This was Northwestern's second consecutive bowl game appearance after winning their second straight Big Ten Conference title.
But Manning threw another touchdown pass and Jeff Hall added in a field goal before time expired to give the Vols a 31–21 halftime lead.
Tyrone Hines increased the lead when he intercepted a Schnur pass and returned it for a touchdown.
After a Hall field goal, Schnur threw another touchdown pass to narrow the lead to 41–28.
But Manning threw his fourth touchdown pass of day, this time to Dustin Moore, to seal the game for the Volunteers.