National recruiting director Mike Farrell and national recruiting analyst Adam Gorney tackle three topics daily and determine whether they believe the statements or not.
MORE FACT OR FICTION: Wisconsin is a national title contender | Jim Harbaugh will win a Big Ten title
CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals100 | Position | Team | State
1. Zach Evans is leaning toward Texas A&M now.
Farrell’s take: FACT. I’m not going to say I told you so to Gorney but - I told you so. We did a Fact or Fiction on Evans to Georgia about a week ago and I stuck to my guns and said Fiction while he stated Fact. Now, after Evans visited A&M and is being recruited heavily by five-star A&M commit Demond Demas, it seems the Aggies have the momentum. Evans tweeted he has made his decision, and I’ll believe that when I see it. Georgia could still be the pick, but right now the Aggies have to be considered the leader.
Gorney’s take: FACT. Yeah, Texas A&M probably has the big edge in his recruitment right now, but next time we should do a Fact or Fiction on whether we think he’s actually going to sign with the Aggies. Evans’ recruitment has been one of the strangest and wildest so far this recruiting cycle, and it’s only late September. Hold on, folks. I don’t know if getting his commitment this early is really a good thing or bad thing because up until the end, schools are going to try to flip him. I still think his heart is saying Georgia but that he’s going to stay home and pick Texas A&M.
2. USC will be fine at QB without Bryce Young.
Farrell’s take: FACT. Kedon Slovis and JT Daniels each have three years left and USC just landed 2021 stud Jake Garcia, so quarterback won’t be a problem at USC despite the flip of talented QB Bryce Young to Alabama. USC will always have talent at QB.
Gorney’s take: FACT. The question at USC is not about the play of quarterbacks, as Daniels fits perfectly in the Air Raid offense and Slovis looked really good before getting injured last game. Even if the Trojans don’t take one in 2020, they should be fine because, as Farrell said, both have three years of eligibility remaining and then Garcia comes in for the 2021 class. The real problem facing USC is because of coaching uncertainty and the huge success of Alabama and Clemson coming into the state. The Trojans are no longer a traditional national power with so many top recruits leaving the state.
3. No one will touch Ohio State in the Big Ten this year.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. Watch out for Wisconsin, as I was very impressed with the Badgers against Michigan and its running game and defense can give the Buckeyes a real run this year. I don’t see anyone else making a push, but the Badgers look for real.
Gorney’s take: FACT. If Ohio State was a 21-point favorite in every game for the rest of the regular season, would you bet against the Buckeyes? I wouldn’t. Ohio State really hasn’t played any elite teams yet, with FAU, Cincinnati, Indiana and Miami (Ohio) on the schedule, but the offense is clearly very talented, the defense is really good and the coaching has not taken one step back with Ryan Day taking over. There might be a serious concern here or there as the season goes along - and the potential of having to beat Wisconsin twice is intimidating - but I think this Ohio State team might be a top 3 team nationally and no one else in the Big Ten is that high.
