Tennessee will ring in the New Year in Tampa and try to kick off in style a 2016 that has been earmarked as a huge year in coach Butch Jones' Volunteers rebuilding project.
This season was a step in the right direction, even if it didn't have the outcome that could have been had the Vols not blown early-season, fourth-quarter leads. But with a little bit of swagger following a surge toward the end of the season and a rest for an oft-injured team, the Outback Bowl finale could hold big things.
As a matter of fact, if Tennessee plays up to its potential against Northwestern, it could be just the catalyst the team needs heading into the offseason ahead of a year that will feature plenty of upperclassmen in key positions.