Josh Heupel may have used Tennessee’s 24-14 win over Auburn as a quarterback test, but he wasn’t in any hurry to declare a winner afterward.
The Vols got through the Tigers on Rocky Top with George MacIntyre taking over after Faizon Brandon’s rough start, and Heupel’s postgame message was clear: the competition is still alive. Brandon, a true freshman, was pulled in the first quarter after an interception to Auburn Will linebacker Xavier Atkins on the sideline and after looking slow to work through what was in front of him.
MacIntyre stepped in and delivered an 8-of-10 passing line for 86 yards, but Tennessee’s offense was really carried by DeSean Bishop. The running back powered the night with 220 rushing yards and three touchdowns, giving the Vols a formula that worked against DJ Durkin’s defense. The ground game had room to breathe, much like it did when Jadan Baugh helped Florida to a 44-39 win at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Week 3.
That kind of approach may not be enough once the schedule stiffens and Alabama and LSU come into view.
After the game, Heupel said Brandon didn’t have his best outing and MacIntyre did, but he also made it clear that both quarterbacks could still factor in as the season goes on.
“We’ll go watch the tape”
Heupel pointed to the way Tennessee works its backups during the week, saying that preparation mattered when MacIntyre was suddenly needed.
“Faizon ultimately didn’t play his best football. The turnover on the sideline and some of the things, just progressions,” Heupel said.
“But I’ve said it a bunch to you guys. We’re going to need them all throughout the course of the year.
"...George’s ability to throw the football in the second half allowed us to create a big play, in particular the one to Mike early. But in general, it allowed us to take advantage of some of the things that they were giving us.
"... George has stayed locked in.
When we first named the guy, we told them both that almost every time it ends up being that multiple guys are gonna be needed. So you better be ready for your opportunity.
And I’m proud of George for being ready and prepared.”
MacIntyre certainly looked ready enough to keep the job discussion interesting. He played within himself, made the throws he needed, and helped Tennessee finish off a win over Auburn. Heupel also said Brandon’s shoulder was not the full explanation for the freshman’s struggles.
Still, in college football, one afternoon rarely settles everything. Tennessee may have left Auburn with a win, but the quarterback race remains open, and Heupel isn’t rushing to close it.
In Other News...
Auburn Just Gave Fans A Reason To Watch One Elite Recruiting Battle
Auburn has jumped into one of the earliest recruiting races on its calendar, extending a scholarship offer to Jeremiah Tillman, a four-star edge rusher and linebacker in the 2029 class. The offer puts the Tigers in the mix with a prospect already drawing attention from programs such as Alabama, Florida and Tennessee, and it gives Auburn another chance to sell what has long been one of its calling cards on defense.
Tillman already has a visit to Auburn lined up for Oct. 24, a date that should offer the staff a chance to make a strong impression in person. He has shown interest in Auburns defensive culture and atmosphere, which is exactly the kind of feedback the Tigers want to hear as they try to stay competitive in a battle that figures to only get bigger from here. [Read more 🡒]
Auburn Heads Into Bye Week Clinging To One Reason For Hope
Auburn heads into its bye week with a lot to sort through after taking a second loss to Tennessee, but there was at least one encouraging sign to carry forward. Center Cole Best pointed to the teams unity and its refusal to quit even as the game turned difficult, and Auburn did show some improvement in the run game during the second half. For a team still trying to settle into the grind of SEC competition, those are the kinds of small but meaningful details that can keep a locker room from splintering.
Head coach Alex Golesh has kept the focus on accountability without turning to finger-pointing, which matters when the results are not matching the effort. The bigger concern is the sense that Auburn may simply be working through a talent gap against the leagues more complete rosters, a challenge that does not disappear over a bye week. Still, if there is one reason for hope, it is that the Tigers continue to play for one another even while the margin for error keeps shrinking. [Read more 🡒]
Auburns Tennessee Loss Exposed A Problem Up Front Fans Feared
Auburns loss at Tennessee did more than add another blemish to the record. It put a spotlight on the kind of issues that have been hovering around the Tigers for weeks, especially up front, where the run defense and offensive line both drew harsh reviews in Pro Football Focus grading of the game. In a 24-14 defeat, the numbers backed up what the eye test suggested: Tennessee was able to control too much of the game at the line of scrimmage.
The PFF breakdown also offered a closer look at how individual players fared in the matchup, with Donovan Haslam, Mark Matthews, David Sanders Jr. and Dejuan Lane all evaluated for their roles. On the other side, Tennessee quarterback George MacIntyre earned strong marks for his efficient work after replacing Faizon Brandon, which only added to Auburns frustration. For a team trying to steady itself, the concern is not just the result in Knoxville, but what it says about how difficult the Tigers are becoming to trust where the trenches decide games. [Read more 🡒]