Hurricane Florence is here, and that has cause some cancellations across the AAC. Still, there is quite a slate of games in Week 3. A few Power 5 opponents appear, with a couple of them labeled as potential upsets. The standings, just like last year are tight, but there was a switch at the bottom. It’s anyone’s game, and Week 3 could spark some more changes in the standings.
Games cancelled: UCF at North Carolina, ECU at #13 Virginia Tech
Game of the Week
Houston (2-0) at Texas Tech (1-1)— Houston -1.5, Saturday 3:15pm CT
This game screams shootout. Houston is coming off of a game where they scored 45 points against Arizona and Texas Tech scored 77 against essentially nobody. D’Eriq King and his blazing fast wide receivers should be successful against the Red Raiders secondary, something that didn’t happen last year. Houston is looking to avenge an ugly loss to Texas Tech last year, and it is just another stepping stone to a perfect season.
What’s the difference from last year? Houston has more pieces to help Ed Oliver up front, and the secondary is another year experienced. Texas Tech’s offense might struggle to stop Oliver and the defensive line, but they will utilize quick throws as much as possible to negate them. Last year, the rushing attack was lethal against the Cougars, but it doesn’t seem to be a factor in 2018. The game is in Lubbock, but will Houston take over?
Eric- Houston 33 Texas Tech 20
Joe S.- Texas Tech 42 Houston 38
Joe B.- Houston 40 Texas Tech 37
Michael- Houston 38 Texas Tech 34
Rest of the AAC
Georgia State (1-1) at Memphis (1-1)— Memphis -28.5, Friday 6:00pm CT
It’s time to move on from a loss to the weather. Memphis still controls their own destiny, and should hang 40+ on the Panthers.
Eric- Memphis 48 Georgia State 10
Joe S.- Memphis 45 Georgia State 14
Joe B.- Memphis 50 Georgia State 7
Michael- Memphis 48 Georgia State 13
Temple (0-2) at Maryland (2-0)— Maryland -16.5, Saturday 11:00am CT
A game that had some potential is suddenly looking lopsided. Temple is reeling for answers, while Maryland finds themselves undefeated.
Eric- Maryland 24 Temple 14
Joe S.- Maryland 31 Temple 14
Joe B.- Maryland 28 Temple 10
Michael- Maryland 34 Temple 10
Rhode Island (2-0) at UConn (0-2)— No line, Saturday 11:00am CT
The Huskies first realistic chance for a win could also still be a loss.
Eric- Rhode Island 24 UConn 20
Joe S.- UConn 34 Rhode Island 20
Joe B.- UConn 31 Rhode Island 21
Michael- UConn 27 Rhode Island 21
Tulane (1-1) at UAB (1-1)— Tulane -3.5, Saturday 12:00pm CT
This game could be close, but UAB did just lose to Coastal Carolina by 23. How will they stop the Green Wave offense? It’s not going to be easy.
Eric- UAB 24 Tulane 20
Joe S.- Tulane 33 UAB 28
Joe B.- Tulane 30 UAB 21
Michael- Tulane 34 UAB 24
SMU (0-2) at #19 Michigan (1-1)— Michigan -36, Saturday 2:30pm CT
This week’s edition of: How many points will SMU’s defense give up? Week 1, North Texas scored 46. Week 2, TCU scored 42. Can Michigan get the high score?
Eric- Michigan 42 SMU 10
Joe S.- Michigan 52 SMU 16
Joe B.- Michigan 49 SMU 10
Michael- Michigan 45 SMU 7
USF (2-0) vs. Illinois (2-0)— USF -10.5, Saturday 2:30pm CT
Normally you don’t say this about a P5 team when they play a G5, but we feel bad for Illinois. Even if the Fighting Illini are undefeated.
Eric- USF 35 Illinois 14
Joe S.- USF 34 Illinois 21
Joe B.- USF 31 Illinois 17
Michael- USF 38 Illinois 13
Lehigh (1-1) at Navy (1-1)— No line, Saturday 2:30pm CT
Let’s change the betting line to: Over/Under 2 quarterbacks used by Navy. That might be more interesting. They’ve used all three in both games so far.
Eric- Navy 35 Lehigh 0
Joe S.- Navy 42 Lehigh 7
Joe B.- Navy 41 Lehigh 14
Michael- Navy 45 Lehigh 10
Alabama A&M (1-1) at Cincinnati (2-0)— No line, Saturday 6:00pm CT
A 3-0 start is expected, and it could be the first game that the Bearcats offense explodes. That is something they desperately need to give the defense a break.
Eric- Cincinnati 35 Alabama A&M 3
Joe S.- Cincinnati 28 Alabama A&M 10
Joe B.- Cincinnati 27 Alabama A&M 0
Michael- Cincinnati 30 Alabama A&M 7
Arkansas State (1-1) at Tulsa (1-1)— Arkansas State -1, Saturday 6:00pm CT
What should we make of Tulsa? The Golden Hurricane were so close to being 2-0, but they were 2-10 last year. If they truly are back on the way up, a win over the Red Wolves would be huge.
Eric- Tulsa 31 Arkansas State 28
Joe S.- Tulsa 28 Arkansas State 21
Joe B.- Arkansas State 41 Tulsa 38
Michael- Arkansas State 38 Tulsa 35