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Tennessee football vs. Purdue: 10 keys to the Music City Bowl game

By Caleb Calhoun

Nov 14, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; View of Nissan Stadium before the game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; View of Nissan Stadium before the game between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 7, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a yellow penalty flag on the field during the Arizona Cardinals Red and White training camp practice at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a yellow penalty flag on the field during the Arizona Cardinals Red and White training camp practice at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Which Tennessee team shows up in terms of penalties?

One of the strengths of Tennessee football this year has been forcing other teams to commit penalties. That’s not going to happen for them against Purdue. Jeff Brohm’s team is No. 17 in the nation in fewest penalty yards per game with 41.33, and their 4.42 penalties per game are tied for the eighth fewest nationally. They don’t make too many mistakes.

In the case of Rocky Top, it’s a tale of two teams. They are No. 72 in fewest penalty yards per game with 55, and their 6.25 penalties per game are tied for 71st. Already, Purdue has a huge advantage with UT being just below average.

However, it gets worse when you look at the Vols’ five losses. They averaged 9.4 penalties and 81 penalty yards in those outings. Three times, they committed double digit penalties, and at least against the Pittsburgh Panthers, it’s safe to say that cost them.

Now, they have actually won the penalty battle against their opponents on the year, who on average commit seven penalties a game for nearly 60 yards. However, as mentioned, those opponents aren’t Purdue, so they have to focus and make sure that they avoid penalties in this game to avoid a huge disadvantage.

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