Tennessee will conclude its 2021 season Thursday against Purdue in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl.
The contest will take place at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. EST and ESPN will televise the matchup.
Ahead of the matchup, senior defensive lineman Ja’Quain Blakely met with media and discussed playing in the Music City Bowl.
Below is a transcript of Blakely’s media availability provided by the University of Tennessee.
On why the defense has been strong early in games
“I think we’re starting strong because we know that our offense is fast, our offense is going to score. So, we live by the philosophy, ‘they don’t score, they don’t win,’ so we got to come out on fire ready to go.”
On if there’s any anxiety after seeing other games canceled
“A little bit, just because we’ve worked so hard for this. This is something that I’m excited for and I’m ready to get into, and just to know that any given day it could be canceled is kind of sketchy and scary.”
On this being his second Music City Bowl and how this one is different
“Very different. It’s been fun just (being) out with the guys and just enjoying my teammates. This is the last hoorah, so just enjoying my teammates and in Nashville, no better place to be.”
On facing a Purdue team that throws the ball a lot
“It’s exciting. They throw the ball a lot, so we get to pass rush and kind of have fun and do what we do.”
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