'College GameDay' host on Faizon Brandon, Tennessee football upset chances vs Texas

Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon is only 18 years old, but he's leading Tennessee football into its most challenging game of the season.

The No. 13 Vols (3-0) play No. 1 Texas (3-0) at Neyland Stadium on Sept. 26 (noon, ABC).

As if hosting the top-ranked team didn't put enough pressure on Brandon, ESPN's "College GameDay" will broadcast from Ayres Hall before the game and President Donald Trump is planning to attend the game.

With all the accompanying distractions, "College GameDay" host Rece Davis believes UT's best path to victory involves giving Brandon as much support as possible.

"There’s going to be a time, and it’s not far away, when they’re going to be able to put everything on him because he’s really, really good and he’s very mature for his age and experience level," Davis said on Sept. 25. "But I think the best chance Saturday is to not have to put everything on him."

Davis noted that Vols coach Josh Heupel has a reputation for putting young quarterbacks into advantageous situations. Against Texas, he'll need running back DeSean Bishop and a veteran offensive line to threaten the Longhorns on the ground and keep Brandon in comfortable passing situations.

"They’ll need to win on the interior of the line of scrimmage a little bit, enough to be able to keep Texas honest. And I also think it’ll help the young quarterback settle in because this is a pretty big environment," Davis said. "He’s a supremely talented guy. He’s also 18 and going through it for the first time. So I think it’s really important for them to win that."

The Vols rank fourth nationally and first in the SEC in rushing offense, having rushed for 298.7 yards per game. But they haven't done it against a defense with Texas' talent and size. The Longhorns are allowing just 12 points per game this season.

If UT can get similar production on the ground, Davis believes the Vols have a chance to upset Texas. But putting too much on Brandon's shoulders could spell disaster.

Brandon has thrown for 552 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions at 64% completion rate. He's also rushed for 137 yards and three more scores. But UT's three wins have come against teams that have yet to beat an FCS opponent this season.

"We’ll find out if Tennessee is growing or almost grown. That doesn’t mean they can’t improve. We know they’re good. We’ll find out how good by how they play," Davis said. "They don’t have to win, but they have to play to a certain standard.”

Stephen Thompson covers Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball. Email him at stephen.thompson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @stephenethom.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: 'College GameDay' host on Faizon Brandon, Tennessee football upset chances vs Texas