Photos: Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee held its first preseason scrimmage at Neyland on Saturday and the biggest takeaway was simple. Faizon Brandon keeps answering the bell.
The five star freshman threw the only touchdown of the day, pushed the ball downfield, and didn’t turn it over. Sources coming out of the scrimmage said he just looked like the better quarterback. Same story as the spring. George MacIntyre didn’t have a bad day and got hurt by some drops, but Brandon stepped forward again when it mattered.
That doesn’t mean the race is over. Heupel still has another scrimmage next weekend and a week of practice before he wants to make a decision. But every time the lights come on in a game like setting, Brandon is the one generating the buzz.
The skill players around him showed up too. Mike Matthews continues to look locked in. Joakim Dodson, Tyreek King, and Ian Duarte all made plays. On the ground, the backfield looked strong. DeSean Bishop got his work in. Javin Gordon took another step. Daune Morris ripped off a long 90 plus yard touchdown and reminded everyone he brings a different gear than the rest of the group.
Defense was a different story. That side of the ball is usually ahead of the offense at this point in camp but not this go around. After controlling both spring scrimmages and the Orange & White game, the defense got gashed at times against the run and gave up too many explosive plays. That’s not ideal with Jim Knowles installing a new system. There were positives. Daevin Hobbs stood out up front. Arion Carter made a one handed interception in his first real work in the new defense. Still, the unit has clear work to do.
Injuries continue to hover. Edrees Farooq was on the sideline in a big brace and on crutches after tearing his patellar tendon Friday. A couple offensive linemen were also limited. Ty Redmond is still working his way back.
Heupel called it good work overall with plenty left to clean up. Three weeks out from Furman, the Vols got a real look at where they stand. Brandon keeps making it hard to look past him. The defense has some cleaning up to do. And the skill talent on offense continues to show why this group can be dangerous when it clicks.
One scrimmage down. One more to go before fall camp turns to game prep.
Then it’s finally FOOTBALL TIME IN TENNESSEE!