Nov 19, 2022; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Garrett Greene (6) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium.

The Farrell Five: Biggest Surprises, Coaches Under Fire, Teams a Year Away

Author:
Mike Farrell
Publish date:
Oct 5, 2023

Everyone loves lists. The best this, the strongest that. Let’s apply that randomly to college football shall we?

Stuff we didn’t think we’d see this season

1. WVU is 4-1

2. UVA is winless

3. Maryland is legit

4. Rutgers isn’t terrible

5. Brady Cook is the best QB in the SEC

Breakdown: Neal Brown’s hot seat has cooled in a magnificent manner as the powers that be at WVU appear to be smart showing patience. And I know UVA stinks but winless? That’s insane as Tony Elliott and Brent Pry battle for the most inept program in state. The Terps are legit and should give Ohio State a game this weekend and Rutgers is 4-1 in case you haven’t noticed. And finally, Cook is cooking for Mizzou and has been amazingly efficient.

Sep 30, 2023; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Tony Muskett (11) runs with the ball against the Boston College Eagles during the second half at Alumni Stadium.
© Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Coaches suddenly under fire

1. Billy Napier, Florida

2. Sam Pittman, Arkansas

3. Gus Malzahn, UCF

4. Matt Campbell, Iowa State

5. Pat Narduzzi, Pitt

Breakdown: Things change each week right? A few weeks ago Billy Napier was okay after the win over Tennessee, but now the fan base wants him gone after the drubbing by Kentucky. Arkansas fans are puttering out on patience with Sam Pittman while UCF fans are irate at the 35-7 third-quarter blown lead against Baylor. Matt Campbell is no longer a hot name and Iowa State fans think a change needs to be made after years of praying he’d stay. And this is the worst Pitt team since the Walt Harris days and that’s saying something.

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier gestures during a post game speech at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
© Jesse Gann / USA TODAY NETWORK

Teams a year away from conference title contention.

1. Miami

2. Penn State

3. Colorado

4. Louisville

5. Texas

Breakdown: The Hurricanes are on the right path but Mario Cristobal still needs another year to elevate the roster. As good as Penn State is this season, those in the know realize next year could be an even stronger version. A case can be made for Colorado to be a favorite in the Big 12 when they move next season and Jeff Brohm has already shown what a difference coaching can make at Louisville. And Texas? Yep. But in the SEC next season.