FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — George MacIntyre made mistakes in his first career start. But his ability to move past them stood out to Tennessee coach Josh Heupel and running back DeSean Bishop.
The sophomore quarterback threw two interceptions and was involved in a fumbled exchange during Tennessee’s 24-17 win at Arkansas on Saturday.
Still, Heupel was encouraged by MacIntyre’s response.
“I thought he did a really good job in some adverse situations just playing the next play and pulling the trigger,” Heupel said. “It was a winning performance by him ultimately.”
MacIntyre’s composure was tested when Arkansas scored 14 unanswered points in the third quarter to take a 14-7 lead.
Facing third-and-seven, MacIntyre escaped pressure and connected with Braylon Staley for a critical first down. Tennessee eventually turned the possession into points.
MacIntyre recognized the importance of that moment.
“Could definitely feel the momentum shifting,” MacIntyre said. “Thought Braylon did a good job staying alive. Kind of got into almost like a scramble drill situation, buying a little time, and I trusted my guy and he made a play for me.”
Despite making his first start in a hostile SEC environment, MacIntyre said nerves weren’t much of a factor.
“At the end of the day, it’s just football,” MacIntyre said. “Obviously super excited and grateful to be out there today, but … more locked in than nervous.”
Bishop saw that same demeanor from his quarterback, who was made just his seventh appearance as a Volunteer.
“Just how relaxed he looked,” Bishop said. “A guy out there is a competitor, always looking to improve his game, always looking to get better.”
Bishop acknowledged MacIntyre’s mistakes but was more impressed by his response.
“Didn’t faze him at all,” Bishop said. “Just kept playing and kept doing what he could to put us in the best position to come out on top.”
That mentality was also evident in MacIntyre’s message to his teammates as Tennessee worked to regain control.
“Guys, this is our game. This is our time to go take it,” MacIntyre recalled telling the offense.
The Vols eventually reclaimed the lead, and Bishop’s 59-yard run helped set up the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.
For MacIntyre, the opportunity came after spending the opening weeks behind Faizon Brandon.
Heupel told MacIntyre on Monday that he would start against Arkansas. The sophomore said receiving first-team repetitions throughout the week helped his confidence, although his preparation had remained consistent.
“I always prepare like a starter, even at the beginning of the season,” MacIntyre said.
Bishop, who shares a locker-room area with MacIntyre, said he was especially pleased to see the local product capitalize on his opportunity.
“You never know when your opportunity may come, and he’s definitely shining right now,” Bishop said.
Heupel emphasized that MacIntyre still has details to improve, including the fumbled exchange before halftime.
But with Alabama coming to Knoxville next week, Tennessee’s quarterback has already demonstrated one quality that could prove important.
His ability to respond when things don’t go according to plan.
