IlliniHQ 2
General Category => Halas Hall Football Forum => Topic started by: ThePAMan on December 29, 2025, 03:08:32 PM
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Same as it ever was....
Illinois (8-4, 5-4 Big Ten) vs. Tennessee (8-4, 4-4 SEC)
Date/Time Tuesday, Dec. 30 | 4:30 p.m. CT
Location Nashville, Tennessee (Nissan Stadium)
Bowl Central FightingIllini.com/2025MusicCityBowl
TV ESPN
Radio Busey Bank Illini Sports Network | SiriusXM (84/SXM App) | ESPN Radio
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Illinois football is ready for its 13th opportunity of the season, facing off against the Tennessee Volunteers for the first time in program history at the 2025 Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl.
The game will kick off on December 30 at 4:30 p.m. CT inside Nissan Stadium. Here are a few storylines to watch ahead of Tuesday evening's faceoff between Illinois (8-4, 5-4 Big Ten) and Tennessee (8-4, 4-4 SEC).
Bowl Lights are Bright in Music City
The Illini are attending the Music City Bowl for the first time in program history, while 2025 represents the Volunteers' fourth time attending the bowl.
A win would give Illinois its most victories in two seasons in program history (19) and 9+ wins in back-to-back seasons, also for the first time in program history. [SAD!]
Head coach Bret Bielema has set a high standard for the Illini, tallying the most wins in his first five seasons of any Illinois head coach (36), and leading the squad to bowl eligibility three times in four years, which last occurred in 1991-94. Bielema is looking to become the first head coach in Illinois history to lead the team to bowl wins in back-to-back seasons. [PATHETIC!]
Altmyer Looks to Finish Illinois Career Strong
Senior Luke Altmyer will lead the Fighting Illini into battle one last time, after a storied career in Champaign. Altmyer finished the 2025 regular season ranked among the top quarterbacks in the nation in nearly every statistical category; including completion percentage (18th, .681), passing efficiency (20th, 157.06), touchdown passes (29th, 21), and passing yards (33rd, 2811).
With a triumph, Altmyer would join Nathan Scheelhaase as just the second Illini quarterback to earn multiple bowl wins and enter into a tie with Jack Trudeau (23) for the second-most victories by a starting quarterback in Illinois history, behind only Kurt Kittner (24).
Opponent Scout: Tennessee Offense
The Volunteers own the 7th-best scoring offense in the nation (40.8 points / game), led by quarterback Joey Aguilar, who averaged 287 passing yards per game, ranking sixth in the country, and totaled 3,444 yards in the air, good for 7th in the nation. 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year Braylon Staley was one of Aguilar's top targets, earning 806 yards on 64 receptions, including 6 touchdowns. [OH OH]
Running back DeSean Bishop has also fueled the Volunteers offensively, one of just 29 players in the country to score 14 or more total touchdowns this season. Bishop is just 17 yards shy of 1,000 for the season.
Tennessee has been aggressive on third and fourth down, with a .510 third down conversion percentage, and an even higher .733 conversion percentage on fourth down, the seventh-highest in the country.
Opponent Scout: Tennessee Defense
Tennessee ranks second in the country with six defensive touchdowns, the program's most since 1996, and is tied for sixth in the nation with ten fumble recoveries. Seven Volunteers have recorded multiple sacks, led by sixth-year pass rusher Dominic Bailey, who tallied 5.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss.
How to Follow
Illinois and Tennessee will square off on Dec. 30 at 4:30 p.m. CT on ESPN. Tom Hart (play-by-play), Jordan Rodgers (analyst), and Cole Cubelic (reporter) will have the call on ESPN.
The Busey Bank Illini Sports Network has the radio call with Brian Barnhart (play-by-play), Carey Davis (analyst), and Michael Martin (sideline).
For more information about Illinois' trip to the 2025 Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl, visit FightingIllini.com/2025MusicCityBowl.
And now, the all important betting lines from Brent and Jimmy at VSiN!
(https://i.postimg.cc/SYcsFzjC/Greek.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SYcsFzjC)
Brent: Jimmy, one last game for the Illini!
Jimmy: That's right, Brent. Tennessee started at 6.5 favs. Now down to 3 or 3.5! The sharps like Illinois!
Brent: What about the moneyline?
Jimmy: Started Tennessee -225, Illinois +185. Now at Tennessee -166 to -145 and the Illini +140 to +125. The action is on the Illini. Do these people ever learn?
Brent: How about the over/under. You have killed it on the Illinois over/unders this year.
Jimmy: Despite the movements in the lines, this has stayed steady. Started 61.5. Can find 62.5 at some books.
Brent: Jimmy, what is your call?
