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. Jim Harbaugh will return next season.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
I’d love to see him come back. He’s good for college football and fun to write about and cover, but I think Harbaugh is done with college football. He accomplished what he wanted — he won a national title for his school and restored Michigan to greatness — but the recruiting, portal, NIL, and NCAA are all just a pain in the butt, and he’s always been an NFL guy. Someone will make him an offer he can’t refuse.
2. Florida State would have impacted this playoff.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
Sorry FSU fans, I know you got screwed being left out of the playoff, but you wouldn’t have factored. Yes, we play the games for a reason, and anything can happen, but this Michigan team would have hammered you by 30 points. Their pass rush would have overwhelmed Tate Rodemaker, and while your defense is strong, they would have eventually worn you down with short fields similar to what they did with Washington. Michael Penix Jr. was the best QB Michigan faced all season long and they made him look pedestrian. Rodemaker and the FSU offense wouldn’t have moved the ball at all.
3. Hugh Freeze calling his own plays is a recipe for disaster.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
Billy Napier calling his own plays is a disaster, but Freeze? Nah. He’s one of the best playcallers in college football and has proven so over all his stints. This season, the offense was a disaster, and it won’t be like that again with Freeze calling the shots. I’m not a big fan of head coaches calling plays, but with Freeze, it’s fine as he’s an obvious exception. Look at what he did in the SEC with Ole Miss, and that’s all you need to know.
