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. The running back returns for Rutgers and Texas Tech are huge.
Farrell’s take: FACT
Kyle Monangai and Tahj Brooks are back at Rutgers and Texas Tech, respectively and it’s a big deal for both. Monangai had 1,099 yards and led the Big Ten in rushing over bigger names like Blake Corum from Michigan and Braelon Allen from Wisconsin while Brooks was fourth in the country in rushing with 1,443 yards and proved to be a workhorse. With RBs being devalued in the NFL Draft at least for now it’s wise for both to come back and it will help both middling programs try to make a push near the top.
2. Andy Avalos is a solid hire for TCU.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
Avalos had success at Oregon and previously at Boise State, but his time as a head coach had a lot of ups and downs. He was fired this season mainly because he lost his team, and it was clear there was a huge jump in play after he was let go. Sonny Dykes at TCU had a rough season following their improbable run to the national title game in 2022, and a scheme change is needed on defense but can Avalos recover from the Boise State stint and issues? It’s iffy.
3. Jalen Milroe will be the Heisman favorite next season.
Farrell’s take: FACT
It could be Quinn Ewers or a few others, but I think the hype around Alabama next season will be massive, and the improvement he showed during this season reminds me of Jalen Hurts over his college career. Hurts didn’t win the Heisman, but Milroe certainly has a chance to with some massive numbers next year. He’s the guy to watch.
