Earlier this week, Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava was named the Southeastern Conference's Freshman of the Week.
The Vols' star redshirt-freshman quarterback nabbed the honor with just a half day's work.
And in the process, he set a school record in his first-ever start inside Neyland Stadium. Completing his first 10 passes, Iamaleava finished his day 22-for-28 for 314 yards and three touchdowns.
How good was the 6-foot-6-inch, 215-pounder from Long Beach, California?
Well, Chattanooga head coach Rusty Wright said he hopes the Mocs don't have anyone remotely resembling Tennessee's quarterback left on their schedule.
"Hell, I hope not," Wright emphatically stated to reporters earlier this week, when asked if the Mocs might face anyone else on Iamaleava's level.
Mocs coach Rusty Wright on whether UTC will see any QB close to the Vols Nico Iamaleava the rest of the year? 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/hhupeMLiHe
— Rick Nyman (@RickNymanSport) September 3, 2024
Tennessee coach Josh Heupel, who played the position at an elite level and finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2000, touted his protegè's debut but pointed to even more growth.
"He's a young player. He came out and played really efficiently and effectively," Heupel said. "Made plays down the field, but there are some things that he can control and be better with.
"He knows that, and he wants that too."
The challenge will be raised this week for Iamaleava and the 14th-ranked Vols, who face No. 24 North Carolina State Saturday night in Charlotte (7:30 p.m., ABC).