It's been all smiles for the Tennessee Volunteers through the first half of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. They carry a 14-0 lead into halftime against the Iowa Hawkeyes, already jumping Iowa's scoring average on defense this year - the Hawkeyes were only allowing 13.8 points per game entering Monday's action. However, freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava has dazzled in the first half of his first career start.
The Vols have played some of their best complementary football today. The running game has found success out of traditional formations, gaining yardage out of the I-formation in tight downs and distances while also gashing Iowa in the traditional Tennessee sets. Meanwhile, the defense has pitched a shoutout in the first half, forcing one of the FBS's worst offenses into obvious passing situations.
Head coach Josh Heupel has done a nice job of mixing up the play-calling today. Tennessee's first touchdown drive featured a lot of quick pass plays and their second touchdown drive was only run plays - both ended in Iamaleava rushing touchdowns. They've given fans a lot of reason to be excited, and it should be an interesting second half from Orlando, Florida.
How To Watch: Tennessee vs. Iowa
- Gameday: Monday, January 1st, 2024.
- Game time: 1:00 pm ET
- TV: ABC
- Stadium: Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
- Live stream on fuboTV: Start with a 7-day free trial!
NFL Draft Declarations / Citrus Bowl Opt-Outs
- Joe Milton III, QB
- Jaylen Wright, RB
- Jabari Small, RB
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