The TransPerfect Music City Bowl had the makings of a high-scoring classic and while the Purdue Boilermakers won 48-45 in overtime, people will be talking about the controversial OT period. The Tennessee Volunteers may have had a touchdown taken away from them that would have put them in the lead in OT.
https://twitter.com/RalphWStats/status/1476714386756677637?s=20
The refs ruled that Vols running back Jaylen Wright had his progress stopped on 4th and Goal even though Wright wasn’t down and he was still reaching toward the goal line. The whistle didn’t blow until after Wright put the football on the line but the ball was marked just short of the goal line and Tennessee turned the ball over on downs. Purdue kicked a field goal on the ensuing possession to win 48-45.
Needless to say, many on social media felt that Tennessee was screwed and they have a good point. It sure looked like a touchdown but the refs didn’t think so and their opinion is what ultimately counted.
Here’s the thing – his forward progress can’t be stopped because he KEPT PROGRESSING FORWARD INTO THE END ZONE pic.twitter.com/faA3HeiFRM
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) December 31, 2021
Tennessee fans: That’s a TD
Purdue fans: We got lucky in that one
College football Twitter: That’s a TD#ACCRefs: Call is confirmed, no touchdown
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) December 31, 2021
That's a TD, the Volunteers got ROBBED
The Music City Bowl ref showing up at Purdue's locker room like…#Vols pic.twitter.com/T4khcjZrR2
— SportzStew Ⓥ (@sportzstewcom) December 31, 2021
*Auburn and Tennessee get screwed by the refs in their bowl games* pic.twitter.com/FJaaOXPM6t
— House of Hog (@House_of_Hog) December 31, 2021
That’s A TD.. 🤦🏾♂️
— Jordan Bowden (@_TheRealJBow) December 31, 2021
New rules for Tennessee. This is not a touchdown. #vols pic.twitter.com/3gf1Q3bAh8
— Cup On U (@DoesUThaveanAD) December 31, 2021
I’m rooting for Purdue, but Tennessee got 100% hosed on that call. That’s a TD. Kinda hope TN gets the stop here. A game like this should not end like that. #MusicCityBowl
— The_Dorito_Bandit (@a_redding7) December 31, 2021
Forward progress is a judgment call, but on a game-deciding play at the goal line in overtime with a non-QB with the ball, it seems insane to not let it play out. Certainly at least a little longer than officials did.
That one's going to smart for Tennessee. Really tough loss.
— David Ubben (@davidubben) December 31, 2021
Tennessee got jobbed.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 31, 2021
Tough end to the season. pic.twitter.com/QFVWi8K9Pp
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) December 31, 2021
[Photo: @WillBrinson]
