Saturday night belonged to the Big Orange in a big way.
Tennessee decimated NC State on Saturday night, easily covering the point spread. Yours truly predicted a solid win, but not a win like that. 51-10 and it could have been worse.
What some considered the “kiss of death” (College Gameday hosts unanimously picking Tennessee to win) ended up not coming to fruition. Tennessee shook off a slow start and handled business. “Give Him Six”— ABC commentator Rece Davis exclaimed when the Volunteers crossed into the checkerboard endzone, many times that night, much to the delight of the Big Orange faithful.
There were many impressive aspects of this performance from the Vols. Star QB Nico Iamaleava had some thoughts after the game’s conclusion. He finished with 276 pass yards and 3 TD’s.
Of course, no football game is perfect, and the Vols had their fair share of errors: a missed field goal, two interceptions, and some silly penalties.
“I was just taking with the defense gave me… I think in the second half I settled down pretty well,” Nico said of settling into the game.
Nico also was asked about his TD run in the third quarter.
“We’ve been practicing that look this whole week, they gave us the perfect look, it was time for me to go to school…it felt good to get out there and use my legs.”
Photo courtesy of Vols Wire.
The QB gave a shout out to the defense for their strong play:
“The only points they had were my points (the pick-six). We see how they prepare every day, you know, that D-line is nasty so overall. As a whole, I think the defense played great.”
Family members have been able to support the young QB for his games at Tennessee.
“It means everything,” said Iamaleava. “I love having my parents being here. I had some family here from North Carolina come out, so I love my family supporting me.”
All eyes will be on Tennessee in two weeks when it goes to Norman, Oklahoma to square off against Coach Heupel’s Alma Mater. Despite a sluggish performance against Houston, Oklahoma will be fired up for that game. Tennessee must be prepared for a battle. Heupel will have his guys ready. The game time is set for Sep 21 at 7:30 pm ET on ABC.
Photo courtesy of Vols Wire.