By Mike Farrell
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. Matt Rhule and Nebraska are right to avoid the Vols.
Farrell’s take: FACT
Listen, you can say what you want about the Huskers ducking Tennessee as they cancelled their two game series with the Vols for what they claim was financial reasons. But it’s clear that Rhule and company realize a ridiculously difficult 9-game Big Ten slate is already enough and adding tough non-conference games makes no sense anymore. SMU, Boise State and Indiana all made the college football playoff with easier schedules and Nebraska doesn’t want to bring additional heat outside the conference. And it’s hard to disagree.
2. Jim Nagy is a smart hire for the Sooners.
Farrell’s take: FACT
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The most important aspect of a GM job in college football, in my opinion, is people skills and Nagy has those in abundance. During his time at the Senior Bowl he not only showed how to evaluate talent but he also worked with agents, players and parents constantly and with great effectiveness. Between his evaluation skills and his recruiting skills, he should be a home run hire for the Sooners.
3. This season is do or die for Brent Venables at Oklahoma.
Farrell’s take: FACT
Texas is soaring while Venables has his second losing season in three years at Oklahoma. This is a recipe for disaster and a big year is needed in 2025. Nagy will help, but he’s more of a roster builder and the on field coaching and off field preparation needs to step up. The defense has improved under his watch but the offense has regressed badly. Marked improvement must be shown especially in the SEC and a 9-3 season might be needed to keep him around.
