The only previous meeting between Tennessee and Northwestern came 19 years ago in the January 1, 1997 Citrus Bowl. It remains one of the best offensive performances in Tennessee bowl history, and one of the greatest passing displays in Peyton Manning's storied career. Back then Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald was Northwestern linebacker Pat Fitzgerald. And both programs were in the midst of their best run of the modern era.
The Good Year After The Great Year
In 1995 Tennessee went 11-1, ending a ten year winless streak against Alabama and finishing second in the coaches' poll.