The first week of October brings a light American Conference slate, featuring just five games. Still, one of the league’s top teams takes the field to build momentum after a win over a conference contender, and a quartet of AAC schools hope to settle scores in rivalry games. There is never a dull week in the American, no matter the quantity of games.
Navy Takes on Air Force on CBS
Navy-Air Force is the only AAC game that matters this week for many Army fans. The Midshipmen have not beaten Air Force on the road since 2012 when Keenan Reynolds introduced himself to the country with a come-from-behind victory. Navy advanced to 4-0 after an efficient game from Blake Horvath against UAB, completing nine passes for 225 yards, including two 70-yard touchdown tosses.
The Midshipmen have their best chance at a road win against Air Force in years. So far, this year’s Air Force team could be the worst of the Troy Calhoun era. The defense is effective, but not strong enough to overcome the offense’s shortcomings. The Falcons average 12 points per game on offense with a high of just 21 against lowly FCS school Merrimack. The Falcons’ once-vaunted attack looks lethargic without the 2023 backfield of Zac Larrier, John Lee Eldridge, and Emmanuel Michel.
Still, the Midshipmen can expect a dogfight. Strangely, Navy is in the same position Air Force found themselves in last year against Army. Like the Falcons last year, the Midshipmen are undefeated and face a Service Academy rival suffering through a disappointing year. Ultimately, 2-6 Army dominated Air Force and ended the Falcons’ New Year’s Six hopes. Could we see a similar outcome on Saturday?
The Navy offense’s reliance on explosive plays seems hardly sustainable and their defense masters the “bend but don’t break” strategy. It is not wild to believe this could be a one-score game. This game is also an excellent opportunity for Blake Horvath to make his Heisman case on a noon ET CBS broadcast facing mediocre competition from ABC, Fox, and The CW.
Can Trent Dilfer Redeem Himself Against Tulane?
Somehow, UAB Head Coach Trent Dilfer’s antics became the story after last week loss to Navy rather than the Mids’ outstanding play on the field. Blazer fans and pundits maligned the second-year coach after he dismissively remarked that UAB was “not Alabama” when inviting his grandchildren to join him at their post-game presser. Dilfer’s attitude brought sour memories to the attitude surrounding the program leading up to its temporary shutdown in 2014.
Nevertheless, Dilfer can redeem himself and complicate Tulane’s AAC title bid with a win against the Green Wave.
An upset is realistic after Tulane struggled against UAB at home last year. A late touchdown to make it a two-score game bailed out the Green Wave on their way to back-to-back New Year’s Six bowls. Green Wave running back Makhi Hughes could have a field day against a struggling Blazers’ front seven allowing 204 rush yards per game game. Green Wave quarterback Darian Mensah could have another outstanding game against a Blazer secondary that allowed two 70+ yard passing touchdowns to Navy.
Old Big East Rivals Collide
Two of the Big East misfit holdovers from the 2013 realignment cycle meet when Temple travels to UConn. The two resided in the Big East together in 2004 and 2012 and in the AAC from 2013-2019. Saturday’s meeting is the 21st in the series with Temple holding a 14-6 edge. Temple allowed 417 yards on the ground against Army last week. This week, a red-hot Husky offense averaging 244 yards per game provides another challenge for the Owls.
Temple’s offensive line issues stood front and center after allowing seven sacks to Army. A win against a UConn team that will likely make a bowl could cool Stan Drayton’s seat a little bit. However, it may not be enough if the Owls do not reach a bowl.
Tar Heel State Showdown
Charlotte had an eventful week after its come-from-behind 21-20 win over Rice. The 49ers distanced themselves from the league cellar, but coaches on the Charlotte staff stole headlines by bantering with fans on X/Twitter. The 49ers hope to put the unprofessional skirmish behind them in their budding rivalry against East Carolina. Last year’s game was a 10-7 defensive struggle where the 49ers held the Pirates to 129 yards of offense.An anticipated sellout crowd could see another defensive duel. The East Carolina offense averages just 23 points per game against FBS competition. Charlotte averages the same against all opponents while averaging a meager 79 yards per game on the ground. East Carolina solidified itself as an AAC contender after beating UTSA. A loss to Charlotte undoes the respect earned last week.
Go Army! Beat Tulsa!!!
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