5 things we learned about the SEC in week 2: A superstar pass rusher in the making

Five things we learned about the SEC: Tennessee might just be a juggernaut

Not many people were going to be moved by a 69-3 win over Chattanooga last week for the Volunteers, but for those who watched the game closely, a standout star was beginning to emerge, clad in Big Orange. Vaunted quarterback Nico Iamaleava (with only a couple of games under his belt, admittedly) looks to be living up to his billing so far.

With as much fanfare as he received, of course, that's no small amount of praise. But after the Vols completely pantsed a top-25 North Carolina State squad 51-10 last night, it's beginning to look like Josh Heupel may have a legitimate contender on his hands up in Knoxville.

It wasn't just the passing of the electric freshman, either. The run game (of which Nico was a significant part) was rumbling for the Vols as well, to the tune of 249 total yards on 5.66 YPC.

That Volunteer defense had something going as well. Admittedly, the Wolfpack didn't look amazing against Western Carolina last week, but this Tennessee unit passes the eye test so far. They're absolutely flying around out there, and look as though they could develop into an extremely intimidating squad.