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. Dabo is feeling the pressure at Clemson.
Farrell’s take: FACT
Let’s be clear: he’s not on any seat of even the slightest warmth, but these comments…
“We’re at a point in our time — and I hate that — where people (think) if you don’t go undefeated, you’re losers and you’re terrible,” Swinney said in response to Monday’s caller on his “Tiger Calls” radio show. “It’s just such a terrible mindset. Honestly, maybe we need to lose a few games and lighten up the bandwagon. Sometimes, the bandwagon can get a little too full.”
These comments make me feel he’s a bit delusional. Clemson has won two national titles under Swinney, and he makes nearly $11 million a year because of it. You can’t reap the benefits of success and then complain when that bar is set too high. People have been critical of him for the first time in years for staffing issues, the lack of use of the portal, and other things, and it’s a down year by Clemson standards. He’s listening to the noise and showing it’s affecting him. And that’s a clear indication that things are getting to him.
2. Caleb Williams is arrogant.
Farrell’s take: FACT
To those who covered him out of high school, this is not new information. While he’s not on the same arrogance and toxic level as Kyler Murray, he’s not far off. And arrogant people show their true colors more when struggles occur. After his horrible performance against Notre Dame, he noted about a fan rushing at him on the field…
“I mean, everybody wants to be in these two 12.5 shoes right here. I’m not worried about some kid running out on the field that doesn’t have anything really associated to Notre Dame other than possibly their family going there or him going there himself. Got a lot of guys over here that I’ve got to lead, so some opinion of a sheep, lions don’t worry about that stuff. Keep moving on, keep fighting. Fight on.”
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C’mon man. An easy response is, “I don’t worry about that stuff,” or something along those lines. The Notre Dame student is an absolute jackass and should be called out, but as a public figure, it’s on Williams to be the bigger man and just avoid such arrogant comments. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that I don’t want to be in his shoes. So it’s not everyone.
3. Shane Beamer is unraveling.
Farrell’s take: FICTION.
He broke a bone in his foot kicking something in anger after his team blew a 10-point lead in a loss to Florida. We’ve all done it for some reason — punched a wall, kicked something — and it hurts. It’s just called anger and frustration, so those who want to point out he’s falling apart after a 2-4 (1-3 in the SEC) start are off. South Carolina has been a massive disappointment this season, and we will see signs of Beamer struggling, but it’s not a heat-of-the-moment kick of a Gatorade bucket.