Jimmy: Tennessee is 5-7 against the spread and 8-4 over/under. Illinois is 7-4-1 ATS and 5-7 over/under. Tennessee to cover. Their backups are better than the Illini starters and backups! Take the over as well.
And now, the weather! Over to Mr. Roberts!
(https://i.postimg.cc/BL6YVxYv/Mr-Roberts.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BL6YVxYv)
Mr. Roberts: First, a word from our sponsor....Murdock's Place in Loda, Illinois! Murdock's is still accepting reservations for New Year’s Eve! Dinner will begin at 3 PM with the specials listed below. If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation, feel free to give Murdock's Place a call at 217-386-9505. Murdock's Place. Where everyone is welcome! Conveniently located off of I-57 in Loda, Illinois, 107 North Oak Street. Take the I-57 detour to Murdock's Place! You can even have a smoke on our patio, because we live in the land of the free due to the brave!
(https://i.postimg.cc/LnzTvC93/Menu.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LnzTvC93)
Mr. Roberts: The game is in Nashville!
The high at 4pm will be 36° RealFeel® 31°
Mostly sunny
RealFeel Shade™ 31°
Wind W 8 mph
Max UV Index 0.7 (Low)
Wind Gusts 15 mph
4TH QUARTER it will be 30°
RealFeel® 25°
rain drop 0%
Mostly clear
Wind WSW 7 mph
Wind Gusts 9 mph
The average is 50°! Last Year it was 63°!
Probability of Precipitation 0%
Probability of Thunderstorms 0%
Precipitation 0.00 in
Sun Rise 6:58 AM
Set 4:42 PM
Moon - Waxing Gibbous!
Rise 1:01 PM
Set 4:02 AM
And now a final word from our sponsor, Murdock's Place in beautiful Loda, Illinois! Murdock's Place now serves Yuengling as well as Busch Lite! Come in during the Illini game for our Tuesday specials!
(https://i.postimg.cc/grr8BYdz/491112387-2808230266232034-3907308485792831471-n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/grr8BYdz)
Wash your taco tots down with an ice cold Busch Lite at Murdock's Place, conveniently located off of I-57 in Loda, Illinois, at 107 North Oak Street! We have plenty of free parking!
That's it for me, Mr. Roberts! Go Illini!
Wow. Mr. Roberts now has a sponsor. Go Illini.
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Thanx for the preview.
Now for the opt outs.
I L L .......
(https://i.ibb.co/21N6dNyY/Screenshot-20251229-161414-Chrome.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ks1yX1x6)
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Same as it ever was....
And now, the all important betting lines from Brent and Jimmy at VSiN!
(https://i.postimg.cc/SYcsFzjC/Greek.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SYcsFzjC)
And now, the weather! Over to Mr. Roberts!
(https://i.postimg.cc/BL6YVxYv/Mr-Roberts.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BL6YVxYv)
Wow. Mr. Roberts now has a sponsor. Go Illini.
Going to miss these nuggets in the off season. Have had a few Busch lights at good old Murdock’s, used to play golf at Lakeview Country Club at the lakes sometimes. They had a sign on the door during Covid that anyone wearing a mask would be asked to leave. 😂
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Thanx for the preview.
Now for the opt outs.
I L L .......
(https://i.ibb.co/21N6dNyY/Screenshot-20251229-161414-Chrome.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ks1yX1x6)
I’m sure they’re gonna feel it more than we are by the looks of it but fuck we are missing so much on an already thin D.
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Still debating whether to go or not. Weather kinda sucks, I know you’re thinking ok pussy this is nothing, you’re originally from the northern part of IL, but you’d be surprised how much your body has to adjust to be able to handle the heat down here in the summer. Makes you lose your cold tolerance to the point you don’t even want to be outside when it’s less than 45-50. Especially sitting still in the wind and it has been uncharacteristically windy the last few days since this cold front came through. Flurries all day today. Kids don’t want to go. Might be a last minute decision.
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Still debating whether to go or not. Weather kinda sucks, I know you’re thinking ok pussy this is nothing, you’re originally from the northern part of IL, but you’d be surprised how much your body has to adjust to be able to handle the heat down here in the summer. Makes you lose your cold tolerance to the point you don’t even want to be outside when it’s less than 45-50. Especially sitting still in the wind and it has been uncharacteristically windy the last few days since this cold front came through. Flurries all day today. Kids don’t want to go. Might be a last minute decision.
Man up. Get your wool sox and thick soled boots out. That concrete your feet will be on for a few hours spent the night below freezing.
I L L ......
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We should have kept running the ball.
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Altmyer with a fastball td pass.
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Leaving points on the field
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Unis look dumb
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I've got 3 people telling me that was PI
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Bret had a point
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Those false starts were close to encroachment
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I’ll take 10-7 at half. Tennessee averages 40 points a game.
