Fact or Fiction: Kirby's Contract, Best New SEC QB, Big 12 Favorite

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mike Farrell | Last updated 5/6/24

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. Kirby Smart should be the highest-paid coach in college football.

Farrell’s take: FACT

Duh. Dumb topic, right? If Nick Saban hadn’t retired and had Jim Harbaugh not gone to the NFL, this would be a different discussion, but here we are — Smart is far and away the best coach in college football and deserves his $13 million salary. Just don’t tell me kids don’t deserve NIL money because that’s looking like a dumber and dumber stance daily.

2. Jackson Arnold is the top newcomer QB in the SEC.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

I’d say yes because I love the OU QB’s upside, but Nico Iamaleava exists, and I love his fit and future at Tennessee. We saw a glance at his potential in the bowl game, and in an offense where quick decisions and accuracy lead to huge numbers, he’s going to be great. But Arnold is going to take longer to develop and could have an even higher ceiling. I like Garrett Nussmeier, too, and have him third.

3. Utah is the favorite to win the Big 12.

Farrell’s take: FACT

With Texas and Oklahoma gone, the Big 12 is wide open. I like Kansas State quite a bit, Kansas is dangerous, and Arizona will come in and mix things up, but Utah is so steady they have to be the team to beat. Mike Gundy has had some ups and downs lately, but Oklahoma State can’t be counted out either, but if Cam Rising is healthy and with that defense, I like Utah’s chances.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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