Former Georgia QB Aaron Murray had some strong words on whether Tennessee is a legitimate championship contender with George MacIntyre at QB
The Tennessee Volunteers made a statement this past weekend with their 34-6 win over the Kentucky Wildcats.
There’s a very easy way to tell which analysts have actually watched Tennessee play this season.
There are the analysts who say the Vols’ passing game is terrible, and there are analysts who feel like Tennessee’s passing game is taking steps forward each week.
The first group of analysts are just looking at box scores and spreadsheets; the second group of analysts are watching the games.
Former Georgia quarterback and ESPN analyst Aaron Murray falls in the second group.
Aaron Murray thinks Tennessee is a legitimate national championship contender
Murray shared some thoughts on Tennessee and sophomore quarterback George MacIntyre on Sunday, and he made it pretty clear that he thinks the Vols are a legitimate championship contender right now.
“He (MacIntyre) is making good decisions and getting the ball out on time,” said Murray. “He’s very accurate and he’s not making mistakes. George continues to mature each and every week at the quarterback position, and that offense is just really hitting right now. They’re really matching what the defense is doing on that side of the football.
“… I don’t know if anyone wants to play Tennessee right now. The way they’re running the football, the way that defense is playing, and the way George is growing up as a quarterback — the Volunteers are for real. They are championship contending for real. So, a nice win for Tennessee. And plus those (dark mode) uniforms at night are some of the best in college football.”
It’s been really fun to watch MacIntyre’s growth over the last month. You can see his confidence growing each week. He hasn’t hit every throw, and he’s had some plays wiped off the board because of penalties, but MacIntyre is showing that he’s a high-level quarterback.
The sophomore has made some really nice throws, including a back-shoulder throw to tight end DaSaahn Brame against Kentucky that should’ve resulted in a touchdown.
I also thought MacIntyre’s pass to Radarious Jackson in the first half against Kentucky was an impressive throw.
MacIntyre is showing that he can make every throw, and it seems like the game is starting to slow down for him.
The numbers may not show it, but the Vols’ passing game is a lot more dangerous than anyone realizes right now — which is obviously good news for Tennessee because every game the rest of the way is a must-win with a College Football Playoff berth on the line.
