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Tennessee football report card in Music City Bowl loss to Purdue

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) runs the ball during the 2021 TransPerfect Music City Bowl between Tennessee and Purdue at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.Bowl Cm 1230 10
Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) runs the ball during the 2021 TransPerfect Music City Bowl between Tennessee and Purdue at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.Bowl Cm 1230 10 /
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Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) runs for a touchdown at the 2021 Music City Bowl NCAA college football game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.Kns Tennessee Purdue
Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) runs for a touchdown at the 2021 Music City Bowl NCAA college football game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.Kns Tennessee Purdue /

Offensive grades part II

Wide receivers: A+

Is there any question about this one? Cedric Tillman was obviously the star with seven catches for 150 yards and four touchdowns, but Velus Jones Jr. did his part with 10 catches for 85 yards and a touchdown. Jalin Hyatt added three catches for 35 yards and a touchdown, and JaVonta Payton had two catches for 35 yards. This unit was perfect, as it’s been for most of the year.

Tight ends: B-

Princeton Fant did have three catches for 71 yards, including that 58-yard catch to set up UT’s final touchdown. However, he had two crucial drops before that. Those brought this grade down to a B-, and it would have been an F were it not for that final catch.

Offensive line: C+

Only allowing two sacks was a step up for this offensive line. However, they failed on two 4th and shorts, as we mentioned, and they also allowed a strip sack from the right side. Cade Mays being out didn’t help, but this unit could have played much better against a short-handed Purdue defensive line last week.

Overall offensive grade: A-

Outside of a few miscues, you can’t complain about 45 points and over 650 yards of total offense. Tennessee football had over 600 yards in regulation, so they truly did put on a show. They could have been more physical in crucial moments, but for the most part, they did what they were supposed to do.

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