The Tennessee Vols football program has experienced plenty of highs and lows, but under Josh Heupel, the Volunteers have shown plenty of spark. So much so that the playoffs are not too far for the Vols. Yet, amid the spark, there’s one key issue plaguing the team that former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy highlighted on his Always College Football podcast. McElroy didn’t sugarcoat it: Tennessee’s Achilles’ heel is rooted right in the trenches. But what exactly is holding the Vols back?

“Nico has been good here in the early part of the week,” Heupel said on Wednesday. Nico Iamaleava is oxygen for the Volvs. But his unavailability shadows a potential “Huge Liability.” McElroy pointed straight to Tennessee’s offensive line, particularly its vulnerability on the edges. “If you look at this Tennessee offensive line…their tackles are a huge liability,” he said. And he’s not wrong—this has been a sticking point that teams like Alabama and Texas A&M have exploited with ease. The Volunteers’ guards may hold up their end of the deal, but on the edges? That’s where the cracks start to show. And for any powerhouse like Tennessee, having an unstable foundation upfront can derail even the best-laid game plans.

The timing of McElroy’s comments is spot-on, especially with Tennessee set to face Georgia, a team with a defensive front that’s as fierce as a pack of wolves on a hunt. Georgia’s defensive edge rushers have been a nightmare for opponents all season. With the Volunteers’ vulnerable tackles, it’s shaping up to be a tough matchup for Tennessee’s offense. “They have two edge rushers that will get home and create a lot of havoc,” the ESPN reporter emphasized, pointing out that Georgia’s defense thrives when it can apply consistent pressure. He expects Georgia’s pass rush to be even more disruptive this week, which could spell trouble for Tennessee.

On the flip side, Georgia isn’t immune to criticism in the trenches either. Greg McElroy also called out Georgia’s offensive line, saying, “They got completely exposed last week.” Carson Beck, Georgia’s quarterback, has taken a fair number of hits against other SEC defenses this season. Hinting that the Bulldogs aren’t as bulletproof as they appear on paper. In games against Auburn, Kentucky, and Ole Miss, Georgia’s offensive line showed its own cracks, allowing Beck to get pressured and hit multiple times.

Update on the Tennessee savior, Nico Iamaleava

Tennessee Vols fans got some good news Wednesday evening with the SEC’s latest injury report: quarterback Nico Iamaleava is listed as “questionable.” That’s more of a relief than it might sound—there was a chance he could’ve been marked as “No update” or even “out” because of a reported concussion. While “questionable” isn’t a guarantee that he’ll play, it keeps the door open and gives fans a bit of hope.

Who wouldn’t miss his 1879 yards and 11 touchdowns? Shows his worth and what they are missing in his absence. A Vols win would put them in the driver’s seat for an SEC championship game and a CFP bid. It also would likely eliminate Georgia from the playoff picture. We’re all hoping Nico comes back strong, but if Gaston Moore gets the start, let’s pray he brings his A-game!