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Detroit Sports: A 2017 Wishlist Item for Every Team

By Matt Snyder

Nov 26, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions fans celebrate during the fourth quarter of a NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Lions win 45-14. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions fans celebrate during the fourth quarter of a NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Lions win 45-14. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2015; Toledo, OH, USA; Western Michigan Broncos head coach P.J. Fleck raises both arms during the third quarter against the Toledo Rockets at Glass Bowl. Broncos win 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Toledo, OH, USA; Western Michigan Broncos head coach P.J. Fleck raises both arms during the third quarter against the Toledo Rockets at Glass Bowl. Broncos win 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Western Michigan

Zac Snyder: To become the Boise State of the MAC

2017 gets off to a big start for Western Michigan as they play in the highest-profile bowl game in school history. The Cotton Bowl matchup with the Wisconsin Badgers gives the Broncos a big opportunity to validate their undefeated season by knocking off a top ten team. It would be the third win over a Big Ten school and cement the Broncos’ 2016 season as much more than just a nice story.

But bigger than the bowl win would be the continuation of the success the Broncos have enjoyed under  head coach P.J. Fleck. His return next season gives the program continuity such that the Broncos could prove to be much more than a one-hit wonder. Replacing a veteran quarterback and superstar wide receiver won’t be easy, but programs become great by sustaining success as players come and go.

The hope is that the Broncos can sustain success even when Fleck eventually departs, much like another group of Broncos – Boise State. Who knows what heights the Western Michigan football program can reach but aiming to become the Boise State of the MAC is a worthy wish. That’s not only the case because Boise has been the most prominent non-Power Five football program, but by how they’ve done it.

Boise State’s rise began slowly in the late 90s under Dirk Koetter. Koetter was succeeded by his offensive coordinator, Dan Hawkins, who was succeeded by his offensive coordiator, Chris Peterson, who was succeeded by Boise State alum and former staff member Bryan Harsin. Those four have all posted winning percentages of .722 or greater and have helped establish and maintain Boise State on the national college football scene.

Western Michigan got there this season, but how long will it last? Will it end whenever Fleck does depart or will an underlying system and football culture keep Western at or near the top of the MAC? My wish for Western Michigan in 2017 is to see signs that they can be the Boise State of the MAC.

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