Josh Pate Reveals One SEC Team’s Chances At The College Football Playoff
Josh Heupel became the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers in 2021 and has since led the team to three consecutive bowl appearances, securing 20 wins in the last two seasons. The Volunteers hadn’t made three straight bowl games since 2014-2016.
For each of his three seasons at Tennessee, Josh Heupel has started an experienced transfer at quarterback. Hendon Hooker, a transfer from Virginia Tech, played there for two seasons before Joe Milton, a transfer from Michigan, took over last season. Heupel is currently getting ready for a season alongside Nico Iamaleava, a highly-touted high school quarterback and former five-star prospect.
On his podcast, Late Kick with Josh Pate, CBSSports’ Josh Pate was asked how daring it is to predict that Tennessee would go to the College Football Playoffs and that Iamaleava will be a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. In response, Pate said he didn’t believe that was brave because he thought both would have a successful season.
“They have a reasonably favorable schedule,” Pate stated. “By SEC standards, it’s rather favorable; I’m not suggesting it’s simple…Nico’s Heisman odds are fifth best. Naturally, you are requesting two things in this situation. They must qualify for the postseason, and Nico will compete for the Heisman Trophy. I will assign this an 8.5. I don’t think it’s crazy.”
Pate thinks Tennessee and Iamaleava will both have prosperous years, and his forecast is linked. Iamaleava, in his opinion, may hold the key to Tennessee qualifying for the CFP. It might be an incredible season in Knoxville if the rookie quarterback plays as well as some believe he can this year.
