As Tennessee wraps up its fourth season under head coach Josh Heupel, the Vols have made significant strides on the field. Finishing 2024 with a 10-3 record (6-2 SEC) and securing the No. 9 seed in the College Football Playoff, the program continues to build momentum. However, one area that remains a point of concern is the number of sacks allowed by the offensive line, an issue that has persisted throughout Heupel’s tenure.
Nico Iamaleava’s Debut Season: Promising Yet Pressured
Redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava took the reins in 2024, showcasing his talent as Tennessee’s starting quarterback. Over the course of the season, Iamaleava completed 213 of 334 pass attempts, amassing 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. Despite his success, Iamaleava faced significant pressure, being sacked 28 times.
In addition to his passing numbers, Iamaleava contributed on the ground with 109 rushing attempts for 358 yards and three touchdowns. However, the frequent sacks underscore a critical area for improvement in Tennessee’s offensive strategy and protection schemes.
Breaking Down Tennessee’s Sack Numbers Since 2021
To better understand the scope of the issue, let’s take a look at the sack numbers allowed by Tennessee each season under Heupel. These figures, provided by ESPN statistics, highlight the challenges faced by the Vols’ quarterbacks over the past four years.
2024: 30 Sacks Allowed
- Nico Iamaleava: 28 sacks
- Jake Merklinger: 2 sacks
Despite Iamaleava’s strong debut, the 28 sacks he endured signal the need for better protection upfront. Jake Merklinger, in limited action, was sacked twice, bringing the total for the season to 30.
2023: 24 Sacks Allowed
- Joe Milton III: 16 sacks
- Nico Iamaleava: 7 sacks
- Gaston Moore: 1 sack
In 2023, Tennessee showed improvement, allowing 24 sacks. Veteran quarterback Joe Milton III bore the brunt of the pressure, with Iamaleava experiencing growing pains as a freshman backup.
2022: 28 Sacks Allowed
- Hendon Hooker: 23 sacks
- Joe Milton III: 4 sacks
- Tayven Jackson: 1 sack
During the 2022 season, Hendon Hooker, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, was sacked 23 times despite his mobility. This suggests that even an elusive quarterback could not escape the consistent breakdowns in protection.
2021: 44 Sacks Allowed
- Hendon Hooker: 36 sacks
- Joe Milton III: 7 sacks
- Harrison Bailey: 1 sack
The 2021 season was the most challenging for Tennessee’s offensive line, allowing 44 sacks. Hooker’s 36 sacks highlight the extent of the pressure he faced, particularly as the team adjusted to Heupel’s high-tempo offensive system.
Key Takeaways From the Sack Data
- Offensive Line Struggles: The recurring high sack numbers indicate a consistent issue with pass protection. Addressing these weaknesses should be a top priority for the coaching staff moving forward.
- Quarterback Mobility Isn’t Enough: Even mobile quarterbacks like Hendon Hooker struggled to evade pressure, highlighting the need for better blocking schemes rather than relying on the quarterback’s athleticism.
- Improvement Over Time: While the sack numbers remain concerning, there has been some improvement since the 2021 season, particularly in 2023. Sustaining this trend will be crucial as Tennessee continues to compete in the SEC.
Looking Ahead: What Needs to Change?
Improving the Offensive Line
The Vols need to prioritize offensive line development and recruitment to better protect their quarterbacks. Enhanced training and strategic blocking schemes can help reduce the pressure on the backfield.
Quarterback Decision-Making
Encouraging quicker decision-making and better pocket awareness among quarterbacks can also help minimize sacks. Developing this skill in Iamaleava will be crucial as he continues to mature.
Adapting the Offensive Scheme
Heupel’s high-tempo offense puts significant strain on the offensive line. Introducing more plays that emphasize quick releases or moving the pocket could help alleviate some of the pressure on the quarterback.
What’s Next for Tennessee?
Tennessee kicks off its fifth season under Heupel on Aug. 30, 2025, against Syracuse at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Their first home game will follow on Sept. 6 against East Tennessee State at Neyland Stadium.
With Iamaleava set to lead the offense again, the focus will be on maintaining offensive efficiency while reducing the number of sacks. Addressing this issue will be vital for the Vols’ success as they aim for another strong season and a deeper run in the College Football Playoff.
Conclusion: A Path to Improvement
While Tennessee has made strides under Josh Heupel, the high number of sacks allowed remains a glaring issue. With the talent of Nico Iamaleava and a promising roster, the Vols have the potential to compete at the highest level. However, addressing the offensive line’s weaknesses will be crucial to unlocking that potential and protecting their quarterback for years to come.