A huge non-conference game is set for Week 2 of the college football season.
And now the season really begins. Tennessee crushed Chattanooga 69-3 on Saturday, kicking off the 2024 season in style. Nico Iamaleava looked the part, putting up 38 points in just under 20 minutes of play.
Tennessee now heads to Charlotte to face NC State. What should we expect? Let’s take an early look.
1. Nico Iamaleava
The hype is/was real. The former five-star quarterback destroyed Chattanooga on Saturday afternoon, putting up over 300 yards in just a half of work. Obviously the level of opponent is part of that equation, but you can’t ask for much more out of your quarterback in that setting.
Iamaleava’s performance just built off of his Citrus Bowl debut, which saw him put up 35 points on Iowa, one of the best defenses in the country. The redshirt freshman was decisive, attacked down the field and was in full command of Josh Heupel’s offense on Saturday. Frankly, and I’m trying hard not to overreact to an FCS result here, it appears that the Volunteers have upgraded in a large way from last year’s Joe Milton offense.
“He’s the real deal,” Chattanooga head coach Rusty Wright said. “I think the more football that young man plays … I think he fits really well in the scheme of what they want to do. I think he was what they’d been looking for at that spot. Got all the tools, ball comes out of his hand good. I just think the more football he plays, the better he will be. And of course he will because he’s, what, started two games I think now. I think middle of the year, he’ll be rolling pretty good.”
NC State was tasked with a similar opponent in their opener on Thursday night, but struggled to put Western Carolina away. Perhaps it was a look ahead spot for the Wolfpack, but it appears they’re going to have their hands full with Nico on Saturday night.
2. Tennessee defensive front vs. Grayson McCall
NC State has some believers this season, and for good reason. Dave Doeren upgraded at quarterback this offseason, bringing in Grayson McCall from Coastal Carolina to run his offense. McCall put together four consecutive big seasons at Coastal, tossing 88 touchdown passes against just 14 interceptions.
McCall went 26-40 in the opener against Western Carolina, throwing for 318 yards. Next up he’s going to face one of the best front sevens in the country, led by future top five pick James Pearce. Tennessee will have plenty to throw at McCall in Charlotte, and how he handles the pressure will go a long way in determining the outcome.
Tennessee currently sits as a 7.5 point favorite — up three full points since a week ago.
3. Dylan Sampson and the rushing attack
Considering what we knew about Heupel’s rotation at the running back position, it was somewhat surprising to see Dylan Sampson get so much work against Chattanooga. Sampson handled 12 carries that went for 124 yards and three touchdowns against the Mocs, kicking off his lead-back season for Tennessee.
“We expect him to play the way that he did today,” Josh Heupel said. “Decisive, violent cuts, got pad under pad and obviously has the ability to do anything that you want a running back to do. When I say that, just the ability to play out in space and play like a wideout, too, so love the performance from him today.”
That volume will only increase as the season goes. Tennessee’s offensive attack is fueled by the run game, and Dylan Sampson is the leader of the backfield. Sampson might be the most slept on back in the country, following the lead of Jaylen Wright last season. A stiff test awaits him against NC State, but Tennessee’s wide splits and commitment to the run game should be a difference maker.
Expect Cam Seldon, DeSean Bishop and Peyton Lewis to get some carries as well.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.