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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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OXFORD, MS – OCTOBER 24: Head coach Kevin Sumlin of the Texas A
OXFORD, MS – OCTOBER 24: Head coach Kevin Sumlin of the Texas A /

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

Sumlin enters 2016 with his job in serious jeopardy, and it’s going to be a major challenge for him to make it to the end of the season.

Originally, Sumlin looked like he would be the right coach to lead the Aggies to their best period of success since the R.C. Slocum era. Behind Heisman quarterback Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M went 11-2 in Sumlin’s debut season in 2012, finished fifth in the AP Poll, and destroyed Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl.

Manziel returned the next year and the Aggies fell off a bit, going 9-4. Since then, Texas A&M has disappointed with a pair of 8-5 seasons despite being ranked in the top 10 at some point in each one.

Last year was particularly bad for Sumlin’s job security after losing five of eight to close out the year, leading to him being squarely on the hot seat in 2016. While Sumlin has typically done quite well in recruiting, the roster has been seriously hurt by the transfers of highly-touted quarterbacks Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray, along with the decommitment of Tate Martell.

Sumlin has to win this season, and that’s going to be difficult given the quarterback situation, as talented as some parts of the roster are. Texas A&M faces a brutal schedule that includes UCLA in non-conference and Tennessee from the SEC East.

Next: 12. Louisville is the most underrated team in the nation

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