Tennessee vs Purdue Music City Bowl Rewind
Tennessee vs Purdue Music City Bowl
The Music City Bowl was arguably the most entertaining game of the bowl season. In the end, Purdue outlasted Tennessee 48-45 in overtime. As could be seen, players on both sides were exhausted. Sadly, it’s a shame that players played their hearts out and the game is decided by a poor official call in the Music City Bowl rewind.
Certainly, this game had it all. The teams combined for 1,290 total yards. This included 912 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. At the same time, teams combined for 11 punts and four turnovers.
Furthermore, Tennessee was flagged 14 times for 128 yards. While Purdue was penalized five times for 63 yards.
Regardless of all this, The Music City bowl has been the most engaging game of the bowl season.
The bowl officials announced a game record of 69,489 fans were in attendance for Thursday’s game.
Purdue
The Boilermakers entered this contest shorthanded. In spite of being handicapped, Purdue played with passion and effort. Despite appearances, the Boilermaker defense made many key stops in the second half. Another key point, the defense was able to stop the Volunteers on downs on three occasions.
Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell had a career day. O’Connell passed for 534 yards and three touchdowns. Coupled with, wide receiver Broc Thompson’s seven catches for 217 yards and two touchdowns. This to point out, the passing game had to carry the offense. In contrast, the Boilermakers were held to just 93 yards on the ground.
Tennessee
The Volunteers ran the gambit of emotions in this game. Not only on the scoreboard but as far as controlling the momentum. For one thing, early in the first half, it appeared Tennessee had taken control of the game. Unfortunately, mistakes and penalties kept Purdue in the game.
Another key point, the officiating played a big role in this contest. As an illustration, Tennessee was flagged for seven interference penalties.
Not to mention, on the Volunteers’ final offensive play the officials decided the game.
In overtime of the Music City Bowl rewind, it was ruled that Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright was stopped a foot shy of a go-ahead touchdown. Video replay appeared to show that Wright broke the plane of the goal line. Although, his knees never touched the ground. Unfortunately, the call on the field was upheld by instant replay.
The Final Thought
In the long run, these teams provided fans with almost four hours of enjoyment. In fact, this game exemplified what bowl games should be about. All things considered, whether you are a fan of either team or not, this was college football.
Ultimately, this game is about 18–21-year-old young men. It is well past time for officials to realize nobody buys a ticket to watch them.
In conclusion, game officials need to let the players decide the outcome of games.
In essence, if instant replay is used, the correct calls should be made. Instant replay administrators should not be retired officials. In summary, let players make plays and decide the outcome.
