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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 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley (right) during the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley (right) during the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Can Oklahoma make the College Football Playoff under Lincoln Riley?

Head coach Bob Stoops stepped down rather abruptly from his post recently with the Oklahoma Sooners. Now, Lincoln Riley steps up to take the reigns, but can he get the Sooners to the College Football Playoff?

The Sooners went 11-2 in 2016 under Stoops, but two early season losses pushed them out of the College Football Playoff field. This season, they have a rematch against the Ohio State Buckeyes on the road.

Their out-of-conference schedule isn’t as tough as last season but defeating the Buckeyes could take Oklahoma a long way in qualifying for the College Football Playoff field.

They have senior quarterback Baker Mayfield under center but will need to replace weapons, Heisman finalist wide receiver Dede Westbrook and running back Samaje Perine on offense.

Related Story: 10 best small school quarterbacks of all time

They return nine starters on offense and seven on defense. So, it shouldn’t be hard for them to pick up where they left off last year. They’ll have competition to win the Big 12 but if they can win out for the third consecutive season, a playoff bid could be in Riley’s near future.

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