Refs suck. Two pass interference not called and should have been. The false starts could’ve been called encroachment.
Left two FGs on the board we should’ve had instead of going for it both times.
Announcers won’t STFU about Tennessee. Par for the course while watching an Illini game. SEC bias for sure and insufferable.
Let’s go win this damn game! ILL
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That was good
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Suprised the refs aren't going to find some way to take that away
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Let’s fucking go!!!
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Touchdown Illini!!!!
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And Tenn with the quick answer
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Man we had him stopped too. Fuck. He reached out and we couldn’t finish him.
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roughing the ump
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That's a big answer to their td.
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And then we answer right back!
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Beat this SEC scum!
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Nice dl stunt 😂
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Henry is a fucking clown. We’ve gotten pressure on this guy all game and then we turtle up and go prevent on 3rd and 15 which hasn’t worked all fucking season.
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Henry is a fucking clown. We’ve gotten pressure on this guy all game and then we turtle up and go prevent on 3rd and 15 which hasn’t worked all fucking season.
+1
Just keep scoring…
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Fuck. That’s such an Illinois thing to happen.
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WTF kind of spot was that?
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YESSS THAT'S A FIRST DOWN!!
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The belly option for a big 1st down
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Run this clock down and win this!!!!
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Good ball game. May as well win it.
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No pressure
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ILL
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Back to back over the SEC !!!!
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That's fucking game!!!
ILL!!
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INI!
That’s a big program win!
Fuck the SEC! Try to take our fucking QB, bitches!
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Yep. It's a big program win.
A road win too.
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Letting them return the kickoff for aTD was a smart move
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Letting them return the kickoff for aTD was a smart move
4D chess shit
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221 yards rushing.
417 total yards and held Tn to 278.
12 min advantage in time of possession.
Thanks Seniors, and to those moving on.
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A 13 play 5 min drive to end the game.
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Helluva two year run. Keep building!
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Awesome! Smash a guitar!
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Unis look dumb
Yeah, wasn’t a fan.
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Luke Altmeyer 😍
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Ended up going, hit the town afterwards in full Illini gear and warmed up with some whiskey, just got home and I’m starting to sober up
Fun watching Illinois beat Tenn twice in Nashville in the same month. Loved seeing all the proper shade of orange taking over downtown!
I L L
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From behind the enemy lines ...
"quarterback Joey Aguilar was crunched by the pass rush from Illinois"
From the preview ......
"Both teams will have a weakened pass rush and weakened pass coverage, so there's a prime opportunity for quarterbacks Joey Aguilar and Luke Altmyer to air it out."
The 'weakened pass rush' had 4 sacks and a strip sack td and Joey Aguilar didn't "air it out."
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2025/12/30/tennessee-illinois-score-live-updates-music-city-bowl-football/87821821007/
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https://youtu.be/XqEql11jfDw
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Ended up going, hit the town afterwards in full Illini gear and warmed up with some whiskey, just got home and I’m starting to sober up
Fun watching Illinois beat Tenn twice in Nashville in the same month. Loved seeing all the proper shade of orange taking over downtown!
I L L
How did you get home?
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How did you get home?
Always uber downtown if I’m going to drink at all. It’s usually about a 20 min drive.
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My impression; which isn't worth much, is the Vols were bigger, stronger, and faster. Our guys were smarter and more skilled. Saw somewhere that they have something like 47? 4 and 5 stars on their roster. We have maybe 7? 4 stars. Also, our big fat guy outcoached theirs.
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My impression; which isn't worth much, is the Vols were bigger, stronger, and faster. Our guys were smarter and more skilled. Saw somewhere that they have something like 47? 4 and 5 stars on their roster. We have maybe 7? 4 stars. Also, our big fat guy outcoached theirs.
Agree, but don't know about the number of 4 stars for either team tho we don't have many.
After the 4 early OL miscues it looked like everyone dialed in and we played well. We had no more penalties.
I don't think the Bemidji State LT had any of the penalties and it looked like he did a pretty solid job of filling in for JC Davis.
Henry also took the Tn deep ball away and told Tn to beat us some other way. Tn didn't come up with the some other way.
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That was a solid bowl game and well managed versus a team with more raw talent. Agree on the uniforms.
Shame Michigan and OSU blew the conference's mojo yesterday.
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My impression; which isn't worth much, is the Vols were bigger, stronger, and faster. Our guys were smarter and more skilled. Saw somewhere that they have something like 47? 4 and 5 stars on their roster. We have maybe 7? 4 stars. Also, our big fat guy outcoached theirs.
They also had a ton of opt outs. Our opt outs were possibly more critical though.