AAC Power Rankings Week 5

If you don’t like chaos, then you don’t like college football. Tulsa gave us our first big upset of the season, and now has a two game winning streak over the UCF Knights. Zach Smith and Zaven Collins were lights out Saturday, and the Golden Hurricane made a statement. The win means we have a new top dog, and the Knights fall quite a bit after their debacle.

1. Cincinnati (3-0)

The Bearcats struggled to move the ball against a stingy USF defense, but luckily they have an elite defense themselves. Cincinnati forced the Bulls into five turnovers Saturday to lead them to a 28-7 win. The passing game struggled to get the ball moving, but Gerrid Doaks (102 yards, one touchdown) and the running game did just fine.

2. SMU (4-0)

It’s a good thing the Mustangs had such a good first half, because they were not the same team in the second. Reggie Roberson went off for 200 yards in the first two quarters, but suffered an injury that looked fairly serious. The offense struggled without him, and no one stepped up in his absence. Still, the Mustangs survived a charge by Memphis, and kicked a field goal to win the game 30-27.

3. Tulsa (1-1)

Is it drastic to put Tulsa this high? Yep, sure is, but that’s how impactful this win was in the conference. To take down a giant like UCF two years in a row isn’t easy, but the Golden Hurricane embraced the challenge. They’re also one fourth quarter meltdown of their own from being 2-0 and competing with SMU and Cincinnati for the top spot. Philip Montgomery’s team is on the rise, and there’s no telling how high they can go after this weekend.

4. UCF (3-1)

While you’re reading this, the Knights got another false start penalty. Penalties and poor game management cost the Knights their perfect season Josh Heupel’s staff has a laundry list of issues to correct before the next game, including finding a new center. UCF had control of this game, which has to be the most infuriating part. They were up 23-12 before getting outscored 22-3 in the second half.

5. Memphis (1-1)

You could tell the Tigers were rusty coming out of the gate, as SMU jumped out to a 24-3 lead. The leadership of Brady White and Damonte Coxie brought the team back to eventually tie the game at 27. The Mustangs needed a field goal to win, ending the Tigers perfect season, but this team showed they’re not going to quit. It was far from their best game, but it’s easy to think they could have won this game if it didn’t take so long for them to get going in the first place.

6. Tulane (2-1)

The Green Wave were off this week, and travel to Houston next week to face a Cougars team that’s yet to play a game.

7. Navy (1-2)

Navy lost to Air Force 40-7. So maybe they aren’t actually that good. I don’t know, do you?

8. USF (1-2)

It’s going to be some time before USF’s offense looks competent, but the defense will keep things interesting. Five turnovers killed the Bulls offense, but the defense force four of their own on Saturday against Cincinnati.

9. ECU (0-2)

I don’t even want to talk about it.

Still somehow haven’t played a game.

Houston- October 8th against Tulane! Fingers crossed!

Temple- October 10th against Navy.