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. Lane Kiffin has “nothing to lose” against UGA.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
Kiffin said this the other day in downplaying the importance of this game for Ole Miss. He mentioned being double-digit underdogs and all that, and it’s all coach speak and smart. He was honest enough to admit he’s been tight in some big games, and his team played that way because of it, but deep down, he knows this is a big game. Lane Kiffin landed a huge contract extension last year after flirting with Auburn, but he really doesn’t have a signature win as Hugh Freeze did (he had many), and the fan base is getting impatient. If he doesn’t win this one as a top 10 team he will be mentioned in the James Franklin mold. Kiffin is currently 1-19 against Power Five teams that went on to win nine or more games. That’s terrible, and it will fall to 1-20 if he loses this one.
2. Michigan is begging at this point.
Farrell’s take: FACT
It is being veiled as standing firm for due process with a hint of warning to Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti that he shouldn’t rush to judgment because everyone else is stealing signs, but the posturing by Michigan is simply begging. Please don’t fine or suspend our coach; let things play out as we have a great team and could win a national title for the first time in decades. That’s how it feels. And I’d probably do the same damned thing. But there is guilt and culpability here, so the tune of “we did nothing wrong” has turned into “everyone does it, so take it easy on us.” And honestly, it will probably work.
https://twitter.com/DanWetzel/status/1722649534336012787
3. Jim Harbaugh will be suspended.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
This might not age well as a decision is expected sometime Thursday, but I don’t think Petitti has the balls to suspend Harbaugh. All the legal posturing from Michigan and 100 proverbial cannons pointed at Petitti’s head should be a sign that a suspension could be a reality. However, I think he balks, and a fine is all Michigan will get. And the NCAA investigation will take years. I think this will become nothing by the weekend.
