AAC Football: Most Important Non-Conference Games in 2017

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Sep 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Greg Ward Jr. (1) congratulates Houston Cougars wide receiver Linell Bonner (15) on his touchdown against the Oklahoma Sooners at NRG Stadium. Houston Cougars won 33 to 23. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Last year Houston opened its season by toppling Oklahoma 33-23. With win after win, the Cougars appeared to be the class of the AAC. They followed that up by also knocking off Louisville in November.

The two statement wins, though, were not enough to overcome three AAC road losses. Instead of threatening for a bid in the College Football Playoff, the Cougars finished out their year in Las Vegas, losing in a blowout to San Diego State.

Thus important non-conference games can mean only so much depending on what happens in league play. This year Houston avoids the Big 12 champs. Instead, the Cougars head to Tucson to take on Rich Rodriguez’s Arizona squad.

These two teams have not faced one another since 1986, and the lifetime series is split at 1-1. With Rodriguez looking to rebound from a dismal 2016 campaign, this could be one of the best games overall in Week 2.

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