Thursday’s Music City Bowl between Purdue and Tennessee had a bit of everything. It has high scores, it has big, hot games, it is controversial and it wins the match right away.
The controversy broke out in extra time after the teams finished regulation with a score of 45-45.
THAN: South Carolina’s Shane Beamer is drenched in mayonnaise after victory over UNC
The Vols received the ball first in the first half and eventually sent it down to Purdue 1. On the fourth and first half goals, Tennessee running behind Jaylen Wright was blocked in the late-game area due to overuse. His advance was halted, but Wright managed to spread his arms wide and touch the ball over the line.
Refs said progress ahead was halted, whistle sounded after RB crossed the line… But they assumed it was the 4th stop for Purdue.
Break BRUTAL for Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/SbSRMZsESP
– (@FTB_Vids_YT) December 31, 2021
IYER: 2022 NFL Mock Draft Ahead of CFP Semifinals
The whistle was blown after the ball crossed the plane, but judgments on the course of the game could not be reviewed. The call caused Tennessee’s sales to drop and Vols coach Josh Heupel raged.
Vigorously won 48-45 thanks to a goal on the field.
After the game, Heupel turned to the media the explanation he was given, which was pretty straightforward, even if he didn’t agree with it.
#Vols Head coach Josh Heupel on the explanation he received about the no-touch game: “They said progress forward was called. Sounds like a whistle after the ball crosses the line…”
– Ben McKee (@ benmckee14) December 31, 2021
“There are some things I might disagree with,” Heupel speak. “Yeah, I think everyone knows that.”
THAN: Brock Purdy’s Bizzare Sales Make Iowa State Claim Victory Over Clemson
When the whistle blows and whether it should be blown is the main topic of discussion. Most camera angles show Wright breaking the plane while not crashing on contact.
As of late Thursday, referee Jerry Magallanes, head of the ACC executive team that runs the game, has not settled the call. Magallanes and several other officials working on the game have come under the fire in the past for missed calls.
The game has a lot of people talking before it officially begins. There were a total of 1,293 yards of fouls and a total of 57 first fouls. Tennesee was penalized 14 times in 128 yards and still lost only by three points.
The match was a big one for both teams. Purdue is looking for its first nine-win season since 2003, while Heupel is looking to become the first Tennesee coach to win a bad game in his first season since Phil Fulmer in 1993.
