Tennessee defense carries quarterback Faizon Brandon past Georgia Tech
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 2:59 AM
Last updated Sep 13, 2026

The 18th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 45-24 on September 12 at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon finished the game 10-of-21 for 148 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. The Tennessee defense, coordinated by Jim Knowles, provided critical support throughout the matchup, including a pick-six by Dejuan Lane and a goal-line stop in the fourth quarter. While the offensive strategy allowed Brandon to avoid unnecessary risks during his first college road start, coaches noted that the unit must expand its approach for upcoming Southeastern Conference play. Tennessee moves to 2-0 on the season and is scheduled to host Kennesaw State on September 19 before a matchup against No. 3 Texas on September 26.
- •Tennessee beat Georgia Tech 45-24 in Atlanta on September 12.
- •Faizon Brandon recorded 148 passing yards and two touchdowns in his first road start.
- •The defense contributed a touchdown via a Dejuan Lane interception return.
- •Tennessee plays Kennesaw State on September 19 at Neyland Stadium.
- •The Volunteers host No. 3 Texas on September 26.
- 2:59 AMYahoo Sports — Jim Knowles' Tennessee defense let Faizon Brandon play restrained vs Georgia Tech
"Josh Heupel and Faizon Brandon can rely on Tennessee's defense to carry it through some rough patches like it did to beat Georgia Tech.
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