Nico Iamaleava, No. 6 Tennessee Beat No. 15 Oklahoma; Fans Predict CFP Bracket Berth
Jack MurraySeptember 22, 2024
David Stacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Tennessee did not give Oklahoma a warm welcome to the SEC.
A strong defensive performance helped lead the Volunteers to a 25-15 victory over the Sooners and helped the team move to 4-0 on the season.
Tennessee Football @Vol_FootballRolled out the welcome wagon. pic.twitter.com/6SXX05qgiQ
SEC Network @SECNetworkCheck Mate 🍊
Tennessee goes into Norman and defeats No. 15 Oklahoma 25-15! @Vol_Football pic.twitter.com/2pzPvxXmgF
The Volunteers defense unfortunately lost it’s streak of not allowing an offensive touchdown during the final quarter, but it was still an excellent performance from the unit. The Sooners managed just 122 yards of total offense and the Volunteers also forced three turnovers.
Dylan Sampson led the rushing attack with 21 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown. DeSean Bishop added 65 yards on 16 carries while Bru McCoy had four catches for 92 yards receiving.
It was also a strong day for Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
Tennessee Football @Vol_Footballquick strike.
📺 ABC
📲 https://t.co/fGCMWmpQqf pic.twitter.com/QEpzq6A5md
SportsCenter @SportsCenterTHIS DOT FROM NICO IAMALEAVA 🎯
The Vols are in control vs. Oklahoma 😤 pic.twitter.com/n8hpfSUYRu
The redshirt freshman went 13-of-21 for 194 yards and a touchdown. While it wasn’t an overpowering day, he was efficient and also showcased an ability to make high-level throws.
Fans took to social media to praise Iamaleava’s performance and project his future as an NFL prospect.
AmericanTaliban @Omaega_thaTitanNico Iamaleava is going be something special in the NFL.
Jim Moorman DFF ⚙️ @jim_DFFI can’t wait for Nico Iamaleava to come in and average 22 FPPG as a rookie in the NFL
big content guy @bigcontentguyNico Iamaleava didn’t even plan on going to tennessee. All he heard was “Volunteer” and immediately said yes bc we’re taught to be selfless on the Big Island
Eddie Mackalicious @eddiemack5Nico Iamaleava and Arch Manning gonna be Manning-Leaf 2026
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙨 🎓 @ThomasWrrldNico Iamaleava is a #special talent
Sylvanus @Vainy_Nico Iamaleava is talented.
Brooks Austin @BrooksAustinBANico Iamaleava is as dangerous rolling left as any right-handed Q you’ll ever see that tall.
Jason DiRienzo @allpurposescoutNico Iamaleava just threw a freakin fastball to Squirrel White. Reminded me of Josh Allen #Devy
Fans also validated the Volunteers’ candidacy as a College Football Playoff team.
Mike O @joeyrattlesnakeTennessee is legit. Vols looks every bit like a playoff team.
Anthony Strong @TonyStrong631The SEC has 5 playoff worthy teams! Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Tennessee! LSU and Missouri outside shots!
Carbonbased Sports @AuburnF8fulTennessee is playoff bound.. National championship good.. Without a doubt
Playoff Vibes GOAT RAMIREZ @bennyhanna2467Man, hearing Rocky Top THAT loud in Norman is wild. Tennessee unfortunately is back
Cfbnewstoday @cfbnewstodayWhat’s a hot take you have after watching 4 weeks of football?
I’ll go first,
Tennessee will win the SEC championship and secure a playoff spot. #RockyTop
Andrew Lipham @AndrewLipham01tennessee is actually legit this year. sec might get 5 playoff teams.
Dillon @boomsoon2021Tennessee might be the best team in the sec
Dryfit Venables @DryfitVenablesTennessee is a National Title contender in my opinion. Offense was atrocious but if you fight until the end and keep this thing close, there’s some positives to take away from this going forward
While the Volunteers have looked impressive this season, the team still has plenty of hurdles in the way.
Tennessee still has Alabama and Georgia remaining on the schedule, and teams like Arkansas, Kentucky and Florida could still put some pressure on. Beating the Sooners was a big test, but Tennessee needs to keep up the intensity to make the playoff.
The expansion to 12 teams means that an undefeated season may not be necessary but the Volunteers cannot afford any slip ups.
