Which G5 Team Has The Best Shot At Going Undefeated?

By Brian Reading - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35620815

We are nearly at the end of the early portion non-conference slate of the college football season. Some conferences, like the MAC, tend to play four early and then end the season with eight games from conference foes. Others, like the Sun Belt, tend to save a later date for a meeting with a member of a P5 conference (mostly the SEC).

By this point in the season, it becomes clear that a handful of teams have a legitimate shot and running the table and heading to an NY6 bowl with an undefeated record. Last season, it was Western Michigan. Other years, it has been Houston, Boise State, and even Utah back before they were a part of the Pac-12.

This year, we have a whole new crop of teams looking to accomplish that feat with each team holding a differing level of difficulty along the way. Let’s take a look at the remaining G5 undefeated teams and their chances at going undefeated.

• #22 San Diego State (3-0, 0-0 MWC): Not many of the national pundits gave the Aztecs a realistic shot of taking out Arizona State and Stanford in back to back weeks. Many of those same pundits picked Stanford to win the Pac-12 outright. Instead, SDSU is sitting at 3-0 with a real chance to run the table this year. The schedule is front-loaded with every one of their tough games coming before the 15^th of October. Coming up is a stretch that includes at Air Force, Northern Illinois, and Boise State. If they can get by a tough NIU squad and break their streak of losing at least one bad non-conference game, they could be the front-runners for an NY6 bowl. Assuming they can beat most likely Boise State in the MWC title game. Chance at undefeated: 60%.

.@Chargers It’s feels like San Diego has comfortably moved on without you. Good luck to you, wherever you end up. #GoAztecs pic.twitter.com/0OVdJxNtRI

— SDCCU Stadium (@SDCCUstadium) September 17, 2017

• #21 South Florida (3-0, 0-0 AAC): Until last week, the Bulls were playing below their level and struggled to win games they should have easily won. The game versus Illinois was a showing of just how good they can be if things are rolling. There is no marquee P5 game on the schedule and they miss out on Memphis and Navy in the regular season, making their strength of schedule weaker than SDSU. If Houston can get to the October 28^th matchup undefeated as well, then that could be the national coming up party for USF. Also, watch out for the season finale at UCF. Chance at undefeated: 62.5%.
• Navy (2-0, 1-0 AAC): Still early in the season for the Midshipmen, they have yet to meet the meat of their schedule. No offense to Tulane, but they are not yet among the elite of the AAC and Navy had quite a bit of trouble putting them away. September 30 starts a streak of at Tulsa, Air Force, at Memphis, and UCF. That doesn’t even factor in SMU, at Notre Dame, at Houston, or the season finale versus Army. You could easily make a case that Navy has the toughest G5 schedule in the nation left to play. Chance at undefeated: 3%.
• Houston (2-0, 0-0 AAC): The Cougars look to be back after a disappointing season last fall. They took out an improving Arizona on the road and destroyed Rice last week. They have their toughest test of the season on Saturday as the high-flying offense of Texas Tech comes to town. If they are able to get by that game, they still have SMU, at Tulsa, Memphis, at South Florida, and Navy left on the schedule. It is possible but tough to go through that streak without a letdown. Chance at undefeated: 20%.
• Memphis (2-0, 0-0 AAC): Just pump the breaks a little bit right now. The Tigers were in a very similar situation not all that long ago when they beat a highly ranked Ole Miss squad. After a win over Southern Illinois, they have a tough matchup at UCF before facing Navy, Houston, Tulsa, and SMU down the stretch. Chance at undefeated: 45%.
• Toledo (3-0, 0-0 MAC): There is no real use at talking about the Rockets running the table until they play on Saturday. Beating #14 Miami would legitimize them to the national media and put them on course to an undefeated season. If they get by Miami, facing Ball State on the road, NIU at home, and Ohio on the road in a three-week stretch is no joke. Add in a season finale versus WMU and the road to perfection is tough for Toledo. Chance at undefeated: 18%.
• Eastern Michigan (2-0, 0-0 MAC): Nothing against the Eagles, but beating Rutgers and Charlotte is not going to get very many people talking about a perfect season. Luckily, they have Ohio, Kentucky, Toledo, Army, and WMU in the next five weeks. If they are sitting at 7-0, then let’s talk. Chance at undefeated: 3%.
• UTSA (2-0, 0-0): There is quite a bit of talk coming from Texas that the Roadrunners could actually run the table this fall. They got a win over the P5 by defeating Baylor and easily handled Southern. It hurts that they will miss out on a visit from Houston, a game that would surely legitimize them in the minds of many. Instead, they will have to prove themselves in tough CUSA games like Southern Miss, North Texas, Marshall, and Louisiana Tech. Then, beating WKU, MTSU, or Old Dominion in the CUSA title game is asking a lot of a team that played in their first bowl game only last year. Chance at undefeated: 33.3%.
• UCF (1-0, 0-0): Of the teams that were hurt most from hurricane season, the Knights took a brunt of the effects. They are sitting at 1-0, but haven’t played since a season-opening blowout win over FIU on August 31. Unless they are able to add a game on October 28, they are looking at a 10-game schedule. Still, they have trips to Maryland, Navy, and SMU while Memphis and South Florida come to town. Chance at undefeated: 5%. 

