The Outback bowl is back and it turns 30 this year, by celebrating we have Northwestern playing Tennessee in their second ever matchup (the last time was the 1997 Citrus Bowl).
By: Matt and Mike Vahey
This is Northwestern’s first bowl game in 3 seasons, missing out the last two seasons. They look to ride their gritty approach to cap off what’s been a season of late game thrills. The Wildcats come in riding a strong defense led by All-American Sophomore Anthony Walker (along with some standout seniors we’ll get to in a moment), but will need better production from their offense to get a win to close the season.
The Vols are coming in riding a 5 game win streak and look to continue their ways for the Outback bowl. Of their 4 losses, 3 could have gone their way. This is a team on the verge of becoming a top SEC team once again, and a win will give them momentum going into 2016.
Whoever wins, we all win as the Outback Steakhouse is giving away either Coconut Shrimp or Bloomin’ Onions depending on the winner. That said, let’s check out this game’s top prospects:
Northwestern
Dean Lowry, #94, DE, SR
Finished off a solid career at Northwestern with Second-Team All-Big Ten honors for his work this season. Lowry has never been a sack machine, but he’s a consistent performer who plays with a high motor and grinder mentality. While he plays fast, he is not exceptionally explosive and wins with a powerful punch, leverage, and body lean to knock lineman on their heels. Will need to refine pass rush moves as his lack of ideal get-off at the snap will expose him at the next level. A great game could solidify him getting picked up in the draft.
Dan Vitale, #40, TE/FB, SR
Another Second-Team All-Big Ten honoree for Northwestern. He led the team in Receptions (33), Receiving Yards (355) and Receiving Touchdowns (4) in what was a run heavy offense. Vitale is a bit of a hard study, as he doesn’t have a “true” position on the Northwestern offense as he’s titled a “Superback”. What he is, however, is a player who does a lot for his team. He lines up in a multitude of positions and could be utilized as an H-Back at the next level, a guy teams look to as a chain-mover.
Deonte Gibson, #13, DE, RSR
Third-Team All-Big Ten player as a Redshirt Senior, leading the team in sacks (9) and finishing third on the team in TFL (12.5). He’s been a productive player for his career, however this season was his breakout season for a stout Northwestern defense. He’s a bit undersized, but has a good frame and hustles to the ball. Doesn’t excel at any one thing, but he’s a microcosm of the entire Northwestern team: gritty and tough.
Extra Note:
Nick VanHoose, #23, CB, RSR
While he will miss the bowl game, we felt it was necessary to mention VanHoose. Had his best season as a senior for Northwestern, capping it off with Second Team All-Big Ten honors and even Honorable Mention All-American honors from Sports Illustrated. VanHoose is the Wildcats lock down corner, with 15 passes defended and 3 interceptions on the year (one resulting in a touchdown). Has great instincts and toughness with a play speed that is much better than what he will time at.
Others to watch:
Christian Jones, #14, WR, RSr
Drew Smith, #55, OLB, RSr
Tennessee
Brian Randolph, #37, Safety
The senior leader in the Tennessee secondary put together a strong senior year. What stands out on film is his overall athleticism with good fluidity in his hips and has great body control. Is a very consistent tackler and has a knack for avoiding blockers and will make open field tackles with ease. Put on some weight in the off-season going from 185 pounds to 200 plus in the off-season. Has good ball skills and can be seen making big plays when they need him. Likely to be between a 4th to 5th round pick.
Von Pearson, #9, WR
A former JUCO transfer, has been the most consistent receiver for the Volunteers over the past two seasons with the team, leading the team in receptions as a senior. Pearson has good speed, and has shown the ability to separate from defenders. Will need to work on his route running and improve his route tree, but has good hands and can make plays on the ball when it is in the air.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Junior), #21, LB
A junior who has officially submitted his draft paper work to see where he stands in the eyes of the NFL. This will be a good opportunity for him to shine. He is a very consistent player who shows a high football IQ and can really diagnose a play and then get to the ball. Racked up 99 tackles these season and really showed that he can also play behind the line of scrimmage leading the team in TFLs (13) and was second in sacks (5). Not only is he a playmaker on the field but is the clear leader of defense. He is not the biggest, at 6’1” and 225 pounds and that will be his biggest flaw. Depending on the outcome of the paper work, he is a great talent that will be playing on Sundays.
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