They’re gimmes.

Most of them, anyway, at least they’re supposed to be.

But non-conference games tripped up several SEC teams in 2017, even ones that were scheduled with a victory in mind.

What will 2018 bring? Let’s take a look.

Alabama

2017 non-conference record: 5-0, including Playoff semifinal victory

2018 projection: 4-0

Why: Louisville is signature Power 5 opponent, but the Cardinals are starting over without Lamar Jackson. That’s going to go about as well for them as it did for Clemson in the Sugar Bowl semifinal without Deshaun Watson.

Arkansas

2017 non-conference record: 3-1

2018 projection: 4-0

Why: The lone loss last year was against Kenny Hill and a ranked TCU team. There are no Power 5 foes on the slate this year. North Texas, which reached the C-USA title game last year, will be a sneaky tough test, but considering Chad Morris competed against them as SMU’s coach, he’ll ensure the Hogs aren’t looking ahead.

Auburn

2017 non-conference record: 3-2, including Peach Bowl loss

2018 projection: 3-1

Why: The Tigers open in Atlanta against Washington, a Playoff contender whose starting quarterback, Jake Browning, already has been to one Playoff. The Pac-12 doesn’t get a lot of respect, but the Huskies can change that narrative in Week 1.

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Florida

2017 non-conference record: 1-2

2018 projection: 3-1

Why: The Gators opened last season against a ranked Michigan squad and were pounded. They’ll ease into 2018 against Charleston Southern. The annual date with FSU, this time in Tallahassee, is the greatest opportunity for a loss.

Georgia

2017 non-conference record: 5-0, including Playoff semifinal victory

2018 projection: 4-0

Why: There’s no Notre Dame, no ranked opponent and absolutely no reason for concern. Georgia Tech scored all of one touchdown against the Dawgs last year at home. Overconfidence is the opponent Georgia must tackle.

Kentucky

2017 non-conference record: 3-2, including Music City Bowl loss

2018 projection: 4-0

Why: This year’s Governor’s Cup game is at Louisville, but arguably the best player in series history — Lamar Jackson — won’t be presiding. Advantage, Kentucky.

LSU

2017 non-conference record: 3-2, including Citrus Bowl loss

2018 projection: 3-1

Why: The good news is the Tigers won’t have to face Troy. The bad news is the open against Miami. The Canes are replacing plenty of key parts, but they won’t be breaking in a new quarterback — unless one of the young guns beats out Malik Rosier. LSU will.

Mississippi State

2017 non-conference record: 5-0, including TaxSlayer Bowl victory

2018 projection: 4-0

Why: The Bulldogs are being viewed as a potential dark horse to win the West. That’s a lot of hype for a team breaking in a new head coach. A Week 2 showdown at a more-than-capable Kansas State team will be revealing.

Missouri

2017 non-conference record: 3-2, including Texas Bowl loss

2018 projection: 4-0

Why: Drew Lock played one of the worst games of his career in last season’s home loss to Purdue. If he’s as good as we think, he’ll go Drew Brees against the Boilers in Week 3. Wyoming would have been an odd must-watch Wild, Wild West shootout, but Cowboys QB Josh Allen decided to leave school early and enter the NFL Draft.

Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss

2017 non-conference record: 3-1

2018 projection: 4-0

Why: The Rebels have one of the easiest non-conference schedules in the conference. All four opponents had a losing season in 2017, including Texas Tech, the lone Power 5 foe in the bunch. That opener against the Red Raiders is in Houston.

South Carolina

2017 non-conference record: 4-1, including Outback Bowl victory

2018 projection: 3-1

Why: Steve Spurrier owned Clemson, but Will Muschamp doesn’t. Clemson is going for its fifth consecutive victory in the series, something the Tigers haven’t accomplished since 1940.

Tennessee

2017 non-conference record: 4-0

2018 projection: 3-1

Why: Opening against Will Grier and West Virginia is significantly more difficult than facing Georgia Tech. The Mountaineers are considered a Playoff contender.

Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

Texas A&M

2017 non-conference record: 3-2, including Belk Bowl loss

2018 projection: 3-1

Why: Jimbo Fisher can’t escape Clemson. That’s a likely loss in Week 2, but don’t sleep on UAB. That’s a dangerous game, just ahead of the regular season finale against LSU. A 2-2 mark isn’t out of the question.

Vanderbilt

2017 non-conference record: 4-0

2018 projection: 2-2

Why: The upset over No. 18 Kansas State was Vandy’s highlight … and started its downfall as Nifae Lealao immediately got Alabama’s attention by claiming the Tide were next. Let’s hope everybody stays quiet ahead of the ‘Dores’ Week 3 trip to South Bend to face Notre Dame. Trouble could come much earlier, though. Vandy again opens against Middle Tennessee. That wasn’t an issue last season, but you’d expect decorated senior QB Brent Stockstill to play a lot better this time.