Illinois football defeats Tennessee in Music City Bowl

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Illinois (9-4, and 5-4 Big Ten) defeated No. 23 Tennessee (8-5, 4-4 SEC), 30-28, on Tuesday in the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Tennessee totaled 278 yards (121 passing, 157 rushing) and 55 plays.

Joey Aguilar completed 14-of-18 passing attempts for 121 yards. He also scored one rushing touchdown. DeSean Bishop led the Vols with 93 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.

Braylon Staley was Tennessee’s leader in receptions (four), while Mike Matthews led the Vols with 43 receiving yards.

Joakim Dodson scored a touchdown on a 94-yard kickoff return with four minutes, 58 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

Tennessee kicker Max Gilbert missed a 39-yard field goal.

Luke Altmyer completed 20-of-33 passing attempts for 196 yards and one touchdown. He also totaled 54 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.

Illinois totaled 417 yards (196 passing, 221 rushing).

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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Illinois defeats Vols in 2025 football season finale

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