‘I think it’s pretty cut and dry’ – ESPN’s Greg McElroy drops strong comment on what Tennessee should do at quarterback for the Arkansas game
The Tennessee Volunteers need to make a decision on who’s going to start at quarterback against the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel has a quarterback decision to make ahead of the Vols’ game against Arkansas this weekend.
Heupel benched an ineffective Faizon Brandon this past weekend in Tennessee’s 24-14 win over Auburn.
The Vols were trailing 7-3 when Brandon left the game. George MacIntyre led Tennessee on three scoring drives after replacing Brandon at quarterback.
So now what?
Brandon is still the same talented player who outplayed MacIntyre during fall camp. He still has tremendous upside — he’s just extremely young.
MacIntyre, though, is clearly operating the offense more efficiently right now.
ESPN’s Greg McElroy thinks the choice is clear. He believes that MacIntyre should start against Arkansas.
“I think it’s pretty cut and dry,” said McElroy. “George MacIntyre should start at Arkansas. With Brandon in the game (against Auburn), Tennessee had seven drives, three points, and averaged 2.5 yards per play. With MacIntyre in the game, they had seven drives, 21 points, and averaged over 6.5 yards per play.
“Tennessee’s identity right now is Jim Knowles on defense and DeSean Bishop carrying the football. They’re going to have a little time to sort this out. They’ve got Arkansas and then Bama comes to town on October 17. The quarterback who can protect that identity is the one who should play. And right now, it’s the backup, George MacIntyre, who gives them the best chance.”
I agree with McElroy that MacIntyre should start against Arkansas — he earned that with his play against Auburn — but this quarterback competition is far from over.
