Tennessee’s Football Record Against the Current Big Ten Teams
The University of Tennessee Volunteers, one of the most storied football programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), have a rich history of success in college football. The Big Ten Conference, one of the other “Power Five” conferences in college football, boasts programs like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State that have consistently been contenders at the national level. The Volunteers and the Big Ten teams, although from different conferences, have crossed paths in various high-stakes games throughout the years. This article will explore Tennessee’s football record against the current members of the Big Ten, examining the rivalry, notable matchups, and the overall history of their contests.
The Big Ten and Tennessee: A Snapshot
Before delving into the specifics of Tennessee’s record against Big Ten teams, it’s essential to understand the composition of the Big Ten. The conference, founded in 1896, is currently made up of 14 schools:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Michigan State
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Northwestern
- Ohio State
- Penn State
- Purdue
- Rutgers
- Wisconsin
Tennessee, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, plays in the SEC, one of the most competitive conferences in college football. The Vols’ rivalry with Big Ten teams isn’t as prominent as their intra-conference games, but their encounters have been significant in college football history, especially in bowl games and occasionally in non-conference matchups.
Tennessee’s Record Against Big Ten Teams
As of the 2023 football season, Tennessee has faced several current Big Ten teams in a variety of settings. Here’s a breakdown of Tennessee’s all-time record against each member of the Big Ten:
1. Illinois
Tennessee and Illinois have met only twice in their history, both times in bowl games. In 1924, the Volunteers defeated the Illini in the Rose Bowl, marking Tennessee’s first-ever bowl win. In a more recent matchup, the teams played in the 2005 Citrus Bowl, where Illinois defeated Tennessee in a close 38-30 victory. Overall, Tennessee holds a 1-1 record against Illinois.
2. Indiana
Indiana and Tennessee have played each other only once, during the 1980 Sugar Bowl. Tennessee came out victorious in this contest, winning 28-0. Therefore, Tennessee leads the all-time series 1-0.
3. Iowa
Tennessee and Iowa have met three times in history. The most famous of these matchups took place in the 1982 Peach Bowl, where Iowa narrowly defeated the Volunteers, 28-22. Iowa also won in the 1944 Rose Bowl. Tennessee’s lone victory against Iowa came in a 10-6 win in 1983. Overall, Tennessee trails 1-2 in the series.
4. Maryland
Tennessee and Maryland played once in the 1951 Sugar Bowl, with Tennessee emerging victorious in a 28-13 win. The Vols hold a perfect 1-0 record against Maryland.
5. Michigan
The Vols have faced Michigan three times, with each encounter being highly competitive. The most famous of these matchups came in the 2002 Citrus Bowl, where Tennessee lost to Michigan 10-7. Tennessee’s lone win against Michigan came in the 1939 Rose Bowl with a 14-13 victory. The series is tied at 1-1-1.
6. Michigan State
Tennessee and Michigan State have clashed several times, most notably in bowl games. The most recent meeting came in the 2003 Citrus Bowl, where Tennessee defeated Michigan State 10-6. The Vols lead the all-time series 4-1.
7. Minnesota
Tennessee and Minnesota have faced off twice, once in the 1939 Sugar Bowl, which Tennessee won 14-13, and then in the 2004 Music City Bowl, where Tennessee also emerged victorious, 29-17. The Vols have a perfect 2-0 record against Minnesota.
8. Nebraska
Tennessee and Nebraska have met four times, with the most notable matchups occurring in the 1982 and 1983 seasons. Nebraska won both games, including a dramatic 42-17 victory in the 1999 Fiesta Bowl. The Vols have never defeated Nebraska, and the Cornhuskers lead the series 0-4.
9. Northwestern
Tennessee and Northwestern have met just once, in the 1997 Citrus Bowl, with Tennessee winning a close 48-28 contest. Tennessee holds a 1-0 advantage over Northwestern.
10. Ohio State
Ohio State and Tennessee have faced off on four occasions. The first came in the 1939 Sugar Bowl, where Ohio State defeated Tennessee. The Vols lost again to Ohio State in the 1985 Sugar Bowl, but they managed to defeat the Buckeyes in the 1995 Citrus Bowl, 20-14. The series is currently tied at 2-2.
11. Penn State
Tennessee and Penn State have met three times in their history, with the most memorable matchups occurring in the 1992 and 2004 Citrus Bowls, both of which resulted in victories for Tennessee. The Vols lead the all-time series 3-0.
12. Purdue
Tennessee and Purdue have met twice, with both encounters happening in bowl games. In the 1979 Peach Bowl, Purdue defeated Tennessee 42-14. However, Tennessee got their revenge in the 2005 Citrus Bowl, winning 38-7. The series is split 1-1.
13. Rutgers
Rutgers and Tennessee have never met in football, leaving the series tied at 0-0.
14. Wisconsin
The Vols and Wisconsin have met once in the 1999 Citrus Bowl, where Tennessee triumphed 23-21. Tennessee holds a 1-0 record against Wisconsin.
Notable Games and Rivalries
While Tennessee has faced most Big Ten teams only occasionally, there have been some notable moments in these encounters. For example, the rivalry with Michigan remains one of the most well-known, due to the history of the matchups in bowl games. Similarly, the games against Ohio State, especially in the 1990s, were highly competitive and showcased Tennessee’s resilience on the national stage.
In recent years, Tennessee has played more games against Big Ten opponents as part of the changing landscape of college football scheduling. The Vols’ matchups in bowl games and the occasional non-conference contests against Big Ten teams have provided college football fans with exciting matchups.
