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. Texas A&M is a top-tier job.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
I know there’s money there and an amazing fan base, but it’s not a top-tier job, especially with Texas and Oklahoma coming into the SEC. A&M will always be No. 2 to the Longhorns in-state. They haven’t won anything of significance in ages, and now the recruiting advantage of being in the SEC over the Longhorns and Sooners is gone. Aside from the boosters willing to throw around ridiculous money, what’s top tier about it?
2. Ridiculous head coaching contracts will stop.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
And Texas A&M will throw a massive and dumb number at the next head coach with ridiculous buyout numbers. Why? Because everyone in college football is insane. The urge to win is so strong, and there is this dumb notion that being outbid for a coach is a bad thing. Fisher got his money because LSU showed interest. The same for Mel Tucker at Michigan State. How did those work out for them? Heck, USC ponied up so much money for Lincoln Riley because LSU was interested as well. That’s three insanely dumb contracts based on interest from one school. And it goes on and on and will never stop. It’s dumb.
3. Gary Patterson will be the next coach at Arkansas.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
He’d be a good fit, as Patterson did an amazing job at TCU, but he won’t be the guy. It’s good to see Patterson interested in being a head coach again, and someone will be lucky to have him, but I think Arkansas trends young with this hire. That being said, the smart thing would be to bring Barry Odom back into the fold and give him time.
