Making The Case For Both Tennessee QBs To Start vs. Vanderbilt

The Tennessee Volunteers could start either Joe Milton III or Nico Iamaleava this weekend against Vanderbilt. We lay out the case for both.

The Vols (7-4, 3-4) have one regular season game left before postseason play. Though there have been some high moments, 2023 hasn't been what many fans expected. Tennessee still has a chance to win nine games this season in what many consider a "down year," which would be an excellent feat for a program that spent the better part of the best two decades at the bottom of the SEC.

Many are calling for a quarterback change for Tennessee. Joe Milton III has run the show this year and has gone through his fair share of ups and downs. Meanwhile, former five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava has shown flashes and will be the starting quarterback next season, but he hasn't gotten many reps.

Iamaleava has appeared in three games this year, meaning he has already qualified for a redshirt. Players can only appear in four regular-season games without burning their redshirt, although bowl games don't count toward that figure. Now that Iamaleava has earned his redshirt, I lay out the case for Milton and Iamaleava to get starting snaps this weekend.

Joe Milton's Case

Milton has been a consummate professional since arriving at the University of Tennessee. Most players would have entered the transfer portal after losing their starting job - Milton took it in stride and waited two whole years for his opportunity. No, it hasn't been perfect, but it also hasn't been as bad as some have made it out to be. Furthermore, head coach Josh Heupel prides himself on giving his players opportunities. In the era of the transfer portal, it could prove valuable to send a message to transfers that if you come to Tennessee and wait your turn, you will get your turn.

Nico Iamaleava's Case

Iamaleava is the future at Tennessee - it's why they went so hard after the California native - getting him on campus numerous times, building their class around him, and not seriously pursuing any other major quarterbacks in the 2023 cycle. The Vols could make the switch and benefit greatly - getting Iamaleava in-game reps against an SEC opponent + a bowl game would benefit a young player who already didn't have many high school starts. 

Tennessee Volunteers QBs Joe Milton III and Nico Iamaleava after a win over Texas A&M. (Photo by Saul Young of the News Sentinel)

Betting Lines as of 11/20 - Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee

• Caesar's Sportsbook: Tennessee -27, Vols ML -4500, O/U 56.5
• Draft Kings: Tennessee -25, Vols ML -3600, O/U 56.5
• Fan Duel: Tennessee -25.5, Vols ML -4000, O/U 56.5

How To Watch: Vanderbilt @ Tennessee

• Gameday: Saturday, November 25th, 2023.
• Game time: 3:30 pm ET
• TV: SEC Network
• Stadium: Neyland Stadium (Knoxville, Tennessee)
• Live stream on fuboTV: Start with a 7-day free trial!

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• Creating Atmospheres - Why Saturday Is Reflective of Josh Heupel's Work

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