Overview
- Coach Josh Heupel removed true freshman Faizon Brandon during the Oct. 3 game after Brandon completed 3-of-8 passes for zero net yards, threw an interception, rushed for minus-9 yards and fumbled.
- Sophomore George MacIntyre entered late in the second quarter and completed 8-of-10 passes for 86 yards with no turnovers, providing cleaner passing that opened Tennessee’s run game.
- Tennessee rallied to a 24-14 win over Auburn as the offense improved under MacIntyre and the Vols leaned on a strong running attack and a defense that allowed only two touchdowns.
- Heupel said the staff will review film and evaluate the quarterback situation before the trip to Arkansas on Oct. 10, leaving the next-week starter unresolved and suggesting a possible short-term competition.
- The move highlights the tension between Brandon’s five-star ceiling and his recent inconsistency, recalls Heupel’s past midseason changes, and raises roster implications for Brandon’s development and transfer-market options.