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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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PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 1: David Shaw, Head Coach of the Stanford Cardinal, celebrates following the 102nd Rose Bowl game between Stanford and the Iowa Hawkeyes played on January 1, 2016 at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 1: David Shaw, Head Coach of the Stanford Cardinal, celebrates following the 102nd Rose Bowl game between Stanford and the Iowa Hawkeyes played on January 1, 2016 at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) /

9. Stanford earns a College Football Playoff berth

After years of coming so close, Stanford will finally break through to the next level will a berth in the College Football Playoff in 2016.

Stanford has won 11 games or more in five of the last six seasons, with the only slip-up coming in 2014. David Shaw has not missed a beat taking over from Jim Harbaugh in 2011 with two Rose Bowl titles plus an additional appearance.

Last season, the Cardinal won 12 of its final 13 games after a season-opening loss to Northwestern and finished the season ranked No. 3 following a blowout win over Iowa in the Rose Bowl. Stanford was likely one of the four best teams in the nation, but missed the playoff due to a close loss late in the season to familiar foe Oregon.

This roster has the ability to make another run at 12 wins and get Stanford into the playoff. While replacing longtime quarterback Kevin Hogan with junior Ryan Burns is going to be a challenge, terrific all-purpose running back Christian McCaffrey will pace a strong group of skill players on offense, and a more experienced defense is projected to improve with more experience in the linebacking corps and secondary.

With Oregon perhaps headed for a down year, the Cardinal have a clearer path in the Pac-12 North than in previous seasons. Navigating a road schedule of Washington, Notre Dame and UCLA will be difficult, but Shaw has the coaching ability and roster talent to make the playoff in 2016.

Next: 8. Utah takes the Pac-12 South

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