Fact or Fiction: Texas' Outlook, Georgia's Biggest Threat, Graham Mertz at Florida

By Mike Farrell

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. This is the year for Texas.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

I want to believe it. I like Steve Sarkisian and think he’s overcome a lot and deserves success as a very good coach. I think Quinn Ewers is an exceptional talent, and players like Xavier Worthy and Ja’Tavion Sanders have amazing ceilings. But can the defense hold up? Will the pressure be too much for a team that is always “back” but hasn’t been truly good since 2009? This isn’t about Sark or the roster. It’s about the expectations, and until I see Texas breakthrough, I will continue to doubt that they can. Everyone who plays Texas loves to make it their mission to prove they aren’t back, and this year, they will get the best from everyone as usual. It’s a lot to think they can win the Big 12 despite being the best team on paper.

Sep 3, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) throws a pass against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

2. The biggest threat to Georgia is Michigan.

Farrell’s take: FACT

I love this Michigan team. From the offensive line and running backs to an underrated defense, this is Jim Harbaugh’s best team, and it’s not even close. So if he can make the playoff the last two seasons, he should be able to make a title game this season. And it will be against Georgia. And yes, they could even win.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates scoring a two point conversion against Purdue during the second half of the Big Ten Championship game against Purdue at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.

3. Graham Mertz will surprise some people.

Farrell’s take: FACT

I don’t think Florida has a big year, as the schedule is rough, and the roster needs a few more elite recruiting classes. But Mertz has become the butt of jokes since his precipitous fall from budding superstar at Wisconsin to the bench. He has a new life in Gainesville, and he won’t be as bad as people think. That being said, he didn’t make my top 50 QB list, but it’s more about the lack of receiving weapons and the run-heavy offense of Billy Napier than a lack of talent.