NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee football’s season ended in heartbreaking fashion at the Music City Bowl to Purdue, 48-45 in overtime.
The Vols had a chance to win the game at the end of regulation on a 56-yard field goal attempt from Chase McGrath, but the field goal came up short.
In overtime, Tennessee got the ball first. It came down to a fourth and goal from the one as the Vols wanted to try and punch in a touchdown instead of kick a field goal. Running back Jaylen Wright was ruled down by ‘forward progress’ before he crossed the goal one with the ball.
Heupel said postgame he thought the whistle hat ruled Wright’s forward progress came after he crossed the endzone for a touchdown.
Purdue then got the ball, kicked the game-winning field goal and won the game.
The Vols were disappointed in the final result.
“I was just hurt was what was going through my mind,” defensive back Theo Jackson said after his team’s loss.
But they hope it will spark their future as well.
“I see this as motivation going into next year,” quarterback Hendon Hooker said.
Tennessee finishes the season 7-6 overall after the loss in the bowl game.
You can watch the teams speak after the game below.