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Three takeaways from Purdue’s win in the Music City Bowl

By Dante Pryor

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 14: Head coach Jeff Brohm of the Purdue Boilermakers runs on the field before the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 14, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 14: Head coach Jeff Brohm of the Purdue Boilermakers runs on the field before the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 14, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) sacks Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Aidan O’Connell (16) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Jeremy Banks (33) sacks Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Aidan O’Connell (16) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports /

3. It was a back-and-forth affair for four quarters.

It was only fitting that this game came down to a bang, bang play at the goal line and a field goal. The game featured four lead changes and two ties, most in the third and fourth quarters.

Tennessee started strong in the first quarter building a 21-7 lead. Hendon Hooker came out white-hot, throwing and running. Hooker had just one incomplete pass in the first quarter of the game.

Purdue made some adjustments on defense and found their rhythm offensively in the second quarter, scoring 16 points and taking a 23-21 lead into the locker room. The Volunteers struck first in the third quarter, with Velus Jones, Jr. catching a touchdown pass capping a 71-yard scoring drive.

Purdue answered midway in the third quarter on a touchdown reception by TJ Sheffield to retake the lead 30-28. The Volunteers took a 31-30 lead going into the final frame after a field goal late in the third quarter.

Scoring stalled for much of the fourth quarter. Both teams threw a flurry of haymakers late in the game to send it into overtime.

Purdue began the scoring with less than five minutes left to go in regulation to take a 38-31 lead with an incredible 62-yard catch and run by tight end Payne Durham.

With the game tied 45-45, Josh Heupel decided to go for the touchdown instead of kicking the field goal during the first possession of overtime. Referees ruled running back Jaylen Wright down at the one-yard line, and there was not enough video evidence to overturn the call.

Aidan O’Connell got the Boilermakers into field goal range, and Mitchell Fineran kicked the game-winner.

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