Week 3 May have confused us more than any week. Houston and UConn struggle defensively, we had an unforeseen upset, and a team that was overlooked might be a conference contender. Let’s take a look at what we learned in Week 3 from the AAC.
We have no idea what to make of Temple or Tulane
Two teams that were considered teams to potentially watch for have had interesting starts to the season. Temple started 0-2 by losing to Villanova and Buffalo, make Owls fans believe they had taken a step back. Then they put up 35 points to beat Maryland. Temple continues to confuse us with their play and we have no idea what we should expect in their next game.
Tulane was pegged as a team that the conference should worry about, but the non conference schedule didn’t do much to help that perception. A 1-2 start isn’t what the Green Wave wanted, and they appear to have plenty of work to do if a conference title is in their future.
Cincinnati might be the dark horse team
While Temple and Tulane struggle, the Bearcats have jumped out to a 3-0 start. Cincinnati’s defense has given up just 24 points in three games. That’s eye popping considering the AAC’s general lack of defense throughout the conference. Right now, this team has the best defense in the conference, and it’s not even close.
Cincinnati wasn’t expected to be a team that could contend for the AAC East title, but that is a strong possibility right now. Desmond Ridder’s play at quarterback has brought some consistency to the offense, and Mike Warren II has filled in well for the injured Gerrid Doaks. If the offense can keep improving and the defense can continue to stifle their opponents, we could be taking about the Bearcats in a conference championship game.
Malcolm Perry and Darrell Henderson are making a runs at conference player of the year
While all three quarterbacks continue to see action for the Midshipmen, there’s not doubt who is the most explosive. Perry went off on Lehigh this weekend, rushing for 223 yards and three touchdowns. Navy didn’t let a big win over Memphis affect them the week after, and their triple option attack is once again lethal. Perry will most likely need some help if he is to win conference player of the year, but replicating performances like this will go a long way.
Henderson notched his second consecutive 200 yard rushing game. He carried the offense against Navy last week, and dominated Georgia State’s defense this week. The passing attack has a great complement with Henderson, and he’s easily the best running back in the conference.