AAC Football: Most Important Non-Conference Games in 2017

Sep 24, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; East Carolina Pirates running back Anthony Scott (3) runs the ball against Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) during the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; East Carolina Pirates running back Anthony Scott (3) runs the ball against Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) during the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas defensive back Tony Annese (18) tries to tackle Tulsa Golden Hurricane running back James Flanders (20) during the second half at Marlins Park. The Golden Hurricane won 55-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas defensive back Tony Annese (18) tries to tackle Tulsa Golden Hurricane running back James Flanders (20) during the second half at Marlins Park. The Golden Hurricane won 55-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Since moving from Conference USA three years ago, Tulsa has been overlooked among the pecking order of the AAC West. Yet their 2016 campaign showed how dangerous the Golden Hurricane could be this year in the conference.

They lost big to Ohio State in Columbus, but otherwise went 10-2 with one-score losses to Houston and Navy. Philip Montgomery will hope to get the year started strong, with a Power Five matchup against an old state rival right out of the gate in Week 1.

It has been six years since Tulsa has squared off against Oklahoma State. It has been even longer — 1998, to be precise — since the Golden Hurricane have taken down the Cowboys. And in terms of winning at Stillwater, you have to go back to 1951.

But Mike Gundy‘s team is not invincible at home, regardless of what he still says about last year’s loss to the Chippewas. Tulsa could be a threat not just in the AAC but also in the Access Bowl race if they take down the Pokes on the road.