Only four games fill the Week 7 American Athletic Conference slate, yet several of the league’s contenders have important games this weekend. Two programs face a make-or-break game, while two Texas schools look to right the ship when they face one another. Though the slate is small, the results from this week will clear the AAC title picture quite a bit.
AAC Title Elimination Game?
South Florida-Memphis still play this weekend despite concerns involving Hurricane Milton. At first, a Friday night ESPN showcase game for the conference, Memphis and South Florida now play at 3:30 ET on ESPN+ at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. Although both teams have only played one conference game, this game has become a must-win for both. Memphis lost to a Navy team whose toughest remaining in-conference test will come against Tulane, while USF lost to that same Tulane team and still must face Navy as well.
With Army and Navy’s relatively easy AAC paths and high level of play, Memphis and USF may need to win out for a spot in the AAC Championship Game. Given these circumstances, USF-Memphis looks like an elimination game.
Unfortunately, USF could be without starting QB Byrum Brown. Backup Bryce Archie struggled against Tulane, completing just four of his ten passes for 41 yards in relief. On the other hand, Memphis might struggle to defend Brown’s running ability if he plays. The Tigers could not contain Navy’s Blake Horvath earlier this year.
North Texas Travels to Struggling FAU
North Texas-FAU is one of the AAC’s most underrated rivalries. The schools’ series dates back to their days as Sun Belt members in the 2000s and carried over to their move to Conference USA. FAU leads the series 8-6, but the Mean Green can gain ground when the schools play on Saturday.
North Texas looks to build on its win against Tulsa two weeks ago against a mediocre 2-3 FAU team. UNT QB Chandler Morris headlines for the Mean Green, averaging over 300 passing yards/game. However, he could take a backseat against a porous FAU run defense. The Owls allowed 421 rushing yards to UConn on September 21st. Lowly Temple held that same Husky rushing attack to 99 yards last week.
Despite the lack of media attention, North Texas looks like it could compete for the AAC crown. The Mean Green have a difficult path ahead, facing Tulane, Memphis, and Army, but they have the offensive firepower to compete with anyone in the conference. Saturday’s primetime ESPN2 appearance could introduce the nation at large to this very talented Mean Green team.
Bowl Hopes On the Line in the Lone Star State
Two of the league’s most disappointing squads square off when Rice hosts UTSA on Saturday night. UTSA had high expectations heading into the year despite losing longtime starting QB Frank Harris. The media picked the Roadrunners to finish second in the conference before the season started. Similarly, experts expected Rice to make significant strides with Temple transfer QB EJ Warner taking over. But both schools now look like long shots to make a bowl. UTSA and Rice struggled offensively in their last game on September 28th. Together, these schools have scored just 20 points in their losses this season.
Nonetheless, running backs on both teams have provided hope to build upon. UTSA’s Brandon High had 92 yards on seven carries, including a 66-yard touchdown against ECU, while Rice’s Dean Connors had 121 yards on 14 carries against Charlotte. Both backs could mask struggling quarterback play in this turning point game for both teams.
UTSA moves to 2-4 if they lose, with Memphis, North Texas, and Army still on the schedule. Rice comes into the game with a 1-4 record. Both teams must win this game to keep their bowl hopes alive.
Go Army! Beat UAB!!!
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