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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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AUBURN, AL – APRIL 9: Head coach Gus Malzahn of the Auburn Tigers during their spring game at Jordan Hare Stadium on April 9, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL – APRIL 9: Head coach Gus Malzahn of the Auburn Tigers during their spring game at Jordan Hare Stadium on April 9, 2016 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

4. Gus Malzahn’s run at Auburn comes to an end

Malzahn has had a strange tenure at Auburn with mixed results in his three seasons as head coach. A combination of a depleted roster and tough schedule will be too much for the Tigers to overcome this year, and Malzahn will pay the price by losing his job by the end of the season.

Following one year as head coach of Arkansas State in 2012, Malzahn was hired at Auburn, where he was the offensive coordinator for the 2010 title run. Auburn was coming off of a winless season in SEC play and wasn’t expected to do anything, but Malzahn led the team to a 12-2 record and appearance in the title game, where it took Florida State down to the last minute.

High expectations followed as Auburn opened the 2014 season at No. 6, only to finish 8-5. A similar situation played out the next year with the Tigers again earning a gaudy preseason ranking and finishing a disappointing 7-6.

Malzahn’s offense, which looked so innovative in his first year, has struggled without a Cam Newton or Nick Marshall at quarterback. The defense improved in 2015 under Will Muschamp, but he’s now at South Carolina, and new hire Kevin Steele doesn’t inspire much confidence.

Auburn’s schedule includes Clemson in non-conference plus the SEC West and Georgia from the East. With a shaky quarterback situation, it’s hard to see Auburn earning enough wins for Malzahn to keep his job, which would have been shocking just two years ago.

Next: 3. Ohio State finishes the season barely in the top 25

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