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Dave Doeren, NC State HC, praises Vols QB Nico Iamaleava: ‘Man, is he talented’
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Dave Doeren, North Carolina State’s head coach, expressed heavy praise for Tennessee sophomore QB Nico Iamaleava, who had an excellent 2024 debut against Chattanooga this past Saturday.
Iamaleava led the Vols to a 69-3 win over the Mocs, throwing for 314 yards and 3 touchdowns while completing 22 of his 28 passing attempts. More impressive, Iamaleava did all this in just 2 quarters — breaking the Tennessee record for most passing yards in a single half.
Although he didn’t show it against the Mocs, Iamaleava is also a real rushing threat. He rushed for 3 scores during last season’s bowl victory over Iowa – his college debut. Doeren mentioned that ability, Tennessee’s impressive receiver corps and a knack for finding the open receiver as strengths when discussing the sophomore signal caller and Tennessee’s offense.
Check out his full comments below:
“Their quarterback, man is he talented. He’s fun to watch.” — NC State HC Dave Doeren on Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava and the Vols’ offense (:WRAL) pic.twitter.com/UbnalnQuQu
— zach ragan (@zachTNT) September 2, 2024
The Vols and Wolfpack will face off this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET in Charlotte, a game that will be a fringe top 25 matchup (depending on polls Tuesday afternoon). The Wolfpack, to put it nicely, were completely pushed around at the line of scrimmage by Western Carolina last Thursday – especially in the first half. Regardless, NC State was able to pull away late to claim a 38-21 victory.
Tennessee’s defensive line has the potential to be elite this season with future first-round draft pick James Pearce coming off the edge. The Vols defense certainly looked the part Saturday against (yes, we know) FCS Chattanooga. Can NC State’s O-line adjust against a much tougher opposing D-line?
We’ll get a better idea of just what the Vols and Wolfpack bring to the table this weekend in Charlotte.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
