Urban Meyer Predicts SEC Program to Make First College Football Playoff Appearance

Three-time national champion head coach Urban Meyer believes last Saturday was a pivotal moment for Tennessee Volunteers football and first-year starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava.

Although Chattanooga was certainly outmatched by the SEC program, Iamaleava's efficiency was enough to open Meyer's eyes to the College Football Playoff potential in Knoxville. The former five-star phenom passed for 314 yards with three touchdowns to zero interceptions in the 69-3 win to open the 2024 season.

Iamaleava had logged just one start prior to Saturday's game, a 35-0 rout of Iowa in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

While previewing this week's matchup between No. 14 Tennessee and No. 24 NC State Wolfpack, Meyer praised Iamaleava and took the Vols to cover the 4-point spread on the road. Perhaps more importantly, Meyer sees a spot in the 12-team playoff for the historic SEC program.

"This guy is unbelievable," Meyer said on "The Triple Option." I know they had Joe Milton last year, but this guy is a monster. Because of him, I’m putting them to cover the spread (against NC State), and I think they’ll be a playoff team.”

Tennessee went 9-4 in 2023 under third-year head coach Josh Heupel. Now in his fourth season at the helm, the Vols could have a real path to the postseason if Iamaleava can continue the steady play that we witnessed last week. But NC State won't lay down in Carter-Finley Stadium.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC).

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