College football is full of examples that disprove this.
VaTech vs Ohio St 2014
AZ vs Oregon 2013
Utah vs Bama 2009
OSU vs USC 2008
They call it a trap game for a reason. You have better players and coaches, but the game has the making to let your guard down (like a 21 point spread and a 4-0 start).
you can argue better coaching for that game, but not better coaches...Boise St vs OU...