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

By Jerran Anderson

Apr 21, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Willie Taggart watches players scrimmage during spring practice at the Oregon Ducks outdoor practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Willie Taggart watches players scrimmage during spring practice at the Oregon Ducks outdoor practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox watches his squad practice before the game with the Akron Zips at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin defeated Akron 54-10. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox watches his squad practice before the game with the Akron Zips at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin defeated Akron 54-10. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Ole Miss at California, Sept. 16

The California Golden Bears are another Pac-12 team that had a down year in 2016. With a 5-7 record, the Golden Bears have some room for improvement in 2017. After firing Sonny Dykes, a new era starts next season.

The Golden Bears have a new head coach in Justin Wilcox and with that comes high expectations. They’ve shown flashes they can be good but also have sputtered against the good teams in the conference.

Wilcox and his staff should turn things around. However, replacing quarterback Davis Webb will be tough but new offensive coordinator Beau Baldwin’s system should keep things open and free next season.

Cal returns eight starters on defense which bodes well even though they allowed 42.6 points per game. With Wilcox as their leader, the defense should be much improved.

Wilcox is the former Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator, showing where much of the focus will be this upcoming season. They’ll be tested early by the Ole Miss Rebels, a competitive SEC squad.

It is the team’s first ever meeting in school history.

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