Fact or Fiction: Flag planting needs to stop in college football
In today’s Fact or Fiction national columnist Mike Farrell looks at three big recent topics in college football and decides whether each statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.
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1. Flag planting needs to stop in college football.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. The TCU-SMU situation where TCU assistant coach Jerry Kill got knocked down twice while Mustangs players tried to plant their flag after a big win against the Horned Frogs is unfortunate. Kill suffered a concussion and TCU head coach Gary Patterson was livid after the game, saying SMU planned the whole thing. And maybe it did.
But flag planting moments in college football have become a bit of a thing lately, with the best example being Baker Mayfield and Oklahoma planting the Sooners flag after a win at Ohio State. Overall, it’s harmless fun and can enhance a rivalry of sorts, so I don’t see any reason to abolish the behavior. It’s college football and things happen when teams win, fans storm the field and celebrations ensue. Let it all happen.
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2. Nick Saban will try to run it up on Lane Kiffin.
Farrell’s take: FACT. Saban has respect for Kiffin and has praise for his offensive ability. But he also wants to destroy Ole Miss and make certain everyone knows who the king of college football truly is. Those giving credit to Kiffin for changing the Alabama offense forever are just ticking Saban off more, and a drubbing could ensue on Saturday as a message sent.
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3. Arkansas will upset Georgia.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. Sam Pittman has been an amazing hire for Arkansas. The running game and defense have been surprising and physical, and the Hogs' 4-0 start is great for college football. But they aren’t ready for this Georgia defense. Not yet. Georgia wins in a lopsided affair in this one and stuffs the Arkansas offense every step of the way.