Farrell’s take: FICTION. I just can’t see it, despite the need for quarterbacks in the NFL. We all know Liberty QB Malik Willis will be a first-rounder, and he appears to be QB1 in this NFL Draft, but after that it’s up in the air.
Pitt’s Kenny Pickett will likely be a first-rounder, as will Ole Miss QB Matt Corral or Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder. But both? Man, that’s a stretch. Some even have Nevada’s Carson Strong as a late first-round pick, which would be ridiculous to many. I’m predicting three in the first round: Willis, Pickett and Corral.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. He’s up there for sure. What he did at Michigan State last season was beyond impressive, but the best hire since 2016? I want to see a larger sample size from Tucker and also from guys such as Dave Aranda from Baylor and a few others.
The best hire? That’s Sam Pittman at Arkansas, and it’s not close to me.
Pittman has been there only two seasons, but let’s remember this: Arkansas was 4-20 combined under Chad Morris in 2018 and 2019, and Pittman was saddled with one of the worst schedules in the country in 2020 and again in 2021. He went 3-7 his first year, but was robbed of a win against Auburn, and Arkansas gave reigning champ LSU all it could handle in a three-point loss. Last season? He led his team to a 9-4 record, including wins over Texas, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, LSU and Penn State in their bowl game. Maybe a 12-11 record doesn’t impress many, but considering how horrible the program was prior to his arrival, Pittman has been remarkable.
