Tennessee Volunteers starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava suffered an injury during the program’s SEC-ranked matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 8. What happened to the redshirt freshman? And who replaced him were the program’s two biggest questions following his exit.
On 2nd and 7, with 11:36 left in the second quarter, Iamaleava attempted to throw out of a sack, but the defender landed awkwardly on his legs. Prior to the broadcast’s commercial break, Iamaleava was in obvious pain after the play.
He walked off the field and into the medical tent alongside trainers but was able to return on Tennessee’s next drive following an Alabama three-and-out. According to the broadcast, Iamaleava suffered what’s being described as a hip injury.
Update: After missing a costly series, Iamaleava was able to return to the action following treatment for his hip. Though it appears to be nothing too series at this time, it was refreshing to see Iamaleava’s patented zip on his throws that accompanied his return.
Tennessee’s season hung in the balance as Iamaleava was in the tent, as the Vols had to retreat to their backup quarterback in the process.
Iamaleava's Injury and Replacement
With Iamaleava in the tent, backup QB Gaston Moore, a redshirt senior who transferred from UCF in 2021, took over under center. He played early in the year against Chattanooga and Kent State, completing 11 of 16 passes for 163 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
On 3rd and 9, the very next play after Iamaleava’s injury, Moore escaped the pocket to the right and heaved a pass downfield … only for Alabama DB Malachi Moore to intercept it and return it 41 yards.
Gaston then exited the lineup against Alabama in favor of Iamaleava, who popped back out onto the field from the injury tent the next series.
Iamaleava's Return and the Game's Outcome
Iamaleava didn’t fare much better on his next time out, taking a shot on a seven-yard run and then throwing his own pick to Crimson Tide CB Jaylen Mbakwe in the red zone later in the drive.
Despite the injury scare and the subsequent turnover, Iamaleava was able to return to the game and finish the contest. The Volunteers ultimately ended up winning 24-17 in a thrilling game.
The Tennessee Volunteers won the game, and Iamaleava was able to shake off the injury. However, the Volunteers will undoubtedly be closely monitoring Iamaleava’s health moving forward, especially given the importance of the rest of their season.
What Happens Next?
Tennessee’s victory against Alabama, despite the brief scare with Iamaleava, will likely be a pivotal point in the season. The team will need to figure out how to manage their star quarterback’s health while continuing their winning momentum in the SEC.
The Volunteers, who entered the game with a top-10 ranking, are now the favorites to win the SEC East. With Iamaleava back in the lineup, they are looking to make a strong push towards the College Football Playoff. But for that to happen, they will need to make sure their star quarterback stays healthy.
This game against Alabama was a true test of Tennessee’s resilience, and the team’s ability to overcome the scare with Iamaleava is a positive sign for the rest of the season.
