University of Tennessee football fans may have not been exactly thrilled with the outcome of the 27th Music City Bowl, but Rutherford County fans could take solace in the fact that two local products were front and center for the Big Orange.

Tennessee entered Nashville's Holiday tradition with high hopes of ending the seaon on a positive note. After closing November with a loss to rival Vanderbilt, the Volunteers made their way to the Music City for their fourth appearance in this bowl game created back in 1998. Entering the game without several key players including former Smyrna Bulldog and second team All-SEC linebacker Arion Carter (NFL draft entrant), the Bg Orange faced the challenges that have become common-place in today's college football world. But the good news for area football fans was the fact two local high school standouts were suiting up for Tennessee.

Former Middle Tennessee Christian School offensive lineman Jesse Perry started in the trenches for the Vols. A mountainous creature standing six-foot six and weighing in at 320 pounds, Perry performed with admiration as he has all season for the Big Orange. Despite Perry's solid presence, the Vol offense sputtered at times and managed to run just 55 plays and accumulated 278 total yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, former Riverdale Warrior Caleb Herring started and played substantially for a Tennessee unit that featured a few new faces. Herring is also an imposing figure physically as he measures in at six-foot five and 245 pounds. Positioned at outside linebacker, Herring was on the field more than he wanted to be as Illinoise ran off 72 plays and rolled up 417 total yards.

Thrilling throughout, the Music City Bowl came down to the final play as the Fighting Illini made a 29 yard field goal as time expired to secure a 30-28 win in their first ever trip to Nashville. As for those Rutherford County products, Perry played substantially this season as a redshirt freshman while Herring was on the field with regularity as a junior. Yes, Vol Nation wanted another "W", but the local chapter was able to enjoy some home-grown products giving their all for Tennessee.