American Athletic Conference Power Rankings (9/4/17)

Week one is done, so it is only fair to take a look at the AAC and how the conference shakes out with one game in the books (two for USF). 

1. South Florida (2-0, 0-0): The Bulls barely hold on after two lackluster games to start the season. A trip to UConn should be no problem and the Bulls are expected to be undefeated heading into November for a visit from Houston. Let’s see if they can play four quarters this week.
2. Memphis (1-0, 0-0): The Tigers did enough to take care of ULM on a rainy night in Memphis. There is no time to enjoy the win as they have to visit a talented UCF squad for a week two AAC battle. Now is not the time to be looking forward to UCLA.
3. Houston (0-0, 0-0): Not much to say about the Cougars as they were the only AAC team not to play in week one due to Harvey. The expectations are high and there is a ton of talent on the roster, but Arizona on the road isn’t exactly the debut Major Applewhite wanted to make as a head coach.
4. Central Florida (1-0, 0-0): Scott Frost has done an incredible job in turning UCF from the laughingstock of the AAC to a bowl team in 2016 to one of the top four teams in the conference by week two of the 2017 season. Time to find out if McKenzie Milton and company are for real as Memphis heads to town for a week two clash.
5. Navy (1-0, 0-0): The Midshipmen just keep on rolling. With Zach Abey at quarterback, they rolled up 416 yards on the ground and were never really challenged by FAU. Tulane should give them a tougher opponent and a fun game to watch in week two.
6. Tulsa (0-1, 0-0): I vouched for the Golden Hurricane heading into the season. The offense wasn’t terrible versus a very good Oklahoma State team, but the defense looked lost and out of place. It seemed like every time OK State had the ball, they were hitting a 40+ yard play. Expect lots of points to be scored in week two when they face a Louisiana team that gave up 48 to Southeastern Louisiana.
7. SMU (1-0, 0-0): What can you say about SMU in week one? They put up 58 and won easily over a vastly inferior opponent. There is a lot of talent on the roster and we will find out if the Mustangs are ready to go bowling this fall as their next three opponents went bowling in 2016.
8. Tulane (1-0, 0-0): The Green Wave with a capable quarterback is a team on the rise. They played a good Grambling team and dominated from the opening kickoff. We will learn a lot about them in the next three weeks as they face Navy, Oklahoma, and Army to end the month of September.
9. Temple (0-1, 0-0): The Owls are likely a better team than Tulane, but that was a disappointing performance at Notre Dame. Let’s just say the rush defense needs some work and move on.
10. Cincinnati (1-0, 0-0): In multiple aspects of the game, the Bearcats were dominated by an Austin Peay team that has won a single game in the last four seasons. With #11 Michigan, Miami OH, and Navy in the next three weeks, we could be looking at a 1-3 Cincinnati squad.
11. Connecticut (1-0, 0-0): You can take Diaco out of UConn, but that does not make them a good team. The Huskies deserved to lose this game and only the effort of Bryant Shirreffs saved the day. I guess we know who won the starting quarterback job to face South Florida in week two.
12. East Carolina (0-1, 0-0): Do you hear that noise coming from Greenville? That is a fanbase collectively wishing for the days of Ruffin McNeill once again. The Pirates faced an excellent FCS team and were down 34-7 with just over two minutes left. They could only manage 14 points despite JMU ending the night with 172 penalty yards.

