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

By Jerran Anderson

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
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 /
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Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) celebrates his interception against the Florida Gators with teammates at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryon Houlgrave/The Des Moines Register via USA TODAY Network
Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) celebrates his interception against the Florida Gators with teammates at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryon Houlgrave/The Des Moines Register via USA TODAY Network /

5. Wyoming at Iowa, Sept. 2

When you’re a Power Five team, you never want to take an early loss to a Group of Five team, especially if you’re in the Big Ten like the Iowa Hawkeyes.

The Hawkeyes face a tough challenge in quarterback Josh Allen and the Wyoming Cowboys. Allen is projected to be a top NFL pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He threw for 3,203 passing yards and 28 touchdowns in 2016.

The good news for the Hawkeyes is they return eight players on defense and seven on offense in 2017. They went 6-3 in conference play last season but they have some holes to fill this season.

They’ll need to replace their quarterback but they should be in good hands with Nathan Stanley under center. He appeared in seven games last season as former starter C.J. Beathard’s backup.

Defensively, the Hawkeyes will need to make up for the 30-3 performance against the Florida Gators they put on in the Outback Bowl to close out last season. Granted, they did have three turnovers in the game but still.

Desmond King and Greg Mabin are gone from the cornerback spots, but there’s some depth to replace them in the secondary.

Iowa may be on upset alert for their season opener but they should do well to represent the Big Ten’s winning pedigree.

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