KNOXVILLE — Three weeks ago, Tennessee dropped a 20-17 decision to top-ranked Texas inside Neyland Stadium primarily because the Longhorns got to quarterback Faizon Brandon 10 times.
On Saturday, the No. 14 Volunteers welcomed No. 6 Alabama and kept new starting quarterback George MacIntyre upright. The 6-foot-6, 208-pound former Brentwood Academy standout went 21-of-31 passing for 197 yards, with his quick throws keeping Crimson Tide defenders at bay in Tennessee’s 26-10 victory.
Alabama was credited with one sack for 2 yards, a far cry from the 73-yard sack tally Texas had.
“I think that can tire out the D-line, especially with the Bama D-line being banged up,” MacIntyre said. “I felt like we caught them on tempo even though we weren’t really in tempo. They got tired, and our O-line kept on fighting even through injuries and didn’t allow for any subs for them. They just keep improving.
“Getting the ball out quick is a key for our offense and especially in this game, and I’ve just got a lot of respect for our O-line and how they’ve responded this year. It started with the run game.”