Ten Conference USA Non-Conference Games To Watch

Again littered with SEC opponents, Conference USA spares no expense in getting some of the most compelling matchups in the sometimes drab non-conference schedule. Why Vanderbilt continues to schedule WKU and MTSU is beyond me, but let's enjoy it while it lasts. 

Other games may be memorable or you may have a specific reason for looking forward to another game. What I looked for in this was a that encompasses G5/G5 play, home games versus the P5, and the first FBS opponent in the return of UAB football. 

Let's take a look at Conference USA's top non-conference games that you must watch (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER). 

• Miami at Marshall (September 2): A matchup that goes well into the history of both programs, the Thundering Herd and RedHawks could end up giving us one of the most interesting games of the non-conference season. Among the many aspects of the game to watch, the battle of quarterbacks Gus Ragland and Chase Litton nearly guarantees us a high-scoring affair. Currently, Miami looks like the early favorite to win this game.

• UAB at Ball State (September 9): This is the first FBS game for the Blazers since putting together the pieces of a disbanded program not all that long ago. UAB is a complete mystery full of players that have been with the program more than a year before playing their first game. Do not expect them to beat Ball State, but it may be more competitive than many think. Ball State needs a hot start to the season if they want to go bowling and this is a must win game.

• Ball State at Western Kentucky (September 23): A year after watching MAC rival Miami nearly knock off one of the top three G5 teams in the nation last season, the Cardinals look to do the same. There is quite a bit of talent on the Ball State roster, but it will take a nearly perfect effort to knock off the kings of Conference USA. The Hilltoppers are in a very slight rebuilding process, but still have Mike White, a stable of talented running backs, and the most dynamic return man in the nation. WKU has questions on defense, but they can normally score enough for that to be only a small problem.

• Florida International at Central Florida (August 31): It is honestly a surprise when you look at this series’ five game history and realize that FIU has won on two occasions. Sure, both were ugly wins including a 15-14 pillow fight in 2015. Since that loss, UCF has moved in a different direction, hiring Scott Frost and dominating the Golden Panthers in route to a bowl berth. There is little reason to think this game will go any different, but it is a rivalry game with Butch Davis in control and nine days before an enormous matchup with Memphis for UCF.  

• Vanderbilt at Middle Tennessee (September 2): I am still not sure what happened last year to the Blue Raiders. They were the dominant team but multiple errors saw them looking at an enormous hole on the scoreboard. All MTSU has to do is play up to its potential and CUSA will have a nice looking win on Labor Day weekend. That is asking a lot of an MTSU squad that seems to fall flat when on the national stage. Just look at the Hawaii Bowl last year if you need confirmation. I think MTSU finally gets the monkey off their back and beats Vanderbilt.

• Kentucky at Southern Miss (September 2): Speaking of games that logically made no sense last fall, this game is at the top of the list. Southern Miss was down and out in the first half with Kentucky looking to earn a blowout win. Suddenly, everything changed and the CUSA squad scored 34 straight points in route to a 44-35 win. Both teams have multiple players to replace, but Southern Miss has the best player on the field in senior running back Ito Smith. A Southern Miss win would be nice for the conference here.

• Houston at UTSA (September 2): In many ways, losing to the Roadrunners in 2015 was the best thing to ever happen to Houston. It set course a path that led to the hiring of Tom Herman, a Peach Bowl win over Florida State, and a ranking as high as sixth nationally. The Cougars that were on the team in the previous meeting are looking for revenge. UTSA is not the newborn FBS program led by Larry Coker anymore. This team is a quality CUSA program that may be ready to give Louisiana Tech a real battle for the CUSA West Division crown this fall. A win over Houston would suddenly make Frank Wilson a “new big thing” coaching candidate nationwide.

