Key drive in win against Kentucky could prove to be a major career turning point for Tennessee Vols QB Nico Iamaleava
Tennessee Vols redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava engineered a drive in UT's 28-18 win against the Kentucky Wildcats that could be a turning point in the young quarterback's career. Iamaleava has been good to start his Tennessee career — he's 8-1 overall as a starter for the Vols — but he's experienced a few growing […]
Tennessee Vols redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava engineered a drive in UT's 28-18 win against the Kentucky Wildcats that could be a turning point in the young quarterback's career.
Iamaleava has been good to start his Tennessee career — he's 8-1 overall as a starter for the Vols — but he's experienced a few growing pains along the way.
At times, Iamaleava has looked a bit hesitant, which has resulted in some throws/decisions that he'd like to have back.
The former five-star recruit, however, has continued to improve throughout the season, gaining confidence each week and gradually looking more comfortable as an SEC starting quarterback.
Key drive against Kentucky could be a huge career turning point for Vols QB Nico Iamaleava
Iamaleava had one of the best games of his young career in the Vols' win against Kentucky.
Perhaps the biggest moment of the game came with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. With the Vols clinging to a three point lead, Tennessee took over at Kentucky's nine yard line. The Vols desperately needed seven points on that drive to prevent Kentucky from having a chance to take the lead late in the game.
Iamaleava proceeded to lead the Vols on a methodical 13 play drive that ended with a memorable Dylan Sampson touchdown (which broke the Tennessee single season record for rushing touchdowns).
That drive was a highlighted by a couple of big-time plays from Iamaleava. He narrowly eluded a pass rusher at one point, avoiding a potential strip sack fumble in the process. Iamaleava also made arguably the best throw of the game on a key third-and-seven, scrambling to find wide receiver Dont'e Thornton for a tough first down.
Iamaleava also threw a nice pass against zone coverage to tight end Holden Staes for a first down on that drive.
Tennessee had to score 7 points on that drive to put the game away — they couldn't settle for a field goal and they absolutely couldn't punt.
And Iamaleava got the job done while looking poised and confident the entire time. He didn't try to do too much, he took what the defense gave him, and he made the plays when plays needed to be made. Essentially, Iamaleava looked how you'd expect a former five-star recruit to look.
There are still going to be some growing pains here and there for Iamaleava. But it's clear that as he continues to gain experience, he's going to become more and more dangerous.
