Sampson leads No. 7 Tennessee to 33-14 win over Mississippi State, but Iamaleava exits with injury

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Dylan Sampson rushed for a career-high 149 yards and a touchdown to lead No. 7 Tennessee past Mississippi State 33-14 on Saturday night.

Sampson became the centerpiece of the Volunteers’ offense in the second half after quarterback Nico Iamaleava exited with an upper-body injury. Iamaleava took a hard hit on a run play, then another a bit later on an incomplete pass late in the second quarter. He didn’t return after halftime.

But coach Josh Heupel said Tennessee anticipates Iamaleava will be ready to play in next Saturday’s critical game at Georgia.

“Cautionary measure,” Heupel said.

Tennessee (8-1, 5-1 Southeastern Conference) scored its initial first-half touchdown in five games and jumped out a 20-7 lead at the break. Iamaleava threw for 174 yards on 8-of-13 passing and TDs to Squirrel White (34 yards) and Dont’e Thornton (73 yards).