Joey Aguilar didn't even need 1 half to make Vols fans forget about Nico Iamaleava

Joey Aguilar is gonna be alright Vols nation.

​Maybe he's not the attention-seeking 5-star can't-miss guy you thought you wanted, but the gritty 24-year-old App State transfer that's worked his way from the ground up is the guy that Tennessee needed.

And does he have an arm? Check out this beauty of a touchdown to Braylon Staley.

Vols offense was humming in the first half

Aguilar's numbers have been a little hit or miss. He's 9-of-18 for 179 yards and that beautiful touchdown pass through one half. But he was in control of the huddle and the moment didn't seem too big for him as the Vols enjoyed a 31-14 halftime lead over Syracuse.

Josh Heupel knew that Aguilar was going to need help with the running game, and it has delivered with 157 yards on 20 carries. That's 7.6 yards per carry! The offensive line has been big and physical at the point of attack, and it's led to a bunch of chunk plays. DeSean Bishop busted off a 47-yard run and has 67 yards and a touchdown to lead the way. 

But the success of the Tennessee offense has always been about hitting the deep shots in the passing game. And that's why Aguilar's bomb to Staley was so important. There were many times last season where the deep ball was there and Nico Iamaleava just missed it.

​A big part of the reason why Aguilar won the job is because Heupel has faith that he can connect on the big shots when they present themselves. Through one half, Aguilar is making Heupel look like a genius.