Overview
- Multiple outlets reported Tuesday that George MacIntyre is expected to make his first career start for Tennessee at Arkansas after relieving the struggling starter against Auburn.
- Coach Josh Heupel declined to name a starter on Monday and said the team would decide during the week, but media reports from On3, ESPN and local outlets have since pointed to MacIntyre.
- Faizon Brandon was benched in the second quarter versus Auburn after completing 3 of 8 passes for zero yards and throwing an interception, and Heupel said Brandon has been affected by a shoulder injury sustained in the Sept. 26 loss at Texas.
- MacIntyre steadied the offense in relief against Auburn, completing 8 of 10 passes for 86 yards without turnovers and helping open the run game that produced DeSean Bishop’s 220-yard performance.
- The likely one-game decision carries roster implications in the transfer-portal era and will shape Tennessee’s preparation for next week’s home game against Alabama while oddsmakers list the Vols as a double-digit favorite at Arkansas.