Fact or Fiction: Fitzgerald Fired, JJ McCarthy Overrated, USC QBs vs. Everybody

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. Pat Fitzgerald will survive this scandal.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

This doesn’t look good for Fitzgerald at all. Now accusations of racism have emerged for the Northwestern coach under his watch, and there’s no way the powers that be at NW are going to let this continue. Even for a former player and long-time coach, he won’t survive this because this is how it works — despite investigations, the court of public opinion will win out, and it’s already slanted far away from keeping Fitzgerald. He’s been labeled as a thoughtless jock who has zero control over his program, and his old-school ways are being used against him. Guilty or innocent, he’s gone.

Nov 19, 2022; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Northwestern Wildcats head coach Pat Fitzgerald walks the sidelines during the second quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium.

2. JJ McCarthy is indeed overrated.

Farrell’s take: FACT

I came out with my overrated QB list for 2023, and McCarthy landed at three. While some felt Joe Milton at Tennessee wasn’t overrated, and Gamecock fans were aghast at Spencer Rattler being No. 2, there was a more thoughtful approach to McCarthy. He’s on many Heisman lists, but with their offense and talented rushing attack, he’s not really overhyped in that regard. And coming off a playoff loss where he threw two pick-sixes, he’s likely on a mission. But his accuracy worried me a bit last season. While he completed 64.6 % of his passes, he missed some huge plays downfield, and some of his throws were beyond errant. If that doesn’t change, then Michigan’s chance at making the playoff, something most, including myself, feel can happen, will be hindered. We need to pump the brakes that Jim Harbaugh has finally developed his elite QB at Michigan until we see McCarthy take the next step.

Oct 8, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws a pass during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Wolverines won 31 to 10.

3. USC has the best QB room in the country.

Farrell’s take: FACT

I did the SEC QB rooms last week with LSU coming out on top, but it got me thinking nationally, and it’s clearly USC. Caleb Williams is the Heisman favorite, Miller Moss is solid, and Malachi Nelson has a chance to be a future Lincoln Riley Heisman winner as well. Thinking about 2-5 nationally has me intrigued and could be a future list, but I can’t think of a better No. 1 than USC.