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

Pac-12 football is still in the middle of the Power Five pack, but coaching changes should improve things in 2017.

The Pac-12 saw a few of its better teams produce some bad results in 2016. The Oregon Ducks finished the season with a 4-8 record, as did the California Golden Bears.

Both teams replaced their head coaches, beginning new eras for programs in search of new cultures, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

The non-conference slate should help to move along the process for both teams as well. California hosts the Ole Miss Rebels this season, the first meeting for the teams in their history.

The Ducks travel to Wyoming to face quarterback Josh Allen, a highly rated NFL prospect for 2018, and the Cowboys balanced offensive attack.

Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk’s return for his senior season can only be attributed to his want for a Pac-12 title run this season. He has the tools to get there, but he’ll need his defense to have his back.

The USC Trojans are another team that could make a run at a title as well as a spot in this year’s College Football Playoff. Quarterback Sam Darnold is prime for a breakout season starting with a strong game against the Texas Longhorns.

The UCLA Bruins are another team looking to break out. After quarterback Josh Rosen missed six games with a shoulder injury, he returns healthy and looking to be better than the 4-8 record the Bruins produced last season.

It starts with a non-conference matchup with Texas A&M. Here’s a look at the Pac-12 five most important non-conference games in 2017.