Fact or Fiction: Matt Rhule's Comments, OSU's Starting QB, Best New Big XII Team

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. Matt Rhule took a jab at Deion Sanders.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

The Nebraska coach recently mentioned the affinity of some coaches for the transfer portal and talked about how he’s looking forward to coaching “his guys” and many felt it was a shot at Deion, who has taken nearly 30 players in the portal so far. Nebraska plays Colorado in week two. But I don’t think this is about Deion. This is coach-speak and a recruiting pitch, plain and simple. Nebraska uses the portal too, as they have 12 new additions and counting on the way, but Rhule is smart. He knows he’s just beginning to recruit at Nebraska and he’s making inroads on the HS recruiting trail the best sale right now is somewhat anti-portal and all in on high school development. Rhule doesn’t care what Deion does (nor does he really need to as they are in different conferences,) but he cares about the message sent to recruits.

Dec 10, 2022; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head football coach Matt Rhule talks to the crowd during halftime of the game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the first half at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

2. Kyle McCord leads for the Ohio State QB job.

Farrell’s take: FACT

Devin Brown missed the spring game, but that’s not the reason. While Ryan Day won’t name a starter out of the spring for many reasons, I’ve been told McCord is just a better fit right now for the offense as a distributor of the ball. Ohio State has an amazing array of talent at wide receiver and tight end, a solid offensive line, and a stout running game. Brown is more athletic and can improvise more, but that’s not needed as much this upcoming season. It’s not over, but McCord has the edge.

Apr 15, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord (6) looks for a play during the first quarter of the Ohio State Buckeyes spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday morning.

3. UCF wins the most games of the new Big 12 additions.

Farrell’s take: FACT

A random topic so far from the season, but it’s an interesting one. Houston is hard to gauge as they have been so up and down under Dana Holgersen, Cincinnati lost their head coach in Luke Fickell, and it’s unclear how BYU’s style of play will translate to the Big 12. This leaves me the highest on Gus Malzahn and UCF, who have a talented roster and more help on the way through the portal at key positions like OL and CB. Give me UCF and eight wins here over the field of newcomers.