AAC Power Rankings Week 5

1. UCF (4-0)

Pitt didn’t stand a chance against the Knights, and were down 31-7 at halftime. It makes you wonder how well the Panthers could do in the AAC. We know UCF could compete in the ACC, but will continue to be overlooked because they’re not in a Power 5 conference.

2. Cincinnati (5-0)

Anyone doubting the Bearcats should stop, because they might have an offense to go with their stout defense. They will get their first legitimate conference opponent when they meet Tulane next.

3. USF (4-0)

A trip to UMass is up next, which will test the Bulls both offensively and defensively. The Minutemen can score points in a hurry, which will test USF’s defense and could put pressure on their offense to keep pace.

4. Houston (3-1)

For some reason, Houston has struggled with Tulsa the last two years. The Cougars have a chance to end any lingering doubts this Thursday when they host the Golden Hurricane.

5. Tulane (2-3)

They somehow pulled out a win against Memphis at home. Tulane’s defense held Darrell Henderson and the Tigers offense in check for most of the game, and the Green Wave won 40-24.

6. SMU (2-3)

SMU finally took a turn picking on a weaker opponent for once, and they scored 63 points in the process. Up next: UCF.

7. Navy (2-2)

The Midshipmen took the week off, giving them extra time to play rival Air Force. What will happen at the quarterback position? Malcolm Perry struggled last week, and needs to have a strong performance this week.

8. Memphis (3-2)

Both lines played their worst games for the Tigers, and it cost them dearly. Tulane ran away with the game before Memphis could really respond. This is still a really good team, but they need a ton of help going forward if they want to win the division.

9. ECU (2-2)

Surprise team of the year? Not quite since Cincinnati is undefeated, but the Pirates are a close second. ACC teams they’re better than: North Carolina (ECU beat them), Pitt (North Carolina beat the Panthers), Georgia Tech (ECU beat UNC who beat Pitt who beat GT), Virginia Tech (ECU beat Old Dominion who beat VT), Duke and Florida State (ODU beat VT who beat both Duke and FSU), and Louisville (ECU beat ODU who beat VT who beat FSU who beat the Cardinals). The Pirates are the eighth best team in the ACC, and ninth in this conference. Power what?

10. Temple (2-3)

AJ Dillon got hurt, giving the Owls the perfect opportunity to beat Boston College, but they couldn’t steal a game from the Eagles. Someone tell us who this team is supposed to be.

11. Tulsa (1-3)

Golden Hurricane fans know they’ve given Houston a run for their money the last two years, but it might not be more of the same this season.

12. UConn (1-4)

David Pindell’s talent is getting wasted as much as Mike Trout’s is on the Angels.