AAC Power Rankings Week 7

Our game of the week did not disappoint in terms of entertainment. Hopefully those who predicted a UCF blowout weren’t too upset that the game was fun to watch. UCF stumbled, but recovered in time to pull out a win at the Liberty Bowl. If they lost to the Tigers, we would be talking about numerous changes in the Top 5 and would have a new top team. Since that didn’t happen, we only saw one team move down.

1. UCF (6-0)

Don’t count this team out of any game. UCF was running plays at a blistering pace Saturday, and they came back from a 30-17 halftime deficit to beat Memphis on the road. It was their first sign of legitimate vulnerability, but they also responded to some serious adversity.

2. Cincinnati (6-0)

The AAC East has three of the remaining undefeated teams, and the Bearcats are one of them. They will face Temple this week in a game that will provide clarity on the divisional race. Temple is 3-0 in conference play while Cincinnati is 2-0.

3. USF (6-0)

This team has so much potential on offense, but they continue to have slip ups against bad teams. They needed to come back against Tulsa this week, which makes it a trend of struggling against inferior competition.

4. Houston (5-1)

D’Eriq King and the offense took care of business, and Ed Oliver had his first breakout game of the season. Houston’s star had five tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble that led to Emeke Egbule’s touchdown.

5. Memphis (4-3)

UCF will continue to haunt this program after the last two games they’ve played. The Tigers have been right in these games, and were given chances to win. A turnover and a completed pass ended their chances.

6. Temple (4-3)

Beating Navy almost any other year would move the Owls up, but only winning by seven against this year’s Navy team isn’t enough. If Memphis had lost to anyone else, they’d be in Temple’s spot, but losing to UCF doesn’t warrant a drop. Temple will move up if they find a way to beat Cincinnati this week.

7. SMU (2-4)

Believe it or not, the Mustangs are just a game behind Houston for the AAC West lead. They’re also tied with the team they face this week which is....

8. Tulane (2-4)

.....the Green Wave. Tulane, despite their struggles, is 1-1 in conference play. The winner this week secures second place in the West.

9. Tulsa (1-5)

Normally, losing means you fall in rankings, but Tulsa has played two of the best teams in the conference tough the last two weeks. They couldn’t quite pull of the upset against USF this week, but that’s what happens when your quarterback goes 6-for-21 passing.

10. Navy (2-4)

Quarterback is a mess, and the Midshipmen are going the wrong direction fast. Facing Houston next may not be what the doctor ordered, either.

11. ECU (2-4)

Well, we know that ECU can score on backups well. We also know that Trevon Brown is going to get some postseason recognition despite his team’s struggles. Brown torched Houston’s secondary for 153 yards on Saturday, giving him 500 on the year.

12. UConn (1-5)

Can’t lose if you can’t play! This week was probably the best UConn’s looked all year!