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3-Point Stance: Arik Gilbert, Potential Hiccups for Contenders, New Big XII Starters

In Mike Farrell’s 3-Point Stance, he analyzes the latest news about Arik Gilbert and his mental health issues…

August 31, 2023
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National Columnist Mike Farrell is here with the 3-Point Stance with thoughts on talented but troubled TE Arik Gilbert, five potential stumbling blocks for the favorites to make the playoff, and ranking the new QB starters in the Big 12.


The Arik Gilbert Situation

— I didn’t know Arik Gilbert personally. I met him a couple of times and talked to him maybe three or four more times. And, of course, I never did get a hint of mental health or addiction issues. Why would I? You barely know a player, and you’re not going to learn much, and they certainly aren’t going to share their problems with you. He was likely only concerned with his ranking and what school he’d choose when talking to me.

But obviously, he has deeper issues. My question is this — did the schools and/or NCAA do enough for him? The uber-talented tight end had an impressive freshman season at LSU catching 35 passes for 368 yards and two scores and lived up to his 5-star ranking. The debate we had between Gilbert, Darnell Washington, and Michael Mayer as to who was best was well on its way to being settled.

And then it came to a crashing halt. Rumors of homesickness led to transfer rumors, and his time was suddenly done at LSU. But those close to the situation knew better. There were serious mental health and addiction issues. Gilbert, a 6-5, 250-pound TE who could play WR intended to transfer to Florida before that fell through and landed back near home at Georgia. That didn’t go well either as the internal issues mounted. His presumed last stop was at Nebraska, where he was just arrested for breaking into a vape shop, and the video is alarming.

The Arik Gilbert video is notttttt great. pic.twitter.com/s0UOXx6e8s

— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) August 29, 2023

So now what? He’s had 2 catches for 16 yards since that freshman season at LSU, and football is far and away the least of his concerns. And I know for a fact the powers that be at LSU, Georgia, and Nebraska knew of his issues and tried to help. But has everyone tried to help enough? Was Gilbert given chance after chance to play football because he’s so talented when the true focus should have been on his mental health?

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They tried to get him help. But when is it time to say no more football? When was it time to say let’s not let this kid bounce from school to school as programs try to squeeze the last bit of talent out of him and say focus on everything BUT football?

I don’t know him at all. I can’t say what would have helped. I just found myself wondering aloud after seeing that video if enough was done for him and if the NCAA, who loves to deny players transfer waivers randomly, could have looked at this one and said, “let’s hold on.”


Stumbling Blocks for Contenders

— The five biggest threats to win it all this season appear to be Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Florida State, and LSU. At least to me. Here are surprising games that could ruin their seasons.

1. Georgia — home against Kentucky in October

— The schedule is easy as can be, and some think South Carolina or Missouri could be the most dangerous unranked opponent, but Kentucky is scary. UGA has them at home, which is a massive help, and they will likely be double-digit favorite. But Kentucky has a potentially potent offense and a good defense and could hang. And if they do, it could come down to the fourth quarter.

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) throws the ball during the UGA G-Day spring football game at Sanford Stadium in Athens on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

2. Michigan — at Maryland in November

— Last year’s game was a good one, with Michigan winning by a touchdown and this year it’s in Maryland. Obviously, Penn State and Ohio State are the big threats, but this game is right before the Buckeyes and can’t be overlooked.

Oct 15, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards (7) rushes in the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium.

3. Ohio State — at Wisconsin in October

— As with Michigan, the big games are obvious for the Buckeyes, but on the road at Camp Randall? I know Wisconsin is ranked, so it’s not a true surprise game to pick, but it stands out to me as one that is being overlooked.

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.

4. Florida State — at Pitt in November

— Pat Narduzzi is a good coach, and FSU isn’t overly familiar with Pitt. They got drubbed 41-17 in 2020, and this will be a tough game for the Noles, trust me.

Sep 4, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis (13) signals a first down during the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers at Caesars Superdome. 

5. LSU — at Missouri in October

— Mizzou is sneaky. They have Georgia all they could handle last season at home, and they could give LSU some problems if they get off to a solid start to the season. LSU obviously has FSU, Alabama, Ole Miss, and others, but keep an eye on this game.

Nov 19, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) looks to pass the ball against the UAB Blazers during the second half at Tiger Stadium.

Best New Big XII Starters

— And finally, Matt Perkins continues his look at the top new QB starters in the Power Five with the Big 12.

1. Will Howard, Kansas State

This might be cheating a little bit, as Howard played a lot last season, splitting time with an oft-injured Adrian Martinez. But entering the season, Howard is the unquestioned number-one quarterback for the Wildcats and brings a wealth of experience and dynamic playmaking to the position. 

Dec 3, 2022; Arlington, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Will Howard (18) holds up the championship trophy as the Wildcats celebrate winning the Big 12 championship after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs overtime at AT&T Stadium.

2. Kedon Slovis, BYU

Slovis comes to BYU after previous stops at Pittsburgh and USC, where he was always well above average. The Cougars need a spark offensively after losing multiple key pieces on offense ahead of their first year in Big 12 play.

Oct 29, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Kedon Slovis (9) looks to pass in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium.

3. Chandler Morris, TCU

It’s going to be darn near impossible for Morris to replicate what Max Duggan did in his magical 2022 season, but Morris is going to give it his best shot. There are a lot of new pieces on the Horned Frogs offense as well, so it may take a couple of games for them to find their rhythm. 

Apr 14, 2023; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Chandler Morris (4) looks to pass downfield during the TCU Spring Game at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

4. Garrett Greene, West Virginia

A true dual-threat quarterback, Greene gives a new look to Neal Brown’s offense in what is a make-or-break season for the beleaguered head coach. Taking over for JT Daniels (who is on to his fourth school), Greene has the ability to move the chains with his legs and will add some new wrinkles to the playbook in Morgantown.

Nov 19, 2022; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Garrett Greene (6) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium.

5. Rocco Becht/JJ Kohl, Iowa State

This is more of a bet on the upside of Kohl, who I think could end up being one of the top quarterbacks from the 2023 class. It will definitely be a rough season in Ames in the wake of multiple gambling scandals, but if he can weather the storm and take his lumps, he should be an upper-echelon starter in the conference as soon as next year.

Iowa State Cyclones’ quarterback JJ Kohl (10) throws the ball during the university’s Spring Football game at Jack Trice Stadium Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Ames, Iowa.
Category: 3-Point Stance, College Football, NewsTag: 3-Point Stance, Arik Gilbert, Chandler Morris, College Football, Florida State Seminoles, Garrett Greene, Georgia Bulldogs, JJ Kohl, Kedon Slovis, LSU Tigers, Michigan wolverines, Mike Farrell, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Ohio State Buckeyes, Rocco Becht, Will Howard
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