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
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 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 /

3. Penn State vs. Pittsburgh, Sept. 9

The Penn State Nittany Lions faced the Pittsburgh Panthers for the first time since the 2000 season and lost 42-39 in a shootout last season. This season’s rematch, the Nittany Lions look for redemption.

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Penn State finished 2016 with an 11-3 record but started 2-2 before winning nine-straight games. Losing to the USC Trojans in the Rose Bowl 52-49 was a letdown but it didn’t overshadow them winning the Big Ten Championship Game.

The good news for the Nittany Lions is they return nine starters on offense. The Panthers return just four starters on defense making for an interesting game this fall.

Quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley should be on Heisman Watch all season long and this is one game where they should shine. Although they lost in the Rose Bowl, their 2017 season is destined to be a good one.

An ACC victory will do some good to boost their profile for a potential run at the College Football Playoffs. They went 8-1 in the Big Ten a season ago and can look to repeat as Big Ten East Division champions next season.