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. Kalen DeBoer inherits the most talent of the new Power Four coaches.
Farrell’s take: FACT
Who else? Michigan is depleted a bit, Washington lost most of their starters on offense, and while I like the roster at Texas A&M it falls a bit short of Alabama. Everyone focuses on the losses in the portal and to the NFL, and there are many, but this roster is absolutely loaded with young talent. Jalen Milroe is back at QB, and if he’s not a fit, then Ty Simpson is ready to break out. Justice Haynes, CJ Dippre, Keon Keeley, Tim Smith, and others have a nice mix of experience and promise and this roster has at least 25 players with NFL potential. A&M is a close second, but this is all Alabama.
2. Jonathan Smith inherits the least of the new Power Four coaches.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
Michigan State has issues for sure, but I’m going with Fran Brown at Syracuse. He is recruiting well and will build the roster his way, but he doesn’t inherit a ton of talent. Oregon State and Indiana can make a strong case as well, especially with the Beavers’ losses in the portal, but the lack of depth at Syracuse was alarming down the stretch, and they are very thin at many positions. He has his work cut out for him.
3. DJ Durkin is an elite hire for Auburn.
Farrell’s take: FACT
Durkin is controversial from his stint as a head coach at Maryland, but he’s a heckuva defensive coordinator and has had success at stops like Ole Miss and Texas A&M, and let’s not forget Florida and Michigan before he took the Terps job. Hugh Freeze is no dummy, and he purged some staffers after year one to upgrade, and that’s exactly what Durkin is. Ron Roberts is off to Florida and did a solid job, but no one is shedding tears, and with Charles Kelly adding his experience as well this should be an improved defensive staff.
