Tennessee true freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon is kind of in a tough spot going into the Vols’ matchup this weekend against Texas.

Brandon, who just turned 18 in June, has been terrific in his first three games for the Volunteers. The Greensboro, NC native has shown remarkable poise — he looks the part of a high-level SEC starter.

As a result, the Texas game is viewed as a matchup the Vols can win if Brandon can take care of the football and create some big plays (with his legs and in the pass game).

Tennessee, though, hasn’t been very prolific in the pass game so far this season.

That’s mostly because the Vols have relied heavily on the run, but it’s also partly because Brandon isn’t really “letting it rip” just yet.

And Brandon will certainly need to “let it rip” at times against Texas if Tennessee is going to win the game.

“I think the challenge for Faizon Brandon is to continue to find that line between taking care of the football and taking what the defense gives you, and then ripping it,” said VolQuest’s Brent Hubbs this week on WNML’s SportsTalk. “You don’t want him to be reckless with the ball, but at times you’re going to have to rip it, and he may have to rip it more this week.”

“Josh Heupel says [Brandon is] seeing the field well and that he’s making good decisions, and I don’t disagree with that,” added Hubbs. “It’s just that he has to see the field really well this week. And he has to make really quick decisions this week, and understand that the windows are not going to be as wide open this week as they’ve been the first three weeks, and there’s going to be a time where he’s got to squeeze the ball in there, and he’s going to have to let it rip and let it go.”

VolQuest’s Austin Price echoed those sentiments on Tuesday during an appearance on 104.5 The Zone’s Ramon and Will.

“I think they tried to last weekend,” said Price when asked if the Vols will be more aggressive in the downfield passing attack against Texas. “They just weren’t able to [because] either Faizon bailed because he just didn’t trust himself to stand in there and step up in the pocket and deliver down the field. I mean, the ball that he tried with Mike (Matthews) was just a tick off as far as the timing. But, yeah, I think that’s something where they have to let it rip.

“I think it’s great that Faizon has not put the ball in harm’s way through the first three games. But at the end of the day, to win these types of games, you’re going to have to take some chances — which means the possibility for some mistakes, but there’s also the possibility for some plays.”

The problem that Faizon Brandon is facing against Texas

I think Brandon is playing really good football right now. He’s been incredibly impressive with his demeanor and on-field leadership.

But I don’t think he’s come anywhere close to reaching his ceiling, and he won’t until he truly “lets it rip.”

The problem, though, is that Brandon doesn’t know his limits yet in SEC competition. In order to grow as a quarterback, he needs to push himself to the limits of what he can do. And that’s probably going to mean making some mistakes.

So, for the Vols to beat Texas, Brandon is going to have to take some chances and try to make some plays. He’s going to have to play free and just let it rip.

Now, that comes with the risk of making a mistake in a tight spot and turning the ball over in a game where one turnover could flip the outcome. I think Tennessee has to be willing to live with that scenario.

Win or lose, Brandon will grow because of that approach. He can’t be afraid to make mistakes when he sees an opportunity to make a big play, and he can’t hesitate either. He has to just go for it.

And Tennessee fans will need to understand if a mistake is made that it’s part of the growing process for a young quarterback. Brandon needs to feel that Vols fans are in the fight with him, whether he makes a good play or a bad play.

Who knows, maybe Brandon lets it rip and has himself a day. If he does, the Vols will probably win the game.