Total Yards
Illinois417
Tennessee278
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Data sourced from NCAA game stats archive (2025)
Game Center
Tennessee at Illinois
Dec 30, 2025 • Completed • Neutral Site
Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl
Season 2025PostseasonWeek 1
Away
Tennessee
SEC
Final Score
28 - 30
TI
Home
Illinois
Big Ten
Game Pulse
Immediate edge indicators from the box score.
Passing Yards
Illinois196
Tennessee121
Rushing Yards
Illinois221
Tennessee157
Turnovers
Illinois0
Tennessee1
Game Conditions
ConditionCloudy
Temperature32°F
Wind8 mph W
Humidity
47%
Precipitation
0.00 in
Advanced Box Snapshot
Excitement
6.69
Postgame Win Probability
Illinois: 67.5%
Tennessee: 32.5%
Player Game Leaders
Top individual performers and full player box data.
Full Player Box
Box Score Comparison
Illinois vs Tennessee box score comparison chart
Possession Split
Possession split chart
Illinois35:46
Tennessee24:14
Stat Dominance
Team comparison across key performance areas
Radar chart comparing team performance across key metrics
Game Story
Illinois edges Tennessee 30-28
Illinois defeated Tennessee 30-28 in Week 1 of the 2025 postseason slate, finishing with a 417-278 edge in total yards, and scoring 1 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdowns.
Illinois set the terms early in a game that finished 30-28. Joey Aguilar 7 Yd Run (Max Gilbert Kick) came with 6:16 left in the first quarter, giving Tennessee the first major swing.
Illinois's box score carried the story: 417 total yards, 221 rushing yards, and 196 passing yards. Tennessee finished with 278 total yards, including 157 on the ground and 121 through the air.
Illinois converted 6-13 on third down, went 1-3 on fourth down, the turnover count was 0-1, Illinois led 10-7 at halftime. The explosive highlight was #27 L.Osada kickoff 59 yards to the Vols06 #89 J.Dodson return 94 yards to the Illini00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 04:58 #90 M.Gilbert kick attempt good (H: #98 J.Ross, LS: #48 B.Brady).
Key Moments
Rushing Touchdown
Joey Aguilar 7 Yd Run (Max Gilbert Kick) (Tennessee led 7-0 over Illinois).
Pass Reception
Shotgun #9 L.Altmyer pass complete short middle to #0 J.Bowick caught at Vols00, for 18 yards to the Vols00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 00:36, 1ST DOWN #24 D.Olano kick attempt good (H: #40 K.Crimmins… (Illinois led 7-7 over Tennessee).
Field Goal Good
(00:25) #24 D.Olano field goal attempt from 30 yards GOOD (H: #40 K.Crimmins, LS: #44 P.Mahoney III), clock 00:21 (Illinois led 10-7 over Tennessee).
Rush
No Huddle #18 D.Bishop rush middle for 1 yard gain to the Illini00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 07:31 #90 M.Gilbert kick attempt good (H: #98 J.Ross, LS: #48 B.Brady) (Tennessee led 14-17 over Illinois).
Rushing Touchdown
Shotgun #9 L.Altmyer rush middle for 2 yards gain to the Vols00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 02:41 #24 D.Olano kick attempt good (H: #40 K.Crimmins, LS: #44 P.Mahoney III) (Illinois led 24-14 over Tennessee).
Fumble Return Touchdown
No Huddle-Shotgun #6 J.Aguilar sacked for loss of 20 yards to the Vols00 (#43 J.Barna), fumble by #6 J.Aguilar recovered by Illini #9 L.Lowery Jr. at Vols00 TOUCHDOWN, clock 11:48 #24 D.Ola… (Tennessee led 7-17 over Illinois).
Stat Callouts
Final score
30-28
Illinois defeated Tennessee.
Total yards
417-278
Illinois held the yardage advantage.
Rushing yards
221
Illinois averaged 5.7 yards per rush attempt.
Passing yards
196
Illinois averaged 5.8 yards per pass attempt.
Third downs
6-13
Illinois's conversion rate helped sustain possessions.
Opponent third downs
5-10
Tennessee's offense struggled to keep drives alive.
Turnovers
0-1
Turnover totals are listed winner first.
Analysis
Game Breakdown
| Statistic | Illinois | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 417 | 278 |
| Passing Yards | 196 | 121 |
| Rushing Yards | 221 | 157 |
| First Downs | 27 | 18 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 6-13 | 5-10 |
| Fourth Down Efficiency | 1-3 | 2-2 |
| Total Penalties (Yards) | 4-20 | 4-46 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Completions / Attempts | 20-34 | 14-18 |
| Rushing Attempts | 39 | 37 |
| Passing TDs | 1 | 0 |
| Rushing TDs | 1 | 3 |
| Kicking Points | 12 | 4 |
| Possession Time | 35:46 | 24:14 |