Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel spoke with the media on Monday, saying he felt that quarterback Nico Iamaleava would be in “great shape for Saturday” as the Volunteers prepare for a road trip to take on Georgia.
Iamaleava suffered a head injury during the team’s Week 11 win over Mississippi State. He did not return for the second half of the game after being evaluated for concussion-like symptoms.
The injury comes at an inopportune time for Tennessee. The Volunteers not only face a road test at Georgia, but are coming off their best first half performance in a conference game all season.
Prior to Iamaleava exiting the game, he had thrown for 174 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. In his five previous conference starts, Iamaleava struggled with slow starts and an inefficiency throwing the ball. He has posted a completion percentage of 70% or better only once in his six SEC starts total.
An overall issue for Tennessee has been protecting the quarterback. While Iamaleava was not sacked on Saturday night, he has been sacked at least three times in four games this season. If Iamaleava is able to play, he has provided a glimpse of how effective he can be throwing the ball when he has time to operate.
With both teams in contention to make the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, Saturday’s meeting between Tennessee and Georgia carries a lot of significance. While a loss would not entirely eliminate Tennessee (8-1, 5-1 SEC) from the playoff, it could be hard to overcome. Georgia comes in with a 7-2 record, but winners of seven in a row against the Volunteers.
Having their quarterback on the field Saturday night is key for Tennessee if they want to end their losing streak to Georgia and increase their chances of making the playoff.
