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SEC Football: 5 most important non-conference games in 2017

By Jerran Anderson

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2017; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Jordan Scarlett (25) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown during the orange and blue debut at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2017; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Jordan Scarlett (25) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown during the orange and blue debut at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Michigan vs. Florida, Sept. 2

The Florida Gators play the Michigan Wolverines in Arlington, Texas with a lot on the line. After going 9-4 in 2016, their out-of-conference challenge against Michigan serves to raise the bar a bit higher.

The last time these two teams met, it was in the 2016 Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl. Michigan won rather easily 41-7. That game certainly will be in the back of the minds of Gators’ players as they look to kick off 2017 with a bang.

After making the SEC Championship game in 2016, the Gators look to return even better on offense with nine returning starters, led by wide receiver Antonio Callaway.

They could be without Callaway for awhile, however, due to a recent marijuana possession charges. His punishment is up in the air but he could very well miss their season opener.

Running back Jordan Scarlett returns after running for 889 yards and six touchdowns, but the quarterback position is still a toss up. Last year’s starting quarterback Luke del Rio is still nursing a shoulder injury opening the door for some new blood to take over.

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