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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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NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 30: Head coach Bobby Petrino of the Louisville Cardinals looks on against the Texas A
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 30: Head coach Bobby Petrino of the Louisville Cardinals looks on against the Texas A /

12. Louisville is the most underrated team in the nation

In Bobby Petrino’s third season back in charge of Louisville, expect the Cardinals to rise to the next level as a potential top 10 team.

While Petrino’s tenures with the Atlanta Falcons and Arkansas Razorbacks ended on ugly terms, he’s had success on the field at every college he’s been at. Louisville finished in the top six twice in Petrino’s first stint and won the 2006 Orange Bowl before he led Arkansas to a pair of double-digit win seasons.

The Cardinals haven’t slipped much since Strong left, going 17-9 in Petrino’s first two years. Strides in recruiting should really pay off this year, as Louisville is projected to have an ultra-athletic and talented roster that returns almost everybody.

Louisville opens the season at No. 19, but that could soon prove to be too low. Talented but raw sophomore quarterback Lamar Jackson has a great ability to generate explosive plays and will benefit from the team retaining nearly the entire receiving corps, while linebacker Devonte Fields is back after racking up 11 sacks a year ago.

The ACC Atlantic may be too top-heavy for Louisville to win this year, but it can compete with any team on its schedule. Upsetting Florida State at home on September 17 could pave the way for a New Year’s Six appearance.

Next: 11. Saquon Barkley finishes top five in the Heisman voting

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