MacIntyre in Line for a Third Straight Start When Tennessee Visits South Carolina

Who starts at quarterback has been the running question of Tennessee's season, and for Saturday's trip to South Carolina, the answer appears to be the same as the last two weeks. According to a report from CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz, the Volunteers are expected to start George MacIntyre against the Gamecocks, which would make it three straight starts for the sophomore.

MacIntyre stepped in after true freshman Faizon Brandon injured his right shoulder against Texas. Brandon has since recovered, but head coach Josh Heupel is sticking with MacIntyre anyway, at least for one more week. The decision gives Tennessee continuity at the position rather than another change in the middle of the SEC schedule.

The numbers from the Alabama game were modest — MacIntyre completed 21 of 31 passes for 197 yards, threw an interception and no touchdowns — but the result was what mattered. He directed two touchdown drives in the second half as Tennessee pulled away for a 26-10 win, and the defense handled the rest, holding the Crimson Tide to 201 total yards.

Next comes a South Carolina team that had last week off. The Gamecocks most recently played on Oct. 10, when they went to Gainesville and beat Florida 38-19. Saturday's game is also the first meeting between Tennessee and South Carolina since 2023, when the Vols won 41-20 in Knoxville. With MacIntyre settled in as the starter, Tennessee heads on the road looking to keep its momentum rolling.