AAC Football: Most Important Non-Conference Games in 2017

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Nov 5, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats running back Mike Boone (5) breaks a tackle from Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Dayan Lake (5) in the first half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bearcats entered 2016 as possible AAC contenders. They limped out with a sub-.500 record for the first time since 2010.

Even given the disappointment of the year, Cincinnati still managed to take down a Power Five opponent when they scored an 18-point win against Purdue in West Lafayette. It was the third time in four years that the Bearcats had knocked off a major-conference school since being left behind in the AAC after the Big East split.

Making it three in a row and four in five years will be much tougher this season. New head coach Luke Fickell, formerly of Ohio State, takes on a familiar foe in Week 2 when Cincinnati heads to Michigan.

Last season the Wolverines won 10 games and challenged for the Big Ten title. Of their three losses, the biggest margin of defeat was by a field goal to Ohio State — in double overtime. Cincinnati should be better in 2017, but a win in the Big House would be among the biggest upsets of the year.

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