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

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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Dec 30, 2016; Nashville , TN, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Ryker Fyfe (17) carries the ball to score a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Nebraska at Oregon, Sept. 9

The Nebraska Cornhuskers travel to hostile territory when they face the Oregon Ducks in Week 2 next season. Replacing Tommy Armstrong Jr. will be tough, as will going 9-4 again, but with some coaching changes Nebraska should be in good shape.

The Cornhuskers lost steam in Big Ten play after beginning the season with a 4-0 record. Two road losses to the Wisconsin Badgers and Ohio State Buckeyes set them back a bit.

However, a road visit to Oregon should prepare them for future adversity they’ll face in 2017. They beat the Ducks last season in Lincoln 35-32 so it won’t be a cake walk by any stretch.

The downside for Nebraska is they return just four starters on offense meaning things could still be a work in progress for them by Week 2.

Bob Diaco brings in a 3-4 approach as the Cornhuskers new defensive coordinator. New cornerbacks coach Donte Williams should also improve a secondary that had 16 interceptions in 2016, third in the Big Ten.

They’ll look to spoil head coach Willie Taggart’s debut with the Ducks. Nebraska could come away with a road victory, they’ll just need to be ready to play.

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