Ten AAC Out of Conference Games To Watch:

By Brian Reading - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0.

As usual, the AAC is among the best in the G5 as playing the big boys of the P5. This year has some very interesting matchup that includes a trip to MAC country for what could be one of the best games of the year. 

Let's take a look at ten of the most tantalizing AAC non-conference games heading into the 2017 season. 

• UCLA at Memphis (September 16): There are fewer more marquee games for the Tigers in the Liberty Bowl. They are facing off versus a UCLA squad that has one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation in Josh Rosen. Memphis is predicted to have a great season and have lots of talent all over the offensive side of the ball, led by the Ferguson to Miller connection. A win here would be great for the Tigers and all of the AAC as they attempt to gain traction on their ill-fated P6 campaign. Expect lots of points with a few standout defensive plays deciding this game.

• Tulsa at Toledo (September 16): Why do we not get games like this every year? Two quality G5 teams playing one another rather than wasting it with a lower quality opponent. The Golden Hurricane will have time to recover from the Oklahoma State game to start the season and should be able to control the line of scrimmage in the run game. Toledo could be in a position to make some noise nationally if they can get through Elon, Nevada, Tulsa, and Miami (Fl.) to start the season. This game could be the toughest of the season for the Rockets.

• Tulsa at #11 Oklahoma State (August 31): The Cowboys have been one of the most consistent teams in the Big 12 lately with back to back 10-win seasons. They are still smarting from a controversial loss to Central Michigan in their last game versus the G5. Tulsa is starting to surge in the AAC under Montgomery and have one of the best run blocking lines in the nation. It is still weird associating Tulsa with the run game. This is a fun in-state game that Tulsa could steal if they do not get too caught up in the moment.

• Illinois at South Florida (September 15): This is a game that should put the Bulls on the national radar even though they will be heavy favorites. USF will likely head into this game 3-0 and this is their one regular season shot to knock off a Power 5 program. This game would be much higher on the list, but Illinois is not expected to be one of the best teams in the Big 10 and South Florida is a dark horse pick to finish the season in the top 10 nationally.

• Texas Tech at Houston (September 23): Maybe one day we can get the Herman bowl with Texas traveling to Houston to face the Cougars. Until then, we will be happy to watch the pride of Lubbock and that high-powered offense take on newly minted head coach Major Applewhite and company. The Red Raiders will look to nullify the effect of Oliver by getting rid of the ball early, so the secondary better come ready to play. This game is a toss-up at this point.

• Navy at Army (neutral site) (December 9): It would not be a list without the inclusion of the annual Army-Navy game. This year’s game will be played in Philadelphia and should be a fun game to watch. Army has high hopes to regain the Commander-In-Chief trophy for the first time since 1996 with this game possibly deciding the winner. Of course, Navy has a say in it, but this year feels like an Army-Navy game for everything.

• Houston at Arizona (September 9): If the Cougars want to be known as the kings of G5 football, this is a game they must win. Arizona is a mess after going 3-9 and continually getting worse under Rich Rodriguez. Houston is replacing several stars and a head coach, but has the best G5 player in the nation and arguably one of the top 5 players in the nation as a whole in Ed Oliver. This is the type of game that Oliver dominates. The Cougars should leave Tuscon with a win and the nation again talking about Oliver.

• Temple at Notre Dame (September 2): Two teams seemingly headed in different directions since that College Gameday matchup two years ago, this should be an interesting game. The Irish are in make or break mode under Brian Kelly and cannot afford to lose to a slightly rebuilding Temple squad. The Owls are heading into 2017 looking to continue their streak of AAC title game appearances, but have quite a bit to replace. If they can get good production from whoever wins the QB battle, Temple will give the Irish all they can handle.

• Cincinnati at #9 Michigan (September 9): Do not expect the Bearcats to win this game. The only real hope is that they look better than last season. Luke Fickell and company are rebuilding the mess left by Tommy Tuberville the right way and that means taking their time. Michigan is expected to compete for the playoff this season, but the Bearcats’ head coach is very familiar with the Wolverines from his time at Ohio State.

• #22 Virginia Tech at East Carolina (September 16): Though the Hokies rolled ECU last season, this has been a spirited rivalry in recent years with the Pirates winning in 2014 and 2015. This is a bit of a homecoming of sorts for quarterback Thomas Sirk as he faces off versus an ACC opponent for the first time since leaving Duke. ECU is a wild card this season with so many working parts and transfers that it is almost impossible to get a good read on the program. The Hokies should win, but it will be closer than last year’s 54-17 pummeling.

Just missed the cut: ECU at West Virginia, Houston at UTSA, Louisiana at Tulsa, SMU at TCU, Tulane at Oklahoma, Georgia Tech at UCF, Arkansas State at SMU, Marshall at Cincinnati, Air Force at Navy.