In Tennessee’s first offensive possession of the 2021 season, the Volunteers marched 66 yards in 12 plays for a touchdown, with the drive against Bowling Green requiring just two minutes and 59 seconds.
The Vols erupted for 28-point first quarters against Missouri and South Carolina, and they needed 37 seconds to collect two early touchdowns at Kentucky. Tennessee led both Alabama and Georgia – half of this year’s College Football Playoff field – after the first 15 minutes, reflecting a shock element that foes repeatedly endured when facing Josh Heupel’s hurried pace out of the gate.
Purdue is the opponent in Thursday afternoon’s Music City Bowl, and the Vols are hoping to show the Boilermakers a frenetic attack they’ve never experienced before.
“I don’t think they have,” Vols senior left guard Jerome Carvin told reporters following Tuesday afternoon’s practice at Vanderbilt. “Just seeing the opponents they’ve played, they really just huddle up and slow the pace down. They’re going to face some challenges with our up-tempo offense.”
The Vols will enter the game at Nissan Stadium leading the nation in plays (2.94) and points (1.61) per minute. They have outscored opponents 169-44 during the first quarter, which roughly equates to a 14-3 lead in each game.