Tennessee will start freshman George MacIntyre against Alabama on Saturday, as reported by ESPN and CBS Sports. MacIntyre follows a mixed performance against Arkansas, while original starter Faizon Brandon remains questionable due to a lingering shoulder injury.
Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Alabama, with backup George MacIntyre likely to start. Brandon has been limited by a right shoulder injury sustained against Texas, while Alabama rules out star receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams.
Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield faced intense backlash for choosing to punt on fourth-and-10 with 1:36 remaining in a 24-17 loss to Tennessee. The decision, intended to preserve timeouts and force a three-and-out, failed as Tennessee scored a touchdown, extending Arkansas's SEC losing streak to 14 games.
Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield drew intense criticism for calling a punt on fourth-and-10 with 1:45 remaining in a 24-17 loss to Tennessee. While Silverfield cited low conversion odds and timeout management, fans and some media outlets argued the team deserved a final offensive chance. The decision extended Arkansas's SEC losing streak to 14 games and highlighted the team's fragile momentum despite a strong second-half performance.
Sophomore George MacIntyre will make his first career start for Tennessee against Arkansas on Saturday, replacing injured freshman Faizon Brandon. MacIntyre previously led the Volunteers to a 24-14 win over Auburn after entering in the second quarter. Brandon is dealing with a lingering right shoulder injury sustained during a loss to Texas. The decision sets up a key evaluation for coach Josh Heupel ahead of a crucial matchup against Alabama.
Sophomore George MacIntyre will make his first career start for Tennessee against Arkansas on Saturday, replacing injured freshman Faizon Brandon. MacIntyre took over during Tennessee's 24-14 win over Auburn, completing 8 of 10 passes. Coach Josh Heupel confirmed Brandon is dealing with a shoulder injury that affected his performance, though it remains unclear if Brandon will return. MacIntyre has completed 70% of his passes this season without being sacked, while Brandon has struggled with decision-making and physical limitations in recent SEC games.
Tennessee coach Josh Heupel benched five-star freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon for sophomore George MacIntyre late in the first half against Auburn, leading to a 24-14 victory. MacIntyre’s stability allowed running back DeSean Bishop to rush for 213 yards and three touchdowns. Heupel faces a decision on whether to keep Brandon on the bench, as the Vols' defense has proven capable of carrying the team without a high-ceiling but volatile offense.
Tennessee (3-1) faces Auburn (3-1) on Oct. 3 at Neyland Stadium, needing a win after a 20-17 loss to Texas. The matchup features a significant coaching connection, as Auburn head coach Alex Golesh returns to Knoxville after serving as Tennessee's offensive coordinator. Tennessee's defense, which leads the SEC in sacks, aims to exploit Auburn's offensive line struggles, while freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon looks to recover from a poor performance against Texas.
No. 1 Texas defeated No. 14 Tennessee 20-17 in a chaotic Week 4 game marked by 11 penalties and a controversial onside kick, while Oregon quarterback Dante Moore remains in concussion protocol after a targeting hit by USC. CBS Sports argues that college football needs a formal fine system similar to the NFL to address unsportsmanlike conduct and dangerous hits, noting that Texas’s recent wins have been marred by disciplinary issues and special teams blunders. Meanwhile, Fox News highlights Texas’s defensive dominance, recording 12 sacks, as the primary reason for their victory despite offensive struggles.
Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons recorded five sacks and a forced fumble in a 20-17 win over Tennessee, tying a program record. However, his performance was marred by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for miming urination, which negated a significant yardage gain and gave Tennessee a first down. Coach Steve Sarkisian defended Simmons' play but criticized the celebration, while Simmons apologized for the incident.
No. 1 Texas defeated No. 13 Tennessee 20-17 on September 26, 2026, but the victory was marred by offensive inefficiency and defensive dominance. While Texas retained its top ranking, the performance raised doubts about their ability to handle tougher opponents, as Tennessee nearly staged a late comeback.
VSiN reports that six of seven invitational handicappers favor Tennessee in its Week 4 college football matchup against No. 1 Texas. This consensus aligns with earlier betting analysis suggesting Texas is a likely winner by a touchdown, though the specific handicapper data highlights strong support for the Volunteers. The game, a rare SEC showdown not seen since 1968, is a pivotal contest for College Football Playoff standings. Other key Week 4 games include USC vs. Oregon, Florida vs. Ole Miss, and Michigan vs. Iowa, with analysts noting value plays like Sam Houston State against Texas Tech.
Texas defensive end Colin Simmons apologized for miming urination after sacking Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon, an act that resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The penalty gave the Volunteers an automatic first down, though Texas still won the game 20-17. Simmons tied a program record with five sacks, becoming the first FBS player in 20 years to record that many against a ranked team. Coach Steve Sarkisian called the celebration a 'bad football play' but not a 'capital offense,' while Simmons responded to criticism from Johnny Manziel.
Texas defensive lineman Colin Simmons received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for miming urination after sacking Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon. Coach Steve Sarkisian called the act a 'bad football play' but insisted it was not a 'capital offense,' noting that Simmons' five sacks were 'pretty cool.' Texas won the game 20-17 despite the penalty, which negated a significant yardage gain and gave Tennessee a first down.
Texas defensive lineman Colin Simmons received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for miming urination after sacking Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon. The penalty gave the Volunteers an automatic first down, though Texas still won the game 20-17. Simmons apologized, calling it a moment of 'feeling himself,' while coach Steve Sarkisian labeled it a 'bad football play.'