Fact or Fiction: Best SEC Game, Texas vs. TAMU Matchup, Best Big Ten Defense

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. Georgia-Alabama is the highlight of the 2024 SEC schedule.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

While it’s the marquee game and likely has the most national title implications, I’m kind of in love with the Tennessee at Oklahoma matchup instead. OU is joining the SEC, and they host their old coordinator and QB in Josh Heupel, which could be a landmark game for Brent Venables. If OU has an average season in 2023 and then gets drubbed by an old alum head coach in their new conference, it could mean trouble. And the matchup between Heupel’s offensive mind and Venable’s defensive prowess intrigues me.

Oct 15, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium.

2. Texas A&M has the edge over Texas in 2024 matchup.

Farrell’s take: FACT

The Aggies are coming off a horrible and embarrassing season while Texas is showing signs of life. But in 2024, it could be the opposite. Connor Weigman will be in year three as the starter most likely and all that young talent in the 2022 recruiting class will be maturing. Meanwhile, Quinn Ewers, Xavier Worthy, and others will be gone, and there will be unbelievable pressure on a kid named Arch Manning. The Aggies get this game at home as well.

Nov 26, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Conner Weigman (15) throws the ball during the first quarter against the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field.

3. Penn State has the best defense in the Big Ten next season.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

I like the Penn State defense — especially the secondary — but I love what Michigan has to offer. The secondary will be nasty, led by Will Johnson, and I love the LB group with Junior Colson leading the way. And they add a key player in Josiah Stewart, who will improve the outside pass rush. They need to replace some big guys up front, but this is the best defense in the Big Ten.