FINAL: Tennessee Bests Iowa In Citrus Bowl, Notches First Win of Iamaleava Era

Originally posted on Tennessee Volunteers on SI
By Evan Crowell | Last updated Jan 1, 2024 4:14 PM ET

The Nico Iamaleava era got off to a strong start. Fans in Knoxville, Tennessee, watched Iamaleava look in complete control against a top-5 defense in college football, playing a turnover-free game and scoring three rushing touchdowns. His first start lived up to expectations, and there's a lot of reason to be excited heading into the 2024 season.

We saw a lot of young playmakers get a chance to impact the game in this one. Edge rusher James Pearce Jr. was Tennessee's best defensive player this season and will be their top returner heading into next season. He forced a crucial fumble on a strip-sack that led to a Tennessee touchdown and also tallied a pick-6 early in the fourth quarter.

The defensive effort was impressive, despite Iowa's offensive standing entering the game. The Vols pitched a shut-out, rallying to the football all afternoon and disrupting the timing of the Hawkeyes' offense. The defensive line made plays all afternoon and got the Hawkeyes of their spot.

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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This article first appeared on Tennessee Volunteers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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