American Conference Football was back in action this weekend. Here’s the latest from the teams on the gridiron in Week 4.
| Team | Record | This Week | Result | Up Next |
| Charlotte | 1-3 | at Florida | L, 22-7 | at SMU |
| ECU | 1-3 | vs Gardner Webb | W, 44-0 | at Rice |
| FAU | 1-3 | at Illinois | L, 23-17 | — |
| Memphis | 3-1 | at Missouri | L, 34-27 | vs Boise St |
| Navy | 1-2 | — | vs USF | |
| North Texas | 1-2 | — | vs ACU | |
| Rice | 2-2 | at USF | L, 42-29 | vs ECU |
| SMU | 2-2 | at TCU | L, 34-17 | vs Charlotte |
| Temple | 2-3 | vs Miami | L, 41-7 | at Tulsa |
| Tulane | 3-1 | vs Nicholls | W, 36-7 | vs UAB |
| Tulsa | 2-2 | at N. Illinois | W, 22-14 | vs Temple |
| UAB | 1-3 | at Georgia | L, 49-21 | at Tulane |
| USF | 2-2 | vs Rice | W, 42-29 | at Navy |
| UTSA | 1-3 | at Tennessee | L, 45-14 | — |
Notable Results (Standings)
First place Bulls
Losers of their last 18 games against FBS opponents, a streak that dated back to the 2021 season, USF has found the win column. The Bulls rallied from a first-half deficit, throwing all over the Rice defense en route to a huge conference win for first-year head coach Alex Golesh. Picked to finish 13th in the league before the season, USF is currently tied for first.
Skilletless
In what was the final scheduled meeting between TCU and SMU, the Horned Frogs claimed the Iron Skillet for the foreseeable future. This rivalry is, ostensibly, a casualty of conference realignment, despite there seeming to be plenty of workable solutions to continue the series. Alas, the Mustangs might not get a chance to avenge this loss anytime soon.
Almost upset
Memphis briefly led Missouri 10-7 in the early goings of their game and mostly played catch-up from that point onward, never falling more than two scores behind, but running out of time after their final fourth quarter touchdown. FAU’s bid was more heartbreaking. After taking a 10-0 lead, they allowed 23 unanswered points before a drive in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter got them back within one score.
Looking ahead – Key storylines
Can the Owls bounce back?
Entering Week 5, East Carolina and Rice share one combined FBS win. The Owls upset Houston to win the Bayou Bucket, but some of the wind was knocked out of their sails when quarterback JT Daniels was injured in the second half against USF. Both programs could use a conference win to keep things from going sideways, setting up a particularly important midseason bout.
Where does Memphis rank?
Boise State has been the gold standard for Group of Five football for decades now. The Broncos have struggled this season, but edged San Diego State in Week 4 and played UCF to the wire a few weeks ago. The G5 spot in the New Year’s Six is up for grabs. If Memphis wants to make their case they belong, this might be one of their best remaining chances.
First-year fortunes?
Navy put a scare into Memphis two weeks ago and USF is riding high off their first AAC win. One of these two first-year head coaches can extend their case and send a message they’re ahead of schedule with a win on Saturday. Which one will it be?
