NC State Coach Praises Tennessee’s Iamaleava

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Every team on Tennessee’s schedule over the next 11 games will have to find a way to make The Volunteer’s offense one dimensional.

In Week One against Chattanooga, the Volunteer’s emerging star quarterback Nico Iamaleava started the game 10-of-10 through the air. He was 15-of-16 by the time he missed his second throw. Encouraging Tennessee to beat teams through the air might be a death wish with how good Coach Josh Heupel is at dialing up plays.

North Carolina State head coach Dave Doeren’s attention has already been captured by Iamaleava that he had a whole lot of praise to for him.

“Their quarterback, man he is talented,” Doeren said. “He’s fun to watch. His first college start in their bowl game, he rushed for three touchdowns. Saturday, he was completing every ball, throwing accurately and on time.”

“That shows touch, arm strength and mobility. His running backs run really hard, they protect well. He’s got a veteran offensive line and a deep, fast receiver group that has a lot of different varieties in it. So, it’s a great challenge, great opportunity.”

The Wollfpack’s defense struggled mightily in Week One against FCS Western Carolina but pulled away with a 21-point fourth quarter to win 38-21. Now, all eyes will be in Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium to see if Tennessee is ready for its test against a Power Conference defense.

Western Carolina is not a slouch of a program among FCS schools as it posted 361 total yards against North Carolina State. The Catamounts missed two opportunities to keep the score close in the fourth quarter missing a field goal and fumbling on its final possession. 

With the amount of success the Catamounts had playing a FBS school in week one, that should give Tennessee plenty of confidence that the offense can put up plenty of points and pad stats Saturday night. 

SEC FEED:

• SEC Shorts Release New Skit After Week One, Plenty of Love for Vanderbilt 

• Four SEC Quarterbacks Earn High Marks for Week One Performances

• Saban Stars in Hilarious VRBO Rental Commercial

• Overreacting to Tennessee, Iamaleava’s Week One Performance

• Which SEC Teams Were Winners, Losers in Week One?

• What Went Right, Wrong for Georgia Bulldogs in Week One