Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 26
Next
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 5: Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on before the SEC Championship game against the Florida Gators at the Georgia Dome on December 5, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 5: Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on before the SEC Championship game against the Florida Gators at the Georgia Dome on December 5, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /

23. Georgia upset by UNC, wins eight games 

Kirby Smart was a fine enough hire for the Bulldogs, and could prove to be the right coach to lead the program to the next level after it controversially dismissed Mark Richt. Still, Smart is going to face a major challenge in his first year at Georgia.

The Bulldogs feature a very talented roster that has the athleticism to match any team in the country. Nick Chubb is one of the top running backs in the nation when healthy, there’s tons of potential in the receiving corps and defense, and five-star quarterback Jacob Eason is drawing rave reviews prior to his freshman season.

However, much of that roster is unproven, particularly on the defense. Georgia’s defensive line is full of blue-chip recruits but only features one upperclassman, and the linebacker group is only a little more experienced.

That may not be the best recipe for success against North Carolina to open the season, as the Tar Heels again project to have a powerful offense under Larry Fedora. Throw in the fact that Chubb may not quite be fully recovered from a bad knee injury and the Bulldogs will probably be starting a true freshman quarterback with a brand new coaching staff, and the game against the Tar Heels could be quite difficult.

There are other pitfalls on the schedule like Ole Miss, Tennessee and Florida. Look for Smart to go through some growing pains in 2016 and fall short of Richt’s previous win total.

Next: 22. Charlie Strong erases doubts with nine wins

Home/College Football