Here are three takeaways from an entertaining, high-scoring Music City Bowl in Nashville that ended up as a 48-45 Purdue win.
Bowl season is always unpredictable. The Music City Bowl is proof. Purdue headed to Nashville knowing wide receiver Greg Bell and defensive end George Karlaftis were not playing in preparation for the NFL Draft. Quarterback Jack Plummer transferred to California.
Second leading receiver Milton Wright and defensive back Dedrick Mack also did not make the trip to the Music City Bowl. The Boilermakers have shown the propensity to play big in big games, and this afternoon was no different.
Purdue came to Nashville prepared to play and played to win despite being shorthanded.
The Boilermakers and Volunteers put on a show in Nashville this afternoon. Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connel and Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker went pass for pass in this game. Purdue receiver Brocc Thompson and Tennessee receiver Cedric Tillman were outstanding.
O’Connell finished the game with over 500 yards passing and five touchdowns, while Hooker finished with over 300 yards passing and five touchdowns of his own.
This one went to overtime, and the Boilers came away with the 48-45 win. Here are three takeaways from today’s game.