4 biggest Tennessee Vols winners from 33-14 victory over Mississippi State

While there was plenty of worry due to injuries (more on that below), the Tennessee Volunteers were able to post another convincing win, this time against Mississippi State at Neyland Stadium. In the end, a 33-14 win was recorded.

Yes, there were some lows for the team at points, but Tennessee is now 8-1 on the season and they're potentially going to sneak into the Top 5 of the AP Top 25 and College Football Playoff rankings this week. Some stellar performances were posted on Saturday night, including from our four biggest winners from the action:

4. K Max Gilbert

It's not often we get things started with some love for a kicker, but freshman Max Gilbert 100 percent deserves it. Last week in the win over Kentucky, people were furious with the youngster, as he went 0-for-3 on his field goal attempts. However, Josh Heupel wasted no time after that win in sending his kicker words of support.

So, how did Gilbert thank him? By having a night to remember vs. Mississippi State. Gilbert was a perfect 4-of-4 on his tries against the Bulldogs, including drilling a 51-yarder. It was a bounce-back performance for Gilbert, one he needed in a big way.

3. RB Dylan Sampson

Once again, things didn't look so hot for Dylan Sampson in the first half. What's up with the slippery fingers? In disappointing fashion, Sampson fumbled once again - his third straight game with a turnover. Heupel benched him for a series, which was eye-opening. However, Sampson was back on the field and turned heads like usual. On the night, the speedster posted 30 carries for 149 yards and a touchdown. Another strong showing for him. With that said, he has to take care of the ball against Georgia in Week 12.

2. DB Boo Carter

With a name like Boo Carter, how could we not bring up the Tennessee defensive back? It was a night to remember for Carter, who posted the first interception of his Vols career. It was a special moment for him, one that he's going to remember for quite some time. Not only that, but Carter also made a difference on special teams, returning six punts for 56 yards. Props to Carter for a solid showing.

1. QB Nico Iamaleava

Hearts stopped everywhere when quarterback Nico Iamaleava didn't take the field for the second half. It was then reported by ESPN that he was out for the rest of the game with an upper-body injury. This came after he tossed for 174 yards and two touchdowns in the first 30 minutes of play. He looked great before the injury.

The good news, however, is that Heupel calmed Vols fans everywhere when he revealed that Nico was held out for precautionary reasons and he avoided a serious injury. Come next Saturday night, the stud QB will be ready to take on Georgia in Athens. The bright lights will be on him to try and help his team post an upset.