Tennessee OC Joey Halzle: Playing Iamaleava Wouldn't Change Offensive Woes

Tennessee Volunteers offensive coordinator Joey Halzle dismissed the idea that the offense would be better with Nico Iamaleava manning the show.

All questions are on the table after Tennessee's loss to Florida. The No. 11 team in America doesn't lose in that environment - The Swamp has always been unfavorable to the Vols, but the top teams would have beaten those Gators last Saturday. Some are beginning to murmur that this offense needs a quarterback change, but the coaching staff is quickly dismissing that.

Offensive coordinator Joey Halzle met with the media on Tuesday to preview the upcoming game against UTSA. Halzle explained that he doesn't believe benching Joe Milton III in favor of blue-chip freshman Nico Iamaleava would benefit Tennessee. "No," Halzle said. "It’s operational, and Joe is operating at a really high level." Milton played poorly against Florida, but the staff has remained steadfast that he is their best option.

Iamaleava was the No. 2 player in America coming out of high school. He got snaps against Virginia in week one and flashed the talent many anticipated, leading a touchdown drive on the first series of his career. He hasn't seen any time in the past two games, with Milton assuming every snap. Milton hasn't gotten to the start he wanted, and he needs to use the next few games to even out his play. UTSA provides a good clean-up opportunity before the Vols dive into the meat of their SEC schedule.

You can see Milton's talent weekly. He makes throws that excite you, but in the next series, he takes a bad sack or throws a ball in the dirt. The questions will only get louder the longer this continues, but Tennessee is riding with its guy for now.

Tennessee Volunteers QB Nico Iamaleava during a win over Virginia on September 2nd, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Caitie McMekin of the News Sentinel)

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