Volunteers to Face Penn State in Outback Bowl

Tampa, FL – The University of Tennessee accepted an invitation today to play in the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day in Tampa, Florida. The No. 16 Volunteers will face Penn State University for the first time since 1994.

“We are thrilled to have Coach Fulmer and the Volunteers as the SEC representative in our game,” stated Jim McVay, Outback Bowl President /CEO. “This is going to be an outstanding match-up with two terrific teams, some of the top players in the country, and two of the most successful coaches in the game.”

“This is a great match-up,” noted bowl Outback Bowl Chairman Steve Schember. “The fans are going to love seeing these two fantastic teams square-off while having a wonderful time in the Tampa, St Petersburg/Clearwater area.”

"Tennessee is a great opponent for us. They have a great football tradition and a very good team again this year. They played well in a tough league. It's going to be a challenging game for us,” noted Penn State Coach Joe Paterno.

This will be Tennessee’s second appearance in the bowl game where they defeated Boston College 38-23 in the January 1993 game. That game was Coach Phillip Fulmers first as head coach of the Volunteers.

The Outback Bowl is celebrating its 21st year and will kickoff at 11 A.M. (ET) on January 1st in Raymond James Stadium. The game is telecast internationally on ESPN TV. Tickets to the Outback Bowl are $60 each and are available at Ticketmaster outlets throughout Florida, via phone at (813) 287-8844 and online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are also be available through the Tennessee ticket office www.utsports.com and the Penn State ticket office by going to GoPSUsports.com. Information on the Outback Bowl game, bowl events, area hotels and the Tampa, St Petersburg, Clearwater area can be found on the bowl's web site at www.outbackbowl.com.

See Tennessee Notes .