Purdue stars David Bell and George Karlaftis won’t play in the Music City Bowl against Tennessee, Boilermakers’ coach Jeff Brohm announced Monday.https://twitter.com/TomDienhart1/status/1470461810633498624?s=20
Both players had previously declared for the 2022 NFL Draft, but left it open ended whether they will play in the bowl game.
Bell is a dominant receiver who caught 93 passes for 1,286 yards and six touchdowns. The 6-foot-2 receiver recorded 200-plus yards in upset wins over Iowa and Michigan State.
Bell projects as a late first round pick.
Karlaftis — a third team All-American — totaled 36 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles this season. The defensive end is one of the highest rated players in the upcoming NFL Draft, projecting as a fringe top five draft pick.
The loss of its two best players is a major blow to Purdue entering the Music City Bowl. The Boilermakers opened as 2.5-point favorites, but the line has dramatically swung with the Vols now 4.5-point favorites.
The Vols and Boilermakers will kick-off at 3 p.m. ET from Nissan Field on Dec. 30. ESPN will broadcast the game.
