MacIntyre set for first Tennessee start against Arkansas, ESPN reports

George MacIntyre will make his first career start for Tennessee against Arkansas on Saturday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Tuesday, citing sources. The reported change follows MacIntyre’s relief appearance in the Volunteers’ win over Auburn and Faizon Brandon’s recent shoulder injury.

ESPN published the report Tuesday evening. Brandon had started every Tennessee game this season before MacIntyre replaced him against Auburn. Thamel’s account identifies MacIntyre as the expected starter for the Arkansas game; it does not announce a permanent change for the rest of the season.

MacIntyre completed eight of ten passes without a turnover after entering Saturday’s game. Across four appearances this season, ESPN credits him with 14 completions on 20 attempts for 148 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

Brandon had thrown seven touchdowns and one interception while completing 61 of 101 passes for 697 yards. He also supplied 236 rushing yards and three touchdowns. His shoulder injury occurred in the September loss to Texas, a game he briefly left before returning.

Coach Josh Heupel acknowledged the injury’s effect during his Monday news conference. Tennessee’s official transcript records him saying that Brandon had not been at his best physically against Auburn and had been limited early in the previous practice week. Heupel praised Brandon’s response to being replaced and said the quarterbacks had worked well together.

On Monday, Heupel had left the starting decision open until later in the week. Tuesday’s sourced report supplies a more specific answer ahead of Tennessee’s first SEC road game this season.

Tennessee is 4-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play. The Volunteers travel to Fayetteville for Saturday’s 4:15 p.m. Eastern kickoff on SEC Network, according to the university’s official game-week announcement.

Tennessee’s 24-14 victory over Auburn was driven by DeSean Bishop’s 220 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Heupel said Monday that the passing attack needed more production. The reported quarterback change puts MacIntyre in line to lead that work against Arkansas.