Tennessee football pulled out a 24-17 win at Arkansas on Oct. 10 despite three turnovers from sophomore quarterback George MacIntyre, making his first career start in place of five-star freshman Faizon Brandon.

MacIntyre completed 18 of 29 passes for 247 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He was sacked twice and lost a fumble. But he did just enough behind a 138-yard effort from DeSean Bishop to help the No. 14 Vols (5-1, 2-1 SEC) snap a five-game road losing streak against Arkansas (2-4, 0-3).

"I do think he finished really strong. But there were some really good things early in the football game too. This game comes down to the finest of details," UT coach Josh Heupel said.

Heupel said MacIntyre learned on Oct. 5 that he would start vs. Arkansas while Brandon dealt with an injury. And a week's worth of practice with the first team offense helped MacIntyre feel settled when took the field for his starting debut vs. the Razorbacks.

“I would say I was pretty even-keeled," MacIntyre said postgame. “I think I always prepare like a starter, ... but getting the reps in practice is big. Getting the chemistry out there with my guys with a new install every week, just kind getting to rep it all week long makes me really confident.”

MacIntyre's started the game efficiently. He completed 12-of-17 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown in the first half before committing an inexplicable fumble in the closing seconds of the first half that cost the Vols a chance at a double-digit halftime lead.

"Right before half, the fumble, he’s just got to clear the (running) back," Heupel said. "That’s something that’s Day 1."

But MacIntyre shook off the fumble and two second half interceptions. He connected on three explosive plays − a 22-yard pass to Braylon Staley, a 68-yard completion to Da'Saan Brame and a 33-yard pass to Mike Matthews − that set up decisive scores in the third and fourth quarters.

"He’s a guy out there who’s always a competitor, always looking to improve his game, always looking to get better," Bishop said. "Obviously had some mistakes but he didn’t let it faze him at all. He just kept playing and doing what he could to put us in the best position to come out on top."

MacIntyre's mistakes threatened to send Tennessee to a fifth straight loss vs. Arkansas on the road. But his poise and ability to operate the offense in the game's biggest moments helped the Vols survive an upset bid from the Razorbacks.

"I thought he did some really great stuff in adverse situations, just playing the next play, pulling the trigger," Heupel said. "And it was a winning performance by him ultimately.”

The Vols are still uncertain of whether Brandon will be able to play when Alabama visits Neyland Stadium for a pivotal rivalry game on Oct. 17. So Heupel underscored the need for MacIntyre to stay ready for whatever the Vols need in the coming days.

"We’ll continue to play it by ear as we keep going," Heupel said. The strength of the room can never be one guy. … We’ll keep growing and going.”

Stephen Thompson covers Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball. Email him at stephen.thompson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @stephenethom.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What Josh Heupel said about George MacIntyre, first start for Tennessee football

Source: Yahoo Sports