Everything Nico Iamaleava said after Tennessee beat Vanderbilt

NASHVILLE, Ten. — Tennessee nearly clinched a spot in the College Football Playoff on Saturday.

Nico Iamaleava is an important reason for this.

TALK ABOUT IT IN THE ROCKY TOP FORUM

The starting quarterback of the No. 8 Vols overcame an early interception to help Tennessee overcome a two-point first-half deficit Vanderbilt36-23 in the regular season finale at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville.

Iamaleava had one of the best performances of the season, completing 18 of 26 passes for 257 yards and four touchdowns, including 23 and 86 yards Don’t’e Thornton Jr. as part of a 530-plus yard effort for the Vols offense in a game they had to win to reach the playoffs for the first time.

Here’s everything Iamaleava said about the passing game, a crucial game-winning performance late in the first half and Tennessee’s likely path to the playoffs.

“I threw a pickaxe, it definitely hurt a little bit.

“We started at the 2-yard line, I think. And when it came to shooting, we just wanted to get points, regardless of whether it was three or seven. We were really looking for a touchdown. I’m glad we all managed to do this.”

“I think that’s Coach (Heupel). Our entire coaching staff and what they preach, you know, right here, right now. Know where your feet are. I think that’s just from above. Our coaching.” The staff has done a great job of keeping us in that mindset.

“I think I can just take more control of the offense. You know, as a young man, I can always be better at this. I think just having full control of the offense and knowing what our coaches want, what we want. “I think that’s what I’ve worked on the most.”

“It’s a great feeling, man. I’m just super happy that we were able to secure this spot. Now the real work begins. So, you know, it’s start time for us. Start time for our team. We know what time it is.”

“You know, without Bru (McCoy), it was a great opportunity for them to step up and show what they can do. Chris (Brazzell), he did that, you know, most of the year. Mike (Matthews) came out of his shell as a young man and still dominated the offense. I was super excited to see him play and see him and Chris on the ball.

“I think we have the most confidence. You know, we would take this team against anyone. So I think our entire team knows we have what it takes to go out and compete at the highest level. And yes ( After the go-ahead touchdown in the second quarter, it was just a little joke. I’m glad we scored.