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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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Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The quarterbacks put on a show

It is ironic these quarterbacks would put on such a show in this game, considering how their careers began at their respective schools. Hendon Hooker was shown the door at Virginia Tech despite leading the Hokies is passing in 2020.

Hooker transferred to play for Jeremy Pruitt, not Josh Heupel. Joe Milton was the transfer quarterback Heupel wanted. Milton, however, struggled with accuracy and injuries. Hooker decided not to transfer despite the new coaching regime coming in and stay the course.

Hooker’s choice paid dividends for him and the Volunteers. He finished the Music City Bowl with 378 passing yards and five touchdowns.

Aidan O’Connell, a walk-on, began his career in West Lafayette eighth on the depth chart. O’Connell did not start until his senior year of high school and had no D-1 offers.

After sitting behind the likes of Elijah Sindelar and Jack Plummer, O’Connell performed anytime his number was called but was viewed primarily as a solid backup quarterback. Jack Plummer decided to transfer, and O’Connell was the unquestioned QB 1.

O’Connell showed on Thursday a full understanding of the offense and the propensity to make plays with his arm. O’Connell threw for 535 yards and five touchdowns against Tennessee and the best news? O’Connell is going to return next season.

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