UPDATE: On3's Pete Nakos just reported that multiple sources have told him Nico is expected to play against Georgia on Saturday night. Another positive sign that No. 8 will be taking the field for Heupel.
Right now, just about everyone is waiting to see whether or not Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava will be able to play against the Georgia Bulldogs or not. Iamaleava has been in the concussion protocol following a big hit he took against Mississippi State in Week 11.
He's listed as questionable for this game, but all signs are pointing to him being ready for this one. Need some more good news on that front? National College Football Reporter Matt Zenitz provided an update on Friday, with a source telling him that it would be 'surprising' if Nico isn't good to go to take on Georgia. That's exactly the update people have been hoping for:
The latest with @cpetagna247 on Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava heading into the Vols’ matchup against Georgia pic.twitter.com/kRlBnR5IB9
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) November 15, 2024
Nico Iamaleava remains questionable for Tennessee to take on Georgia
"The good thing for Tennessee from everything I've heard is he has continued to progress throughout the course of the week and there's continued optimism that he will end up being available come Saturday when they face off against Georgia in that massive showdown," Zenitz said. "The latest information they got last night from one source was that it's reached a point that it would be surprising to a degree if Nico does not end up being available for that game."
Should something happen and Nico is forced to miss this contest between SEC powerhouses, Gaston 'Gaspipe' Moore would lead the offense out onto the field for Josh Heupel. However, after seeing that clip from Zenitz, it should only give people in Knoxville even more hope that the star QB will be suited up and that he'll be giving the Georgia defense issues all night.
There's a ton on the line for this contest, we don't have to tell you that. We also don't have to tell you that Tennessee's chances of pulling off an upset over the Bulldogs will only get lower if Iamaleava ends up being ruled out. Luckily, it doesn't look like that's going to be the case, though nothing has been made official just yet.