Outback Bowl preview: Three things to know about Tennessee

A look at Northwestern's Outback Bowl opponent in all three phases.After four consecutive seven-loss seasons, Butch Jones has this program tending upward. Seemingly entrenched in mediocrity, Jones has brought energy back to Knoxville, and it starts with the success he's had in recruiting. The Volunteers reeled in two top-five classes in 2014 and 2015, the former a 35-commit class, and we've seen these recruits begin to develop with eight wins this season.

So really, how good is Tennessee?

Well, they seemingly come in hot, having won five consecutive games. But those five opponents include the absolute basement of the SEC as well as one of the worst FBS programs, combining for a 7-37 record.…