Tennessee builds package for Faizon Brandon's return

Tennessee brought Faizon Brandon back into the offense against Kentucky with a situational package built around the freshman quarterback's running ability. Brandon took a quarterback sweep for 29 yards and later helped execute a misdirection jet-pass to Mike Matthews for a touchdown.

Brandon, a 5-star freshman who won the starting job, injured his shoulder against Texas in Tennessee's first conference game. He started against Auburn, but the injury affected his throwing ability. Coach Josh Heupel turned to George MacIntyre under center.

After Tennessee's bye week, Brandon was healthy enough to return in a limited role. Heupel said Brandon had gotten back to being close to 100% over the previous week-and-a-half to two weeks, allowing the staff to use his skill set in selected situations.

Brandon's 29-yard sweep moved Tennessee into scoring position and nearly became a touchdown, while the misdirection play to Matthews did reach the end zone.

Heupel said Monday that Brandon's situational work helped create first downs. Opposing defenses also had another element to prepare for, he said. He also credited the execution by Brandon and the playmakers around him.

Tennessee had used Matthews in a wildcat look one week earlier. Against Kentucky, the staff found a different way to involve him for the second straight week. Those designed touches can help an offense that has dealt with inconsistency in the passing game. They also ease Brandon back into action after the shoulder injury kept him out of the offense for the middle portion of the season.

Alongside DeSean Bishop's downhill running, Tennessee now has another option. The package also puts more variation on film before Tennessee's upcoming games against Texas A&M, LSU and Vanderbilt.

Why it matters

Brandon gives Tennessee another way to stress defenses while its passing attack remains inconsistent. His return also lets the staff involve the freshman without immediately asking him to resume a full throwing workload.

What to watch next

Tennessee has upcoming games against Texas A&M, LSU and Vanderbilt. Watch whether the staff expands Brandon's situational role.