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

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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 /

2. Oregon at Wyoming, Sept. 16

Head coach Willie Taggart will be tested early when the Oregon Ducks face the Wyoming Cowboys. The Ducks had an underwhelming 2016 season which culminated with a 4-8 record.

Taggart has the talent on the Oregon roster to be decent next season but he’ll have to figure things out in a hurry. Quarterback Justin Herbert and running back Royce Freeman return ready to do big things.

The Wyoming Cowboys went 8-6 in Craig Bohl’s third year as head coach. With Josh Allen at quarterback, their offense isn’t one to be taken lightly. Especially considering the Ducks defense allowed 41.4 points per game in 2016, which ranked 126th in the FBS.

Oregon returns the most starters (17) in the Pac-12 which makes for a favorable turnaround in 2017 in the grand scheme of things.

After Taggart led the South Florida Bulls to an18-7 record in the past two seasons, the upside for the Ducks is there, they just need to produce. A victory over Wyoming will help their case to return as a powerhouse.

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