Tennessee Volunteers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Preview

by Manny
(NC )

2010 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

Tennessee Volunteers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels

North Carolina was a team with high expectations heading into this year. They were projected to have a stingy defense. Instead they were middle of the pack and played to a 4-4 record in the weakened ACC. Suspensions took their toll on the Tar Heels. They finished at 7-5, an impressive mark when considering the missing parts they played with this year. The biggest missing piece: defensive tackle Marvin Austin. Austin was projected to be a possible first-round pick in the next draft. He was kicked off the team in October for breaking team rules.

Tennessee’s season wasn’t as controversial, but it was up and down. The Vols lost four in a row at one point, then quickly went on a four-game winning streak to end the season and make a bowl game. Tennessee struggled to find a running game this year. Luckily they discovered freshman quarterback Tyler Bray, a promising young passer. He is protected by a young offensive line that struggled at times this year. That combined with North Carolina’s reputable but lessened defensive line could be the downfall of the Vols.

Prediction: North Carolina over Tennessee

For a "better" prediction, visit SEC Bowl Previews.