By Cole Kruger
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. This is the last chance for Mario Cristobal
My Take: FACT
When Mario Cristobal was hired at Miami 3 years ago, the future looked incredibly bright in Coral Gables. To say Cristobal has disappointed thus far at UM would be an understatement, as Miami has a 12-13 in his tenure. This season feels different for the Canes, as for the first time under Cristobal, the Canes have a legit QB in Cameron Ward, who he lured in the portal. Along with Ward, the Canes have weapons all over the offense in Xavier Restrepo and Damien Martinez.
The Hurricanes are a sneaky pick to win the ACC – something they have never done – as many believe this is the year they can put it all together. This is the year that Cristobal has to prove that ‘Miami is back’ and it starts early with a Week 1 matchup with Florida in the swamp. If Miami wins that game, they could be on the way to their most successful season under Cristobal. With a loss, another tough season could be in the cards, and with that we could see the end of the Mario Cristobal era in Miami.
2. The sky is falling in Tallahassee
My Take: FICTION
Coming into the season, it appeared to be Florida State against the world, as the 2023 campaign ended in disappointment. FSU kicked off the year with a flat performance against a frisky Georgia Tech team, resulting in a 24-21 loss in Ireland. The media and fanbase reacted as this was a season-ruining loss, which it very well could be, but with the 12-team playoff, anything is possible. With how terrible DJ Uiagalelei and the team looked on Saturday, it is hard to think that FSU has a chance to make any noise this season, but with a nearly completely new-look offense, FSU may need time to adjust.
They return home next Monday against Boston College, and despite the 0-1 record, FSU has opened up as 17-point favorites. Norvell and company need to let Uiagalelei sling it, something that we didn’t see in week 0. With a bounce-back win against Boston College, FSU will be right back on track, and with the talent on this roster, can easily still compete and win the ACC.
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3. Utah will live up to the hype
My Take: FACT
It is no secret that the Utah Utes are expected to have a big year, with many experts picking them to win the new-look Big 12. The Utes came into last season with high expectations as well, but fell short of any success, finishing 8-5. This season, they return one of the best QBs in the nation in Cameron Rising (who was injured last season), and with experienced weapons all over the field, he is primed for the best season of his college career. The Utes have a pretty easy schedule on paper, so it is easy to see why they are picked to win the Big 12.
Utah is easily the best and most experienced team in the conference, and if everyone (especially Rising) stays healthy, we should be seeing the Utes in the College Football Playoff.
