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College Football: 10 biggest storylines heading into 2017

By Andrew Hammond

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers (L) and linebacker Ben Boulware
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers (L) and linebacker Ben Boulware /
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KALAMAZOO, MI – NOVEMBER 25: head coach P.J. Fleck of the Western Michigan Broncos prior to the game against the Toledo Rockets at Waldo Stadium on November 25, 2016 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
KALAMAZOO, MI – NOVEMBER 25: head coach P.J. Fleck of the Western Michigan Broncos prior to the game against the Toledo Rockets at Waldo Stadium on November 25, 2016 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

6. Is PJ Fleck ready for the big time?

It’s not secret that one of my favorite coaches in all of College Football is PJ Fleck. From rocking the ties on the sidelines to his strange yet hilarious antics. There’s too much to like about PJ, the infectious, child-like enthusiasm can annoy some but I for one absolutely love it.

Fleck took Western Michigan and turned them from MAC also-ran to the Cotton Bowl. Now Fleck is at the University of Minnesota and a has quite a job on his hands in 2017. While it’s not Texas or another blue blood that would bring pressure from day one the Big Ten will be very tough to navigate.

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

Having to come in to a program who is in much needed “makeover” mode as the failed boycott by the program cost Tracy Claeys his job. Fleck offers a breath of fresh air and you’ve already seen him bring in the same zaniness that he had at WMU but that can only go so far if he’s off to a slow start.

One thing that helps Fleck in his first season at as Golden Gophers head coach is a talented and proven defense led by Duke McGhee and Antonie Winfield Jr. Offensively it’s going to be a much bigger struggle as they will be breaking in a new QB. The schedule works in Minnesota’s favor but once we get into conference play, we’ll see if PJ is ready to play with the big boys.

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