How Tennessee football used backup QB Faizon Brandon for spark vs Kentucky
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Tennessee football’s backup quarterback Faizon Brandon made a significant impact in the Vols’ 34-6 victory over seventh-ranked Kentucky at Neyland Stadium, contributing to a critical win for the No. 16 Volunteers.
Brandon, a five-star freshman who won the starting job in preseason but was benched midway through the Auburn game due to a shoulder injury, returned to action after recovering from the setback. He entered the game in the first quarter and sparked the offense with three plays, gaining 57 yards and scoring a touchdown through a well-executed play-action pass to Mike Matthews for a 24-yard score in the fourth quarter.
His performance included a 29-yard rushing touchdown and a clutch pass, showcasing his versatility as both a runner and a passer. Head coach Josh Heupel praised Brandon’s recovery and skill set, emphasizing his ability to apply pressure on defenses in unique ways.
The Vols’ offense also benefited from strong contributions on the perimeter, with Brandon completing 61 of 101 passes for 697 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception in five prior appearances this season. Starting quarterback Hendon MacIntyre, meanwhile, went 9 of 14 for 125 yards without a touchdown or interception, as Tennessee’s ground game and wide receivers’ blocking played key roles in the offensive success.
