There are always disappointments in college football. In these circumstances, I take a dive into whether a disappointment (player, coach, team, whatever) is FAULT or FLUKE. You’ll figure it out.
UNC’s defensive woes
FAULT
What else can you say? UNC was last in the ACC in points surrendered, giving up an average of 31 points per game. And that was better than their 31.6 average in 2021. Jay Bateman was bad, Gene Chizik has been just as bad, and there is no FLUKE here. The worst part is that many high-profile defensive recruits have failed to make an impact at UNC while the offense has been good the last two years. And it’s hard to think things will be better. Chizik worked wonders in his previous stint at UNC where they went to the ACC title game, but we aren’t seeing those signs this time.
Michigan State’s downfall since 2021
FAULT
I’m going to have to say this isn’t a FLUKE, as Michigan State is headed for a continual spiral. The reliance on the transfer portal wasn’t a horrible thing at first, and Tucker worked it well. But recruiting hasn’t come close to the level of Ohio State, and it’s falling far behind Michigan and Penn State which isn’t good. Opposing fans like to say Tucker owes his insane salary to Kenneth Walker, who came over from Wake Forest and led the 2021 charge, and maybe they’re right. This could get ugly.
Brock Bowers’ drop in TD production
FLUKE
Bowers went from 13 touchdown catches in 2021 to seven last season despite catching seven more passes, and it’s just a FLUKE. The offense didn’t require Bowers to be the top red zone target as the rushing attack was more effective overall, and the offense was less pass-happy than in 2021. UGA has always been balanced on offense under Kirby Smart, and Bowers would be scoring a lot more in stronger passing attacks, but even with said balance, he will be back over 10 TD catches next season.
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