American Conference Football was back in action this weekend. Here’s the latest from the teams on the gridiron this week.
| Team | Record | This Week | Result | Up Next |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UTSA | 6-1 (3-0) | vs Navy | W, 38-34 | at Tulane |
| North Texas | 4-2 (2-0) | — OFF — | — | at Navy |
| Army | 4-2 (3-1) | vs FAU | W, 56-24 | at Tulsa (FRI) |
| Memphis | 5-2 (2-1) | at Tulane (FRI) | L, 17-31 | vs ECU (THU) |
| UAB | 4-3 (2-1) | vs ECU (THU) | W, 30-17 | — OFF — |
| FAU | 4-2 (1-1) | at Army | L, 24-56 | vs Rice |
| ECU | 3-3 (1-1) | at UAB (THU) | L, 17-30 | at Memphis (THU) |
| Tulane | 3-3 (1-1) | vs Memphis (FRI) | W, 31-17 | vs UTSA |
| USF | 5-2 (1-2) | vs Kent State | W, 29-2 | — OFF — |
| Tulsa | 4-3 (1-2) | at Rice | W, 38-17 | vs Army (FRI) |
| Temple | 2-5 (1-2) | vs Charlotte | L, 31-38 | — OFF — |
| Charlotte | 1-6 (1-2) | at Temple | W, 38-31 | — OFF — |
| Navy | 2-4 (1-3) | at UTSA | L, 34-38 | vs North Texas |
| Rice | 1-6 (0-3) | vs Tulsa | L, 17-38 | at FAU |
Storylines // Standings // Preseason Poll
Green Wave Get off the Mat
It’s been a rough season in New Orleans, with first-year head coach Will Hall already under fire after a mediocre 2-3 start. Knocking off one of the conference frontrunners with a fourth-string quarterback and a dominant defensive performance (six turnovers!) won’t erase those concerns overnight, but it’s a big win for Hall and it keeps Tulane right in the mix in the American Conference standings.
Overtime Exclamation Point
UAB trailed East Carolina by eight with under two minutes to play, having accounted for just three field goals in 58 minutes of play to that point. Not only did the Blazers drive the length of the field (10 plays, 93 yards), but they converted a two-point play after a Ryder Burton touchdown pass to force overtime. UAB scored first in OT, then picked off East Carolina quarterback Emory Williams and returned it for a defensive touchdown and the rare double-digit overtime win.
Charlotte Wins
For the first time this season, Charlotte won a football game. While a 1-6 record is far from laudable, the fact that the 49ers were able to get off the mat and, at least for a moment, avert a season that was careening toward a winless finish was notable. Quarterback Connor Harrell led the way, completing 23-of-31 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns through the air, plus two more on the ground.
Looking Ahead
UTSA Looks for Big Road Win at Tulane
For as good as UTSA has been under head coach Jeff Traylor, the Roadrunners have had dueling identities. At home, they’ve been juggernauts. On the road, they’ve been mortal. This game is on the road in New Orleans, where Memphis just suffered an upset loss. A win in the Big Easy would look a lot better on the resume now with the Green Wave showing some fight. Can the Roadrunners do it?
Can North Texas Keep It Up?
UTSA opening conference play with a perfect 3-0 start isn’t too surprising given the continuity within the program and the success they’ve had with their current head coach. North Texas, however, comes from an entirely different place. Neal Brown has a shot to put the Mean Green in the driver’s seat in the conference with a win at Navy. That’s easier said than done, but the opportunity is all his to take.
Prime Time Midweek Elimination Game
It’s been five years since a team with two conference losses has qualified for the American Conference Championship Game. That doesn’t mean a two-loss team won’t sneak in this time around in a landscape with increasing levels of parity, but it’s certainly a clear demarcation line between safe and sweating it out. The loser of between East Carolina and Memphis will have that second loss with a little less than half the season to go.