The Tennessee vs. Illinois matchup on Tuesday afternoon will be a clash between the SEC and Big Ten in the Music City Bowl. With the Vols laying 3.5 points and the total sitting at 61.5, what’s the smart play from Nissan Stadium today at 5:30 p.m. ET?
Tennessee vs. Illinois Game Information
- 📅 Date: Tuesday, December 30, 2025
- 🕠 Kickoff: 5:30 PM ET on ESPN
- 📍 Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN (home-field feel for Tennessee)
Tennessee vs. Illinois Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | ML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | -3.5 | 61.5 | -158 |
| Illinois | +3.5 | 61.5 | +140 |
Who Is The Public Betting
| Team | % of Bets | Open | Current |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 74% | -7.5 | -3.5 |
| Illinois | 26% | -7 | +3.5 |
Numbers update frequently — check the latest splits on our college football public betting chart before placing any bets.
Team Snapshot & Season Recap
Tennessee Volunteers (8-4, SEC)
The Volunteers boast one of the most explosive offenses in the country in 2025, consistently putting up big numbers despite some tough losses to ranked opponents. Tennessee’s balanced attack — led by QB Joey Aguilar — ranks among the FBS leaders in total offense and scoring this season.
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Quarterback: Joey Aguilar — 3,444 passing yards, 24 TDs, 10 INTs; efficient and poised in the SEC’s up-tempo system.
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Running Back: DeSean Bishop — Just shy of 1,000 rushing yards (983) with a team-leading 14 rushing TDs — a true dual-threat component.
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Top Receiver: Chris Brazzell II — SEC First-Team performer with 1,017 yards and 9 TDs, one of Tennessee’s best receiving seasons in years.
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Offensive Identity: Tennessee averages 482 total yards/game and 40.8 points/game, ranking in the top tier of FBS offenses.
Defensively, the Volunteers have struggled at times — particularly against the pass — but make up for it with high-impact plays, including a nation-leading number of defensive touchdowns and fumble recoveries.
Illinois Fighting Illini (8-4, Big Ten)
Illinois comes in as a balanced and efficient team that leaned on its passing game all season. The Fighting Illini have a solid defensive framework but will miss some key players from earlier in the year.
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Quarterback: Luke Altmyer — Senior signal-caller with 2,800+ yards, 21 TDs, and a strong completion rate — and he’s confirmed he’ll play in this bowl.
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Top Receiver: Hank Beatty — Illinois’ #1 pass catcher with 826 receiving yards.
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Offensive Line: A notable loss up front with All-Big Ten J.C. Davis opting out, which could affect Illinois’ ability to run and protect.
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Team Strengths: Illinois’ defense was strong against the run and reliable in the red zone, and the team finished the regular season on a high note with a win over Northwestern.
Illinois’ offense lands near the FBS median in yardage and scoring, while its defense sits middle-of-the-pack — capable of keeping it competitive in a high-tempo shootout.
Matchups to Watch
🔶 Vols Offense vs. Illini Defense
Tennessee’s explosive aerial attack will challenge an Illinois defense that has been solid but not elite. Aguilar’s chemistry with Brazzell — one of the SEC’s best receivers — presents matchup problems across the field.
🔷 Illinois Passing Game vs. Tennessee Secondary
Altmyer’s efficiency — and his decision to play — gives the Illini a chance to stay competitive through the air, especially if Tennessee’s secondary continues to be a weak point.
⚔️ Turnovers & Field Position
Tennessee’s knack for forcing turnovers and scoring defense has been a difference-maker this season. If they can flip possession and create short fields, it could tilt momentum.
Key Stats at a Glance
Tennessee Volunteers
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Offense: ~482 YPG (top 10 in FBS) | 40.8 PPG
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Defense: ~395.5 YPG allowed
Illinois Fighting Illini
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Offense: ~370.3 YPG | 29.3 PPG
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Defense: ~350.7 YPG allowed
The projected total for this bowl sits around 61.5 points, signaling expectations for a relatively high-scoring outing.
Tennessee vs. Illinois Prediction
This matchup shapes up as a classic offense vs. offense contest. Tennessee’s firepower and depth give them a notable edge, especially with Aguilar–Brazzell leading a prolific passing attack. Illinois’ Altmyer is efficient and experienced, but the Fighting Illini may struggle to keep pace late if Tennessee builds momentum early.
💥 Prediction: Tennessee 38 — Illinois 31 (take the over 61.5)
Expect a fast pace, some big plays downfield, and late-game drama — but ultimately the Volunteers pull away with a big score from Aguilar and key defensive turnovers.
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