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10 Top college football teams who should start looking to 2017

By Michael Collins

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Naashon Hughes (40) and cornerback Antwuan Davis (25) celebrate during the game against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Naashon Hughes (40) and cornerback Antwuan Davis (25) celebrate during the game against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Longhorns

2015 Finish: 5-7, 7th in Big 12
Key 2016 Losses: RB Johnathan Gray, DT Hassan Ridgeway

Why is Texas on this list? Three months ago they probably wouldn’t have been, but after National Signing Day it’s clear Charlie Strong has no intention of going down without a fight, and he’s going to make his mark on this program.

Texas already had some talent, and with this year’s signing class they’ll have more potential young stars than any team in the Big 12. Nobody is thinking about players tweeting during games with thoughts of transferring or ugly last-second losses now.

In truth, the Longhorns weren’t as bad as their 5-7 record would indicate in 2015. They had some bad breaks, and played a tough schedule. The schedule won’t get any easier this season, but maybe the ball will bounce their way for a change.

More saturday blitz: Building the Best All-Time College Football Team

You can expect a winning season in Austin this year, but still nowhere near conference title worthy. In 2017, keep your eye on the Horns, because they’ll need to be dealt with.

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