Tennessee is turning to George MacIntyre at quarterback for Saturday’s matchup against Arkansas, and the Volunteers fan base has already started weighing in on the decision. No. 15 Tennessee will travel to Fayetteville, with MacIntyre expected to make his first college start. The move comes as Faizon Brandon continues to deal with a shoulder injury suffered against Texas.
Pete Thamel reported that Brandon’s lingering shoulder issue will keep him out against Arkansas, giving MacIntyre an opportunity to take the first-team snaps.
The announcement immediately sparked reactions from Tennessee and Arkansas fans on social media.
One fan wrote, “And just treating it like practice at this point.”
Another wrote, “They could start my eleven year old son and beat our squad.”
Another fan wrote, “Freshman qb in a hostile sec night game with arkansas coming off a bye is genuinely the worst possible debut scenario and nobody wants to say it.”
One fan wrote, “Tenn always fumbles their 5 star QBs.”
Another wrote, “Tennessee get ready to think you have a potential heisman contender. That’s how Arkansas makes backups look. Don’t be fooled tho. After torching us he will fade into obscurity as he will only be capable of torching us and no one else.”
George MacIntyre Gets Chance to Lead Tennessee Offense
The decision comes at an important point in Tennessee’s season. The Volunteers are looking to improve to 5-1 before facing Alabama on October 17.
So MacIntyre’s performance against Arkansas could become very important for Josh Heupel and Tennessee.
Brandon entered the season as one of the youngest players in college football and has shown flashes as Tennessee’s starter. However, he completed just 3 of 8 passes for zero yards and an interception before being replaced against Auburn.
Heupel said at halftime that Brandon “just wasn’t operating” and “didn’t feel 100 percent.” The coach later said he did not believe the shoulder injury caused all of Brandon’s struggles.
MacIntyre, meanwhile, provided a steadier performance against Auburn and helped open up Tennessee’s rushing attack. DeSean Bishop rushed for 220 yards and three touchdowns in the victory.
Now, MacIntyre gets his first career start on the road.
The Arkansas matchup could give Tennessee a chance to see what the offense looks like with him running the show. It could also give Heupel another evaluation point ahead of the big games.
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