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. Kyle McCord was the problem at Ohio State
My Take: FICTION
We saw Syracuse transfer QB Kyle McCord light up the 23rd ranked Georgia Tech defense on Saturday, going 32-46 for 381 yards and 4 TD passes. McCord was a highly touted recruit who started for the Buckeyes last year, but failed to mount any real success, resulting in McCord hitting the transfer portal in the off-season. McCord landed with the Syracuse Orange and proved on Saturday that he is more than capable of leading an offense. McCord looked great all game, frequently targeting Orange receiver Oronde Gadsden II, and picked apart the Yellow Jacket defense. With the weapons he had at Ohio State last year, McCord had no excuses for failure, but maybe getting out of Columbus was all the QB needed for success. McCord solidified his status as a quality starting QB on Saturday, and Syracuse cemented their status as ACC contenders.
2. New year, same old Notre Dame
My Take: FACT
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are the biggest story in college football this week, and not for a good reason. After the biggest win in the Marcus Freeman era last weekend, the Irish were victims of a massive home upset on Saturday. Notre Dame lost to unranked Northern Illinois, a team they paid a whopping $1.4 million to play. QB Riley Leonard looked terrible against the Huskies, throwing for just 163 yards and 2 back-breaking interceptions. The Irish failed to move the ball successfully after scoring on their opening drive, as Freeman’s offense had no answers outside of a 34-yard Jeremiyah Love TD run. Only the Fighting Irish could lose a game like this at home just a week after a massive road win against an SEC opponent. This is easily the most disappointing loss for Marcus Freeman, and there are plenty of questions surrounding this Irish team about this Irish team. Riley Leonard must improve for Notre Dame to find success, and until we see that improvement, it’s hard to envision the Irish competing for a championship this season.
3. Nebraska is back
My Take: FACT
When Nebraska hired Matt Rhule two offseasons ago, Huskers fans knew success was coming soon, but it could be coming much sooner than expected. The Huskers, led by Dylan Raiola, often compared to a Patrick Mahomes body double, destroyed the Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday night 28-10. Rhule’s defense completely neutralized Shedeur Sanders and the Colorado offense, heading into halftime with a commanding 28-0 lead. Nebraska’s offense looked high-flying, and Raiola shined in his first primetime appearance. With a favorable schedule, the Huskers are primed for a good season, re-entered the AP Poll for the first time since 2019. College football is always better when Nebraska is competitive, and don’t be surprised if, by October 26th, the Huskers are 7-0 heading into the Horseshoe to face the Buckeyes.
