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Big 12 Football: 5 most important non-conference games in 2017

By Jerran Anderson

Apr 15, 2017; Austin, TX, USA; Texa Longhorns head football coach Tom Herman signals during a post game review during the Texas orange-white spring game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Gutierrez-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Austin, TX, USA; Texa Longhorns head football coach Tom Herman signals during a post game review during the Texas orange-white spring game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Gutierrez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver John Diarse (9) and TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Jarrison Stewart (14) celebrate during the first half after scoring a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs at Liberty Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver John Diarse (9) and TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Jarrison Stewart (14) celebrate during the first half after scoring a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs at Liberty Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

4. TCU at Arkansas, Sept. 9

The TCU Horned Frogs took a step backwards after going a combined 23-3 in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Head coach Gary Patterson hopes for better results in the Big 12 as they return 10 starters on offense.

The Horned Frogs lost to the Razorbacks last season in double overtime 41-38 after a fourth quarter comeback tied things up in regulation. This year’s rematch is certain to have the same amount of fireworks.

Quarterback Kenny Hill threw for 3,208 passing yards and 17 passing touchdowns but also 13 interceptions. There could be a competition between Hill and incoming freshman Shawn Robinson, who enrolled early to get a headstart on things.

The Horned Frogs defense returns seven starters and has the opportunity to improve as a unit in 2017. Their scoring defense ranked 64th in the FBS, allowing 28.0 points per game.

TCU has a chance to redeem themselves after starting the 2016 season ranked 13th in the AP Poll but not quite living up to expectations. Earning a road victory against Arkansas could take them a long way in improving things.

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