🟠VOLS⚪: QB Nico Iamaleava, “We’ve got to play cleaner”.Any big play we had, there was a penalty…READ DETAILS👇👇👇…

Tennessee’s freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava didn’t hold back in his post-game assessment following a challenging outing. Speaking to the media, Iamaleava emphasized the need for the team to play a more disciplined and polished game, particularly highlighting the impact of penalties that derailed several promising drives. His message was clear: if Tennessee hopes to capitalize on their offensive potential, they must clean up their mistakes and eliminate the costly errors that have been holding them back.

Big Plays Wiped Out by Penalties

In a game where momentum was key, the Tennessee offense had several big moments that could have changed the outcome. But time and time again, those big plays were negated by penalties that pushed the Volunteers back, forcing them into difficult situations and disrupting their offensive rhythm. For Iamaleava, these mistakes were especially frustrating given the hard work the team had put in during practice and their ability to execute when penalties weren’t a factor.

“We’ve got to play cleaner,” Iamaleava said. “Any big play we had, there was a penalty. It’s hard to keep drives alive and put points on the board when you’re constantly moving backward.”

The young quarterback pointed to holding calls, false starts, and other procedural penalties as key factors that stalled Tennessee’s progress. He acknowledged that the mistakes were preventable and stressed the importance of focusing on the details in practice to avoid similar issues in future games.

Learning to Play Through Adversity

As a freshman, Iamaleava is still adjusting to the pace and demands of college football, but he’s shown maturity in his ability to lead the team through adversity. Despite the setbacks, he remained poised on the field, rallying his teammates and trying to make plays under pressure. His leadership in the huddle and on the sideline is a positive sign for the Volunteers as they look to build around their talented young quarterback.

“It’s all about how we respond,” Iamaleava said. “Mistakes are going to happen, but we have to find ways to bounce back and keep our focus on the next play. That’s how you grow as a team.”

Iamaleava’s comments reflect a broader understanding of the challenges facing Tennessee. While penalties have been an issue, he emphasized that the team needs to maintain its confidence and trust the game plan. He believes that with better discipline, the Volunteers can unlock their full potential and put themselves in a position to compete with any team in the SEC.

Coaches Echo the Need for Discipline

Tennessee’s coaching staff has echoed Iamaleava’s message, focusing on cleaning up mistakes and emphasizing fundamentals during practice. Head coach Josh Heupel acknowledged that penalties have been a recurring issue for the team, particularly in key moments of games. Heupel and his staff have been working to address the mental lapses and communication breakdowns that have led to these costly errors.

“We can’t beat ourselves,” Heupel said. “When you’re playing against good teams, you can’t afford to give away yards with penalties. We’ve got to be more disciplined, and that’s something we’ll continue to stress in practice.”

Iamaleava’s willingness to take responsibility and focus on areas for improvement is a reflection of the culture Heupel is trying to instill in the program. The young quarterback’s leadership and accountability are qualities that could help Tennessee turn the corner as they navigate a challenging SEC schedule.

**Looking Forward: Turning Mistakes into Growth**

While the penalties have been frustrating, Iamaleava sees them as an opportunity for the team to learn and grow. He remains confident in Tennessee’s ability to improve and believes that the mistakes they are making now can be corrected through hard work and attention to detail.

“We know what we’re capable of,” Iamaleava said. “It’s just about executing the right way and playing smart football. If we can do that, I think we’ll be in a good position moving forward.”

The Volunteers’ next challenge will test their ability to apply those lessons and play a cleaner, more disciplined game. For Iamaleava, it’s not just about individual performance, but about bringing the entire team along with him as they strive to reach their potential. With his leadership and a renewed focus on minimizing mistakes, Tennessee hopes to make strides in the coming weeks.

As the season progresses, Iamaleava and the Volunteers will look to tighten up their play and capitalize on the talent and potential that have made them a team to watch. If they can turn those big plays into points without the penalties, the future could be bright for Tennessee under their young quarterback’s leadership.