Faizon Brandon’s first afternoon as Tennessee’s starting quarterback offered more than an encouraging glimpse. It delivered a five-touchdown introduction.
The true freshman completed 13 of 17 passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns, then added 68 yards and two more scores on the ground. His five total touchdowns tied a Tennessee freshman record previously held by Casey Clausen and Tyler Bray.
After a somewhat uneven opening, Tennessee took control with three second-quarter touchdowns and carried a 28–0 lead into halftime. Brandon then connected with Mike Matthews on scoring passes of 55 and 57 yards as the Vols quickly removed any remaining doubt.
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Five Alive
Brandon did not ease into college football. He stepped into it like he belonged there.
He opened the scoring with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Ethan Davis, called his own number twice in the second quarter and then found Matthews for two lightning strikes after halftime. Five touchdowns. Three through the air. Two on the ground. One freshman debut Tennessee fans will remember.
The opponent will get better, and the decisions will become harder. But poise cannot be faked. Brandon looked accurate, comfortable and in command of Josh Heupel’s offense from the first drive through the moment his afternoon was finished.
Matthews delivered the biggest plays of the afternoon, catching four passes for a career-high 132 yards and two touchdowns. DeSean Bishop led the rushing attack with 97 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Justin Baker added 89 yards on only three attempts, including a 73-yard fourth-quarter score.
On defense, Xavier Gilliam overwhelmed Furman with three sacks and five tackles for loss. Tennessee limited the Paladins to 220 total yards and only 43 through the air while piling up 638 yards of its own.
The final score concealed a few areas needing attention. Tennessee committed two turnovers and allowed 177 rushing yards. Those mistakes were harmless against Furman. They could become expensive as the competition improves.
Still, this was an opener that accomplished its central purpose. Tennessee won comfortably, discovered playmakers throughout the lineup and watched its freshman quarterback make the position look like a strength much sooner than expected.
The B.O.S.S. Bottom Line
Tennessee handled Furman exactly as it should have. More importantly, Brandon looked poised, productive and prepared. Five touchdowns made for one five-star beginning.
Game information, statistics and scoring plays: University of Tennessee Athletics.