Three things we learned from the AAC in Week 13

Who would have thought that the last week of regular season games would tell us so much? We learned quite a bit this week from the last group of regular season games. Tulane was inches away from a bowl game, but came up just short. We’ll save the Green Wave fans from reliving that moment again, but there were still plenty of other things we learned this week.

1. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Don’t celebrate early.

I suppose this only makes sense. UConn’s season ended in mostly appropriate fashion. Dow seven, the Huskies scored a touchdown with an opportunity to tie or win the game. Hergy Mayala hauled in David Pindell’s pass, but that’s where things started to go wrong. Mayala stood over his defender after catching the pass, resulting in a penalty. So instead of going for two to win the game, the Huskies had to kick an extra point from farther back. Michael Tarbutt’s kick.....well.....you can watch what happens below.

2. Mike Norvell might stick around for a while.

Memphis is doing everything it can to keep its coach from leaving for a Power 5 job. The Tigers have begun negotiating a contract extension with Norvell, who has led them to a 10-1 season and a chance to win the conference and make a New Year’s Six bowl game. He’s been linked to potential job openings nearby, but Memphis is doing whatever it takes to keep him around for the long run.

If he sticks around, the Tigers could be a competitor in the AAC for a long time. Norvell’s been instrumental in recruiting and developing talented players such as Riley Ferguson, Anthony Miller, and Tony Pollard. With so many Group of 5 coaches leaving for bigger jobs, it’s nice to see one stick around despite all of the attention from Power 5 schools.

3. The AAC Championship game is set.

With UCF’s win over USF, the AAC Championship is not set. The Knights will have a rematch against Memphis, who they beat in September 40-13. Memphis has played a lot better on both sides of the ball since that loss, and UCF just got done winning and emotional game. These offenses are two of the best in college football, and we might see a shootout to determine not only the conference champ, but who represents the Group of 5 in a New Year’s Six bowl.