In an exciting new addition to the website I take a dive into whether a disappointment (player, coach, team, whatever) is a FAULT or FLUKE. You’ll figure it out.
Auburn’s demise.
FAULT
This was simply a bad hire. Bryan Harsin was a fish out of water and arguably the 7th or 8th choice for Auburn in what seemed like a panic move to try to look smart after striking out on top candidates like Mario Cristobal. Harsin was never able to correct some recruiting issues left in place by Gus Malzahn (reduced traction in Georgia, OL recruiting, etc) and was never welcomed by the boosters. Hugh Freeze is in place now and has much more support but this is clearly FAULT on behalf of the powers that be at Auburn.
Will Anderson’s down year.
FLUKE
First of all, it was going to be hard to replicate his 2021 season. How do you top 101 tackles, 17.5 sacks, and 31 tackles for a loss? His stats this past season were solid — 10 sacks and 17 tackles for a loss along with a pick, but his tackles were cut in half and others failed to pick up the slack as plays were run away from him. He’s still a top 5 NFL Draft pick and it’s admirable he played in a worthless bowl for the Tide.
Miami’s awful season.
FLUKE
Many will disagree here and point to the regression under first-year head coach Mario Cristobal. After all, Miami was 7-5 and won five of their last six in Manny Diaz’s last season. To follow that with a 5-7 record with a loss to Middle Tennessee State and blowout losses to Florida State, Clemson, Pitt, and Duke aren’t good. But I’m chalking this up to FLUKE as the transition to a new head coach, a depleted offensive roster and Cristobal purging the team and recruiting over many current players are all factors. Miami will be young next year with many of this elite recruiting class seeing key time but if he goes 5-7 or even 6-6 next year it will flip to FAULT.
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