Howard is a very accurate passer when given time. And he's very experienced. It didn't hurt (probably) having 3 future NFL receivers starting, with a 4th (Brandon Innis) a top reserve. Any team electing to single cover Jeremiah Smith is just asking for trouble...as long as Kelly/Day don't go crazy stupid with running plays up the middle. But the real key was the embattled Buckeyes O-line, which did a great job with pass protection last night. For the most part, they kept the pocket fairly clean on passing plays.
Nico Iamaleava is going to continue to improve. He's got intangibles that can't be taught. I really like the kid and I'm saying this as an Ohio State & Nebraska alum; no pre-conceived bias or hidden agenda here. Properly reading defenses, going through progressions, and making throws while anticipating receivers getting open (before they're actually open) takes lots of game experience. Practice reps only help so much. Actual game experience is invaluable. Iamaleava was learning on the job this season and that's a big ask. I think the experience he gained this season is really going to pay off in 2025 if he gets some help. FWIW, Tommie Frazier struggled at times as a true freshman once he took over as starting QB in 1992, but he -- and his Nebraska teams -- got a lot better over the next 3 seasons. But I digress. Tennessee needs to get some help for Iamaleava -- starting with difference makers at WR/TE and better pass protection (signing David Sanders Jr. is a great start).
I hope the Vols win the SEC next season. I can't stand Alabama, Georgia and Texas, lol. Wouldn't mind a rematch in the 2025 CFP Playoffs. I've never seen a game in Neyland Stadium. Feel free to hook me up with tickets, lol. Safe & enjoyable holidays, all.
