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 | 7-1 (4-0) | — OFF — | — | at FAU (THU) |
| North Texas | 6-2 (4-0) | vs FAU (THU) | W, 48-41 | vs Rice |
| Memphis | 7-2 (4-1) | vs Army | W, 49-22 | — OFF — |
| Army | 5-3 (4-2) | at Memphis | L, 22-49 | vs Air Force |
| USF | 6-2 (2-2) | vs UAB | W, 30-10 | at ECU (FRI) |
| FAU | 5-3 (2-2) | at North Texas (THU) | L, 41-48 | vs UTSA (THU) |
| UAB | 4-4 (2-2) | at USF | L, 10-30 | at Charlotte |
| Tulane | 4-4 (2-2) | at Charlotte (FRI) | W, 38-31 (1 OT) | vs Tulsa |
| ECU | 4-4 (2-2) | vs Temple | W, 17-9 | vs USF (FRI) |
| Tulsa | 4-4 (1-3) | — OFF — | — | at Tulane |
| Charlotte | 1-7 (1-3) | vs Tulane (FRI) | L, 31-38 (1 OT) | vs UAB |
| Temple | 2-6 (1-3) | at ECU | L, 9-17 | at Navy |
| Navy | 2-6 (1-4) | vs Notre Dame | L, 13-35 | vs Temple |
| Rice | 1-7 (0-4) | — OFF — | — | at North Texas |
Storylines // Standings // Preseason Poll
North Texas and Florida Atlantic Put on a Show
Somewhat jokingly referenced as a “First to 100” type of game, Florida Atlantic and North Texas combined for a mere 89 points on Thursday night, still easily surpassing a ridiculous pregame over/under betting line that hovered in the mid-70 point range all week. Mean Green quarterback Tayven Jackson and Florida Atlantic gunslinger Caden Veltkamp combined for 853 yards and nine passing touchdowns.
Tulane???
The Green Wave has oscillated back and forth between wins and losses since a season-opening defeat at Duke. They avoided their first streak this week, but barely, escaping with an overtime win over Charlotte after trailing by 10 points in the fourth quarter. This team certainly isn’t good, but they’re not bad either. It might just depend if you catch them on an even or an odd week!
Tigers Top Troops
Army kept pace with Memphis through the better part of a quarter and a half, benefiting from a sagging Tigers’ defense that allowed the Black Knights to break off some explosive plays. When those dried up, so did Army’s chances. Memphis outscored Army 35-8 from the midpoint of the second quarter on to keep pace near the top of the conference standings, should North Texas or UTSA stumble.
Looking Ahead
Another Midweek Firework Show
Florida Atlantic could be primed for another midweek shootout, hosting a UTSA team with eyes on a conference championship game berth, should they maintain pole position in the league standings. Veltkamp outproduced North Texas’ Tayven Jackson in a losing effort last week. How will he fair against the Roadrunners’ Owen McCown?
That Sinking Feeling
Navy was projected to be a contender in the conference this season. Temple was not. Yet both enter this coming week in danger of being eliminated from postseason play contention of any kind should the losses persist. There’s still a whole month of football to play, and the schedule doesn’t get much easier for either side. Winning this one in Annapolis is quietly extremely important.
One More Points Fest?
Rice was on bye this week, depriving everyone of another chance to watch quarterback Gael Ochoa provide an encore from his outstanding performance against Florida Atlantic the week prior. If he gets the starting nod again, he’ll have his hands full with a trip to Denton. Both defenses have been troubled of late, making this one another potential shootout that could be quite entertaining.