Big Orange Report September 10, 2026

 

Impressive Debut

Tennessee's freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon turned 18 years old back in June. Against Furman in the season's lid-lifter, he performed like an experienced veteran. He became the first SEC field general to record three touchdown passes and two more scores on the ground since Cam Newton accomplished the feat back in 2010. The game had to give the rookie signal caller some confidence as he moves forward in his career.

On defense, transfer Amare Campbell exploded onto the scene with six tackles, five stops for minus yardage and became the first Vol pass rusher to record three sacks since 2018. As a matter of fact, the entire first and second team defensive players were stout even though coordinator Jim Knowles played a vanilla style because he did not want to show any of his tricks of the trade in the easy victory.

On offense, Coach Heupel played five running backs, most all of the wide receivers on the three deep depth chart and he also got some valuable experience for his younger offensive linemen and tight ends. Starting center Sam Pendelton was a late scratch and did not play. No word on what the problem might be with the former Notre Dame pivot man.

Georgia Tech Seeks to Bounce Back

The Ramblin Wreck suffered an upset at the hands of Colorado. Former Tennessee defensive back Boo Carter blocked the game winning field goal as time expired after Tech had led for almost the entire game. The Buffalos had great success running the ball right up the middle of the formation until GT abandoned the four-down lineman for a five-man front with a defensive tackle over the nose of the center. Colorado ran for almost 200 yards in the game while throwing for just 124 yards. The Tech defense stiffened in the second half before a late score put the Buffs ahead.

On the flip side, Tennessee will want to show up with purpose and force that will produce a headline grabbing performance. The Vols have several players from the state of Georgia and the staff is recruiting some of the top players in the Peach State this year.

Key Matchups

Vol linebackers vs. Alberto Mendoza-- The Indiana transfer is a mobile operator with a big arm. If the Vols can get some pressure on him then he could be dangerous throwing on the run or scrambling when the pocket breaks down. UT linebackers and the Star (Rover) will not only pay attention to Mendoza when he is on the move, but they also have to cover Kevin Roche, the 6-9, 270 pound tight end. Mendoza made some impressive throws in the game against Colorado.

Tennessee offensive line vs. Kyle Efford, Jordan Walker and Taje McCoy-- The Tech linebackers and defensive end, McCoy, are experienced and rugged defenders that don't shy away from contact. They are above average in pursuit and dangerous when the defensive coordinator sends them on a blitz. Efford had 14 tackles and McCoy recorded six stops and a tackle for loss in the opening contest. Coach Heupel will want to force them to honor the run first to give his receivers a chance to work over the middle of the field.

Watch for This

Georgia Tech will want to try and establish the running game after struggling on the ground against Colorado. Tailback Justin Haynes (5-11, 215) was a much ballyhooed transfer from Michigan. Last season Haynes ran for almost 900 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging a gaudy 7.1 yards per attempt. This will be an early test for the UT defensive line and inside linebackers.

On the other sidelines, Tennessee will also want to gash the Tech defense with a successful infantry attack. Colorado hurt the GT defense right up the middle of the line of scrimmage until the coaches abandoned the four man front and went to five down with a tackle over the CU center.

Secret Weapon

The offensive staff is hoping that a healthy Ethan Davis is ready to enjoy a breakout season at tight end. He has long been called one of the premiere athletes on the squad because of his size, speed and agility. He should be a weapon as a receiver in the short to medium zones against single coverage. The opponents must respect the very talented Big Orange wide receiver corps.

Game Time and TV

The UT vs. Tech game is slated to kickoff at 6 p.m. on Saturday with broadcast scheduled for ESPN.

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