The South Carolina Gamecocks are back in action this week after a bye, and Shane Beamer's team has a big test following the week off. South Carolina is set to take on the No. 11 Tennessee Vols, which is setting up to be a huge test for the Gamecocks after the Vols upset Alabama 26-10.
A big question for South Carolina on defense in this game is which starting quarterback the unit will see. Although Vols head coach Josh Heupel started true freshman Faizon Brandon at the start of the season, his backup, George MacIntyre has gotten the nod the last two weeks.
During Tennessee's 24-17 win over Arkansas two weeks ago, MacIntyre got the nod as Brandon was dealing with a shoulder injury. Although he was removed from Tennessee's injury report leading up to the Vols' game against Alabama, he did not see any game action.
In both wins, MacIntyre performed well enough to give his team victories. Against Arkansas, he threw for 247 yards and touchdowns, but he did have two interceptions that kept the game close.
Against Alabama, he didn't throw any touchdown passes and had another interception. But the solid performance from Tennessee's defense, as well as the two touchdowns from running back DeSean Bishop, was good enough to get a victory.
Of course, it feels more likely that Heupel will roll with MacIntyre as the starter for a third straight week. But if MacIntyre turns the ball over that allows South Carolina to capitalize, I wouldn't be surprised if we see Heupel go back to Brandon.
The true freshman made history as the first true freshman to start at Tennessee since Erik Ainge in 2004. Through his first three games, he played quite well, throwing for 552 yards and six touchdowns with zero interceptions, rushing for another 137 yards with three scores.
Against Texas in Week 4, he briefly left the game due to a shoulder injury but returned after missing a series. Although the Vols lost 20-17, Brandon threw for 147 yards and a touchdown.
But things started to unravel for Brandon during the Vols' Week 5 game at home against Auburn. After completing just three passes for zero yards and an interception, he was benched for MacIntyre.
MacIntyre completed 86 yards as Tennessee won 20-17.
Josh Heupel declines to name a starter vs. Gamecocks
Speaking with reporters on Monday leading up to the South Carolina game, Heupel declined to name either guy as the starter under center.
“George has played smart and efficient like a lot of what he has done,” Heupel said via VolQuest. “You guys will figure out when we get to gameday.”
Of course, South Carolina defensive coordinator Clayton White will likely have the defense ready to play against both guys. The unit did a great job two weeks ago against Florida, holding Gator quarterback Aaron Philo to just one touchdown and interception, sacking him three times.
Getting after the quarterback should be a point of emphasis for the Gamecocks this week, as Tennessee's offensive line has allowed 18 sacks so far, tied for 120th in the nation.
Saturday's game will air live on ESPN and kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET.
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