By Matt Schulz
FANSonly.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- It was supposed to be easier than this for No. 1 Tennessee.

Sure, the Volunteers won the Music City Bowl, 20-13, over 16th-seeded Michigan -- the only team in the playoffs that didn't make the cut in the final BCS standings. They also outgained them (418-127), had the ball for over 40 minutes, rushed for 269 yards to Michigan's 42.

Still, Michigan had a chance to win this game, all the way down to the final gun. How? Thanks to a defense that bent but didn't break in the second half and a gutsy late fourth-quarter drive, led by QB Tom Brady.

With Michigan down 20-6, Brady drove the team down field, mixing up short passes and runs. Then, he hit WR Tai Streets on a screen pass for a 27-yard gain down to Tennessee's 3-yard line. On the next play, Brady rolled out, finding freshman WR David Terrell in the end zone. The extra point pushed Michigan within a touchdown of the heavily-favored Vols.

The Wolverines' upset hopes died on the ensuing onside kick, though. With a minute-and-a-half left, Cedric Wilson, a receiver in on special teams specifically because of his soft hands, scooped up the ball and the victory for the Vols.

The Vols advance to the Orange Bowl to face No. 9 Wisconsin, which beat No. 8 Florida in a mild upset Saturday.

Travis Henry gained 162 yards on 28 carries to lead the Vols.