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. Kansas State is the team to watch in the BIG 12
My Take: FACT
After narrowly defeating Tulane two weeks ago, many were skeptical of where Kansas State could end up this season after plenty of offseason hype. In the new-look BIG 12, Kansas State and Utah were popular picks to win the conference, but QB Avery Johnson and the team disappointed two weeks ago, and many of those predictions could have been thrown out the window until Friday night. On Friday night, K-State welcomed in 20th-ranked Arizona and showed why they are now the new BIG 12 favorites. QB Avery Johnson was a big reason why the Wildcats let Will Howard transfer, and Johnson flashed on Friday, throwing for 156 yards and running for another 110. The Wildcats’ defense completely shut down the explosive Noah Fifita and the Arizona offense and cruised to a 31-7 victory. With a favorable schedule and solid QB play, the Wildcats are now the team to beat in the BIG 12.
2. There should be no panic in Madison, Wisconsin
My Take: FICTION
The Wisconsin Badgers were once a powerful Big 10 team, powered by a strong run game and solid QB play, but that is no more. Wisconsin brought in Luke Fickell two offseasons ago to try and restore Wisconsin’s identity and glory, and through one season and three games, he has struggled mightily. On Saturday, the Badgers were destroyed by Alabama 42-10, and any hope the Badgers had of competing in that game was crushed when quarterback Tyler Van Dyke was injured on the first drive. Wisconsin has completely lost its hard-nosed football identity, and Fickell has struggled to bring his culture from Cincinnati to Wisconsin. It’s absolutely time to panic in Madison, and it may just be time to point fingers at Fickell and his coaching staff.
3. Tennessee is the real deal
My Take: FACT
Two seasons ago, Josh Heupel brought some magic back to Rocky Top, as Tennessee rose to the top of the rankings for the first time in what felt like forever. Last season, with Joe Milton under center, was underwhelming for the Vols, but coming into this season, they turned to freshman phenom Nico Iamaleava. Nico has looked spectacular through three games, and some are even mentioning him in Heisman contention. UT buried Kent State 71-0 on Saturday, and the week before, they obliterated NC State in primetime, 51-10. Heupel has restored his high-flying offense with Iamaleava at the helm, and Tennessee is extremely fun to watch. They face a big test in Oklahoma this weekend, but if the offense continues to roll, they should have no problem taking care of business. The Vols’ schedule gets a bit tougher later in the year, with matchups against Bama and a trip to Georgia, but this year feels a bit different in Knoxville.
