The Vols get January 1 and a Top 15 opponent in their first trip to Tampa since 2007.
The majority projection came true this time: Tennessee and Northwestern are headed to Tampa on January 1. ESPN's Brett McMurphy was the first to report.
It's a strong endorsement and opportunity for the Vols, who climbed up to #23 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25. We find Northwestern at #13 there, making the Wildcats the only ranked opponent for a SEC group of six team. In a season marked by close calls, Tennessee will get a chance for its biggest win on paper with Georgia sitting just outside the AP Top 25 and 25th in the coaches' poll.