Fact or Fiction: Best True Freshman, Most Underrated Coach, Blake Shapen

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mike Farrell | Last updated 5/24/23

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. The best freshman in the county next season will be WR Zachariah Branch.

Farrell’s take: FACT

Just wait. This kid is a whirling dervish with sub 10.4 100-yard dash speed and moves for days. And he’s going to be an immediate impact player in the Pac-12 despite USC’s depth at wide receiver. He’s the kind of player who can be used in the slot, on reverses and inside handoffs, and who could be an elite return man. There will be plenty of elite freshmen next year but he’s the guy to watch.

2. The most underrated Power Five coach in college football is Kyle Whittingham.

Farrell’s take: FICTION

I used to think this, but Whittingham has been so underrated that he’s now kind of mainstream for his work at Utah. To me, it’s Mark Stoops and I’ll tell you why. Stoops arrived at Kentucky when the program was coming off a 2-10 season and the Joker Phillips regime. After seasons of 2-10, 5-7, and 5-7 he turned the corner and has had two 10-win seasons while coming off a 7-6 season in 2022, his sixth winning season for the Wildcats. Some may think this isn’t impressive but I think they underestimate how hard it is to win at Kentucky in the SEC. For Stoops to be headed into season No. 11 in Lexington is underappreciated on a national scale. Some succeed in lesser conferences at smaller schools but Stoops is doing in the SEC and with a big recruiting disadvantage.

3. Blake Shapen is the right man to start for Baylor.

Farrell’s take: FACT

I like that Dave Aranda isn’t shy about naming a starter following spring football even if it led to Gerry Bohanon transferring last year. Aranda likes to show confidence in his guys and naming Shapen his starter is the right now. Shapen started strong last year but got into a bad rhythm taking too many chances and throwing too many picks. But he has the experience and maturity needed for the Baylor offense to bounce back. Coming off a 6-7 season, this is an important one for Aranda and staff, and I think Shapen will rebound. He has good accuracy and touch but just needs to make better decisions and take what is given.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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