Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava is sidelined for the remainder of Saturday’s matchup against Mississippi State after sustaining an upper body injury, ESPN reports. Iamaleava was notably absent when the team returned for the second half, and the injury was confirmed shortly thereafter.
Before exiting, Iamaleava had completed 8 of 13 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. It remains unclear when exactly the injury occurred. Heading into the game, Iamaleava had thrown for 1,705 yards this season, completing 65.4% of his passes with nine touchdowns and four interceptions.
In Iamaleava’s place, fifth-year senior Gaston Moore took over. Moore has had limited opportunities with the Vols, having played in 12 games with 235 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Tennessee led 30-14 in the third quarter when running back Dylan Sampson scored on a 33-yard touchdown run. Despite being listed as questionable, Sampson returned to action and contributed 54 of the 75 yards on the drive.
