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Fact or Fiction: Prime's Coach Management, Alex Grinch Fallout, Oklahoma's Struggles

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mike Farrell | Last updated 11/6/23

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. Demoting Sean Lewis was the right decision for Deion.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

This goes back to spring ball when Lewis didn’t like being babysat by Pat Shurmur and continued into the season as Lewis was told to keep the passing game wide open but somehow protect Deion’s son Shadeur with five wide. And Shurmur, an NFL veteran, had some head-scratching calls against Oregon State, especially before the half, and Shedeur was sacked four times. This isn’t about who the OC is; it’s about a weak offensive line, no running game, and a head coach who wants his son to be the superstar. Lewis is a good coach, and Deion made a big mistake.

2. Lincoln Riley waited too long.

Farrell’s take: FACT

Caleb Williams will be gone after this season, and his offensive magic will be gone with it and Alex Grinch and his horrible defense did what others couldn’t do — stop Caleb. In the losses to Utah, Washington, and others, it has been the defense that killed Caleb and the offense, and they just couldn’t keep up. And now USC is out of the top 25, their Pac-12 and playoff hopes are shot, and the most dynamic QB in college is headed off to the pros. And I think Riley follows. He simply waited too long.

3. Oklahoma’s struggles could be seen coming.

Farrell’s take: FACT

After they beat Texas, everyone was on the OU bandwagon, and for good reason. The defense played physically, the offense was dynamic, and Dillon Gabriel looked like a Heisman candidate. But there were some signs against SMU, Iowa State, and Tulsa that could have predicted a bit of the struggle to come against UCF, Kansas, and Oklahoma State. A few turnovers were suspect. They gave up some chunk rushing plays, and the defense still had signs of cracking. UCF didn’t run the ball as well as I expected, but Kansas and Oklahoma State had success on the ground, which opened up the passing game. Heck, even UCF threw the ball around pretty well. Oklahoma is on the right path, but the SEC will be tough and Brent Venables needs another year or two of his defensive system and his own players to be truly successful.

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

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