The Purdue defense, which gave up a lot of ground in the first half Thursday, came up with a huge play in the final minute of the first half of the Music City Bowl.
DaMarcus Mitchell got to Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker to force the fumble, which Prince Boyd recovered in Volunteers territory.
Tennessee had a 21-point first quarter, and Cedric Tillman had 3 catches for 114 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Aidan O'Connell hit Payne Durham for a short touchdown with 19 seconds left to take a 23-21 halftime lead. O'Connell has 2 TD passes and Mitchell Fineran has 3 field goals.