Tennessee has made its quarterback decision, but there’s still a wrinkle they can and should use against Alabama that could change the outcome
The Tennessee Volunteers have reportedly made their starting quarterback decision for this weekend’s big game against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Tennessee has reportedly settled on a starting quarterback for this weekend’s big game against Alabama.
True freshman Faizon Brandon, who started the first five games of the season, returned to practice this week, but according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, it’ll be sophomore George MacIntyre who starts against Alabama on Saturday in Knoxville.
MacIntyre will be making his second straight start for the Volunteers.
Brandon, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, is listed as questionable for the game.
It’s unclear at this point if Brandon will be available against Alabama, but the general feeling is that he will be.
If that’s the case, then Tennessee should absolutely use the former five-star recruit against the Crimson Tide.
The expectation is that this game will be somewhat low scoring. That means converting in the red zone and in short yardage situations will be extremely important for Tennessee.
That’s why I think the Vols should consider using Brandon in those scenarios. The 6-foot-4/225 pound quarterback can be a threat with his legs in short yardage situations. And despite his struggles against Texas and Auburn, Brandon is still a good quarterback. Alabama can’t just assume he’ll run in those situations — they have to respect his ability to make plays with his arm — so the Vols could create some deception by using the true freshman quarterback in the red zone.
On3’s Chris Low said earlier this week that he thinks both quarterbacks will play in this game.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tennessee use Brandon the same way Florida used Tim Tebow as a true freshman back in 2006.
