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

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Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the annual 2017 Spring Game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum . Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Texas vs. USC, Sept. 16

The USC Trojans got off to a slow start in 2016. They were 1-3 before reeling off nine straight victories to finish the season, including an impressive 52-49 comeback victory against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Rose Bowl.

Quarterback Sam Darnold is a name fans will be hearing all season long for the Trojans. Although they face the Texas Longhorns in Week 3, it gives Darnold a formidable opponent and a national stage to show scouts what he can do.

Darnold headlines a strong 2018 NFL Draft class of quarterbacks set to make the leap to the next level. All eyes will be on him in this game as well as a portion of the Trojans top five rated recruiting class from 2017.

The Trojans could have a lot of young weapons on the field at Darnold’s disposal by the time the fall arrives. They also got a lot better on defense, securing four-star defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu from the state of Oregon.

At either rate, the Trojans and Longhorns matchup should be a shootout. Expect the winner to elevate his status as a Heisman candidate as a result.

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