As was to be expected, Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava craze went out of control after the Vols crushed Iowa 35-0 in the Citrus Bowl on the star quarterback’s debut.
Mainstream media observers are projecting the Vols into the 12-team playoff for the upcoming season and identifying Iamaleava as one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC for 2024. Members of the fringe media are curious as to how many Heisman medals he will take home.
And supporters of the Vols? Mama, oh. Joe Milton has already been forgotten.
Luckily, elections for Knoxville’s mayor took place last summer. If not, Iamaleava may be elected on a platform of touchdowns and pajama bottoms. Iamaleava has already earned the chumpier moniker “Polynesian Peyton” from Big Orange supporters than “Overthrow Joe.”
Let me emphasize that before I put a stop to this out-of-control hype train, I’m curious to see what the future holds for Iamaleava. Josh Heupel made a mistake this season by not playing him more. He was able to assist the Vols (9–4). Iamaleava’s effortless runs against Iowa (10-4) went above and beyond what I expected. It seems like he understands Heupel’s offense. His four touchdowns in all are more than I would have thought. I think this guy is going to have a great career.
But remember, folks—this is only Iowa.
I know what you’re thinking: Surely Iowa has a top-10 defense in the country? You would be accurate. Iowa has a strong defense. That manifested itself as six sacks.
However, Iowa is accustomed to playing against subpar Big Ten quarterbacks; it is not used to playing against the Vols’ fast-paced attack.
Kirk Ferentz, the coach, earns his living by applying pressure to Northwestern and Illinois. Iowa is easily defeated when faced with a strong opponent on the field.
The Hawkeyes’ three games this season against ranked opponents ended with the following final scores: