Tulane-USF looked like the main event entering Week Five, but two of the conference’s worst teams stole the show with an instant-classic instead. A preseason underdog and a league favorite also fought to shake off subpar non-conference starts. Overall, Week Five of the AAC season proved most memorable with something for everyone.
Tulane Dominates USF
We though Tulane-USF might be the AAC Game of the Year. Despite a pair of losses from both the Bulls and Green Wave, the hype hardly decreased. Nonetheless, one of the year’s most-hyped conference games disappointed.
Tulane left no doubt that it is still an AAC title contender with a dominant 45-10 win over USF. QB Darian Mensah was nearly flawless, completing 18 of his 22 passes for 326 yards and a trio of touchdowns. Across the field, USF’s dynamic QB Byrum Brown left with an injury. Backup QB Bryce Archie struggled in Brown’s absence, completing just 4/10 passes.
Tulane showed the country they are still very much in the AAC race despite this season’s service academy fever. If the Green Wave takes care of business against weak AAC opponents, their back-to-back games against Navy and Memphis could easily send them to the conference championship game. Meanwhile, USF needs answers at quarterback quickly with a matchup against Memphis looming. However, the Bulls have an easy slate aside from their games against the Tigers and Navy. With a run game that shined against weaker competition, the Bulls should still reach a bowl even if Archie has to start for an extended period.
Blake Horvath Takes to the Skies
Last week, Navy QB Blake Horvath’s long runs caught the nation’s attention. This week against UAB, 225 passing yards made the “Horvath For Heisman” whispers a little louder. Horvath threw a pair of 70+ yard touchdowns to RB Eli Heidenreich and WR Nathan Kent in their 41-18 win over UAB. Horvath also ran for 84 yards and a touchdown.
The Midshipmen debunked rumors of a hangover following their colossal home win over Memphis with a quality performance on the road against UAB. Although less concerning than the 659 yards allowed against Memphis, the Midshipmen’s bend-but-don’t-break defensive scheme allowed 395 yards of total offense to UAB’s otherwise struggling offensive attack. Luckily, the Midshipmen can sort some of their defensive issues out against a struggling Air Force offense this coming weekend.
Charlotte Gets Another Comeback Victory
A couple of weeks after an emotional, come-from-behind victory against Gardner-Webb, Charlotte notched another comeback victory against Rice. The 49ers fought back from a ten-point deficit and scored in the final minute to defeat Rice 21-20.
Even better, Head Coach Biff Poggi’s squad may have found their quarterback of the future in QB Deshawn Purdie. The freshman took over for struggling QB Trexlor Ivey to complete the comeback. Purdie also threw a pair of touchdowns off the bench against North Carolina.
Charlotte proved this week that they can compete with the league’s middling teams if they get solid quarterback play. The 49ers have a tough schedule ahead but could make substantial growth before Poggi’s likely make-or-break Year Three.
Although Rice’s run game finally came to life with RB Dean Connors’ 121-yard performance, Rice Coach Mike Bloomgren’s seat still became a little hotter following the loss. Bloomgren has just two bowl appearances and a 23-50 record since taking over in 2018. The Owls looked like a sleeper pick for the league title after former Temple QB E.J. Warner transferred in before the season. Now at 1-4, the Owls look like they will miss the postseason for the seventh time in the last nine years.
Some highlights for your Sunday afternoon social scroll 📱#GoldStandard⛏️ pic.twitter.com/tUpcmMzkaF
— Charlotte Football (@CharlotteFTBL) September 29, 2024
Time to Panic in San Antonio?
UTSA and East Carolina both looked to prove their legitimacy in the AAC despite taking tough non-conference losses to start the season. Now East Carolina’s win keeps them in the hunt for the conference title, while UTSA looks like they’re entering rebuilding mode. The Roadrunners failed to convert on several key fourth downs, including one on a series that started on the East Carolina 25-yard-line following an interception. The Roadrunners outgained East Carolina by 115 yards, but their missed opportunities decided the game.
Despite the win, UTSA exposed East Carolina’s front seven for 170 yards rushing, calling the Pirates’ stout early-season performances to question. Thankfully, ECU QB Jake Garcia shined this week with 294 passing yards and a pair of passing touchdowns, though he continued to rack up interceptions as well. He threw two in this game, giving him 11 for the year. Garcia must limit his mistakes with games against Army and Navy upcoming.
UTSA could be in danger of missing a bowl for the first time since 2019. However, the Roadrunners have several games against the league’s cellar-dwellers. The Roadrunners can be a bowl team, but they must execute better.
This catch! 😱 @YannickSmith11 pic.twitter.com/PxUgId93KQ
— ECU Football (@ECUPiratesFB) September 29, 2024
Other Notes From Around the League
Memphis rather than Navy appeared to have the hangover from that game. The Tigers struggled to a 24-7 win over in-state rival Middle Tennessee State. The Blue Raiders’ WR Omari Kelly diced up the Memphis defense for six catches for 174 yards. Not a great look after Navy also smoked Memphis in the passing game.
Meanwhile, North Texas QBk Chandler Morris dropped five touchdowns and 439 passing yards on Tulsa in a 52-20 win. The Mean Green remain a team to watch in the AAC. Their quick-strike offense presents a potential matchup nightmare for Army and Navy.
Finally, FAU RB CJ Campbell Jr. ran wild this week, posting 145 rushing yards and three touchdowns against FCS Wagner to keep FAU’s fading bowl hopes alive. FAU now sits 2-3 with at least three winnable games on their schedule. However, they will need to post at least one strong upset and finish well in order to actually make the postseason.
Go Army! Beat Tulsa!!!
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