ATLANTA − Tennessee football quarterback Faizon Brandon faced some adversity while playing on the road for the first time in his very young college career.
Furman offered little resistance in his first career start but Brandon was challenged in Week 2 at Georgia Tech. His first road start didn't look pretty in the final box score but it was more than enough to get the No. 18 Vols (2-0) to a 45-24 win over the Yellow Jackets (0-2) on Sept. 12 at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
“The stat sheet’s not going to be elite. I actually really like how he played the game," UT coach Josh Heupel said. "I thought he was composed, he handled himself in situational football pretty well. First game on the road, 18 years old, handled himself well."
Brandon completed 10 of
21 passes for 148 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He was sacked once and added 23 yards on five rushing attempts.
He was particularly inaccurate in the first half, completing only 5 of 15 passes but racking up 106 yards and two touchdown passes. Of his five first-half completions, four went for 15 yards or more and three gained 20 yards or more.
Those strong throws helped the Vols regain control after falling behind 10-7 first quarter on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown. And, with the help of a more efficient running game in the second half, Brandon completed five of six second-half passes for 42 yards.
The Vols ripped off 24 unanswered points in the second and third quarters before cruising behind 299 team rushing yards. And while the numbers weren't as stellar as they were against Furman, Heupel was pleased with Brandon's poise.
"There were a couple things that he’s going to learn from and get better from. All in all, really good," Heupel said. "He had a great look, demeanor. He’s been pretty consistent with that.”
Stephen Thompson covers Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball. Email him at stephen.thompson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @stephenethom.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What Josh Heupel saw from QB Faizon Brandon vs Georgia Tech for Tennessee football
