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College Football: Predicting the records of every 2016 first-year coach

By Michael Collins

CORAL GABLES, FL - DECEMBER 04: New University of Miami Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt makes the 'U' sign after he was introduced at a press conference at the school on December 4, 2015 in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Joe Skipper/Getty Images)
CORAL GABLES, FL - DECEMBER 04: New University of Miami Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt makes the 'U' sign after he was introduced at a press conference at the school on December 4, 2015 in Coral Gables, Florida. (Photo by Joe Skipper/Getty Images) /
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Sep 19, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs against South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated South Carolina 52-20. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs against South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated South Carolina 52-20. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Southeastern Conference:

Kirby Smart – Georgia (10-3 overall, 5-3 SEC in 2015)

Career Head Coaching Record: 0-0
Last Stop: Defensive Coordinator – Alabama
Prediction: 9-4, 5-3 SEC

Kirby Smart has long been thought of as the next big thing in college head coaches, and he’s finally going to get his chance to prove it. Unfortunately he’s following somewhat of a legend in Athens, and is playing a brutal schedule.

A whole new coaching staff, a potential true freshman starting QB, and questions at the WR position (not to mention Nick Chubb) will lead to some tough losses for the Bulldogs this year. The opener against North Carolina will be the first big disappointment.

Related Story: Will Nick Chubb Be Ready For Season Opener?

This will be a team which grows through the season, and may look like they are ready to challenge in the SEC east again once they mop the floor with Auburn and Georgia Tech, but it will be another year of waiting to get back to Atlanta in December.

Barry Odom – Missouri (5-7 overall, 1-7 SEC in 2015)

Career Head Coaching Record: 0-0
Last Stop: Defensive Coordinator – Missouri
Prediction: 3-9, 0-8 SEC

Yet another legendary coach being replaced by a guy with no head coaching experience. Only in the case of Missouri, there isn’t as much to look forward to for new coach Barry Odom.

2015 was a miserable season for the Tigers, both on and off the field. Hopefully the departure of constant distraction Maty Mauk will settle things down in the locker room, but on the field there is still a lot lacking for this Mizzou team.

Nov 1, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp reacts on the sidelines against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at EverBank Field. Florida Gators defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 38-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp reacts on the sidelines against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at EverBank Field. Florida Gators defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 38-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

One thing is certain, you have to score some points to win a game, regardless of how good your defense is. Missouri only scored 73 points all season in 2015, and there’s nothing pointing towards them being any more potent this year.

Will Muschamp – South Carolina (3-9 overall, 1-7 SEC in 2015)

Career Head Coaching Record: 28-21
Last Stop: Defensive Coordinator – Auburn
Prediction: 4-8, 1-7 SEC

Will Muschamp can recruit; he can scowl; he can intimidate; he can make reporters laugh in press conferences.

But can he win in a major program with consistency? Yet to be determined.

He’s taking over a bit of a hot mess in South Carolina, and although he’s picked up some nice recruits, the Gamecocks are a long way from a few seasons ago when they were winning 10 games or more a season.

South Carolina will have to be patient with Muschamp, and while there’s nowhere near as much pressure to win in Columbia as there was in Gainesville, he’s still going to have to produce wins within a few seasons. 2016 won’t be that year.

Next: Sun Belt

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