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 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.

Top Group Of 5 Quarterback Battles For 2017

The 2017 season is quickly approaching and many teams do not know who will take the first snap as starting quarterback. For some teams, it may come down to the final moments before the opening drive while others already have a strong idea. 

Some, like Georgia Southern, may not have a clue what they are going to do with the season just a few short weeks away. 

Let's take a look at some of the top G5 quarterback battles heading into the season. 

Temple:

• 2016 Quarterback: PJ Walker
• 2017 Candidates: Anthony Russo (R-Fr.), Logan Marchi (So.)

It seems like PJ Walker was the quarterback for Temple for seven years. The four-year starter finally left for graduation and professional football after throwing for over 10,000 yards and 74 touchdowns in 49 games played.

A redshirt in 2015, Logan Marchi won the backup role as a redshirt freshman, seeing action in five games. He only attempted six passes for 29 yards, barely making a dent in the 2016 final statistics. The Connecticut native was a dual threat in high school with over 3,000 yards passing and over 500 yards rushing as a senior. Marchi is the most experienced quarterback on the current roster.

Arguably the best quarterback prospect to sign with Temple in program history, Anthony Russo is likely the top challenger for Marchi. Russo redshirted as a freshman to save as much eligibility as possible for the future. For many within and outside the program, it is not a matter of if but when Russo finally earns the job. Currently, this race is a toss-up with Marchi holding a slight advantage.

Do not count out junior Frank Nutile or freshman Todd Centeio, but they are both long shots for the starting job.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Logan Marchi.

East Carolina:

• 2016 Quarterback: Philip Nelson/Gardner Minshew
• 2017 Candidates: Gardner Minshew (Jr.)/Thomas Sirk (Sr.)

The 2016 season for the Pirates was an unmitigated disaster due in part to instability behind center. The new coaching staff moved James Summers to running back (great move) with the belief that former Minnesota quarterback Philip Nelson would be the answer. Nelson played well at times but struggled with injuries on multiple occasions.

One of the final players added to the 2016 roster by head coach Scottie Montgomery, Gardner Minshew quickly earned the backup role to Nelson after stepping foot on campus. The JUCO transfer stepped in and threw for 1,347 yards and eight touchdowns in limited duty. Minshew has starting experience after making the final two starts of 2016 versus Navy and Temple.

A quiet pickup that could turn into one of the best graduate transfers in all of college football, Thomas Sirk followed his former offensive coordinator to ECU with hopes of earning the starting job. Sirk looked on pace to have an excellent senior season after throwing for 2,624 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior in 2015. Instead, the Florida native ruptured his left Achilles tendon and had to take a medical redshirt. That marked his second Achilles injury after rupturing his right one in 2013. If he is fully healed, he is the favorite to win the job.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Thomas Sirk.

Connecticut:

• 2016 Quarterback: Bryant Shirreffs/Donovan Washington
• 2017 Candidates: Donovan Williams (So.)/Bryant Shirreffs (Sr.)

Of the many teams that needed better play behind center in 2016, the Huskies were the most desperate. Incumbent starter Bryant Shirreffs could not get anything going offensively for the program all season long, before finally losing the starting job to freshman Donovan Williams. Despite burning his redshirt, the Huskies saw no improvement in the passing game under Williams either.

Unless Edsall knows something we do not about either of these two quarterbacks, the Huskies could be in line for another long fall in the AAC. I didn’t even list him as a true candidate but do not be overly surprised if David Pindell works his name into the mix before the season opener versus Holy Cross.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Bryant Shirreffs.

Florida Atlantic:

• 2016 Quarterback: Jason Driskel/Daniel Parr
• 2017 Candidates: Jason Driskel (Jr.)/De’Andre Johnson (So.)

 Another year and another year of question marks behind center. Driskel beat out Daniel Parr last season and was solid, but never did anything that wowed the rest of Conference USA in leading the Owls to another disappointing 3-9 season.

The offseason saw FAU bring in a new head coach (Lane Kiffin) and a quarterback looking to reset his college career (De’Andre Johnson). The redshirt sophomore signed with Florida State out of high school over offers from the who’s who of college football. He was kicked off the team before playing a snap and went the JUCO route. Kiffin brought him in with the expectation to start.

Many have written off Daniel Parr, but Kiffin is not a conventional coach. Parr is in the running (on the outskirts) until told otherwise.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: De’Andre Johnson.

Southern Miss:

• 2016 Quarterback: Nick Mullens/Keon Howard
• 2017 Candidates: Kwadra Griggs (Jr.)/Keon Howard (So.)

The 2017 season, second under Jap Hopson, will finally give us a true glimpse of what the former Alcorn State head coach has in store for the program. The Golden Eagles have to replace several important players on offense, but none are bigger than quarterback Nick Mullens.

The good news for Southern Miss is that true freshman Keon Howard got a chance to get on the field and get reps. The bad news is how poorly he performed during that starting quarterback tryout. Howard was a highly ranked recruit out of high school and may turn out to be a star, but he was a disaster with a 44% completion percentage and only 365 yards in four games played.

The original plan for Hopson and company in 2017 was for Kwadra Griggs to play the role of backup while Howard sat as a redshirt. Griggs instead struggled in the classroom and had to redshirt the 2016 season instead. All indications point to his head being on straight and ready to take the starting role. I feel like this is Griggs’ job to lose.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Kwadra Griggs.

