South Carolina coach Shane Beamer said on Tuesday that he does not know which Tennessee quarterback will start in their SEC game on Saturday. Tennessee coach Josh Heupel has yet to name a starter for the matchup at Williams-Brice Stadium, leaving uncertainty over whether sophomore George MacIntyre or freshman Faizon Brandon will lead the Vols’ offense.
MacIntyre threw for 197 yards in Tennessee’s 26-10 win over No. 13 Alabama last week, completing 21 of 31 passes with one interception. He has shown improvement throughout the season, with 592 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions over seven games. Brandon, who started the first five games before injuring his shoulder, is 61-of-101 for 697 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception this season. He was available against Alabama but did not play.
Beamer spoke highly of both quarterbacks during his weekly press conference on October 20. “Both really really good players,” he said. He recalled visiting Grimsley High School to check on South Carolina freshman defensive back Kosci Barnes, who was a high school teammate of Brandon. “Josh Heupel literally arrived at the same moment I did, and we were there at the same time … got a ton of respect for his ability.”
The Gamecocks’ starting defensive lineman Tomiwa Durojaiye said the Vols’ offense “is running like a well-oiled machine right now.” He emphasized the importance of preparing for both quarterbacks. “You gotta be prepared for both quarterbacks. Both quarterbacks are hell of a player, I think there’s a reason why both quarterbacks have played.”
South Carolina (3-3, 1-3 SEC) will face Tennessee (6-1, 3-1) at 3:30 p.m. ET on October 24, with the game airing on ESPN. The matchup revives a rivalry that has seen recent dramatic outcomes. Tennessee last visited Williams-Brice Stadium on November 19, 2022, when South Carolina upset the then No. 5 ranked Volunteers 63-38, ending Tennessee’s playoff hopes that year.
Beamer briefly mentioned that win during his press conference, noting the need to focus on the present. “More important than reminiscing about that night is understanding how well we played that night in all three phases and preparing that way this week to go up against you know a completely different Tennessee team that was a great challenge back in 2022. It’ll be a great challenge this Saturday also.”
The Volunteers took revenge last season with a 41-20 victory in Knoxville, but the teams have not met since. The quarterback situation remains a key variable as South Carolina seeks to build on last season’s success against Tennessee.
According to Yahoo Sports.