Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
12 of 26
Next
ANN ARBOR, MI – AUGUST 30: Appalachin State head coach Scott Satterfield watches the pregame warms up prior to the start of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on August 30, 2014 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – AUGUST 30: Appalachin State head coach Scott Satterfield watches the pregame warms up prior to the start of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on August 30, 2014 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

15. Appalachian State emerges as a G5 power

In just three years at the FBS level, the Mountaineers have already risen to the level of one of the best Group of Five teams in the nation.

After dominating the FCS ranks with eight straight playoff appearances including three titles and an infamous upset of Michigan, Appalachian State moved up to FBS prior to the 2013 season. Under new head coach Scott Satterfield, the Mountaineers went 4-8 in their first top-level season and would have gone bowling at 7-5 the next year if they were eligible.

Satterfield took things to the next level in 2015, putting together an impressive 11-2 campaign. The Mountaineers only dropped games to Clemson and Sun Belt champion Arkansas State while dominating the rest of the conference, including a blowout win against rival Georgia Southern and victory over Ohio in the Camellia Bowl.

Look for the Mountaineers to put together a similar season this year, as they return a good chunk of the roster. A powerful rushing attack returns its top three running backs, while junior quarterback Taylor Lamb tossed 31 touchdowns last season.

A win over Tennessee in the opener probably isn’t going to happen, but the Mountaineers get the Miami Hurricanes at home later in the season and could certainly pull off the upset. While another double-digit win season won’t win the Group of Five for Appalachian State, it would establish it as one of the best teams at the level.

Next: 14. SDSU is a top 15 team heading into the Mountain West Championship Game

Home/College Football