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. Sherrone Moore will win 10 or more games next season.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
It’s a hire of comfort and of continuity, but can Moore deal with the major losses at Michigan in year one? Unlikely, as a ton of the experienced roster will be gone, and he won’t be an interim coach for a juggernaut. Next year’s schedule is nasty with Texas, Washington, Oregon, and Ohio State, and he’ll be lucky to split those games. And an upset is waiting – perhaps USC or someone overlooked like Michigan State. 8-4 is likely to me.
2. Kalen DeBoer wins the SEC in his first year.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
The new Alabama coach will be expected to win and win early, and SEC titles are expected every season, but with no divisions, I doubt Alabama will finish in the top two in the conference. Ole Miss should be formidable, Georgia will be the favorite, and teams like LSU and Tennessee should be better. Missouri is interesting as well, coming off such a great season. Even if they get to the title game, I think Kalen DeBoer and the Tide fall short.
3. Tim Lester will solve Iowa’s issues.
Farrell’s take: FACT
Finally, an offensive coordinator has been hired at Iowa, and while Lester isn’t a sexy name, he’s going to improve this offense. But anyone would, right? Brian Ferentz was terrible and predictable, and I can tell you that Lester will make a vast improvement. He’s balanced, and his Western Michigan teams always had solid offenses. And the work he did with QB David Blough at Purdue in his one season was solid. Iowa won’t be near the top of the Big Ten in offense anytime soon, but they won’t be last for long. Lester will help avoid third and unmanageable as his first step to improvement.
