Tennessee takes care of business against Mississippi State; Why Vols fans don't feel good about the win
The Tennessee Vols cruised to a 33-14 win against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday night in Knoxville. Tennessee, which is now 8-1 with three games remaining in the regular season, put up over 400 yards of total offense, and the offense connected on a couple of splash plays, but a dark cloud is hanging […]
The Tennessee Vols cruised to a 33-14 win against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday night in Knoxville.
Tennessee, which is now 8-1 with three games remaining in the regular season, put up over 400 yards of total offense, and the offense connected on a couple of splash plays, but a dark cloud is hanging over the UT football program despite the win.
The Vols suffered a couple of key injuries in the win against the Bulldogs. Starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava didn't return to the game after halftime due to an "upper body injury".
It's unclear how serious the injury is to Iamaleava, but it's certainly a concern for Tennessee. Iamaleava was replaced in the game by Gaston Moore. And while Moore did a good job of operating the offense, he's not the same caliber player as Iamaleava. With a game looming against Georgia in Athens next Saturday, it's understandable why Tennessee fans are hoping and praying that Iamaleava will be good to go.
Iamaleava wasn't the only Vol to suffer an injury on Saturday night.
Wide receiver Dont'e Thornton, who caught a 73-yard touchdown pass from Iamaleava in the first half, also left the game due to an "upper body injury". His status moving forward is currently unclear.
Star running back Dylan Sampson, who rushed for 149 yards and a touchdown in the win, suffered what appeared to be a leg injury, but he was able to return to the game.
Tennessee will obviously be looking to get those players healthy before heading to Athens next weekend for a matchup that could possibly eliminate Georgia from playoff contention.
The Vols are more than happy to cruise to a win over Mississippi State, but the injuries to Iamaleava and Thornton will undoubtedly cast a dark mood over the locker room.
Update:
Vols head coach Josh Heupel said after the game that he "anticipates" having Iamaleava available against Georgia next weekend.
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