• Mississippi State at Louisiana Tech (September 9): Every year, it seems like Louisiana Tech is the team just missing out on a huge upset. They are perennially one of the best team in CUSA and a top ten G5 team, but they seem to be missing that signature win that gets the blood pumping. While Mississippi State is not expected to be a SEC title contender, a Louisiana Tech win in the battle of the Bulldogs would be a nice feather in the cap for CUSA. Remember, Mississippi State lost to South Alabama last season, so there is an unspoken need to avoid embarrassment with an early season loss to Conference USA.

• North Carolina at Old Dominion (September 16): Outside of lacking a proven quarterback, the Monarchs seem to be one of the best teams in CUSA. Instead, ODU has to prove that the end of the 2016 season was not a fluke and that they are really that good. Getting the Tar Heels at home is a huge coup for the program and a chance to earn their first top level P5 scalp since moving to the FBS ranks. How well the Tar Heels handle arguably the best running back duo in Conference USA will decide this game.

• Western Kentucky at Vanderbilt (November 4): This is the third rematch from last season on this list that just makes you scratch your head. The Hilltoppers kicked a field goal with 1:02 left on the clock and allowed Vanderbilt to race downfield. The Commodores scored as time expired, eventually winning in overtime. From the inability to hold Vandy to going for two in the first overtime, this was not the WKU we expected to see. It was a bit of a wakeup call and the Hilltoppers looked great down the stretch in route to another 10+ win season. Mike White and company not only want this win, but they also want to embarrass their SEC foe in the process.

Others to watch: Stanford vs. Rice (Sydney, Australia), Navy at Florida Atlantic, Alabama A&M at UAB, Marshall at NC State, MTSU at Syracuse, North Texas at SMU, WKU at Illinois, Arizona at UTEP, MTSU at Minnesota, Coastal Carolina at UAB, BGSU at MTSU, UTEP at NMSU, Marshall at Cincinnati. 

2017 AAC Top Returning Offensive Players

It is Monday, so that means it is time to take a look at the AAC in all its glory. Today, we will be taking a look at the top returning players at the three skill positions on offense: running back, receiver, and quarterback.

This year's group has an impressive array of talent and could easily be only of the best classes to pass through the AAC since its inception. Without further ado, let's take a look at the top rushing, passing, and receiving returning stars.

Rushing:

1. Quinton Flowers, USF: 198/1,530/18 TD
2. D’Angelo Brewer, Tulsa: 264/1,435/7 TD
3. Braeden West, SMU: 202/1,036/6 TD
4. Ryquell Armstead, Temple: 156/919/14 TD
5. Dontrell Hilliard, Tulane: 135/759/9TD

Others to watch: Doroland Doreceus MEMPHIS (132/810/9TD), Dontrell Hilliard TULANE (135/759/9TD), Arkeel Newsome UCONN (147/715/5TD), Ke’Mon Freeman SMU (154/654/4TD), Patrick Taylor JR. MEMPHIS (93/546/2TD), Chris High NAVY (85/546/7TD), D’Ernest Johnson

The running back position was hit hard by graduation and early entry to the NFL. Despite losing players like Marlon Mack and James Flanders, there is still a wealth of talent in the offensive backfield. Flowers is a quarterback, but will again put up eye popping stats under new head coach Charlie Strong. Expect D’Ernest Johnson to break 1,000 yards and 10 TDs barring injury.

Keep an eye out for Patrick Taylor Jr. of Memphis to have a breakout season.

Passing:

1. Riley Ferguson, Memphis: 280-443/3,698/32TD/152.6 Efficiency
2. Ben Hicks, SMU: 234-422/2,930/19TD/121.5 Efficiency
3. Quinton Flowers, USF: 207-331/2,812/24TD/153.6 Efficiency
4. Byrant Shirreffs, UConn: 166-283/2,010/7TD/122.2 Efficiency
5. McKenzie Milton, UCF: 194-336/1,983/10TD/113.0 Efficiency

Others to watch: Gardner Minshew ECU (1,347/8TD)/Thomas Sirk ECU (Injured in 2016), Hayden Moore CINCY (1,744/11TD), Glen Cuiellette TULANE (1,309/10TD).

