Fact or Fiction: Howard wins Buckeyes a title, is Van Dyke the solution and Texas RB woes

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. Will Howard will lead Ohio State to a national title.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

Will Howard is a solid player. Yes, Avery Johnson ran him out of town at Kansas State but Howard has always been a capable player who can do some very good things. So why not win it all? Simply because I think Ohio State gets far but falls to a team with a better quarterback like Georgia with Carson Beck or Texas with Quinn Ewers . Quarterback play held the Buckeyes back a bit last season and it won’t hold them back this year, but winning it all? I’m not sure Howard is that guy.

2. Tyler Van Dyke is the answer at Wisconsin.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

Nah. Van Dyke had some moments at Miami and OC Phil Longo is very good at quarterback development but the Air Raid is still new at Wisconsin and they are a year away from having the personnel to have a dangerous passing game. Van Dyke is a stop gap guy.

3. Texas RB injuries will change the offense.

Farrell’s take: FACT

It has to. Losing CJ Baxter and Christian Clark for the season leaves Texas with three healthy running backs for the year. Steve Sarkisian will likely move someone from another position to running back for depth and there is a ton of talent in Jaydon Blue , Quintrevion Wisner and especially freshman Jerrick Gibson , but keeping all three healthy this season will be a challenge. How will it change the offense? Quinn Ewers will likely run more in my opinion which is risky as he’s had injury issues but he’s a sneaky good runner and can run scripted plays. And don’t be stunned to see a short yardage package for Arch Manning as well who’s a very capable runner at quarterback. All this happens if they are banged up even further at the position which just seems likely.