Strip sack and score in the Music City Bowl.
NASHVILLE — The Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl was originally predicted to be a battle between two offensive juggernauts.
In reality, Illinois’ defense had one of the most highlight-worthy plays of the game early in the third quarter.
It all started with a strip sack from sophomore linebacker Joe Barna at around the Tennessee 15-yard line, which sent defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. and linebacker Leon Lowery Jr. scampering after the fumble.
After a major dogpile of Illini and Volunteers in the end zone, it would be none other than Lowery who came away with it, putting points on the board for Illinois.
Following the play, Thompson was slow to get up and had to get looked at by the Illinois training staff, but was eventually able to walk off the field under his own power.
The defensive touchdown could end up proving to be a game-changing play, as it put the Illini ahead by double-digits at the time.
Category: General Sports
