Five High-Profile College Coaches on the Hot Seat

With the college football season kicking off in earnest this week, I started wondering what coaches have more to play for than a bowl game this season.

Unlike most years, the list doesn't seem all that long, but some of the names are huge.

See if you agree with my list. But first, let's get into the mood:

Expect these dudes to be burning the midnight oil this season:

• Dan Mullen, Mississippi State ... Florida isn't the only SEC team with high expectations this year. Bulldog fans expect to compete for the SEC West. In most years, State winning eight or nine games and beating Ole Miss would satisfy its fans. Not any more.
• Will Muschamp, Florida ... Even Muschamp knows he's in trouble. Although the Gators were devastated by injuries, Muschamp understands it's no excuse for his team struggling, especially on offense. Florida is supposed to be one of those programs that reloads. Gator Nation is expecting big things this season. If they don't see at least 10 wins, Muschamp will be out.
• Dana Holgorsen, West Virginia ... Since their blowout of Clemson a few years ago, the Mountaineers have struggled. Perhaps joining the Big 12 was a tad premature. Holgorsen can make his season if he has a good showing against Alabama this coming Saturday. No doubt he made lots of phone calls to Bob Stoops over the winter.
• Bo Pellini, Nebraska ... One has to wonder how he's managed to keep his job, especially this whole cat thing. Dude, there are sites for that already! The only thing I can figure is his teams can pretty much dial in nine wins a season. Ten years ago, this wouldn't have been acceptable. I've got a feeling it won't be for much longer.

• Bret Bielema, Arkansas ... His job just got tougher, especially now that ex-Razorbacks coach Bobby Petrino is now at Louisville and gives Hogs fans a measuring stick. By now, though, most have realized he was merely Barry Alvarez's water boy at Wisconsin. If Bielema has another 3-9 record and doesn't win an SEC game this year, he can start packing now.