Three things we learned from the AAC in Week 13

We received some clarity on Saturday. Cincinnati and Temple battled this weekend, and a blocked extra point was the difference. Memphis and Navy kept their championship game hopes alive, and Houston played good defense. Week 13 was fun.

Cincinnati represents the East in the AAC Championship Game

The Bearcats played a tough game with Temple on Saturday, but found a way to win and clinch the AAC East title. Cincinnati needed to win just one of their final two games, and they got to it sooner rather than later. Their defense provided the winning score by blocking a Temple extra point and returning it for two points (the final margin of victory). Desmond Ridder had another tough game passing (62 yards), and he’ll need to improve if his team wants to beat Memphis next week.

Win and in for Memphis

Here are the scenarios: Memphis wins next week and they clinch the West. Memphis and Navy both lose, Memphis gets in. Memphis loses and Navy wins, the Midshipmen win the West. After a disappointing season in 2018, Navy’s surprised many and put themselves in a great position to win the conference. They need Memphis to lose next week, but it’s still a great story for 2019. The Tigers control their own destiny, and could face Cincinnati two games in a row.

Houston played good defense

After being eliminated from bowl contention, the Houston Cougars played relaxed and beat Tulsa. The weird thing about the game is their defense led the charge. A group that made improvements each week finally put together a complete performance, and even added a score of their own. Even while being outgained 380-231, the Cougars defense never lost focus or confidence and held Tulsa to 14 points. The 2018 season ended poorly for the Coogs, and was an indication of how this season would go. If Houston can play well and maybe even pull off a win next week, it might be an indication of the positive season they’ll have next year.