Arguably the strongest skill position group in the conference, the group will only get better with the additions of Thomas Sirk (ECU) and Kyle Allen (Houston). Both were former starters at P5 programs with Sirk leading Duke to a bowl berth before his second Achilles injury.

All eyes will be on Memphis’ Riley Ferguson in the air. He has a chance to break 4,000 yards in year two under Mike Norvell. This could be the year that Memphis ascends to the AAC title game with Ferguson leading the charge.

Receiving:

1. Anthony Miller, Memphis: 95/1,434/14TD
2. Courtland Sutton, SMU: 76/1,246/10TD
3. Linell Bonner, Houston: 98/1,118/3TD
4. Ventell Bryant, Temple: 54/895/4TD
5. Devin Gray, Cincinnati: 58/860/5TD

Others to watch: Tre’Quan Smith UCF (57/853/5TD), Jimmy Williams ECU (45/818/8TD), James Proche SMU (57/709/6TD), Steven Dunbar HOUSTON (53/692/5TD), Justin Hobbs TULSA (50/685/4TD), Phil Mayhue MEMPHIS (42/677/4TD), Keith Kirkwood TEMPLE (42/648/4TD), Kahlil Lewis CINCY (48/605/5TD), Quay Johnson ECU (58/563/3TD), Terren Encalade TULANE (36/500/6TD).

It is amazing that despite being hit with the losses of Zay Jones, Keevan Lucas, Noel Thomas, and Josh Atkinson, the AAC is again stacked out wide. Anthony Miller and Courtland Sutton are borderline first round draft picks with Sutton showing the physical traits to go in the top 15 next year.

It is finally time for Jimmy Williams of ECU to take a step forward after slowly building into a credible threat behind Jones. He and Quay Johnson will give Thomas Sirk the best duo of starting wide receivers of his career, a career that started at Duke.

All-Purpose Yards:

1. Anthony Miller, Memphis: 1,600/123.1 YPG
2. Tony Pollard, Memphis: 1,533/117.9 YPG
3. D’Angelo Brewer, Tulsa: 1,454/121.2 YPG
4. Arkeel Newsome, UConn: 1,452/121.0 YPG
5. Mike Boone, Cincinnati: 1,143/127.0 YPG

In a conference full of dynamic players, Tony Pollard of Memphis may be the best. He is one of the best return men in the nation with a 26.7 yards per kickoff return average that includes two touchdowns. Not only is Pollard a beast returning kicks, he also held a 5.1 yards per carry average and 29 catches on the year. Keep an eye out for punt returner D’Ernest Johnson (18/11.8/1TD). If he is allowed to continue returning punts, he could again be one of the best in the nation.

Otherwise, the AAC will again have a large group of running backs leading the way in all-purpose yards.

Next week, we will take a look at defense and special teams for the AAC before rolling out conference previews.

AAC News And Notes: 8/7/17

By Brian Reading - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8337359

Navy:

Offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper is taking some time away from the program to handle a medical situation involving his youngest son Jarren. The program has chosen to keep private the actual medical condition while allowing Jasper to take as long as needed to be with his son. The 18-year assistant will be replaced during his hiatus by run game and offensive line coach Ashley Ingram.

Family is much more important than football and we wish Jasper and his family all the best wishes and a full recovery.

http://www.capitalgazette.com/sports/navy_sports/ph-ac-cs-ivin-jasper-out-0806-20170805-story.html

Tulsa:

The Golden Hurricane have new turf on H.A Chapman Stadium installed in anticipation of the 2017 season. Take a look at the new turf here.

