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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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Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Auburn Tigers fullback Chandler Cox (27) reacts with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Oklahoma Sooners in the first quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Auburn Tigers fullback Chandler Cox (27) reacts with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Oklahoma Sooners in the first quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Auburn at Clemson, Sept. 9

Not only will conference supremacy be on the line when the Auburn Tigers and Clemson Tigers face off, but so will mascot supremacy. Clemson squeaked by with a 19-13 last season but this season, Auburn should be better offensively.

Transfer quarterback Jarrett Stidham impressed in the team’s annual spring game and is the current leader to start for Auburn. He was a member of the Baylor Bears in 2015 where he threw for 1,265 passing yards and 12 passing touchdowns.

After battling quarterback troubles all season, Auburn still finished 2016 with an 8-5 record. They went 5-3 in the SEC but with running backs Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson returning, the Tigers should be okay.

They’ve also got a new offensive coordinator (Chip Lindsey) after producing just 31.2 points per game in 2016 (49th in the FBS).

The defense returns seven starters but the loss of Montravius Adams and Carl Lawson to the NFL Draft will change things on the defensive line.

Clemson should serve as a good test at either rate. Their defense should be better than the offense, although its hard to ever count out a Dabo Swinney coached team.

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