Knoxville, Tenn. — Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said the Vols will play their quarterback situation by ear after sophomore George MacIntyre started a 24-17 win at Arkansas on Oct. 10 while freshman Faizon Brandon dealt with a right shoulder injury.
Heupel said Brandon really did not rep during the course of the week and that MacIntyre knew on Monday that he was going to start against the Razorbacks. Brandon was listed as questionable through the week and as a game-time decision, then was available for emergency use only after he was unable to practice for much of the week due to a lingering injury.
MacIntyre finished his first career start completing 18-of-29 passes for 247 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in the road SEC win. He also lost a fumble and was sacked twice, yet Tennessee is now 5-1 after leaving Fayetteville with the victory.
Brandon is dealing with a right shoulder injury suffered in the 20-17 loss to Texas on Sept. 26. Heupel said the strength of one room can never be one guy and praised both quarterbacks for staying invested as the rotation shifted.
Alabama is coming to town for a game at 3:30 p.m. ET, airing on ABC, and Tennessee will face Alabama in Knoxville next weekend. Heupel did not name a starter for the rivalry game and said the staff will continue to play it by ear as Brandon recovers and MacIntyre builds on his first start.
Brandon opened the season as the starter and has completed 61 of 101 passes for 697 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception, plus 130 rushing yards and three scores. MacIntyre had already relieved him against Texas and finished the Auburn game after Brandon was pulled before half.
For Knoxville fans tracking Neyland Stadium tickets and travel plans, the clearest public update is that Brandon remains limited by the shoulder and MacIntyre earned the Arkansas start with a winning performance that still left the depth chart unsettled ahead of Alabama.
