Texas A&M prepares for both Tennessee’s quarterbacks

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - Texas A&M will host Tennessee at 2 p.m. Saturday for its Operation Blackout game, as the Aggies prepare for the possibility of facing two quarterbacks.

Tennessee began the season with freshman dual-threat quarterback Faizon Brandon before switching to George MacIntyre, a pocket passer, a few weeks ago during the Auburn game.

MacIntyre played the majority of Tennessee’s game against Kentucky last week, but Brandon also played a few snaps. Brandon had a 29-yard run and threw a touchdown pass in a 34-6 win over the Wildcats.

Through the Kentucky game, MacIntyre had completed 78 of 117 passes for 853 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He had 15 carries for zero net yards.

Brandon had completed 62 of 102 passes for 721 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception. He had 54 carries for 159 net yards and three touchdowns.

Texas A&M safety Marcus Ratcliffe said the Aggies are preparing for both quarterbacks.

“Yeah, we’re preparing for both. I think McIntyre, he’s a good field general. He can throw the ball, run the ball a little bit. I think he commands the offense pretty well,” Ratcliffe said.

“The other quarterback, Faison, he’s just an amazing athlete. He can run the ball well, has a good touch on the ball as well. But they’re two good quarterbacks, and so we’re scheming them a little differently.”

Coach Mike Elko said he expects Tennessee to stick with MacIntyre.

“I don’t think he’s going to be the quarterback though. I think they’re going to probably stick with the guy they’ve been playing, MacIntyre,” Elko said.

If the Aggies do have to face any of Faizon Brandon and his legs, they should be encouraged by how they fared last week.

Texas A&M contained South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers for much of last week’s game. His lone explosive run came at the end of the game, when he scored the game-winning touchdown on a 41-yard run.

Sellers completed 20 of 31 passes for 251 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. He rushed six times for 34 net yards and a touchdown, with two sacks accounting for 20 yards lost.

That’s a big improvement compared to the last trip to Columbia in 2024, when Sellers rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries against A&M.

The Aggies are 4-5 after a 17-9 loss to South Carolina and have three games remaining, including two at home. Texas A&M will wear all-black uniforms Saturday, and fans are encouraged to dress in black.