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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Apr 15, 2017; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Jim Harbaugh is seen in the huddle during the Michigan Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Michigan vs. Florida, Sept. 2

The season opener for the Michigan Wolverines is one of those make or break moments that make for interesting college football storylines. After posting two 10-win seasons in 2015 and 2016, things will be a lot more interesting in 2017.

In Jim Harbaugh’s third season, the Wolverines open the season in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas against SEC foe, the Florida Gators. The last time the two teams faced each other, Michigan won 41-7 in Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl.

The Wolverines return just one starter on defense and four starters on offense. It helps their 2017 recruiting class ranked in top five this past cycle. The Gators return nine starters on offense while the Wolverines defense has a lot of holes to fill all over the field.

Michigan will be a young team next season which could make for interesting results. They will be in rebuild mode for a lot of the season but their first game of the season won’t be an easy one.

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