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Tennessee vs NC State Offensive Grade Report

Caleb Sisk

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) throws a pass at the NCAA College football game between Tennessee and NC State on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 in Charlotte, NC.
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) throws a pass at the NCAA College football game between Tennessee and NC State on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 in Charlotte, NC. / Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Tennessee Volunteers had a big win over the North Carolina State Wolfpack on Saturday night as the game concluded with a victory by 41 points. The offense found its true self in the second half as the majority of the scoring came in the third quarter as the Vols put up 17 points.

Some position groups are to be thanked more than others. So, let's get into it with this week's offensive grade report.

Tennessee vs NC State - Offensive report card.

Quarterback: B-

Nico Iamaleava didn’t have exactly the game you’d hope for, as he did just a little over a week ago when he and the Vols took on the Chattanooga Mocs. However, it was good enough to get the job done. We saw tons of bright spots including a 31-yard TD run up the middle behind great blocking from the line up front. He had some solid passes as well including a 45-yard pass that was caught by Squirrel White, responding the possession after one of his two interceptions. Miles Kitselman and Holden Staes both had TD receptions from the talented QB placing a good ball in their hands.

The issue with Iamaleava felt like the jitters; at times, it seemed he was holding the ball a bit long. He also turned the ball over twice in this game one of which was not entirely his fault as he took a big hit in the backfield which resulted in the Wolfpack gaining six more points off of a defensive touchdown from Aydan White which went 87 yards to the end zone.

However, the other one you can discredit him for is that he was targeting Bru McCoy across the middle, and the ball was picked off by Bishop Fitzgerald early on in the game, resulting in a solid return of 29 yards. The mistakes made aren’t all that concerning as the good from Iamaleava still showed as he had three touchdowns on the day however the mistakes must be acknowledged.

Running Backs: A

The running game was rather efficient throughout the game as star back and third-year player Dylan Sampson was the headline back as expected as he finished the game with two touchdowns 132 yards and 20 carries on the day. His longest run was 34 yards, an electric touchdown that he bounced to the outside to inflict more misery on both Wolfpack players and fans. He was everything you’d hope for him to be as on average he was averaging 6.6 yards per carry which is very good considering his amount of carries due to Cameron Seldon not being available to go for this one.

This meant that the primary backup for the game would then be former “Mr. Football” winner in the state of Tennessee DeSean Bishop who had 42 yards on 10 carries. Not a bad night for Bishop who spent last season with a season-ending injury so to see him getting in the mix early on this season is huge and he stepped up big time with Seldon being absent.

Wide Receivers: C

The least impressive group from the contest was the wide receivers. This is due to the fact that a few players you’d expect more out of didn’t produce like you’d hoped. This starts with Dont’e Thornton Jr. who was coming off of his best Tennessee career game. Thornton didn’t get as many reps as some of the others. However, when he did he simply wasn’t producing. He didn’t have a catch on the day .

Next up would be arguably the most disappointing performance… with Bru McCoy. McCoy had the opportunity for a few big plays that didn’t his way. He could’ve had a two-touchdown day as on one he got behind a NC State defender but couldn't connect with Iamleava. A second touchdown opportunity came in the form of a redzone opportunity when Iamaleava found McCoy and though he caught the ball, failed to keep his feet in bounds. McCoy ended the day with one catch for 10 yards.

Squirrel White was perhaps the bright spot in the unit on Saturday night, making a spectacular catch on a switch release down the sideline, diving to make the grab.

Offensive Line: A-

Overall it was a good day for the line despite Iamaleava taking a few hits in the backfield. NC State's gameplan was clear from the start, they were going to pressure the quarterback, dedicating bodies to the box out of their 3-3-5 defense. It wasn’t a perfect game at all as Iamaleava throwing a pick 6 was in result of a bad snap from this offensive line unit. However, not allowing a sack is huge for this team against a top-25 team so you can’t rank it too low.

The offensive line’s best standout was former Miami transfer John Campbell who had plenty of pancakes that you’d think he was going to IHOP! It’s always good to see the Vols doing well against a solid defense up front because it used to be bad for years. The way this line has protected Iamaleava so far has been great. You just have to hope that continues.

The good news for this unit? You rush for 249 yards on 44 attemps, averaging 5.7 yards per carry, you're offensive line doesn't deserve too much scrutiny.

Tight Ends: A+

This group did an amazing job not only blocking and allowing the run game to open up but on receiving as well. Miles Kitselman was the biggest surprise here as he had a touchdown following a wide-open slip screen and a beautiful pass that landed in his hands from Iamaleava. This was one of if not the best play call of the night. Though Heupel designed and called another walk-in TD to new transfer addition from Notre Dame, Holden Staes.

This group is looking promising and this coaching staff as well as Iamaleava have done a great job getting them involved and it has worked early on this season.

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Caleb Sisk
CALEB SISK