Tennessee’s Josh Heupel being sneaky about QB1 for Alabama showdown appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers are set to take on the No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 7 for what should be a fun SEC showdown. Going into the contest, however, the Vols have some questions at quarterback, as it’s not clear who will be starting for this game. Head coach Josh Heupel is seemingly playing mind games with his decision leading up to the matchup.
On Monday, the 48-year-old did not reveal which quarterback will start for Tennessee in Week 7, according to Pete Nakos of On3 Sports. George MacIntyre got the start in the program’s 24-17 Week 6 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks, but Faizon Brandon could potentially return from his shoulder injury to go up against Alabama.
“Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel won’t name a starting quarterback today ahead of Saturday’s game against Alabama,” Nakos reported. “George MacIntyre started against Arkansas. A decision will come later this week.”
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Waiting to announce the starter will force Kalen DeBoer to prepare for both MacIntyre and Brandon. Because the Volunteers’ star true freshman signal-caller is working his way back from an injury, Heupel doesn’t technically have to reveal the starter until about 90 minutes before kickoff.
Although Tennessee got the win over Arkansas, MacIntyre certainly left questions regarding his consistency. The sophomore signal-caller finished the game with 247 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while completing 62.0% of his pass attempts. The Volunteers were put in a position to surmount a fourth-quarter comeback after allowing the Razorbacks to score 14 points in the third.
As for Faizon Brandon, he’s looked solid to begin his collegiate career, despite finally looking like a freshman in the 24-14 Week 5 win over the Auburn Tigers. In five games so far this season, Brandon has totaled 697 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and one pick with a 60.4% completion percentage. He also has 130 yards and three scores on the ground.
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