Three things we learned from the AAC in Week 13

I’m so ready for when we have a full slate of games again. It’s just sad when you’re limited to the number of games you can watch in a conference (and in college football in general). What’s nice about the AAC is that it continues to entertain us no matter how many games are played. With the amount of offense we see, it’s tough to get bored (outside of Memphis-Navy this weekend) watching this conference play. I’d just like to see more of it.

Sean Dykes is a record holder

Sean Dykes’ redemption story continues to be one of the best in college football. After backing up Joey Magnifico and struggling with injuries, Dykes is healthy and now a record holder. He broke Magnifico’s record for career reception yards by a tight end this weekend in Memphis’ 10-7 win over Navy, and it’s an honor that he deserves. After two years of dealing with injuries, it’s nice to see him succeed this year and add a record to his resume. It’s too bad the Tigers don’t have every weapon at their disposal, but Dykes continues to give Brady White a reliable target downfield.

Holton Ahlers has SMU’s number

ECU needed something to pick them up after a rough 2020 season. The excitement surrounding the team quickly turned sour with losses. Their offense didn’t produce like it should and the defense continued to be a liability from the start. Holton Ahlers wasn’t as dominant as some of us hoped, but he still showed flashes, including this one against a team that it seems he’s figured out. While ECU is 1-1 against the Mustangs in the last two meetings, the Pirates now lead the scoring 103-97. Ahlers himself continued his dominance over the Mustangs defense in the 52-38 win, throwing for 298 yards and four touchdowns. That now gives him 796 yards and 10 touchdowns with zero interceptions against SMU in his career. It’s back to the drawing board for ECU, but at least this gives them something to build upon for next year.

UCF continues its “Next Man Up” mentality

Adversity hit the UCF Knights early and often this year, and they’ve done well adjusting to unexpected personnel changes. First it was Tre Nixon going down with an injury against Georgia Tech. Now, they adjusted for not having one of the best receivers in the country in Marlon Williams. In the War on I4, UCF continued its offensive dominance en route to a 58-46 win over USF. Dillon Gabriel threw for 336 yards and four touchdowns to push his season totals to 3,353 yards and 30 touchdowns with just four interceptions. Without Williams, someone needed to step up, and Jacob Harris answered the call. With the Bulls seemingly focused more on Jaylon Robinson and Tre Nixon, Harris saw more favorable matchups, and turned it into five catches for 110 yards and three touchdowns. Even when this team’s down, they’re never out.