The Volunteers will have their quarterback.
A wild week of speculation and false reports has come to an end, and we have a final answer. Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava will play against Georgia after suffering concussion-like symptoms following the game against Mississippi State last weekend.
Iamaleava exited last week’s game at halftime after taking a couple of shots just before the break. Gaston Moore broke the huddle and finished the game in Iamaleava’s absence.
Nico Iamaleava will start against Georgia
Nico Iamaleava is set to return to the lineup as @Vol_Football’s starting QB vs. Georgia on Saturday night, sources tell ESPN. Iamaleava practiced this week, including team periods, after suffering a blow to the head and missing the 2nd half last week in the Miss. State win.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) November 16, 2024
The former five-star prospect is starting to turn a corner as a passer, really coming on since the second half against Alabama. Iamaleava threw for 292 yards against Kentucky — a number that should have been much higher, but a handful of drops hurt the stat line. Nico was on pace for a big night against Mississippi State, throwing for 174 yards and two touchdowns in just two quarters of play.
Iamaleava now faces the always-talented Georgia defense in a hostile environment. He handled Oklahoma in Norman, but lost to Arkansas in Fayetteville as the offense never really got going. He gets his next shot on the road tonight.
Tennessee will also have Dont’e Thornton available.
More good news for @Vol_Football is that WR Dont’e Thornton (hand) has also been given the green light to play Saturday vs. Georgia after earlier being listed as questionable.
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) November 16, 2024
Tennessee is a 9.5 point underdog. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.