Fact or Fiction: UGA Culture, UCLA in the Big Ten, Arch Manning

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. UGA has a culture problem.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

Kirby Smart addressed this, and I agree. Is UGA full of perfect people? Nope. No program is. But this is not a culture issue. In fact, the culture at UGA is the reason they have won back-to-back national titles. Jalen Carter and Jamon Dumas-Johnson have been charged with reckless driving, and the tragedy that occurred and resulted in the loss of two lives is awful. But this isn’t a program out of control. Culture is just fine.

Sep 10, 2022; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter (88) hits Samford Bulldogs quarterback Michael Hiers (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium.

2. Chip Kelly will win a Big Ten title.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

Kelly just got extended — and deservedly so. If UCLA was staying in the Pac-12, I think a conference title would happen down the road. But not in the Big Ten, where they will be competitive starting in 2025 but won’t be anything close to a title contender in that league. USC has a much better chance.

Nov 12, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Chip Kelly calls a play in the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at the Rose Bowl.

3. Arch Manning plays next season.

Farrell’s take: FACT

He will play, but how and when will be carefully calculated. He can’t come in when Quinn Ewers is struggling, or Steve Sarkisian will lose the fan base and team and be forced to play Manning. And his mop-up time has to be during a massive win, but he can’t exceed four games, or he’ll lose his redshirt. The Manning family wants Arch to redshirt, but he will get some playing experience next year. Sark just has to make sure he plays this right.