Fact or Fiction: Lane Kiffin's Struggles, Nick Saban, Dabo Swinney

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. Lane Kiffin deserved the criticism from Ole Miss faithful.

Farrell’s take: FACT

Kiffin recently mentioned he “struggled” with critics from Ole Miss after he let the open Auburn job distract his attention and that of his team, but he deserved it. Ole Miss was bad down the stretch, and it seemed to relate to the interest Kiffin had in the open Auburn job. And weeks of speculation led to an 0-4 finish and an 8-5 season, including a loss in the Egg Bowl. Could Kiffin have handled it better? Probably so, although I do respect him for not giving us the typical coach-speak “I’m 100 percent committed to Ole Miss” stuff. It just dragged on for so long I think it could have been handled quicker.

Oct 8, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin and other coaches celebrate after a recovered fumble against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at FirstBank Stadium.

2. Nick Saban took a shot at basketball coach Nate Oats.

Farrell’s take: FACT

If you missed it, Saban spoke about his suspension of 5-star DB Tony Mitchell for his drug arrest and said, “there’s no such thing as being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” This was a direct shot at the Alabama hoops coach who used a similar phrase when talking about his lack of disciple of star forward Brandon Miller. Except Oats defended Miller at the time, saying he was “in the wrong spot at the wrong time” in regards to his involvement in the shooting death of Jamea Harris where Miller allegedly provided the firearm. Saban said he never listens to basketball press conferences and his terminology was just his own but let’s be real. This is too much of a coincidence to think something isn’t linked.

Oct 15, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban reacts during the first half against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium.

3. Dabo Swinney has every right to be confident.

Farrell’s take: FACT

Dabo recently came out and said his Clemson program has “never been better,” as the media swirls a bit after a second consecutive non-playoff season. And I agree with him. I don’t think Swinney is as aggressive in the transfer portal as he should be, and he hasn’t bought into NIL and the changes in college football, but Clemson is still in great shape. Six straight playoff appearances was an amazing streak and is bound to end eventually. So while FSU is charging and very relevant, I have no issue with Swinney doubling down on how good Clemson is. What he’s done is nothing short of astonishing. Let the man brag on it a bit.