No. 15 Tennessee rallies to beat Arkansas 24-17 in Fayetteville
In Fayetteville, Tennessee defeated Arkansas 24-17 as George MacIntyre led a fourth-quarter rally in his first career college football start.
George MacIntyre led a fourth-quarter comeback in Fayetteville on Saturday during his first career college football start. The sophomore quarterback helped push his team to a 24-17 conference victory. DeSean Bishop ran for 138 yards in the win.
The game stood tied at 17 with 4:07 remaining. Tennessee had possession inside its own 10-yard line following an Arkansas punt. Bishop broke free for a 59-yard run to move the offense downfield. Four plays later, Bishop scored on an 8-yard touchdown run. Arkansas chose to punt with 1:36 left on fourth down.
MacIntyre filled in for starter Faizon Brandon, who missed action due to a shoulder injury. MacIntyre finished 18 of 29 passing for 247 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jackson completed 15 of 27 passes for 155 yards and one score.
Tennessee coach Josh Heupel praised the young quarterback after the road contest.
“I thought he did a really good job in some of the adverse situations of just playing the next play and pulling the trigger. It was a winning performance by him, ultimately.”
The comeback started early in the fourth quarter in Fayetteville. MacIntyre completed a 68-yard pass to wide receiver DeSaahn Brame to reach the 6-yard line. Three plays later, Brame scored on a 1-yard run. Arkansas kicker Max Bryant answered with a 55-yard field goal with 7:20 remaining.
Heupel declined to name a starting quarterback for the upcoming schedule.
“With what (Brandon) was dealing with, he really didn’t rep during the course of the week. George knew on Monday he was going to start this week. We’ll continue to play it by ear as we keep going,” he said.
Arkansas dropped its 14th consecutive Southeastern Conference game under coach Ryan Silverfield. Tennessee moves to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in league games. Arkansas now stands at 2-4 on the season and 0-3 in conference play.
College football teams compete in four 15-minute quarters during standard regulation play. League standings determine qualification for postseason bowl games and conference championship matchups.
Tennessee visits No. 6 Alabama on Saturday. Arkansas travels to play Vanderbilt on Saturday in Fayetteville.
