Fact or Fiction: Michigan's Future Under Harbaugh, Stroud-less OSU, Jalen Milroe

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. Michigan will win a national title under Jim Harbaugh.

Farrell’s take: FACT

I have to believe this. While naysayers will point to losses in each of the last two semi-finals, I point to the program’s upward trend. They should have beaten TCU, I’ve said that after watching UGA dismantle them, but this program is headed in the right direction. Maybe next season is the year with so much returning?

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh signals for a timeout in the first quarter against TCU during the Fiesta Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 31 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

2. Ohio State isn’t a top-five team without CJ Stroud.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

The Buckeyes still have TreVeyon Henderson, Emeka Egbuka, Marvin Harrison Jr., and a bunch more talent on offense. It will be “next man up” at QB whether that’s Kyle McCord or Devin Brown. Michigan will likely be the favorite to win the Big Ten but I’ll have Ohio State in my pre-season top five as well, they are still loaded.

Sep 17, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) scores a touchdown around Toledo Rockets cornerback Chris McDonald (13) during the first half of the NCAA Division I football game at Ohio Stadium.

3. Jalen Milroe has the biggest QB shoes to fill.

Farrell’s take: FACT

Stroud is tough to replace but he’s more of a system QB than Bryce Young at Alabama and the Tide offense has to be worked around Milroe which is an issue. He’s a solid passer but more of a dual threat and they will miss the passing precision of Young.