Tennessee's playoff chances will be decided on quarterback play, opposing coach feels

The expanded College Football Playoff certainly helps out a program like Tennessee. If the 12 teams were included during the magical run back in 2022, the Vols certainly would have been a participant. Flash forward two years later and it certainly has to be a goal for head coach Josh Huepel.

At least one opposing coach believes Tennessee can pull the feat off. Looking at how Huepel has recruited, both high school and in the NCAA transfer portal, the roster is certainly talented enough. Getting enough out of first-year quarterback Nico Iamaleava might be the key.

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“I think they’ve recruited really well, and from what I can tell, they’re managing the transfer portal as good as you can,” the anonymous coach said. “I think they’ve got a good coaching staff, I really do, They fit together. Obviously, the SEC is hard, but I think they’ve got a chance (to make CFP) if they get the quarterback position clicking. I bet they beat Alabama this year.”

Iamaleava has been hyped in Knoxville from the moment he committed. Fans finally got their first extended look at him in the bowl game against Iowa, performing well against one of the country’s best defenses. Heupel and the staff have to have confidence in what the youngster can do.

There is so much more to what Tennessee does than using the quarterback, though. A different opposing coach noted how Heupel is willing to run the ball all over opponents. SEC defenses have not fully caught up to the offensive scheme, in this coach’s opinion.

“Nico Iamaleava has got the talent and everybody says he’s got the makeup. When all the stars align and the right guy is under center at the right place at the right time with the right people around him, it can go, Defenses have not totally caught up with (Josh Heupel’s offense). It’s sustainable. He runs the ball very effectively. It’s not just flinging it a II over the lot.”

A tough schedule is ahead of Tennessee. The first coach mentioned the Alabama game — which will take place in Knoxville. Traditional SEC East rivals Florida, Georgia, and Kentucky appear as well. Maybe the most we learn about Tennessee will come in the conference opener against Oklahoma on Sept. 21.

If Iamaleava looks to be the real deal, the Vols will quickly become a mid-season pick to make the College Football Playoff.