Tennessee’s road to the College Football Playoff is on shaky ground following Saturday’s loss to Georgia. The Vols now face an uphill battle to secure a spot, likely needing a series of upsets among Top 12 teams and, most critically, winning their final two regular-season games.
Despite the setback, Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart had high praise for Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, highlighting his resilience during a challenging week. “It’s hard to get him down,” Smart said postgame. “That guy is a tough competitor… He’s got great quickness, great vision, and he’s a really talented quarterback with a bright future.”
Iamaleava’s performance on Saturday was nothing short of gutsy. Coming off a concussion sustained against Mississippi State, he was listed as questionable throughout the week. Yet, the young quarterback started in Athens, ran the ball 12 times, and absorbed significant hits while continuing to fight for his team.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel also expressed confidence in his team’s culture and ability to rebound. “This group’s extremely competitive,” Heupel said on Monday. “We’ve got to make it happen, and they recognize the opportunity we have this week.”
The Vols (8-2) will look to keep their playoff hopes alive when they host UTEP (2-8) on Saturday in Neyland Stadium. With Iamaleava’s toughness at the helm, Tennessee’s resolve will be tested as they navigate the season’s final stretch.
