In 12 appearances ahead of Mississippi State, Gaston has totaled two touchdowns to three interceptions in his career. On the other hand, Iamaleava, a former five-star, has thrown for 1,705 yards with nine touchdowns to four interceptions this season.

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava is out for the remainder of Saturday's game against Mississippi State with an upper body injury. It isn't clear when the setback occurred, as Iamaleava was on the field for the Vols near the end of the second half and led them on a quick drive ending in a field goal.

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) warming up at the NCAA college football game against Mississippi State on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. / Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Tennessee had a terrible ending to their first half as two star players would go down with injuries.

Tennesee quarterback Nico Iamaleava did not return in the second half after suffering an upper body injury against Mississippi State.

The Tennessee Volunteers have a mega matchup with the Georgia Bulldogs coming up. Now it's not clear if Nico Iamaleava will be available to play in that game.

Star running back Dylan Sampson went down just before halftime, then quarterback Nico Iamaleava didn’t come out of the locker room after halftime. Gaston Moore started the second half for Tennessee, and ESPN reported that Iamaleava had been ruled out for the remainder of the game with an “upper body injury.