In today’s Fact or Fiction, I look at three big recent topics in college football and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.
1. The Badgers improved their staff.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
Co-DC/safeties coach Colin Hitschler is gone to Alabama, DL coach Greg Scruggs is off to Michigan, and OL coach Jack Bicknell Jr. was re-assigned to an off-field role after a very poor season for his unit. The additions are Alex Grinch to Co-DC/S, EJ Whitlow to DL, and AJ Blazek to OL.
Luke Fickell did a nice job of grabbing Blazek, who’s known as a great teacher of the technique. But Alex Grinch is a significant step down from Hitschler. Hitschler was arguably the best recruiter on staff, and his absence will be felt on the trail. I like Scruggs a bit better along the DL, but it’s not a massive downgrade to me. Until Grinch rehabs his reputation, I’m not sold on this as being a move in the right direction.
2. Mike Furrey has big shoes to fill at South Carolina.
Farrell’s take: FACT
I liked Justin Stepp and have no idea why he was shipped to TE coach, but James Coley was a good hire and can recruit very well. But he bolted for Georgia, and now Furrey steps in with NFL experience but not a lot of Power Four recruiting experience. It will be interesting to see if he can replace two coaches who have excellent reputations. I’m not sure he can.
3. Washington State prez Kirk Schulz is right about the NCAA.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
Schulz essentially said the NCAA is needed, and there’s no need to blow it up. He agrees that reform and change are needed there in a big way, but why start over? I disagree. There are just too many issues between the NCAA and its member institutions, and the organization lacks respect from colleges and fans. It’s vital to find a brand new solution as we head into this new world of college football.
More Sports News
