Nico Iamaleava leads impressive touchdown drive in response to Vanderbilt hot start
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Nico Iamaleava calmed the nerves of Tennessee fans all over the Volunteer State with their latest drive in Week 14 against rival Vanderbilt.
The Vols, after falling to a 14-0 deficit early to Vanderbilt, responded with a 5-play, 73-yard touchdown drive culminating in a score by receiver Dont’e Thornton.
Iamaleava was dealing, completing 3 of his 4 passes including the below strike to Thornton for six:
Nico ➡️ Dont’e ➡️ Six
https://t.co/vNztc0T4s4
ABC pic.twitter.com/ekjUxnqMAq— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) November 30, 2024
That was as impressive of a drive as Tennessee has had all season, given the circumstances. Tennessee is not quite built for a start like this – they lean on their elite defense more than their offense, partially due to an underperforming passing attack.
Dylan Sampson has been the engine for this Tennessee offense, and he had a few contributions on the Vols’ first TD drive after his fumble on drive No.1.
This may be the most important Tennessee-Vanderbilt matchup in 50 years. The Vols all but surely earn a spot in the College Football Playoff with a win, but they’re almost certainly out of the running with a loss to the Commodores in this spot.
Let’s see if Tennessee continues to respond. As of writing, the Vols trail 14-7 with just under 5 minutes remaining in the first quarter, with Vanderbilt driving.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
