Dylan Sampson should be in Heisman talk and more Tennessee football vs Florida overreactions

Tennessee football scored 23 points after halftime to beat Florida in overtime on Saturday.

The No. 9 Vols (5-1, 2-1 SEC) topped Florida 23-17 on a 1-yard touchdown from running back Dylan Sampson, who scored his third touchdown to win the game.

Here are three overreactions from the win over the Gators (3-3, 1-2) at Neyland Stadium:

Dylan Sampson needs to be in the Heisman conversation

Tennessee has a Heisman Trophy candidate in its backfield but it's not the quarterback.

Sampson warrants conversation for college football's most prestigious trophy for his play through six games. The junior had a three-touchdown game against Florida, including the game-winning score in overtime. He had scored all of Tennessee's touchdowns in the past two games. He has 15 through six games, putting him on pace for 30 in the regular season.

He rushed for 112 yards on 27 carries. He has rushed for at least 100 yards in five of six games.

Is Nico Iamaleava good enough to quarterback Vols to CFP?

Nico Iamaleava has had brilliant moments this season. He hasn't had a lot of such moments lately.

The redshirt freshman quarterback, who made his seventh start Saturday, has missed open receivers for walk-in touchdowns at least four times in the past two games. He hasn't looked particularly comfortable in the pocket, which is partially on the offensive tackles for not consistently providing protection. He's been turnover-prone as well with four turnovers in the past three games with three fumbles. He has six turnovers against power-conference opponents with Arkansas being his only turnover-free game in his four.

It could be growing pains. It could be a redshirt freshman on a flawed offense without enough surrounding pieces. It's worth asking if Iamaleava can make enough plays to get Tennessee to the College Football Playoff. Regardless, there is no doubting that Iamaleava is and will be Tennessee's best option all season.

James Pearce is affecting games like an NFL first-round pick

James Pearce had a game-changing play Saturday when he ripped the ball away from Florida quarterback Graham Mertz, who fought for a yard at the goal line in the second quarter. The Vols recovered, preventing a Florida touchdown and taking over.

INJURY: Keenan Pili injury update: Tennessee football star injures right leg in game vs Florida

The junior edge rusher, who has been widely seen as a first-round NFL Draft pick, had a slow start to the season. He has been affecting games the past two weeks. He forced Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green to scramble and throw a short pass. He got a third-down sack. He batted down a pass early in the fourth quarter.

The 6-foot-5 Pearce is a menace when he's at his best and he is looking like it often lately.

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ ByMikeWilson . If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Dylan Sampson should be in Heisman talk and more Tennessee football vs Florida overreactions