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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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Oct 22, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Head coach Tom Herman and the Houston Cougars prepare to take the field prior to a game against the against the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Head coach Tom Herman and the Houston Cougars prepare to take the field prior to a game against the against the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Will the Texas Longhorns breakout under Tom Herman?

The Texas Longhorns couldn’t return to Big 12 prominence under head coach Charlie Strong. After three seasons, Strong was let go after posting a record of 16-21 from 2014-2016.

Now, the Longhorns look to former Houston Cougars head coach Tom Herman to turns things around. Herman surfaced as a big name with the Cougars after defeating the Florida State Seminoles 38-24 in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl in 2015.

Herman received 2015 American Conference Coach of the Year honors. The Cougars finished with a 13-1 record that season and 9-3 last season.

Although they didn’t make the College Football Playoff, they dashed the playoff hopes of quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Louisville Cardinals. After going 22-4 at Houston, Herman looks to work his magic in Austin.

Related Story: Big 12 Football: 5 teams that can dethrone Oklahoma in 2017

The Longhorns still have a ton of talent on the roster. The offense returns seven starters while the defense returns 10 starters. It’s worth noting defense is Herman’s strong suit. The Cougars ranked 30th in the FBS in scoring defense last season (23.5 ppg).

It’s a lot better than what the Texas defense allowed last year (31.5 ppg), 91st in the FBS. The Longhorns should challenge for the Big 12 title in 2017 under Herman.

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