The Positive, The Negative, and The Unfortunate: Highlights from the Citrus Bowl
The Tennessee Volunteers secured a crucial bowl victory against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, marking the conclusion of their 2023 football season. Here, we analyze the positives, negatives, and challenges faced in the game.
The Positives: Nico Iamaleava
Amidst the success for the Volunteers, a standout performance came from true freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava, hailing from California. Making his first career start against the Hawkeyes, Iamaleava showcased excellence with four touchdowns—three through his rushing abilities and one via a well-executed sideline pass to tight end McCallan Castles.
The Negatives: Inconsistent Pass Protection
Despite a commendable offensive performance, the Volunteers’ offensive line displayed inconsistency, at times appearing disoriented. Iamaleava faced pressure during numerous plays, experiencing multiple wrap-ups behind the line by the Iowa defense. The offensive line, which encountered growth challenges throughout the season, continued to grapple with similar issues in this game.
The Challenges: Injuries
A significant downside of the game was unrelated to on-field performance, as starting defensive back Jourdan Thomas suffered a lower-body injury during the fourth quarter. While Thomas managed to leave the field, his ginger movement to the sidelines raised concerns. Although the severity remains uncertain, there is hope that he can recover sufficiently for the next season. The Vols also dealt with several other injuries during the game, but fortunately, everyone seemed to emerge unscathed.
The game fulfilled the expectations of Tennessee fans. Looking ahead, the Volunteers focus on the future, anticipating the introduction of new team members. They aim to remain competitive in the inaugural year of conference realignment and the implementation of new playoff rules. This game is likely to be scrutinized extensively during the offseason as the Volunteers plan for the upcoming challenges.
