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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Army | 5-4 (3-3) | vs Temple | W, 14-13 | — OFF — |
| Charlotte | 1-8 (0-6) | at ECU | L, 48-22 | vs UTSA |
| ECU | 6-3 (4-1) | vs Charlotte | W, 48-22 | vs Memphis |
| FAU | 4-5 (3-3) | vs Tulsa | W, 40-21 | at Tulane |
| Memphis | 8-2 (4-2) | at Tulane (FRI) | L, 38-32 | at ECU |
| Navy | 7-2 (5-2) | at Notre Dame | L, 49-10 | vs USF |
| North Texas | 8-1 (4-1) | — OFF — | — | at UAB |
| Rice | 5-5 (2-4) | vs UAB | W, 24-17 | — OFF — |
| Temple | 5-5 (3-3) | at Army | L, 14-13 | — OFF — |
| Tulane | 7-2 (4-1) | at Memphis (FRI) | W, 38-32 | vs FAU |
| Tulsa | 2-7 (0-6) | at FAU | L, 40-21 | vs Oregon St |
| UAB | 3-6 (1-4) | at Rice | L, 24-17 | vs North Texas |
| USF | 7-2 (4-1) | vs UTSA (THR) | W, 55-23 | at Navy |
| UTSA | 4-5 (2-3) | at USF (THR) | L, 55-23 | at Charlotte |
Storylines // Standings // Preseason Poll
Roadrunners Routed
A largely disappointing season for UTSA continued this week when the Roadrunners resumed their hot and cold rotation with another dismal performance away from the Alamodome. USF showcased themselves as a true conference title contender while UTSA is suddenly in danger of missing out on a bowl game should they stumble more than once the rest of the way.
Memphis Knocked Out of Title Contention
With so many teams remaining with just one loss, Memphis might be on the outside looking in once again with a crushing loss to Tulane which was nearly as close as the final score indicated. The Green Wave lead 35-17 at half, claiming the win behind a huge day from quarterback Jake Retzlaff who threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns, also adding a score on the ground.
Owls in Postseason Contention?
It’s been a tough slog for first year head coach’s in the American outside of ECU’s Blake Harrell, who only somewhat counts since he was an interim promoted from the existing staff. The lone exceptions to the new coach woes? Rice football (Scott Abell) and Temple (K.C. Keeler). Rice won this weekend, getting to five wins while Temple dropped a close one to Army.
Looking ahead – Key storylines
East Carolina Has Their Shot
A few non-conference losses knocked them out of the spotlight, but East Carolina is very much still alive in the conference title race and could further cement themselves as usurpers should they beat Memphis next weekend. If the Pirates beat the Tigers, things could get interesting. They finish with winnable games against UTSA and Florida Atlantic.
Midshipmen and Bulls Meet in Possible Elimination Game
The only matchup of one-loss teams in the conference next weekend, the loser of this likely joins the ranks with Memphis of good teams that won’t have a chance to play for a championship. North Texas has the luxury of coming off a bye while Navy just endured a slugfest with Notre Dame.
Last Chance for Charlotte
If the 49ers are going to win a conference game this season, this is probably their last real opportunity. The 49ers host a hot-and-could UTSA squad before finishing their season at Georgia and at Tulane. A one win campaign is very much on the table, making even the faintest glimmers of hope that could be garnished from an upset over UTSA all that more enticing.
