{
  "id": 3031301,
  "title": "Why George MacIntyre should expect to play as Tennessee backup QB",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/why-george-macintyre-should-expect-to-play-as-tennessee-backup-qb-3031301",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-24T13:42:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-george-macintyre-expect-play-134251746.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "George MacIntyre understands the importance of being prepared as Tennessee's backup quarterback, having learned from the experiences of past backups under head coach Josh Heupel. Heupel has historically named his backup to start in the season opener, only for them to ultimately start additional games later in the season or take over completely if injuries occur. MacIntyre is aware of this pattern, which included Hendon Hooker replacing Joe Milton in 2022 and Nico Iamaleava stepping in for Milton in 2023. He is prepared to be called upon in critical situations, as the Volunteers will face strong opponents early in the season, including Furman and Kennesaw State. If Brandon retains the starting position, MacIntyre may still see playing time, as backup quarterbacks have often taken on larger roles when injuries or situations arise. Heupel has not made an official announcement regarding his starter, but MacIntyre is ready to step up if the opportunity arises.",
  "summary": "George MacIntyre knows the history of Josh Heupel’s backup quarterbacks at Tennessee. Now he's one of those backups and must be ready to play.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Why George MacIntyre should expect to play as Tennessee backup QB",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/why-george-macintyre-should-expect-to-play-as-tennessee-backup-qb",
        "published": "2026-08-24T13:42:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}