on the ground first. Freshman Zach Brown will get the start and Lance Smith also will figure into the backfield rotation, but 1,000-yard rusher P.J. Hill is returning from a leg injury and should get plenty of opportunities.

PREDICTION

Wisconsin, ranked No. 5 at midseason, made a good recovery by winning four of its last five games, including victories against bowl teams Indiana and Michigan. Speaking of good recoveries, the Volunteers won five straight games to win the SEC East and reach the league championship game. Tennessee lost to Penn State, 20-10, in last season's Outback Bowl, but the Vols are on the upswing after nearly taking out LSU.

Score: Tennessee 24, Wisconsin 17.

Compiled by Adam Adkins. Prediction by Joey Johnston.

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