Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Recap: The Nico Iamaleava Era is in full swing
For the fourth time in Tennessee’s long, rich history, a freshman has started a bowl game. And, the highly touted freshman Nico Iamaleava only added to the hype as he commanded the Vols to a 35 - 0 victory against one of the top defenses in the nation. Iamaleava also took home MVP honors.
Tennessee’s offense actually struggled out of the gate. Two penalties and a sack on Nico resulted in a three-and-out to start. Iowa’s anemic offense then marched down to the Tennessee four yard line before a Vols’ interception saved the day and kickstarted the momentum.
Dylan Sampson had his first career start and looked the part, rushing for 130 yards and holding up in pass protection. Did I mention Iowa has the 11th-best rushing defense in FBS? You wouldn’t have guessed it after the Vols ripped Iowa for 232 yards on the ground. And, that’s with the Vols’ first and second-string running backs being out after declaring for the draft. But with Sampson and Seldon, the Vols rush offense didn’t miss a stroke. Speaking of that great Iowa defense, Iowa came into the game only allowing 102.5 rushing yards a game. Tennessee had 126 rushing yards by the half. Put an exclamation point on that stat.
On the other side of the ball, Tennessee’s defense was back to being relentless after that 1st quarter drive that ended with a Vols’ interception in the end zone. Tennessee accounted for 3 turnovers and a huge 52-yard pick-six by the defensive phenomenon James Pierce Jr. And, while Tennessee has struggled in the secondary, Iowa only managed a measly 60 yards passing and 113 yards rushing. Tennessee also racked up 5 sacks on the day and just manhandled the Big Ten offense.
Not only did Tennessee dominate a bowl game for the 2nd year in a row, but this time, there’s a warm feeling in the air similar to that ‘98 feeling. Heupel has taken this program to a height that hasn’t been seen in two decades and it only looks like he’s just beginning. Vols fans, it’s smelling a lot like ‘98.
