A sudden hush fell over Neyland Stadium in the second quarter as Tennessee’s freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon went down during a rushing attempt against top-ranked Texas. Brandon landed awkwardly and stayed on the turf for several moments before slowly getting to his feet and moving to the medical tent.
Before exiting the game, Brandon had completed 3 of 4 passes for 9 yards, with two of those catches going to Braylon Staley for 11 yards. His departure forced Tennessee to bring in sophomore George MacIntyre to take over under centre.
MacIntyre, a 6-foot-6 sophomore from Franklin, Tennessee, is no stranger to the Volunteers’ roster despite limited playing time. A consensus four-star recruit out of high school, MacIntyre has appeared in four games this season. In those outings, he completed 12 of 16 passes for 125 yards and one touchdown. His football lineage runs deep; he is the grandson of former Vanderbilt coach George MacIntyre and the nephew of longtime college coach Mike MacIntyre.
The sudden change in quarterback came as Tennessee aimed to challenge the No. 1-ranked Longhorns, a daunting task even with their starter healthy. The Volunteers had relied on Brandon’s mobility and poise in the early stages of the game before the injury forced the adjustment.
No official update has been provided on Brandon’s condition since he left the field. Tennessee’s medical staff appeared to assess him thoroughly on the sidelines, but the team has yet to release details regarding the severity of the injury or his availability moving forward.
MacIntyre’s entry shifts the offensive dynamic given his size and experience, though the Volunteers face an uphill battle to maintain momentum against a Texas defence known for its intensity and depth.
The Volunteers and the Longhorns continue their contest with MacIntyre now at the helm for Tennessee, while fans await further news on Brandon’s status.
According to Yahoo Sports.
