Northwestern Wildcats vs Tennessee Volunteers Point Spread Picks

OUTBACK BOWL: Northwestern finally broke through in the 2012-13 season, their last Bowl appearance, by beating Mississippi St. 34-24. It was the first Bowl win ever for the Wildcats, although they have been good of late in covering four of their last five. You can be sure that they will be up and ready for this one as they seek a school record 11th win. The Wildcats lost just twice on the season to Iowa, and Michigan - a pair of teams that are a combined 21-4. The 10 season wins included five as a underdog, and own straight-up wins as a dog of 7, 10, and 10.5 points, so they are plenty capable - just ask Stanford and Wisconsin. Tennessee won eight games this season, and held their own to some good teams, but does not have a signature win on the season. They will be playing for the 11th time this season as a pick-em or a favorite. The schedule strength does not show a whole lot of separation, and the Volunteers out gained their opponents by 52 yards on the season, and Northwestern 23. As a result, I don't see better than a TD's worth of separation in this one, and both teams are healthy. Play on Northwestern.