The #7 Tennessee Volunteers received a brief scare on Saturday when star freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava left their game against Mississippi State in the second quarter. Iamaleava took a hard hit from Bulldogs defender Isaac Smith and landed awkwardly on his right side, causing Volunteer fans to hold their collective breath.
Iamaleava, the crown jewel of Tennessee’s top-ranked recruiting class, returned for one series just before halftime after being evaluated in the medical tent. However, when the Volunteers retook the field for the second half, backup Gaston Moore was under center, not the dynamic young playmaker Tennessee has come to rely on.
Sitting Out Second Half “A Precaution”
After the game, a 33-14 Tennessee victory, head coach Josh Heupel provided an update on his quarterback’s status. “We anticipate having him ready for next week,” Heupel stated, referring to the Vols’ massive upcoming showdown with rival Georgia. “Feel like we’ll be ready to roll.”
Heupel characterized sitting Iamaleava for the second half as a “precautionary measure” once Tennessee had built a commanding 20-7 halftime lead. With the game well in hand, there was little need to risk further injury to the Volunteers’ most important player.
Impressive When On the Field
In the action he did see against Mississippi State, Iamaleava once again demonstrated why he’s considered one of college football’s elite talents. The 6’5″ Hawaiian completed 8 of 13 passes for 174 yards and two long touchdown strikes before exiting. He added 22 yards on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
“Nico was dealing out there. Throwing lasers, extending plays with his legs. He’s such a special player and a huge part of our success,” said one Tennessee assistant coach who requested anonymity.
For the season, Iamaleava has passed for 2,847 yards and 26 touchdowns against just 4 interceptions. He’s also Tennessee’s second-leading rusher with 412 yards and 7 more scores on the ground. His poise and playmaking ability have belied his youth and inexperience.
Huge Test Looms Against Georgia
The Volunteers now turn their attention to their toughest challenge yet – a date with the undefeated, reigning national champion Georgia Bulldogs between the hedges in Athens. It’s a game with massive College Football Playoff implications, and Tennessee desperately needs Iamaleava at peak form and health.
The matchup will feature strength against strength, as Iamaleava and the potent Tennessee offense square off with a ferocious Georgia defense allowing a minuscule 10.5 points per game. It’s the type of heavyweight battle that often comes down to which team’s best players rise to the occasion.
“This is the kind of game you come to Tennessee to play in,” revealed a source close to the program. “Nico has had this one circled all year. No way he’s missing this.”
While the coaching staff remains optimistic about Iamaleava’s availability, Volunteer Nation is holding its breath. With a playoff spot and SEC supremacy on the line, Big Orange faithful are hoping their Hawaiian hero is ready for his biggest test yet between the hedges in Athens.
