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ACC Football: 5 most important non-conference games in 2017

By Jerran Anderson

Apr 8, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) during the Spring Game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Derwin James (3) during the Spring Game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (center holding trophy) celebrates with teammates after a game against the West Virginia Mountaineersat Camping World Stadium. The Miami Hurricanes won 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (center holding trophy) celebrates with teammates after a game against the West Virginia Mountaineersat Camping World Stadium. The Miami Hurricanes won 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Miami vs. Notre Dame, Nov. 11

The Miami Hurricanes are almost “back” and their late-season matchup with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish should confirm as much. Although, they are on a three-game losing streak to Notre Dame.

The Hurricanes host the Fighting Irish which makes for a fun-filled Saturday. They have to replace quarterback Brad Kaaya, who departed to the NFL, but with running back Mark Walton in the backfield, they should be in good hands.

Walton ran for 1,117 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in 2016. This season, he could run for a whole lot more than 1,100 yards. They’ll need to find a new signal-caller under center, but with seven starters returning on offense, things should run smoothly.

The Miami defense returns eight starters with a strong stable of linebackers returning. Shaquille Quarterman, the team’s second-leading tackler in 2016 (84 total tackles), is one name to watch as the Hurricanes’ leader on defense.

The Hurricanes haven’t gotten a victory over Notre Dame since 1989. After falling to them 30-27 last season, Miami should be a much improved team on both sides of the ball this coming November.

The game could have College Football Playoff implications as well, making this game a must-watch barring another catastrophic start by the Fighting Irish.

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