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College Football 2016: 25 bold predictions

By Nathaniel Reeves

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 14: Willie Taggart, head coach for South Florida Bulls celebrates on the field after the game against the Temple Owls at Raymond James Stadium on November 14, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. South Florida beat the Temple Owls 44-23. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 14: Willie Taggart, head coach for South Florida Bulls celebrates on the field after the game against the Temple Owls at Raymond James Stadium on November 14, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. South Florida beat the Temple Owls 44-23. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images) /

16. South Florida wins 11 games

South Florida quietly put together a strong season in 2015, and has the returning pieces to make a run at the Group of Five title this year.

The Bulls are still trying to replicate the on-field success of the Jim Leavitt era, when they went bowling five consecutive years. After Skip Holtz struggled in three seasons, the Bulls brought in Willie Taggart prior to 2013 after he led Western Kentucky to a pair of 7-5 seasons.

Taggart immediately found himself on the hot seat, as the Bulls went 2-10 and 4-8 in his first two years respectively.  With a 1-3 start in 2015, it appeared Taggart would be on the way out soon enough.

However, South Florida rallied to an 8-5 record and its first postseason appearance since 2010. The team beat a good Temple squad and destroyed Cincinnati along the way, inspiring more confidence in Taggart.

Much of that squad will be back, including dual-threat quarterback Quinton Flowers, 1,300-yard rusher Marlon Mack, plus the entire receiving corps and secondary. The Bulls won’t beat Florida State on September 24, but every other game on the schedule is winnable, as they don’t play Houston and get Navy at home.

Look for the Bulls to win the AAC East and make a run at the 11-win plateau behind an experienced roster that was better than many realized last year.

Next: 15. Appalachian State emerges as a G5 power

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