In today’s Fact or Fiction, national columnist Mike Farrell looks at three topics in college football and decides whether each statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.
*****
MORE FACT OR FICTION: The Pac-12 will still expand
CLASS OF 2022 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
RIVALS TRANSFER TRACKER: Stories/coverage | Message board
RIVALS CAMP SERIES: Info/coverage on 2021 camp series
*****
1. Haynes King is the right choice for the Aggies at QB.
FACT. I liked Haynes King from the start of this battle to replace Kellen Mond because he has the ability to extend the play a bit more than Zach Calzada. King can slowly learn the offense as a newcomer with a great rushing attack behind him.
This is a window year for Jimbo Fisher for a national title as the Aggies have a great defense on paper and so many offensive weapons. Naming King as the starter is rolling the dice in the correct way.
*****
2. Charlie Brewer will lead Utah to a division title.
FICTION. I love Charlie Brewer and his gutsy, gritty style of play at quarterback, and Utah will be good this year. But I don’t think he’s going to be able to stay healthy enough to beat out USC or UCLA in the Pac-12 South.
Brewer was so much fun to watch at Baylor but he’s also too tough for his own good at times. Unless he’s learned to dial that in, I worry about how long he’ll last. Brewer is as tough as they come but everything catches up to you in time.
*****
3. Syracuse is doomed for another losing season.
FACT. A two-quarterback system for a team coming off a 1-10 season simply screams of another abysmal year for Syracuse. Head coach Dino Babers is under serious scrutiny just two full seasons removed from a 10-2 regular season in 2018.
Not naming a starter for Week 1 and going with what appears to be a platoon system between Tommy DeVito and transfer Garrett Shrader almost feels like a give-up move. In a year where consistency and resiliency is going to be key, not having a leader is a bad sign.
