Fansided

College Football 2016: 25 bold predictions

By Nathaniel Reeves

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 26
Next
KALAMAZOO, MI – SEPTEMBER 4: Head coach P.J. Fleck of the Western Michigan Broncos looks on in the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at Waldo Stadium on September 4, 2015 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KALAMAZOO, MI – SEPTEMBER 4: Head coach P.J. Fleck of the Western Michigan Broncos looks on in the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at Waldo Stadium on September 4, 2015 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

19. P.J. Fleck becomes one of the hottest coaching names by the end of the year 

Fleck is quickly building something impressive at Western Michigan, and will be on the radar of a few power conference teams after the season.

The Broncos won eight games or more twice between 2005 and 2012 under Bill Cubit before bringing in Fleck following a 4-8 season. Fleck, who was the wide receivers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the time, became the youngest Division I head football coach since the 1980s at 32 years old.

Initially, Fleck struggled to adjust, as a depleted Broncos roster finished with just one win in 2013. However, Fleck has turned in a pair of 8-5 seasons since, and is recruiting far better than any other coach in the MAC.

Some poked fun at Fleck’s demonstrative style and attempt to install new traditions at Western Michigan, but something is clearly clicking with his players. This should be Fleck’s best team yet, and a 10-win season with a victory over either Northwestern or Illinois in the non-conference slate is well within reach.

Fleck was rumored to be connected to the Fighting Illini job before the program hired Lovie Smith. Look for his name to pop up in rumors again, and a school like Colorado or Kentucky would do well to hire him should the Broncos turn in a strong season.

Next: 18. Myles Gaskin emerges as a national star

Home/College Football