Moving quickly on install of new turf at #TulsaFB H.A. Chapman Stadium. #ForOurCIty pic.twitter.com/7Qay3dCDYe

— Tulsa Football (@TulsaFootball) August 6, 2017

Memphis:

2017 Auburn signee Carlito Gonzalez has chosen a new home with the Tigers after failing to report to the SEC program last week. Gonzalez is a three-star safety, ranked #28 overall in the Class of 2017 by 247 Sports. He will be forced to take a redshirt season this fall before becoming eligible to play in 2018.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/story/sports/college/memphis-tigers/football/2017/08/03/memphis-football-adds-former-auburn-signee-carlito-gonzalez/532469001/

SMU:

There is a quarterback battle taking place in fall camp for the Mustangs??? Even though Ben Hicks looked downright impressive at times last fall, he is being pushed by former Arkansas quarterback Rafe Peavey. Between the quarterback battle and the rise of redshirt freshmen in starting roles, SMU is still in the process of building a true two-deep.

https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/college-sports/smumustangs/2017/08/04/three-things-watch-smus-open-football-practice-saturday

Tulane:

Being the true college football team of New Orleans, the Green Wave are very close with the Saints of the NFL. Building on that relationship, the Saints spent Sunday night hosting an open practice at Yulman Stadium with many Tulane players in attendance.

Ready for Saint's practice at #YulmanStadium #RollWave pic.twitter.com/sNVC2TOY7l

— Tulane Athletics (@TulaneAthletics) August 6, 2017

Temple:

The Owls are going straight up NASCAR this season in allowing donors to “sponsor” one of nine player numbers on the 2017 roster. Among the benefits of sponsoring a players, number are a ride on the team plane to an away game, a custom jersey, and interaction with the student-athlete throughout the year. This seems like something the NCAA will soon outlaw.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2017/08/02/temple-donors-can-sponsor-football-jersey-numbers-50-000/533526001/

South Florida:

Expectations are at a peak heading into the 2017 season for the Bulls as they were recently ranked #21 in the preseason Coaches’ Poll. This is the first time since 2008 for USF to earn a preseason top 25 ranking. The Bulls are the only G5 team to earn a spot in the preseason top 25.

https://www.thedailystampede.com/2017/8/3/16090496/usf-football-ranked-21st-in-preseason-espn-usa-today-coaches-poll

Central Florida:

Following the lead of Shawn Burgess-Becker, Alabama defensive back Aaron Robinson is leaving the Crimson Tide and headed to Orlando. The Deerfield Beach native spent one season at Alabama with five tackles, including a tackle for loss versus Mississippi State. Robinson, the #41 ranked cornerback of the 2016 class, will have to sit out the 2017 season but will have three years of eligibility left after that.

https://www.seccountry.com/alabama/alabama-db-aaron-robinson-transferring-central-florida

Cincinnati:

The Bearcats will open the 2017 season with a brand new video board, replacing the current board that was erected in 2005. It is nearly four times larger than the current board and measures 31’X114’ and is the same model and quality of the board installed at the Great American Ballpark in 2015 before the All-Star Game.

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/university-of-cincinnati/2017/08/03/ucs-nippert-stadium-getting-new-video-board/537663001/

East Carolina:

Lots of news in Greenville as senior running back Anthony Scott and junior linebacker Yannis Bowden have been ruled academically ineligible for the upcoming season. While both are casualties to the roster, the Pirates added another graduate transfer in Eastern Michigan punter Austin Barnes. The transfer was a second team All-MAC selection as a junior and shores up a hole in the roster after the graduation of Worth Gregory. Barnes is one of five graduate transfers expected to play a significant role with the Pirates this fall.

http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/aac/east-carolina-university/article165684492.html

Connecticut:

The Huskies have opened up pretty much every position for the taking heading into the 2017 season. From quarterback to kicker, it will be a battle to see which Huskies player steps out with the starters this fall.

http://www.nhregister.com/sports/article/UConn-football-team-s-preseason-camp-features-11729468.php

Houston:

Major Applewhite’s biggest goal for the 2017 season is repairing a run game that struggled for a majority of the 2016 season. When Greg Ward Jr. wasn’t handling the football, no one seemed to be able to take the reins and pressure away from the senior quarterback. Duke Catalon looked at times like a star in the making, but injuries took away his effectiveness. He, along with Mulbah Car, will be expected to take significant steps forward this fall.

http://www.chron.com/sports/cougars/article/What-to-watch-as-UH-opens-football-camp-11719152.php

Who is the most disappointing G5 team this season?

There are always surprises and disappointments in any college football season. Tomorrow we will talk about the biggest surprises, but today is all about disappointment. Here are my choices for the most disappointing G5 teams so far this season.

