College Football Predictions: Projecting the '12 Record for 10 Hot Seat Coaches

These coaches are in trouble.

It's varying in degree, from having an extremely hot seat, to just warming up, but each one of them needs a good season in order to not feel the heat.

This list will give an early prediction into what their season is shaping up to look like, summarized in a predicted win-loss record for each coaches' team.

The outlook is brighter, and much cooler for some than it is for others, and each one faces his own unique set of challenges.

For instance, coaching at Duke is, in itself, a pretty significant challenge.

All that said, read on for the predictions.

10. Frank Spaziani: Boston College

Spaziani has been on staff at BC in some capacity since 1997.

To put that into perspective, that's about the same time that his moustache was actually in style.

He has been the head coach at Boston College since 2009, and it hasn't been a fun ride.

The Eagles are 20-19 under his leadership, with last season's miserable 4-8 showing fresh in the minds of fans and administration alike.

The schedule is definitely manageable, featuring Northwestern and Maine as part of the non-conference slate, but it's within the conference where the Eagles are in trouble.

If Spaziani lasts the season, dates with Miami, Virginia Tech, Clemson, and Florida State will all leave marks on his record, as well as a meeting with Notre Dame.

Record: 4-8

9. Bobby Hauck: UNLV

UNLV has been dwelling in the cellar for so long, we have begun addressing their mail to them there.

Bobby Hauck was brought in back in 2010 to change that.

This season is his fulcrum, as another two win season would make his seat feel incredibly warm, especially after accruing a less-than-stellar 4-21 record in his first two seasons.

Given the level of talent, or lack thereof, present for Hauck to work with, it will be another long season for the Rebs.

Record: 3-9

8. David Cutcliffe: Duke

We all know that Duke is primarily a "basketball school."

That said, how much mediocrity bordering on awfulness will be allowed?

Cutcliffe is 15-33 in his time at Duke, and the team has finished with more than one conference win only once.

This season is shaping up to be more of the same.

Dates with FIU, Memphis and North Carolina Central give some hope for a victory, but that should not be counted upon.

Record: 2-10

7. Dan Enos: Central Michigan

Let's put Enos' situation this way:

He has been the head coach at CMU for two seasons, and in that time, the Chippewas have three times as many losses(18) as they have wins(6).

This hot seat will only get warmer in 2012, especially after blowout losses to Iowa and Michigan State early in the season.

Record: 3-9

6. Mike Riley: Oregon State

Riley is in hot water, but may see it cool a degree or two this season.

Quarterback Sean Mannion and running back Malcom Agnew, both freshman last season, will return to lead his offense, which struggled mightily last season, scoring only 21 points per contest.

While the Pac-12 North has some tough draws, this team has the talent to pull off an upset or two, just don't expect any level of consistency.

.500 is not too much to hope for, but could be a reach.

Record: 5-7

5. Skip Holtz: USF

While not exactly scorching, after a miserable 1-6 showing in the worst conference in the BCS, Holtz' seat is warmer than he would like.

The Bulls have some great talent, and showed it on the field in their win against Notre Dame last season.

However, something just did not click at times, and this team stumbled to a single win in the Big East.

Expect a slightly better showing this season, especially without the presence of West Virginia in the conference.

Record: 6-6

4. Jeff Tedford: Cal

In the last three seasons, the Golden Bears have lost two bowl games, and missed another.

Last season, Tedford led them to a 7-6 record, which is not awful for a team in transition, or one breaking in a new coach.

However, Tedford has been around for ten years now.

Next season his team will have some talent, including wideout Keenan Allen, who is one of the most underrated wide receivers around.

However, they play in a very tough division, and dates with Oregon, Stanford and Washington will make life miserable, as well as a non-conference bout at Ohio State.

Record: 6-6

3. Tommy Tuberville: Texas Tech

While 13-12 overall in two seasons may not appear that bad, it's Tuberville's 5-12 record in the Big 12 that has the seat of his pants warming up.

The Red Raiders have only won three games in two seasons against conference foes.

I expect that trend to continue, as they don't have the talent to keep up with the rest of the conference, including TCU and West Virginia.

A favorable non-conference schedule will lead to three wins, and the obligatory one win in conference means another sub-par season for Tuberville.

Record: 4-8

2. Derek Dooley: Tennessee

Dooley is a good coach, and given time, will turn around the Vols.

He was hampered last season by the injury to quarterback Tyler Bray, as well as his team's youth.

With another off-season under their belts, this squad will be ready to make some noise, and with a few breaks, could make a run at the top of the SEC East.

The Tyler Bray-to-Da'Rick Rogers connection will be one of the best quarterback to wide receiver combinations in the nation, and the Volunteers will vastly improve on that 5-7 record.

Record: 8-4

1. Mack Brown: Texas

His seat has got to be getting warm, and if it's not, it should be.

Despite having incredible resources, an excellent recruiting base and top talent, the Longhorns have struggled in recent seasons.

That time, however, should be at an end in 2012.

Texas has a stout defense, featuring two incredibly talented ends in Jackson Jeffcoat and Alex Okafor, and even though the offense is going to struggle again, the talent on the other side of the ball is enough to win games.

Brown's seat may be a little bit warm right now, but should cool off again after a solid season.

Record: 9-3