Tennessee’s quarterback Nico Iamaleava isn’t happy today. That’s not to say he’s upset, angry or mad after the Vols dismantled Chattanooga on Saturday, but he’s certainly not content.
“I thought I didn’t finish the second quarter,” the redshirt freshman said. “I can finish better with operating the offense at a high level. I think that was the main thing for me was not falling asleep…while we’re up big and still going out there and operating the offense that I love.”
While that may be true, it is also nitpicking to throw any criticism at Iamaleava, who completed 22 of 28 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns in a nearly flawless performance as the Vols hammered Chattanooga 69-3 on Saturday.
It’s worth noting that Iamaleava was the first freshman quarterback, redshirt or otherwise, to start a season for the Vols since 2004 when Brent Schaeffer took the first snap of the season.
There was a lot to take in. Sure, Iamaleava was prepared, considering he joined the Vols in 2022 for Tennessee’s practices for the Orange Bowl in December. However, there was nothing like he experienced on Saturday with the Vols at home in front of a packed house Neyland Stadium.
Iamaleava reacted to all the fanfare with a record day. His 314 passing yards set a record for the most ever thrown by a Vol in a half. The record was previously held by former Vol quarterback Tyler Bray, who threw for 313 yards in a half against Troy in 2012.
“Surreal moment,” Iamaleava said of the record. “I didn’t even know about it, but felt good to go out there.”
For a Tennessee offense that struggled at times last season and a fan base that questioned just how good Iamaleava could be, the feeling was mutual. Still, Iamaleava wasn’t content with his play against the Mocs.
“To keep our foot on their throat,” Iamaleava said when asked about what he would improve about his play in the first half. “When we go up big, I think still coming to the sideline with the same mindset that is 0-0 (is important). Just carrying that out the full game for four quarters.”
If Iamaleava plays like he did against Chattanooga, then he could throw for over 600 yards. Surely, he would be happy with that, although it will be far more difficult with the Vols’ upcoming opponent – and another very important factor.
Reminder: Tennessee’s offense is still based on the running game even though it seems like a pass-only system. Looking for proof?
It’s important to note that the Vols ran for 304 yards against the Mocs. There will be days that Iamaleava doesn’t have to throw for over 300 yards in a half in order to set the Vols up for a big win. Tennessee will certainly lean on running back Dylan Sampson, who ran for 124 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries.
“It felt great seeing Samp out there,” Iamaleava said of the Vols’ first-string tailback who was limited at times during practice, mostly due to precautionary reasons. “Just seeing him out there and doing his thing. You felt good, man. We didn’t really get to see too much of it during camp. Samp’s always been disciplined. You got to see what he does when he gets the ball in his hands.”
Indeed. Sampson also caught three passes for 29 yards and could be a multi-purpose weapon that the Vols haven’t had previously under head coach Josh Heupel. If so, maybe that will make Iamaleava happy.
