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15 biggest college football storylines to watch in 2017

By Jerran Anderson

Dec 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson poses with the trophy during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis after winning the 2016 Heisman Trophy award during a presentation at the Playstation Theater. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson poses with the trophy during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis after winning the 2016 Heisman Trophy award during a presentation at the Playstation Theater. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The Michigan State Spartans hoist the championship trophy after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Conference football championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The Michigan State Spartans hoist the championship trophy after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Conference football championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Who will win the Big Ten?

When it looked like the Ohio State Buckeyes would win the Big Ten Conference with ease, the Penn State Nittany Lions shocked everybody and won under head coach James Franklin.

The Nittany Lions defeated the Wisconsin Badgers in the championship game 38-31. Franklin and Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst were both awarded the Big Ten Coach of the Year award.

J.T. Barrett and some of the Buckeyes top defensive players chose to return for their senior seasons and that could come with added incentive to dominate conference play. Although, things won’t be easy for Barrett and company.

The Nittany Lions return 16 total starters, the Buckeyes return 15 starters, as do the Wisconsin Badgers. Another team to watch out for: the Northwestern Wildcats, who also return 16 total starters.

Related Story: 5 reasons Minnesota could win the Big Ten West in 2017

Suffice it to say, the Big Ten title could go to any team this season. The Ohio State Buckeyes are probably the early favorite, but the Nittany Lions aren’t too far off their heels with offensive playmakers Trace McSorley and Saquon Barkley.

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