Purdue defeats Tennessee in overtime in drama-filling Music City Bowl
NASHVILLE — From Payne Durham's remarkable catch and touchdown run to another big play from Broc Thompson, Purdue kept pushing Tennessee to the limit.
And beyond.
Down its two best players along with three other starters, Purdue survived Tennessee’s first punch – and many others – to post a thrilling 48-45 overtime victory on Mitchell Fineran's 39-yard field goal to capture Thursday’s Music City Bowl before a sold-out crowd at Nissan Stadium.
The victory gives the Boilermakers their ninth win of the season – the most since 2003. It was three years ago Purdue suffered an embarrassing 49-point loss against Auburn in the Music City Bowl.
Coach Jeff Brohm put together a game plan that didn’t feature the team’s top two receivers David Bell and Milton Wright and were missing left tackle Greg Long, cornerback Dedrick Mackey, defensive tackle Branson Deen and defensive end George Karlaftis.
The Boilermakers were able to overcome the losses because quarterback Aidan O’Connell overcame three interceptions to throw five touchdowns and over 500 yards. And a defense that settled down after the Vols rattled them early to make crucial stops in the second half.
BOWL WATCHABILITY RANKINGS: What's worth watching on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day?
BOWL GAMES: Schedule and results for the 2021 season
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW: Stay up to date with our sports newsletter
Takeaways
► The goal was to win - and Purdue did - but the Boilermakers gained a lot of experience in this game against a high-level opponent that should benefit this team heading into 2022. Lots of young players saw action, some for the first time this season, and those plays will be helpful in the future.
► Durham's catch and score was similar to what Rondale Moore produced against Ohio State during the 2018 victory against Ohio State. Durham refused to be tackled by Tennessee defenders and raced up the sidelines for 62 yards. Granted, the Vols didn't put forth a lot of effort in bringing down Durham.
► Tennessee’s fast-paced offense had the Boilermakers completely out of sync. Receivers were running behind the secondary throughout the first quarter generating big play after big play. But Purdue’s defense played with more composure throughout the next three quarters, keeping the Volunteers’ offense under wraps.
► TJ Sheffield nearly made the trip to Nashville a perfect homecoming. Sheffield, who is from nearby Thompson Station, caught three passes for 61 yards and one touchdown. Sheffield was injured on his 10-yard touchdown grab on a fade route, which gave the Boilermakers a 30-28 lead in the third quarter. A defender rolled up Sheffield’s ankle as he came down with the ball in the end zone.
► O’Connell wasn’t sharp early. And wasn’t sharp late. In the middle, O’Connell spearheaded a 16-0 spurt in the second quarter that allowed the Boilermakers to rally from a 21-7 deficit. But Purdue struggled to score touchdowns in the red zone, a problem from earlier in the season. The inability to effectively run the ball inside the opponents’ 20-yard line forced Brohm to kick field goals. Fineran made three straight – 24, 36, and 29-yards – before Purdue took advantage of a turnover and scored right before halftime. O’Connell’s 2-yard pass to Durham gave the Boilermakers a 23-21 advantage at the intermission. O'Connell finished with 534 yards, completing 26 of 47 and five touchdowns.
► If Thursday was linebacker Jaylan Alexander’s last game as a Boilermakers, he went with a solid performance. The senior, who could return and use his COVID-19 season, had 14 tackles and battled through a hamstring injury to stay on the field and help Purdue slow down the Vols.
► Without Bell, Wright, Thompson stepped up in their absence. He hauled in a 75-yard touchdown pass after the Vols had taken a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter. Thompson, who is battling an injury and will need surgery after the season, had seven catches for a Purdue bowl record-217 yards. Considering Thompson had 240 receiving yards in the first 12 games, the Marshall transfer delivered. Thompson's 70-yard TD late in the fourth quarter briefly gave the Boilermakers a 45-38 lead with 2:57 to play.