Nico Iamaleava injury update: Why did Tennessee QB leave game vs. Mississippi State?

Tennessee starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava did not return for the Volunteers to start the second half of their Week 11 SEC game against Mississippi State Saturday night at Neyland Stadium.

Iamaleava was on the receiving end of a big hit delivered by Mississippi State safety Isaac Smith at the end of a 7-yard run late in the first half. ESPN reported on its broadcast that is when Iamaleava suffered the injury. Iamaleava returned briefly for Tennessee's next drive to close the second quarter but did not reappear after halftime.

It wasn't the only pressure Mississippi State applied to Iamaleava, despite Tennessee's success against the Bulldogs' defense before halftime.

Iamaleava was ruled out for the remainder of the game with an upper body injury. Backup quarterback Gaston Moore started the second half for the Vols, who had built a 20-7 lead to begin the third quarter. Iamaleava was 8-of-13 passing for 174 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.

Tennessee was ranked No. 7 in the first College Football Playoff rankings and remains in contention to play in the SEC championship game. The Volunteers will face Georgia next week after the Bulldogs lost to Ole Miss Saturday.

Volunteers coach Josh Heupel confidently said Iamaleava will "be ready next Saturday" and characterized the decision to sit his quarterback as a "precautionary" move. Still, Iamaleava's status for that game will be something to monitor.

No. 6 Tennessee had little trouble finishing off Mississippi State without Iamaleava, winning 33-14.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nico Iamaleava injury update: Tennessee QB hurt vs. Mississippi State