Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava Exits Second Half Due to Upper Body Injury in Vols’ Win Over Mississippi State
Tennessee starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava did not return for the second half of the Volunteers’ Week 11 SEC matchup against Mississippi State at Neyland Stadium. Iamaleava, who had completed 8-of-13 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, suffered the injury following a hit from Mississippi State safety Isaac Smith late in the second quarter. Although Iamaleava briefly returned to close the first half, he was ruled out for the remainder of the game with an upper body injury. Backup quarterback Gaston Moore took over in the second half as Tennessee went on to secure a 33-14 victory.
Tennessee coach Josh Heupel reassured that the injury was precautionary and expressed confidence that Iamaleava would be ready for next Saturday’s game against Georgia, a crucial matchup in the Volunteers’ SEC and College Football Playoff aspirations.