Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart delivers a strong message ahead of showdown with Tennessee Volunteers and Nico Iamaleava.

Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart is well aware that the Tennessee Volunteers will be a formidable opponent, regardless of whether Nico Iamaleava plays.

As the NCAAF season enters its final stretch, this Saturday brings one of the week’s most thrilling matchups, with Nico Iamaleava and the Tennessee Volunteers facing off against the powerhouse Georgia Bulldogs. Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart is fully aware of the tough challenge ahead and has a game plan ready to secure the victory.

With the goal of improving their record to 8-2, Kirby Smart and his Bulldogs will need to overcome a Tennessee Volunteers team that has been having a standout season. The big question heading into the game is whether freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava will play, as his presence could be a game-changer for the Vols.

Regarding this uncertainty, Smart made his position clear on how his team will approach the matchup, regardless of whether Iamaleava takes the field. “You prepare as if he’s going to play and adjust if he doesn’t,” Smart said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

He also commented on Iamaleava’s impressive abilities, noting that the Vols’ offense doesn’t dramatically change without him. “He’s a tremendous talent. The ball comes out like a missile—it’s really flat and fast. We call it a bazooka here. It travels 53 yards in a hurry,” Smart continued. “He’s got a great arm and excellent wide receivers to target.”