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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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FORT WORTH, TX – NOVEMBER 14: Head coach Gary Patterson of the TCU Horned Frogs leads the Horned Frogs against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 14, 2015 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TX – NOVEMBER 14: Head coach Gary Patterson of the TCU Horned Frogs leads the Horned Frogs against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 14, 2015 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

5. TCU wins the Big 12

Many expect the Big 12 to be Oklahoma’s to lose this season, as the Sooners open the year ranked third in the nation. The main challenger to the Sooners will be TCU, which has more than enough ability to make a run at the conference championship.

Patterson has guided the Horned Frogs from Conference USA to the Mountain West to the Big 12 without missing a beat, compiling a 143-47 record and three major bowl appearances along the way. Despite a ton of injuries, the Horned Frogs went 11-2 last year and earned a wild come-from-behind victory over Oregon in the Alamo Bowl.

TCU has switched identities from a defensive-minded squad to an offensive juggernaut in the past few years, and that is going to  in 2016. Offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie is one of the best in the business and will help talented Texas A&M transfer Kenny Hill reach his full potential under center.

Even with Josh Doctson gone, the Horned Frogs have tremendous depth at the skill positions, led by slot receiver KaVontae Turpin. The defense overcame youth and a terrible first half of the season to become a strength down the stretch, and should be better this year with more experience.

Barring the same amount of injuries as last year, the 13th-ranked Horned Frogs can beat Oklahoma and the rest of the conference. The Horned Frogs will host the Sooners on October 1 in one of the marquee matchups of the year.

Next: 4. Gus Malzahn's run at Auburn comes to an end

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