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. The Gators will shut up the UCF fans.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. The Gators have finally scheduled UCF starting in 2024, and Florida fans can’t wait for the three-game series to shut up the UCF fans claiming a 2017 national title and saying that they are the best program in the state of Florida. But guess what? UCF could win that series.
It’s hard to predict what things will look like for both teams in 2024 and beyond, but I don’t see a massive drop-off in talent at UCF, and the Gators could be on a new coach if Dan Mullen leaves for the NFL over the next couple years, as many predict will happen. Gators fans would love three straight routs over UCF to quiet the vocal fan base, but I don’t see that happening.
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2. David Shaw is right about Nick Saban’s intention with NIL.
Farrell’s take: FACT. Stanford head coach David Shaw said that Nick Saban’s comment about quarterback Bryce Young nearing seven figures in NIL money because of the Alabama brand was a recruiting tool. Guess what? He’s right.
Saban is as smart as they come and if he can trumpet his QB, who hasn’t started a game yet, as a millionaire because of what the Alabama colors mean on a player then he should. It’s an amazing recruiting tool, not that Alabama needs one.
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3. Tate Martell will shine at UNLV.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. I just can’t bring myself to believe it. So many years after dominating at Bishop Gorman, Martell has become a laughable failure among the social media trolls. From his numerous commitments to his failure at Ohio State and Miami I just can’t see him tearing it up with the Rebels.
I’ve believed for too long, with horrible results, and I’m not buying in now on a kid who had to change positions at Miami when their quarterback depth was poor.
