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 MAC Out of Conference Games To Watch

No conference does a better job on a yearly basis of scheduling compelling G5/G5 games than the MAC. From CUSA to the MWC, every conference is represented with games you must watch. Let's just hope that more of the MAC can win a few games in these matchups and make the entire conference look better this fall.

Let's take a look at the ten MAC non-conference games to watch.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• Boston College at NIU (September 1): After the disaster of the 2016 season, the Huskies host a solid P5 team with a chance to make national news. The Eagles are coming off of their third bowl berth in the last four seasons, attempting to improve on a consistent 7-6 record in those three seasons. NIU must quickly have players step up in the offensive backfield and at wide receiver if they want to win. Expect this game to be a lower scoring affair with the winner scoring no more than 24 points.

• 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.

• Idaho at WMU (September 16): This is a sneaky good game that could make up for the two duds we got from the Georgia Southern-Western Michigan series. The Vandals are in their final year of FBS play and could be sending out their best team in a very long time. Led by star quarterback Matt Linehan, they can put up points in bunches. Idaho scored 37+ points in each of the last four games of the 2017 season. The Broncos have arguably the best duo of running backs in the nation this season. Between Bogan and Franklin, WMU can run over the majority of its schedule without resorting to the passing game all that much. Expect lots of points. 

• Ohio at Purdue (September 8): In what has become a common occurrence, the Bobcats are again favored to win the MAC East Division and play for the conference title. Ohio is a very disciplined team that makes other teams work to beat them. Purdue is a big of a question mark with former WKU head coach Jeff Brohm taking the reins. The Boilermakers are probably a year or two away from amassing the talent that can make Brohm’s system run, but they are still a dangerous team. I feel like this is a game Ohio can and should win.

• Toledo at Nevada (September 9): What this game could have been if James Butler decided to stay with the Wolfpack. The star running back took advantage of the graduate transfer rule and headed to Iowa in the offseason. Instead of Butler, the Wolfpack will likely rely upon Alabama quarterback transfer David Cornwall to light up the Rockets defense. Toledo has players to replace (especially at running back and tight end), but there are players on the roster to fill the gaps. I can’t see anyone handling wide receiver Cody Thompson in man coverage. Expect the Rockets to roll.

• Cincinnati at Miami (September 16): This is a game that will show just where both teams are headed into conference play. The Bearcats are in rebuilding mode, but have some talent on the roster left over by Tuberville. The program is being built the right way by Fickell and company, but that means a rough 2017 is in store. Miami has high expectations and a win over, albeit down, Cincinnati would do wonders for the RedHawks.

• Ball State at WKU (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.

• Northern Illinois at San Diego State (September 30): I have never seen a team struggle more with games they should win than the Aztecs. They lost in back to back seasons to a decent at best South Alabama squad and the Huskies had every chance to take control of their matchup last season. SDSU loses a lot on defense and must replace Donnel Pumphrey, but recruiting is not a problem in San Diego. The Huskies would love to have a signature win like this in 2017, but this is asking a lot. A win here could quell many of the shouts for Rod Carey’s job.

Just missed the list: Buffalo at Minnesota, Charlotte at EMU, Ball State at Illinois, WMU at Michigan State, Bowling Green at Michigan State, Kent State at Clemson, Western Michigan at USC.

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.

2017 AAC Top Returning Defensive Players

The 2017 season is only two weeks away and it is time to talk defense. The AAC has a love/hate relationship with the defensive side of the ball. Sometimes, defenses take over and give us an old fashioned 13-9 type of game. Other times, the defense is nowhere to be found with teams like Memphis and South Florida putting up basketball game scores.

Individually, the 2016 season was a high-water point for the AAC with Haason Reddick of Temple and Obi Melifonwu of UConn both going in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. Both are very talented, but neither has quite the upside of this new group led by defensive lineman Ed Oliver of Houston.

Let's take a look at who else is back in 2017.

Tackles:

1. Auggie Sanchez, USF: 119 tackles. 9.2 tpg.
2. Micah Thomas, Navy: 107 tackles, 7.6 tpg.
3. Jonathan Cook, Memphis: 88 tackles, 6.8 tpg.
4. Matthew Adams, Houston: 82 tackles, 7.5 tpg.
5. Vontae Diggs, UConn: 84 tackles, 7.0 tpg.
6. Junior Joseph, UConn: 81 tackles, 6.8 tpg.
7. Jarrod Franklin, Tulane: 78 tackles, 6.5 tpg.
8. Jordan Williams, ECU: 77 tackles, 6.4 tpg.
9. Genard Avery, Memphis: 80 tackles, 6.2 tpg.

