Outback Bowl preview box

By IZZY GOULD, Times Staff Writer
Published January 1, 2008

FAST FACTS

No. 18 Wisconsin (9-4, 5-3 Big Ten)vs. No. 16 Tennessee (9-3, 6-2 SEC), 11 a.m.e_SClBThe Badgers and Volunteers meet for just the second time after last clashing in 1981 at the Garden State Bowl in East Rutherford, N.J. Tennessee won 28-21. The Vols enter today's game boasting a ton of bowl experience with this marking their 47th bowl game, which ranks second to Alabama (55). But Tennessee is just 2-7 in its past nine. Wisconsin is making its 19th bowl appearance, having won nine of its last 12. The Vols return to the Outback Bowl for the second consecutive season having lost to Penn State last year 20-10. Wisconsin hasn't played since Nov. 17 when it won at Minnesota 41-34. This has the potential to be a high-scoring afternoon with each team averaging more than 30 points per game. Tennessee is looking for its first 10-win season since 2004 while Wisconsin could get its second straight in coach Bret Bielema's first two seasons. Tennessee will have to overcome the loss of six players - including three starters (wide receiver Lucas Taylor, linebacker Rico McCoy and defensive tackle Demonte' Bolden) - who were ruled academically ineligible.

[Last modified December 31, 2007, 20:14:32]