Tennessee football head coach Josh Heupel addressed the role of freshman quarterback George MacIntyre as the Volunteers prepare for the Music City Bowl. In this upcoming matchup, Tennessee faces Illinois on December 30 at Nissan Stadium.
Quarterback Plans for the Music City Bowl
Heupel confirmed that there is no set plan for MacIntyre to participate in the game, indicating that the coaching staff will evaluate how the game progresses. Joey Aguilar remains the starting quarterback, likely concluding his time with the program.
- Game Date: December 30, 2023
- Kickoff Time: 5:30 PM ET
- Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville
Aguilar excelled during the regular season, leading the Southeastern Conference with 3,444 passing yards and guiding Tennessee to the highest scoring offense in the league, averaging 40.8 points per game. Conversely, MacIntyre, a former four-star recruit from Brentwood Academy, has played sparingly, attempting just nine passes this season.
Future Considerations for George MacIntyre
While some fans are eager to see MacIntyre take the field, Heupel emphasizes the importance of winning the game over providing playing time to younger players. There is speculation about Aguilar’s future, as he may have exhausted his eligibility, pending the outcome of a lawsuit concerning NCAA eligibility rules.
Tennessee is preparing for potential changes in its roster. Redshirt freshman Jake Merklinger has announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. This opens the door for MacIntyre to gain more experience as the backup quarterback.
Coaches’ Confidence in MacIntyre
Offensive coordinator Joey Halzle expressed confidence in MacIntyre’s preparedness for the future. He noted that MacIntyre had been taking backup reps during bowl preparation, emphasizing that this was part of a strategic plan to help him develop.
In January, MacIntyre will welcome five-star recruit Faizon Brandon to the team. Despite the potential addition of new talent, Halzle believes MacIntyre is committed to competing for the starting job in the forthcoming spring practice.
He stated, “MacIntyre is a competitive and intelligent player, handling his situation with maturity. He is focused on positioning himself as a contender for playing time in the future.”
As the Music City Bowl approaches, all eyes will be on the performance of Joey Aguilar and the potential opportunities for George MacIntyre in the game and beyond.