It seems like Auggie Sanchez has been at USF for six years, but this is finally his final year in Tampa. He, along with Memphis linebacker Genard Avery, are among the defensive players of the AAC looking at futures in the NFL. Props have to go to Jordan Williams of East Carolina for going from redshirting at Shaw University as a freshman to starting multiple years at ECU. 

Diggs and Joseph of UConn could easily lead the league in tackles this fall unless something is done to fix that dreadful offense. 

Sacks:

1. Petera Wilson, Tulsa: 6.5 sacks.
2. Justin Lawler, SMU: 6.0 sacks.
3. DJ Palmore, Navy: 6.0 sacks.
4. Auggie Sanchez, USF: 6.0 sacks.
5. Bruce Hector, USF: 6.0 sacks.
6. Jesse Brubaker, Tulsa: 5.5 sacks.
7. Ed Oliver, Houston: 5.0 sacks.
8. Ade Aruna, Tulane: 5.0 sacks.
9. Genard Avery, Memphis: 5.0 sacks.

It will be a new day for rushing the passer this year as the top five sack artists from 2016 are gone to the NFL. A player to watch this season is defensive lineman Justin Lawler of SMU. Despite being a bit undersized, Lawler has 11 career sacks and lived in the backfield with 15 tackles for loss last season.

One other thing to note is a number of linebackers getting in the action. Sanchez of USF and Avery of Memphis both had 5+ sacks along with Petera Wilson's 6.5 sacks last fall. Wilson had a total of 16 tackles last season with nearly half for loss. 

Tackles for loss:

1. Ed Oliver, Houston: 23.0 tfl.
2. Justin Lawler, SMU: 15.0 tfl.
3. Jesse Brubaker, Tulsa: 13.5 tfl.
4. DJ Palmore, Navy: 11.5 tfl.
5. Luke Carrezola, UConn: 11.0 tfl.
6. Genard Avery, Memphis: 11.0 tfl.
7. Ade Aruna, Tulane: 10.0 tfl.
8. Tony Guerad, UCF: 10.0 tfl.
9. Kevin Mouhon, Cincinnati: 9.5 tfl.

So many expected Ed Oliver to make some noise heading into the fall. Few had him pegged for the ridiculous numbers he put up this fall. 290-pound defensive tackles do not do this.

And just for good measure...

Interceptions (4 or more):

1. Parry Nickerson, Tulane: 4 INT.
2. Jordan Wyatt, SMU: 4 INT.
3. Deatrick Nichols, USF: 4 INT.

Forced Fumbles (3 or more):

1. Jordan Wyatt, SMU: 4 FF.
2. Ed Oliver, Houston: 3 FF.

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

AAC Week Five Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with the American Athletic Conference going 7-5. The AAC kicked into gear with four conference games. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week five AAC football action.

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 Four Preview

Week four of the college football season get underway tomorrow with Cincinnati and Memphis getting a seat on the big stage. The Conference play is finally kicking into gear with the Cincy-Memphis game one of two conference games on the slate. Navy-UConn is the other.

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.

Post Week Two Top 10 G5 Passers

Seven G5 passers have broken the 600 yards mark with BGSU passer Matt Johnson putting up 915 yards in two games. The MAC and Conference USA lead the way with three a piece of the top ten followed by the American 2, and Sun Belt 2. No one from the MWC or independents are in the top 10.

Top 5 G5 Games For Week Two

With WKU-Louisiana Tech in the books, let's take a look at my five G5 games to watch for week two of the college football season.

American Athletic Conference Week One Review

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

Top 10 G5 Rushers: Week One

Only one G5 running back broke 200 yards in Week One as Ray Lawry of Old Dominion heads into Labor Day as the nation's leading rusher.

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.

Top MAC Non-Conference Games According To Me

The MAC 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 MAC games this fall. **This list is in no particular order.**

2015 AAC predictions

Here are my American Athletic Conference Predictions.

AAC players to watch in 2015

Not sure who to look out for in the AAC this fall? Here is a handy guide of approximately 5-7 players to watch for on every AAC team:

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.**