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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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SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 14: San Diego State Aztecs Head Coach Rocky Long watches from the sideline during the game against the Wyoming Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium on November 14, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 14: San Diego State Aztecs Head Coach Rocky Long watches from the sideline during the game against the Wyoming Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium on November 14, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) /

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

The Aztecs have quietly been steady in the Mountain West over the past few years, and have a good chance to be in the Group of Five champion conversation in 2016.

After Brady Hoke departed for Michigan following the 2010 season, San Diego State promoted defensive coordinator Rocky Long to take over head coaching duties. Long has gone 42-23 in five seasons, with the Aztecs qualifying for the postseason every time.

As solid as Long’s first four seasons were, the real breakthrough came in 2015. San Diego State won 10 straight to close out the year and finish with an 11-3 record, including a Mountain West championship and win over Cincinnati in the Hawaii Bowl.

The Aztecs have a good chance to be even better this season, which could lead to another run through the Mountain West. San Diego State’s defense is always strong under Long, and the Aztecs return one of the best running backs in the country in Donnel Pumphrey.

Everything is setting up for the Aztecs to be ranked in the top 15 heading into the Mountain West championship, as they play a depleted California team at home and avoid the best two teams in the other division in conference. Long has done well in recruiting at San Diego State, and the team could be a mid-major power for years to come.

Next: 13. Kevin Sumlin is fired by the end of the season

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