College Football Predictions for 2010 and Beyond SEC, ACC, PAC 10, Big Ten, Big 12, Big East and Non BCS

With a new year just around the corner, it's time to make some New Year's resolutions for college football.

Rumors have been flying around recently regarding numerous changes to the college football landscape.

With that in mind, let's take a look at some possible changes coming in the future.

Mountain West Expansion

Numerous people have speculated that the Mountain West needs more competitive teams to get the conference an automatic BCS bid.

Enter Boise State.

The Broncos will play the Mountain West champs in the Fiesta Bowl this year, with a decade of success backing them.

The inclusion of the Broncos within a round robin schedule may allow the MWC champs their spot with the BCS big boys.

Big Ten Looking for Big 12th

Joe Paterno has continually pushed for a 12th team to join the Big Ten.

Many reasons abound for the need for a 12th team: The conference's long break before bowl games, inclusion of a conference championship game, and lack of success in bowl games.

The question people are asking is, "Who is going to be the 12th team?"

Notre Dame is the ideal choice, but NBC money isn't leaving the Golden Domers.

Had Cincinnati not lost Brian Kelly, they'd be a pick, based upon proximity and an in-state rivalry with Ohio State.

This would also weaken the Big East, something that could only help the Big Ten.

A long shot is the inclusion of Central Michigan, a MAC Champion that is continuing to get better. They even beat Michigan State this year.

The Houston Nutt Experience

When people talk Houston Nutt, they can't ignore the fact that he seems to succeed when the chips are down.

The problem is that when the chips are up, mediocrity ensues.

So the question has to be answered: How much longer will Ole Miss stand for being second-best in Mississippi?

This year was supposed to be special, and it turned out disappointing.

Will Nutt bolt town, or will he be dragged out if 2010 is a bust?

The Future of Big East Football

The Big East has taken the biggest hit this season with the loss of Brian Kelly at Cincinnati.

With the Bearcats seemingly set to fall back into mediocrity, the league is left looking for a true contender.

Pitt looks like the pick for next year, but who's left after the Panthers?

West Virginia and South Florida are both building their programs, but an immediate impact doesn't look to be coming soon.

Rutgers and Connecticut continue to worry about losing their coaches every off-season.

If the Big East can't make an immediate impact with its eight team league, they might have to look at expanding its conference.

Future Sun Belt Teams

UNC Charlotte has agreed to add football to its athletic department.

With the 49ers looking to join the ranks of the FBS, this may add another school to the Sun Belt Conference.

Other teams looking to join the FBS ranks include: Appalachian State, Georgia State, and South Alabama.

With so many teams joining, look for teams like Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee to find new homes, based on their past and future successes in overall athletics.

The Houston Movement

Houston looks to be back on the national stage, at least on the offensive side of the ball.

Because of that success, the Cougars are looking for a chance to continue their success in a larger market.

Enter the Mountain West.

Houston would love the opportunity to play more Texas teams, as well as recruit players for a better opportunity at exposure.

The Mountain West seemingly wants to add Boise State first, but the addition of Houston would bolster the lineup even further.

The WAC Left Out in the Cold

Maybe the WAC just wasn't ready for football.

With the talk of Boise State leaving the WAC, the only team left to support the league is Nevada.

While this isn't the worst thing for the league, it is obvious that Nevada cannot get the WAC as much attention as Boise has.

What is the WAC to do if the MWC decides that 12 teams are necessary, and it includes Nevada into its expansion plans?

It wouldn't be surprising to see Nevada move, based on their success on the gridiron and the hardwood.

The Return of...

"The U" is on its way back to major college football.

Randy Shannon has taken Miami back to its roots, recruiting players from the area, and relying on free word of mouth recruiting within high school teams.

Shannon's success could be seen in a group of young kids eager to make their school one of the nation's best.

If Miami can return to its dominant form of the late '80s and beyond,the ACC will be happy to welcome them back.

Jimbo Fisher has already brought in two five star recruits who are looking to return Florida State to its past success.

The return of the 'Noles means bigger challenges for ACC opponents.

Big wins by these schools, as well as Butch Davis in North Carolina, give the ACC its chance of having five Top 25 teams every year: Virginia Tech, Miami, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and Florida State.