Northern Illinois:

• 2016 Quarterback: Anthony Maddie/Ryan Graham/Drew Hare/Daniel Santacaterina
• 2017 Candidates: Ryan Graham (Jr.)/Daniel Santacaterina (So.)

The 2016 season was an abject disaster for the Huskies due to a game of musical chairs behind center. Drew Hare was the projected starter and made it all of two games before being lost for the season. Ryan Graham took over for two starts before giving way to Anthony Maddie. The third quarterback made it through five starts and was lost for the season. Graham took over again for another two starts before quarterback #4 came into play. Daniel Santacaterina took over and led the Huskies to a season finale win over Kent State.

Now that we got through all that, the battle is between Graham and Santa. Graham has much more experience and I do not think he will be the starter to end the season, but I think he starts the season under center. Keep the name Marcus Childers in your mind as well for later in the season because it’s not NIU if one quarterback makes it through the year unscathed.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Ryan Graham.

San Jose State:

• 2016 Quarterback: Kenny Potter/Josh Love
• 2017 Candidates: Josh Love (So.)/Montel Aaron (Fr.)

Honestly, not many people outside of the Mountain West Conference really paid much attention to the Spartans issues at quarterback in the offseason. Kenny Potter struggled to find his groove in 2016, but he is still better than either option this fall.

Josh Love was the backup and saw limited action in 2016. He did not impress that much when getting on the field, giving him a very small advantage heading into the fall.

It was tough at times, but the Spartans were able to redshirt highly touted Montel Aaron for this season. Head coach Brett Brennan inherits a 6-5 beast of a quarterback that looks ready to see significant playing time for the next four years. Aaron is a much more mobile and explosive quarterback that is not afraid to make mistakes. I believe that Love starts the season opener before giving way to the Montel Aaron era of SJSU football.  

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Josh Love.

Nevada:

• 2016 Quarterback: Tyler Stewart/Ty Gangi
• 2017 Candidates: David Cornwell (Jr.)/Ty Gangi (Jr.)

Last season was a weird one for the Wolfpack. They were not very good in going 5-7 but still had a chance to win three more games if a play or two went differently. Tyler Stewart was the man for the first 2/3 of the season, but struggled with injuries and finally succumbed for the year in game eight.

Ty Gangi took over and proved to be a more explosive option behind center, despite being less accurate than his predecessor. Gangi gives the coaching staff a more mobile quarterback option behind center, forcing defenses to play more man to man with no help over the top. If Gangi wins the job, he could become “Big Play Ty.”

The only thing keeping Nevada from giving the starting job to Gangi is yet another disgruntled former Alabama quarterback. David Cornwell was a former four-star quarterback that never got a chance to prove his worth in the SEC. He is a strong-armed signal caller that could thrive in an Air Raid offense. The offensive philosophy of new head coach Jay Norvell is the reason Cornwell will win the starting job.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: David Cornwell.

Louisiana:

• 2016 Quarterback: Anthony Jennings
• 2017 Candidates: Jordan Davis (Jr.)/Dion Ray (So.)

After looking impressive as a redshirt freshman in 2015 while seeing action in limited duty, Jordan Davis looked to many as a top candidate to start at quarterback for the Ragin’ Cajuns. Instead, the coaching staff brought in LSU graduate transfer Anthony Jennings and Davis slipped down the depth chart. Rather than a breakout 2016 season, he had a total of 44 yards of total offense for the year. He is the most experienced and ready to play quarterback on the roster.

Then you have the tricky case of Dion Ray. The sophomore found time in the Cajuns backfield and rushed for 119 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries while attempting only one pass. He is a talented player that deserves as many touches as possible, but will likely see more action in Wildcat formations as a run-only quarterback.

Also, do not count out JUCO transfer Andre Nunez as a dark horse candidate.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: Jordan Davis.

Georgia Southern:

• 2016 Quarterback: Kevin Ellison/Favian Upshaw/Seth Shuman
• 2017 Candidates: Seth Shuman (So.)/Shai Werts (R-Fr.)/Kado Brown (Jr.)/Jaalon Frazier (Fr.)

There are entrenched quarterbacks and quarterback battles all over the nation, but the Eagles are the only program in the nation with what can only be described as a quarterback royal rumble. Seth Shuman is the only quarterback on the roster with experience after his redshirt was inexplicably burnt last fall. He would seemingly be the favorite to win the position, but honestly, no one has much of a clue what will actually happen.

Former Army quarterback Kado Brown could be the top candidate outside of Shuman to earn starting reps.

• 2017 projected season opening starter: No idea.

Other possible battles: Old Dominion (Blake LaRussa/Drayton Arnold/Jordan Hoy), Western Michigan (Confusion with Tom Flacco leaving for Rutgers). 

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.

G5 Top Ten Receiving Yards: Post-Week Two

Tulsa is definitely showing off their air raid offense this season with two of their receivers in the top six nationally in receiving yards. Five G5 receivers have broken the 250 yard mark two games into the season. The MAC and American both have three players in the top ten with the Sun Belt (3), CUSA (1), and Mountain West (0) rounding out the top 10.

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.

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.**

Five Group of Five Conference linebackers on the Butkus Watch List

Butkus Award Watch List: 

American Athletic Conference Team Statistic Rankings

Group of Five players on the Outland Watch List

Outland Trophy: