Fact or Fiction: A&M vs. LSU, South Carolina Regression, Florida Offense

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. Jimbo Fisher has his team in better shape than LSU.

Farrell’s take: FACT

Who would have thunk it? But A&M, even with QB Connor Weigman out for the season, is in much better shape as a program than LSU. Why? Because while Brian Kelly finally has a quarterback, his defense is epically bad. I’ve never seen an LSU defense this bad in all my years covering college football and it was exposed by Ole Miss. Meanwhile A&M chugs along with unimpressive but vital wins. The Aggies have a tough stretch with Alabama, Tennessee, and Ole Miss over the next few weeks (and the Gamecocks, see more below) and finish the season with LSU but I like what I see much more from Fisher’s program right now.

Sep 9, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Jimbo Fisher looks on from the field prior to the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium.

2. The Gamecocks have regressed badly.

Farrell’s take: FACT

This was supposed to be a good year. After beating Clemson and Tennessee at the end of last season and with more talent around QB Spencer Rattler, this was supposed to be the year they at least pushed for second in the SEC East. But here we are and the Gamecocks are 2-3 and look nothing like a team that will give anyone good a problem. Yes they’ve lost to three ranked teams in UNC, Georgia, and Tennessee but the offensive line isn’t good, Rattler is as erratic as ever and the injury to Juice Wells has been a killer. Xavier Legette has been amazing but too many players have stepped back and the momentum of last season is clearly gone.

Sep 2, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Kaimon Rucker (25) and linebacker Amari Gainer (3) tackle South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium.

3. The Gators need to change their offense.

Farrell’s take: FACT

The run-heavy offense of the Gators isn’t conducive to coming back when teams get a lead like Kentucky did Saturday. This was a criticism of Jim Harbaugh his first few years at Michigan and he adjusted slightly and Billy Napier needs to do the same. Harbaugh was able to do so because of an influx of talent and the Gators have been recruiting well so maybe when a capable QB is in place and some better receivers we will see a chance. But that’s a big “if” as Napier loves the run — maybe too much.