Alright, so here’s the deal for the biggest game of the weekend: Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon is officially available for the Alabama game. That’s the word from the SEC student-athlete availability report on October 16, a huge flip from being listed as questionable just a day earlier. But hold up, don’t get too hyped, because a source told Knox News that George MacIntyre is still getting the start under center against the Crimson Tide. Wild, right?
The QB Situation Is Messy, Y’all
This whole QB saga for Tennessee has been a rollercoaster. Brandon, a five-star freshman who started the Vols’ first five games, got hit with a right shoulder injury in that tough 20-17 loss to Texas back on September 26. He hasn’t seen the field since he got benched for MacIntyre midway through their 24-14 win over Auburn on October 3. Coach Josh Heupel even said Brandon was just there for “emergency use only” during the Arkansas game on October 10. Reports have been saying he’s been limited in practice this week. So, yeah, he’s “available” but clearly not 100% or the guy for the job right now. This is a huge No. 14 Tennessee (5-1, 2-1 SEC) versus No. 7 Alabama (5-1, 3-1) matchup, and your five-star freshman QB is cleared but not playing. You feel that tension?
The Injury List Is Absolutely Brutal for Both Sides
And if the QB situation wasn’t enough drama, Tennessee’s injury list is absolutely brutal. Seven players have already suffered season-ending injuries, which is just gut-wrenching. We’re talking about starting left guard Wendell Moe, starting safety Edrees Farooq with a knee injury, starting tight end Ethan Davis also out with a knee, safety Dylan Lewis with a foot injury, wide receiver/kick returner Joakim Dodson with a leg issue, linebacker Jaedon Harmon’s knee is gone, and cornerback Jadais Richard out with an upper-body injury. That’s a huge hit to the roster right before a rivalry game.
Alabama isn’t getting off scot-free either. They’ve got some serious dudes on their initial availability report, including three starters who got dinged up in that 20-17 loss to No. 1 Georgia on October 10. Wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams is out; he’s their leading guy with 23 receptions, 415 yards, and four touchdowns. Starting defensive lineman Terrance Green, who has 2.5 sacks, is also out. And starting center Racin Delgatty got ruled out with a lower leg injury on October 16 after being downgraded to doubtful the day before. This game is going to be a battle of attrition as much as anything else.
So, get ready, because No. 14 Tennessee is hosting No. 7 Alabama at Neyland Stadium on October 17 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. With Brandon available but not starting, and both teams absolutely decimated by injuries, this one’s gonna be a grinder. It’s going to come down to depth and who wants it more. What are we even watching tonight? Who knows, but you know it’s going to be wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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