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Dylan Sampson for Heisman after Tennessee football beats Florida

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Dylan Sampson for Heisman after Tennessee football beats Florida

Tennessee football scored 23 points after halftime and beat Florida in overtime on Saturday.

The no. 9 Vols (5-1, 2-1 SEC) defeated Florida 23-17 on a 1-yard touchdown from running back Dylan Sampson, who scored his third touchdown and won the game.

Here are three overreactions after defeating the Gators (3-3, 1-2) at Neyland Stadium:

Dylan Sampson needs to be in the Heisman conversation

Tennessee has a Heisman Trophy candidate in its backfield, but it's not the quarterback.

Sampson is in the conversation for college football's most prestigious trophy for his performance in six games. The junior had a three-touchdown game against Florida, including the game-winning score in overtime. He had scored all of Tennessee's touchdowns in the last two games. He played 15 to six games, bringing his total to 30 games in the regular season.

He rushed for 112 yards on 27 carries. He has rushed for at least 100 yards in five of six games.

Is Nico Iamaleava good enough to quarterback Vols to CFP?

Nico Iamaleava has had moments of brilliance this season. He hasn't had many moments like this lately.

The redshirt freshman quarterback, making his seventh start Saturday, has missed open receivers for walk-in touchdowns at least four times in the last two games. He didn't seem particularly comfortable in the pocket, which is partly due to the offensive tackles' lack of consistent protection. He has also been turnover prone with four turnovers in the last three games and three fumbles. He has six turnovers against power conference opponents, with Arkansas being his only game without a turnover in its four games.

It could be growing pains. It could be a redshirt freshman with a flawed offense that doesn't have enough surrounding players. It's worth asking if Iamaleava can make enough plays to get Tennessee into the College Football Playoff. Regardless, there is no doubt that Iamaleava is and will remain Tennessee's best option all season long.

James Pearce impacts games like an NFL first-round pick

James Pearce had a game-changing play Saturday when he ripped the ball away from Florida quarterback Graham Mertz, who was fighting for a yard at the goal line in the second quarter. The Vols recovered, prevented a Florida touchdown and took control.

INJURY: Keenan Pili injury update: Tennessee football star injures right leg in game against Florida

The junior edge rusher, widely considered a first-round draft pick, has had a slow start to the season. He has influenced the games of the last two weeks. He forced Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green to move and throw a short pass. He got a third-down sack. He picked off a pass early in the fourth quarter.

The 6ft 2in Pearce is a menace at his best, and that's what he's been looking a lot of late.

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you like Mike's coverage, consider a digital subscription to access everything.

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