The one thing, aside from winning, that Tennessee needs to accomplish against UConn on Saturday
The Tennessee Vols are set to take on the UConn Huskies on Saturday afternoon in Neyland Stadium in a game that UT should win by a large margin. Tennessee is a 35 point favorite against UConn, but the Huskies, despite a 1-7 record, are no pushover. UConn has lost four games this season by one possession, […]
The Tennessee Vols are set to take on the UConn Huskies on Saturday afternoon in Neyland Stadium in a game that UT should win by a large margin.
Tennessee is a 35 point favorite against UConn, but the Huskies, despite a 1-7 record, are no pushover.
UConn has lost four games this season by one possession, including last week's 21-14 road loss against Boston College.
Still, the Vols should cruise in this one if they're hitting on all cylinders.
Aside from leaving Neyland with a W on Saturday, there's one big thing that Tennessee needs to accomplish against the Huskies.
The Vols have to get true freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava some snaps.
In fact, it would be nice if Iamaleava could play the entire second half against UConn.
So far this season, the former five-star recruit has played in just two games. Iamaleava completed 2-of-3 passes for 11 yards against Virginia in the season opener (he also carried the ball once for eight yards). And he threw two incompletions in the Vols' win against UTSA in late September.
The expectation is that Iamaleava will enter the 2024 season as Tennessee's starting quarterback. But we've seen how difficult it can be for young players to pick up the Vols' unique offense under Josh Heupel. And while practice is obviously incredibly important, there's no substitute for live game reps when looks from the defense are unpredictable.
Tennessee needs to put this game away by halftime so Iamaleava can get some quality reps. Outside of a game against Vanderbilt later this season, there won't be many more opportunities for Iamaleava to see some action (and it's no certainty that he would get reps against Vanderbilt — nothing can be assumed against a conference opponent).
Getting a win and leaving Neyland Stadium healthy is the top priority for the Vols. But getting Iamaleava an entire half of snaps is a very close second.
Comment from Tennessee redshirt senior should make fans feel better about Vols’ road woes
That should make fans feel a little better
