Big Ten Football: 5 most important non-conference games in 2017

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Dec 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions safety Marcus Allen (2) in right front tries to catch confetti in his mouth after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers during the Big Ten Championship college football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Penn State defeats Wisconsin 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Big Ten football didn’t come away with the National Championship, but the conference still has its strengths.

The Big Ten Conference continues to improve overall but the surprises continue to show how deep with talent the conference really is.

The Penn State Nittany Lions shocked everybody by winning the conference championship game 38-31 over the Wisconsin Badgers. Led by quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley, the Nittany Lions should push for another East Division title in 2017.

The Oklahoma Sooners return nine starters, including Heisman finalist quarterback Baker Mayfield. They’ll need to have a better start this season after last year’s non-conference losses to the Houston Cougars and Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Michigan Wolverines also look to finally deliver a Big Ten title after two 10-win seasons back-to-back by head coach Jim Harbaugh. They have tons of holes to replace on both sides of the ball in 2017, however.

Two other teams looking to battle for the Big Ten title are the Iowa Hawkeyes and Nebraska Cornhuskers. The Hawkeyes return 15 total starters in 2017, while the Cornhuskers return 10 total.

With potential for some parody in the Big Ten again, here’s a look at the five most important non-conference games in 2017.

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