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. RB Trevor Etienne should get more than a one-game suspension.
Farrell’s take: FACT
It appears he will miss the opener against Clemson for his driving mishaps, which include a DUI. But with nearly 300 driving infractions on record, Kirby Smart needs to send a message eventually. Smart brags on how they talk to the players over and over about being smart and driving safety but it hasn’t stopped a thing. Etienne is a valuable transfer from Florida, and I doubt Smart makes him an example, but perhaps he should.
2. Michigan will have the best defense in the Big Ten next season.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
Michigan will be loaded despite losing a few key players led by LB Junior Colson but Ohio State’s defense is head and shoulders the best. Not only do they return star players like Denzel Burke and JT Tuimoloau, who could have gone pro, but they also have a great freshman class coming in and star transfer Caleb Downs at safety. Like last year, defense won’t be an issue in Columbus.
3. Miller Moss will easily replace Caleb Williams at USC.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
Moss looked great against Louisville in the bowl game, but let’s not get carried away. Lincoln Riley has had a string of great QBs, from Baker Mayfield to Kyler Murray to Jalen Hurts and Williams. Moss is far from that talent level. He can put up solid numbers, but he’s a huge drop off in talent level for Riley, and that could be an issue headed to the Big Ten.
