Josh Heupel explains moving to George MacIntyre over Faizon Brandon against Auburn

Everyone was wondering if Faizon Brandon could bounce back after an ugly day against Texas — the answer, quite simply, was a definitive no. Texas got after Brandon for ten sacks a week ago, very obviously shaking the confidence of the true freshman quarterback. That lack of confidence carried over to today, with Brandon dropping his eyes and refusing to pull the trigger early on against Auburn.

After throwing a brutal interception and giving Auburn life that they frankly didn’t deserve, Heupel made his move. Brandon was benched for George MacIntyre, the guy he had beaten out for the job in camp just six weeks ago.

MacIntyre was instantly a steadying presence. He didn’t do anything spectacular, but he dealt with Auburn’s pressure much better and got the ball out with accurate throws. MacIntyre finished the day 8-10 for 86 yards, not needing to do much more after the run game took over the game.

“We will go watch the tape,” Heupel said after the game. “Faizon, ultimately, didn’t play his best football. The turnover on the sideline and some of the things, just progressions.

“I have said it a bunch to you guys. We are going to need them all through the course of the year. Alluded to that a little bit earlier with guys that had to step up. We will get back in the building on Monday and continue to grow. There is a lot of growth left for us on the offensive side of the football.”

MacIntyre was able to recognize Auburn’s pressure and get the ball out hot, which is something Brandon didn’t do early on. Brandon finished 3-8 for 0 yards, never really showing any signs of life. Heupel’s decision after the interception was an obvious one to make, and it paid off with Tennessee’s 24-14 win.

“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,” Heupel said of MacIntyre. “In general, it allowed us to take advantage of some of the things they were giving us.”

Tennessee moves to 4-1 on the year with a trip to Arkansas up next. Heupel, of course, won’t publicly commit to anything going forward, but it would be a surprise to most all of us if MacIntyre didn’t get the start next week in Fayetteville.