Josh Heupel didn’t pin Tennessee’s first-half offensive struggles against Auburn on one player.
But when evaluating quarterback Faizon Brandon afterward, the Tennessee coach did attribute some of the let down on their QB.
Brandon finished 3-of-8 passing for zero yards with an interception before Heupel turned to sophomore George MacIntyre late in the first half.
“Faizon ultimately didn’t play his best football,” Heupel said.
Heupel specifically pointed to the turnover and Brandon’s work through his progressions as areas that hurt Tennessee’s offense.
The interception came with 5:06 remaining in the second quarter and Tennessee backed up at its own 11-yard line.
Brandon attempted to find DaSaahn Brame near the sideline, but Auburn linebacker Xavier Atkins stepped in front of the throw.
It was Brandon’s final pass attempt of the afternoon.
The freshman’s struggles came one week after Heupel emphasized the need for Brandon to take advantage of available opportunities in the passing game.
But Heupel also pushed back against putting all of Tennessee’s offensive issues on its quarterback.
He thought the offensive line protected well overall, while acknowledging some early problems. Heupel also noted there were instances when the quarterbacks left the pocket quickly despite opportunities remaining downfield.
That combination left Tennessee searching for answers. The Vols started the game with four straight punts followed by a pair of turnovers.
MacIntyre entered with Tennessee backed up near its own goal line and 3:42 remaining before halftime.
Heupel has not indicated the change will be permanent.
Heupel said there “won’t be just one factor” when determining who will quarterback week six against Arkansas.
For Brandon, that leaves the next step centered on growth.
“We’ll need them both through this stretch in the conference, too,” Heupel said.
