Josh Heupel provides health update on Nico Iamaleava with eye on Georgia game
Josh Heupel gave Tennessee fans a reason to breathe a sigh of relief on Saturday night.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava was held out of the second half of Tennessee’s big win over Mississippi State due to an upper body injury. With a game against Georgia just 7 days away, fans were immediately concerned about Iamaleava’s status going into that crucial matchup with the Bulldogs.
However, Heupel said that Iamaleava was held out of the second half on Saturday as a precaution. He’s expected to be full-go next weekend against Georgia.
“We anticipate having [Nico] ready for next week,” Heupel said. Precautionary deal. We expect him to be ready to roll.”
#Vols coach Josh Heupel: We anticipate having [Nico Iamaleava] ready for next week. Precautionary deal. We expect him to be ready to roll.
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) November 10, 2024
Iamaleava was excellent on Saturday night before going down with the injury late in the first half. He completed 8-of-13 passes for 174 yards and 2 touchdowns.
He was replaced in this game by Gaston Moore, who had a much quieter second half as the Vols were just looking to protect their lead. Moore finished the game 5-of-8 for 38 yards.
Next week’s game against Georgia figures to have significant College Football Playoff implications for both teams. Tennessee may be able to survive a loss and still make the top-12, but the Vols would potentially be vulnerable on selection day. Georgia is in a must-win situation having suffered its second loss of the season on Saturday to Ole Miss.
I hope he is well.
Thanks, TideFan. Congratulations on your big win tonight.
He said the same thing about Cooper Mays for half the season last year
He didn’t look too good in that video of his family walking out of the locker room after the game.
Yep-strong likelyhood we see Gaston Moore and a loss. Get ready for basketball
What a ‘Negavol’ you are, c’mon!
Hopefully Nico and Sampson are good to go next week. “Tis the time of year where the depth quality is the difference between going bowling/playoff or home.
God help us if Coach Heup puts Gaston Moore back in. He only knows how to do 3 things…..hand it off, overthrow everyone, and throw ints. At least try Jake Merklinger. 8-4 with Moore.
You think he’d lose to Utep? What a bryanchip thing to say.
LOL!! Good one