Time for the Nico Era in Knoxville.... How Far Can He Take the Vols in 2024?

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Tennessee enters 2024 with some serious reasons for optimism. The Vols feel a little off the radar in the SEC hype train and that might not be the worst thing. Offensive guru Head Coach Josh Heupel is back with a 5 star dual threat QB in Nico Iamaelava and the timing could not be better after a year of the Joe Milton experience.

Let's take a look at the key questions facing Tennessee this fall….

1) How good can Nico be in Year 1 as a starter?

Nico starred in a 34-0 thrashing of a strong defense in Iowa in the bowl game. He can run & throw which should translate to many points this season. The Vols have 3 starters back on the offensive line and add LSU transfer Lance Heard at left tackle who should be solid. The WR corps was banged up last year but does have talent in Bru McCoy and Dont'e Thornton Jr. Tennessee only has one of their 3 headed monster back at running back but all in all there are plenty of reasons for optimism ESP with Heupel's offensive acumen. The Vols averaged over 46 points a game with Hendon Hooker at QB in 2022. Heupel knows what he is doing.

2) How much can the loaded defensive line carry the defense?

DC Tim Banks is on the record saying Tennessee should have the best defensive line in America….. strong words indeed. All American DE James Pearce Jr. is a projected top 10 NFL Draft Pick. He might be the best defensive lineman in the nation. The Vols are also 6 deep at defensive tackle and have some depth opposite Pearce. The depth is huge considering how much the defense is on the field because of the Vols up tempo offense.

There are some concerns in the back of the defense especially in the secondary. A WHOPPING 10 defensive backs left the program (3 NFL, 7 Transfers) in the offseason. Oregon State transfer Jermod McCoy is going to have a key role in the secondary immediately and others must step up. It is not a good sign when UT took an average Middle Tenn State safety to compete for a job in the portal. But the best protection for an inexperienced secondary is a fierce pass rush and at least the Vols have that.

3) How will the Vols fare on the road?

The schedule is pretty favorable all things considered. After opening with a cream puff in UT-Chattanooga, UT plays top 25 NC State in a neutral site game in Charlotte. This will be a solid test early but the Vols get it done and this game will help them get their minds right for the rigors of the SEC.

Tennessee will slaughter Kent State to get to 3-0 before a late September showdown at Oklahoma. Josh Heupel won the 2000 national title as QB in Norman and this one should be emotional. If the Vols win this game, look out. I have Tennessee falling in a down to the wire game here for their 1st loss of the season.

Following the bye week, UT should have no problem in Fayetteville and could be ending the coaching career of Sam Pittman. It feels odd that the Florida game is not in September and the Vols have a horrible history against the Gators. However this game being in Knoxville and Nico will be too much for a suspect Gators defense.

The win over Florida sets up a massive showdown against Alabama on the Third Saturday of October. And I believe the Vols get this done in front of a raucous crowd at Neyland Stadium. Alabama will still be good but Nico shines in the win against a Nick Sabanless defense.

After a bye week, the Vols handle both Kentucky and Mississippi State at home to set up yet another large game in Athens, Georgia. Unfortunately this game is not in the friendly confines of Neyland and they fall by two touchdowns for their 2nd loss of the year.

Tennessee finishes the year off with easy wins over UTEP & Vandy to finish a surprising 10-2 and Nico shines as a rising star in college football. UT sneaks into the playoffs as the #11 seed. I believe in Josh Heupel & Nico. This combo is going to take the Volunteers a long way in 2024.