Tennessee’s football team suddenly has a massive weakness, if you’re ready to throw in the towel on quarterback Nico Iamaleava. 

The response via social and traditional media has been all over the place following the Vols’ loss to Arkansas, from benching Iamaleava out right, which isn’t going to happen, to simply riding out the redshirt freshman’s growing pains, which is going to happen. Admittedly, I’m surprised by Iamaleava’s play and certainly can’t blame those that feel somehow misled by his recruiting ranking and the ultra-positive preamble leading into his career. Yet I still don’t think the majority of the blame should rest on his shoulders.

Here are four things to consider before calling it quits on Iamaleava that have nothing to do with his ability, but have hampered his play and development this season.

Offensive tackle play

This is the most apparent shortcoming in Tennessee’s offense this season. The Vols have struggled with or without starters Lance Heard and John Campbell Jr., in the game and have struggled when they’re readily available. The lack of consistency has created a situation in which there is little chemistry due to their absences in games and in practice this season. 

Iamaleava can’t be expected to be his best when defenders are coming free off the edges, which was far too often the case against Oklahoma and Arkansas. The Vols have given up nine total sacks. If the Vols give up nine sacks in consecutive SEC games again this season, Tennessee will be lucky to finish 1-1, as they did in this last two-game stretch.

Alex Golesh isn’t a Vol

Remember Alex Golesh? He was Tennessee’s offensive coordinator before he secured the head coaching job at South Florida, which is just 2-3 season. No, the Vols didn’t lose a future Steve Spurrier when Golesh left, but there can be no denying that Tennessee’s offense hasn’t been the same since he left following the 2022 season. While I once thought the Vols were hamstrung by former UT quarterback Joe Milton, I’m now willing to concede that Golesh’s absence is part of the problem.

Tennessee decided to stay in-house by elevating assistant coach Joey Halzle to offensive coordinator after Golesh left. That seemed like a fine move at the time since most thought Tennessee’s offense was born, bred and sustained by head coach Josh Heupel. However, now is an appropriate time to wonder if Golesh brought more to the table in offensive meeting rooms than Halzle is bringing now.

Poor coaching

The Vols have not been willing to call plays that capitalize on Iamaleava’s strengths, at least when Tennessee is facing a quality opponent. What happened to all those crossing routes, slants and dig routes that were a part of the offense against lessor foes this season and, certainly, a part of the Vols’ record-setting season in 2022.

Some of Tennessee’s players said they were taken aback by Arkansas’ propensity to run a 3-3 offense. Well, that doesn’t make much sense because the Vols have faced similar defenses this season. Yet they weren’t prepared for that look on Saturday? The Vols got outfoxed by Arkansas coach Sam Pittman or they’re just poor game planners. Either isn’t very encouraging moving forward.

Poor support

It’s still hard to fathom that Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson said the Vols were “lackadaisical” in the bye week as they prepared for Arkansas. Moreover, some players, such as linebacker Keenan Pili, and Heupel said the preparation before the abysmal showing at Arkansas was solid. Nevertheless, the Vols haven’t stepped up their game with a redshirt freshman at quarterback. Players do carry some responsibility to prepare the right way.

It doesn’t matter if Iamaleava is the next Tim Tebow, he needs more from his teammates, especially as his game is in its infancy stages of development. Iamaleava needs more support from everyone involved, but definitely from his teammates. Heupel hinted that Tennessee’s receivers need to get open quicker during his press conference on Monday. We all know the Vols need to be better at offensive tackle.

So, do it.