Other than the Texas Longhorns, it's hard to think of too many football programs that had more deflating 2010 seasons than Music City Bowl participants Tennessee and North Carolina. The 6-6 Volunteers watched trollcoach leave in the middle of the night and talent sap from the depth chart, while the 7-5 Tar Heels were relieved of an assortment of talent that several NFL teams would be thrilled to claim as a draft class.
Music City Bowl, Tennessee Vs. North Carolina: Salvaging Seasons In Nashville
Quarterback play has been a bright spot for both teams. Senior Carolina QB T.J. Yates, thought to be the team's square wheel back when the Heels were being picked to win the ACC Coastal, turned in the conference's second-best passer rating to everyone's befuddlement. If not for a four-interception flashback against Virginia Tech, he would've tied for second in the nation in fewest picks.
And it took the Vols a few weeks to find their quarterback, but freshman Tyler Bray looks to be the future for Tennessee. In his last four starts, all wins in games the Vols needed to become bowl eligible, Bray piled up 1,234 yards, a pace that would've put him fourth in the nation if he could've done it for an entire year.
Granted it came against foes several notches below Tennessee’s standard competition, but it will be interesting to see what he can do against what’s left of the once-loaded UNC defense.
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Stay tuned to this StoryStream right up through game time, as we review key unit matchups, odds, bowl history and more, and connect with North Carolina fans at SB Nation's Carolina March and Tennessee fans at Rocky Top Talk. For a complete list of bowl games, browse our 2010 college football postseason schedule.