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AAC Power Rankings Week 3

East Carolina moves up a spot in this week's poll after huge win over Virginia Tech

By Ryne Hancock
Michael Shroyer

1. Cincinnati (1-0)

Last Week: Defeated Toledo 58-34

This Week: vs. Miami (Ohio)

After two bye weeks and tons of time to load up on Graeter's ice cream and chili, the Bearcats opened their 2014 season last Friday with a convincing victory over in-state foe Toledo in Paul Brown Stadium. This was thanks in large part to quarterback Gunner Kiel's strong performance in which he threw for 418 yards and six touchdowns. This week the Bearcats face off against longtime rival Miami (Ohio) in the Battle for the Victory Bell at Nippert Stadium Saturday.

2. East Carolina (2-1)

Last Week: Defeated Virginia Tech 28-21

This week: vs. North Carolina

Moving up this week in the AAC Power Rankings, the Pirates on Saturday hushed the Lane Stadium faithful as they escaped Blacksburg with a 28-21 victory. This week, Shane Carden and company square off against the North Carolina Tar Heels in Greenville.

3. Temple (1-1)

Last Week: Inactive

This Week: vs. Delaware State

Despite a tough loss to the Navy Midshipmen, the Owls moved up in this week's AAC poll. You have to admire the way Matt Rhule has this team playing so far in 2014.

4. Memphis (1-1)

Last Week: Inactive

This Week: vs. Middle Tennessee

For the first time in a long time, there's an actual football game that people in the Bluff City are looking forward to that doesn't involve the Tennessee Volunteers or the Ole Miss Rebels. After a tough loss at UCLA, Memphis is looking to move to 2-1 as they face longtime rival Middle Tennessee at the Liberty Bowl.

5. Central Florida (0-2)

Last Week: Lost 38-10 to Missouri

This Week: vs. Bethune Cookman

A glorified scrimmage against an HBCU should be what the doctor ordered for the Golden Knights after their blowout loss to the Missouri Tigers.

6. Houston (1-2)

Last Week: Lost 33-25 to BYU

This Week: vs. UNLV

Houston had the misfortune of being the second AAC team to lose to the BYU Cougars, falling 33-25 in Provo on September 11th. The Cougars get one more OOC tuneup before conference play starts as UNLV comes to town Saturday.

7. Tulane (1-2)

Last Week: Beat Southeastern Louisiana 35-20

This Week: at Duke

After two hard fought losses to Tulsa and Georgia Tech, the Green Wave notched their first win of the 2014 season as they beat the Southeastern Louisiana Lions in Yulman Stadium Saturday. Up next for Tulane is a road showdown with the Duke Blue Devils.

8. UCONN (1-2)

Last Week: Lost to Boise State 38-21

This week: at South Florida

The Huskies are entering the second straight game with Chandler Whitmer behind center. Whitmer's stat line against the Broncos was 16-29 for two touchdowns and 209 yards through the air. By the time the Huskies take on Temple on the 27th, Whitmer should be more comfortable in the offense and in rhythm.

9. South Florida (1-2)

Last Week: Lost to North Carolina State 49-17

This Week: vs. UCONN

Bulls were thoroughly manhandled by NC State last weekend in Raleigh.

10. Tulsa (1-2)

Last Week: Lost to Florida Atlantic 50-21

This Week: Idle

When Buzz Peterson bolted for Tennessee after the Golden Hurricane won the 2001 NIT, the University of Tulsa opted on hiring John Phillips, a longtime Tulsa high school basketball coach. And while Tulsa went to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments in 2002 and 2003, it took Tulsa basketball eleven years to return to the Big Dance.

Reason why I bring this up is that after Todd Graham left Tulsa, the school decided to once again go on the cheap and hire another local high school coach in Bill Blankenship, who led the Golden Hurricane football program to the 2012 Conference USA championship. And just like what happened with Phillips in basketball, Blankenship at the helm for Tulsa football is doing more harm than good.

Also, giving up 50 points in back-to-back games isn't good for your job prospects.

11. SMU (0-2)

Last Week: Idle

This Week: vs. Texas A&M

Well at least this is happening:


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