NCAAF Update: Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel Delivers Powerful Message to QB Nico Iamaleava
Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel had a strong message for quarterback Nico Iamaleava amid stellar season.
The No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers are having an impressive NCAA season under head coach Josh Heupel. Despite a tough road loss to Arkansas, the Vols have defeated several top SEC teams and currently boast a 6-1 record (3-1 in conference play). As the team takes a break during their bye week following a huge victory in the Third Saturday of October matchup, Heupel delivered a powerful message to freshman starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
The Volunteers currently hold fourth place in the Southeastern Conference, but with five games remaining, the title race is still wide open. Tennessee recently defeated Alabama and is now on a bye week, preparing for their next game against Kentucky on November 2nd.
“Rocky Top” has made its presence felt in college football this season, and Knoxville fans are confident in their team’s chances of making a playoff run with young quarterback Nico Iamaleava at the helm. Head coach Josh Heupel had a strong message for Iamaleava, who is navigating his first starts following a redshirt freshman year in 2023.
“I think playing that position is really challenging,” Heupel said, via On3. “When things aren’t going your way, it can feel like the walls are closing in. To have the courage, strength, and resilience to push through that and still play good football—not perfect, but good—and find a way to win, you have to be mentally and physically tough. That’s one of the key positives to take away from Nico’s performance in the game.”
That’s whether you’re young or you’ve played a lot of football, but certainly when you’re young. When things aren’t going well, you can hear certain members of the crowd. … You’ve turned it over, you haven’t moved the ball, whatever it is. The quarterback takes ownership of all of that.“
Heupel on what he liked about Nico against Alabama
While Iamaleava’s stats against the Crimson Tide may not be eye-popping, it was still a solid performance. In college football, it’s not always about playing ‘hero-ball’; sometimes teams just need their quarterbacks to manage the game and withstand tough moments.
Iamaleava executed as well as anyone could, leading the Vols to a 24-17 victory over Alabama. Tennessee’s quarterback completed 14 passes for 194 yards, with a touchdown and an interception, while also adding 44 rushing yards.
“There are a few things with his vision and body positioning on certain plays that need improvement. But he also made some great throws, like the big play to Chris Brazzell in the end zone on third down. He has areas to keep developing, but that’s all part of his growth.”
