By Stephen Mason
As anticipation builds to the Third Saturday in October, most things are set in stone for when No. 14 Tennessee hosts No. 6 Alabama in the 109th meeting between these two fierce rivals.
Both teams will wear their home uniforms for the first time since 1970, and crimson and orange will clash under the late-afternoon October sun. For the fourth time in five years, both teams will be ranked inside the top 15, and the Volunteers will attempt to win their third straight game against the Tide at Neyland Stadium.
However, one massive question remains for Tennessee fans, even after head coach Josh Heupel spoke with the media on Monday.
Who will be the starting quarterback?
“We’ll find out through the week. So we’ll get on the grass tomorrow and work towards Saturday,” Heupel said.
While freshman Faizon Brandon started the first five games for the Volunteers, in the second quarter of the Auburn game, Heupel turned to George MacIntyre, and the sophomore has lined up behind center for every snap since then.
In his first career start in Fayetteville, MacIntyre went 18-for-29 for 247 yards and one touchdown. The Franklin native looked poised in the pocket and used his legs when he needed to.
“I was very impressed with George and his presence in the pocket, his confidence to be able to stand in there, and take some of the hits he did and still be able to deliver the ball. It was great to see,” tight end Trent Thomas said.
Heupel was also impressed with MacIntyre’s game-management skills, something that should not come as a surprise because the sophomore has had the most experience in Heupel’s system.
“I thought he was decisive with the football. He was going to the right spot and made some plays. He did some things inside of the pocket that were really positive, and he keeps his eyes down the football field,” Heupel said.
However, there was a turnover issue that cannot be ignored.
MacIntyre threw two interceptions during the game and had the ball knocked out of his hand by Bishop Boswell. This came at a critical point at the end of the first half, with the Volunteer offense in the red zone, looking to add to its lead.
Heupel does not place the blame for these turnovers solely on MacIntyre.
“Collectively as a group, we have to do a better job of taking care of the football. We have to play smarter and not make it more difficult on ourselves, with pre-snap penalties or whatever it might be,” Heupel said.
Heupel could be keeping his cards close to his chest to keep Kalen DeBoer and his staff on their toes as they prepare for the trip from Tuscaloosa to Knoxville, or protecting his freshman quarterback who was banged up in the Texas game. However, the Tennessee head coach is also making things tricky for his wide receivers, as for the second week in a row he is reluctant to name a starting quarterback.
The receiving corps seems to be ready for either option.
“It’s been an experience, but that’s what I come to college for. I think you’ve got to stay in it and stay dialed in,” Braylon Stayley said. “Whichever quarterback is back there, we know what we’re going to get. We work on it day-to-day in practice, and it’s nothing new to us.”
It will be interesting to see how the week-to-week lack of clarity at the quarterback position will affect both the locker room and play on the field. While the team seems to be rolling with the punches for now, how long can it last?
At a certain point, the Volunteers will need an undisputed leader to guide them through the challenge of a fourth-quarter comeback or an intimidating road environment. However, for now, Heupel is reluctant to name the leader of his offense.
And Tennessee is just five days away from its biggest game of the regular season.