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Tennessee benches Faizon Brandon after brutal start vs. Auburn

During the October 3, 2026 college football matchup, seventeenth-ranked Tennessee pulled starting freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon after he struggled through a scoreless first half that included an interception. Backup George MacIntyre stepped in to steady the offense, connecting on seven of eight passes for eighty-two yards as the Volunteers protected a slim advantage early in the fourth quarter.

Ground game production was anchored by running back DeSean Bishop, who racked up twenty-four carries for 170 yards and a pair of touchdowns to help keep his squad ahead. Both programs had entered the contest holding identical 3-1 records while navigating early-season pressures that included an off-field recruiting info leak inquiry involving an opposing staffer.

Coach Josh Heupel ultimately made the quarterback switch to spark his team's pursuit of a crucial home victory.

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