AAC Week Four Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with American Athletic Conference going 4-4 with two conference games taking place, Memphis-Cincinnati and Navy-Connecticut. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week four AAC football action.

AAC Week Two Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with the American Athletic Conference going 6-5 with only one conference game (Temple-Cincinnati) taking place. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week two AAC football.

American Athletic Conference Week One Review

With one week in the books, who were the biggest winners and losers of the opening week?

Group Of Five Thursday Night Statistical Leaders

One day of FBS football is in the books and here is a look at the top 10 performers from the opening night games.

AAC Football Week One Preview

All 12 teams in the AAC are in action during week one with all 12 hosting their opponents including three Power Five Conference programs (Baylor, Duke, Penn State). Let's take a look at the games.

2015 AAC predictions

Here are my American Athletic Conference Predictions.

Top AAC Conference games of 2015

With the addition of Navy to the AAC for 2015, the conference now has enough teams to have a conference championship game. With that in mind, lets take a look at the AAC's top conference games heading into the 2015 season. 

Top AAC non-conference games of 2015

The AAC schedule is full of non-conference games that will pique national interest for great story lines and just overall good football. Here is a look at some of the best non-conference AAC games this fall. **This list is in no particular order.**

The 8 best AAC games of 2014

A game can be considered the best for any reason. The confidence built despite a loss, the national headlines made from defeating a Power Five team, the excitement of a game that comes down to the wire, a fist fight to end an exciting game or even back-to-back onside kicks to put up 22 points in under four minutes to win a bowl game. What was your favorite?

Central Florida FBS non-conference record

Looking at each of the AAC teams, the non-conference record versus current FBS teams is an excellent indicator for all-time success as a program. First on the list is Central Florida with a total of 193 FBS non-conference games. Some of the opponents may have been conference foes in the past but are now in different FBS conferences.



Central Florida: 84-109 (.435 winning %, .550 vs Group of five teams)

ACC: 3-18

• Boston College: 1-1
• Clemson: 0-1
• Florida St.: 0-1
• Georgia Tech: 0-3
• Louisville: 1-1
• Miami: 0-2
• North Carolina St.: 1-2
• Pittsburgh: 0-1
• Syracuse: 0-3
• Virginia Tech: 0-3

Big 12: 1-5

• Baylor: 1-0
• Kansas State: 0-1
• Texas: 0-2
• West Virginia: 0-2

Big 10: 2-9

• Nebraska: 0-1
• Ohio State: 0-1
• Penn State: 1-3
• Purdue: 0-2
• Rutgers: 1-1
• Wisconsin: 0-1

CUSA: 33-17

• UAB: 8-2
• FAU: 1-0
• FIU: 2-1
• Louisiana Tech: 3-1
• Marshall: 8-3
• MTSU: 1-0
• Rice: 3-1
• Southern Mississippi: 2-6
• UTEP: 3-1
• Western Kentucky: 2-2

Independent: 1-1

• BYU: 1-1

MAC: 27-19

• Akron: 4-5
• Ball St.: 2-2
• Bowling Green: 2-1
• Buffalo: 7-1
• Central Michigan: 1-0
• Eastern Michigan: 3-1
• Kent St.: 2-2
• Miami: 1-2
• Northern Illinois: 1-2
• Ohio: 1-2
• Toledo: 2-1
• Western Michigan: 1-0

MWC: 1-4

• Hawaii: 0-1
• Nevada: 0-1
• New Mexico: 1-1
• Utah State: 0-1

Pac-12: 0-1

• Arizona State: 0-1

SEC: 2-16

• Alabama: 1-0
• Arkansas: 0-1
• Auburn: 0-3
• Florida: 0-2
• Georgia: 1-1
• Mississippi: 0-1
• Mississippi State: 0-2
• Missouri: 0-2
• South Carolina: 0-4

Sun Belt: 14-21

• Arkansas State: 1-0
• Georgia Southern: 1-10
• Idaho: 1-0
• Louisiana: 4-0
• Louisiana-Monroe: 4-3
• Texas State: 0-2
• Troy: 3-6

Central Florida 2015 roster (with 2014 stats)

UCF: