KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Volunteers fans should feel very good about the future of the Tennessee program after seeing the team beat Chattanooga 69-3 last weekend in its season opener.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava set a record in his first regular season start with 314 passing yards in the first half. His performance was enough to spark speculation that Tennessee is a College Football Playoff contender this season. Three-time National Championship winning coach Urban Meyer even sounded off while previewing the No. 14 Volunteers’ week two matchup against the No. 24 NC State Wolfpack.
Former Florida Coach on Tennessee
“This guy is unbelievable,” Meyer said of Iamaleava on. “The Triple Option.” I know they had Joe Milton last year, but this guy is a monster. Because of him, I’m putting them to cover the spread (against NC State), and I think they’ll be a playoff team.”
Tennessee took a minor step back last season after winning 11 games in 2022. The Volunteers went 9-4 in 2023 under Coach Josh Heupel who is now in his fourth season on Rocky Top. Known for producing high-powered offenses as an offensive coordinator around the south, Heupel is hoping to catch lightning in a bottle for the second time with Iamaleava leading the way in Knoxville.
The Volunteers led the nation in scoring at 46 points per game two seasons ago under the guidance of Hendon Hooker at quarterback. Heupel’s offense generated 525 yards per game which was 10 more on average than second place Washington.
While Tennessee has a good chance of making the College Football Playoff it still must beat one of two rivals Alabama and Georgia during the regular season to make the expanded 12-team field. Making the SEC Championship is no longer a prerequisite to being chosen for the Playoff but there is not substitute for winning games.
Kickoff between the Volunteers and Wolfpack is set for 7:30 PM EST and will air on ABC.
SEC FEED:
• Lagway Posts Positive Message to Florida Fans Ahead of First Start
• Kelly Needs to Stop Blaming Quarterback and Look at Root of Problem
• NC State Coach Gives High Praise to Vols Quarterback
• SEC Shorts Release New Skit After Week One, Plenty of Love for Vanderbilt
• Four SEC Quarterbacks Earn High Marks for Week One Performances
