AAC Football Fever Power Rankings: Week 4
1. ECU Pirates (2-1, 0-0 AAC; LW: No. 3)—Credibility and respect isn’t something that is handed to you, it’s earned; East Carolina deserves both. The Pirates nearly beat South Carolina on the road—hey, Georgia couldn’t do it either—and took out Virginia Tech in Blacksburg one week after the Hokies beat Ohio State in Columbus. I’m starting to revert to my initial thoughts from the spring, where I predicted the Pirates to finish 10-2 (8-0 AAC)—and yes, I picked them to beat VTU. Next up: vs. North Carolina, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET.
2. Cincinnati Bearcats (1-0, 0-0; LW: No. 1)—Well, Cincinnati finally suited up for battle and there was a lot to like in its first 2014 appearance. It’s felt like eons, but Gunner Kiel made his first ever college start, and all he did was pass for 418 yards and six touchdowns—an NCAA record for a QB making his debut. The offense was explosive in the first half—albeit a little inconsistent in the second—and the defense made some plays, but allowing 563 yards and 34 points to Toledo (31 between quarters two and three) is unacceptable. Next up: vs. Miami (Oh.), Saturday, 7 p.m. ET.
3. Memphis Tigers (1-1, 0-0; LW: No. 2)—Memphis received a much-deserved bye after punching UCLA in the mouth (and taking a few hits of its own) during a close Week 2 loss, and should utilize the time off with a win over Middle Tennessee. Alas, the Tigers could be vulnerable with Ole Miss looming. Next up: vs. MTSU, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET.
4. Temple Owls (1-1, 0-0; LW: No. 5)—There’s a strong chance Temple could be sitting at 4-1 before a road trip to Houston. The last time the Owls won four games by mid-October was in 2010, when they ended up with eight in total. Next up: vs. Delaware State, Saturday, 1 p.m. ET.
5. UCF Knights (0-2, 0-0; LW: No. 4)—Justin Holman was human in a big loss to defending SEC East champ Missouri, and the offense as a hole was pretty awful. Its four turnover should be noted when counting for the Tigers’ 38 points, although the defense succumbed to a 71.4 percent 3rd-down conversion rate. Take these first two losses to Power 5 opponents with a grain of salt, however, because UCF will still vie for AAC contention when it’s all said and done. Next up: vs. Bethune-Cookman, Saturday, 6 p.m. ET.
6. Houston Cougars (1-2, 0-0; LW: No. 9)—Well would ya look at that! Houston actually looked like, well, erm, Houston, in its 33-25 loss to BYU in Provo last Thursday night. John O’Korn threw for 306 yards and three touchdowns and the defense served as opportunistic. If UH can play like this more consistently (and maybe get off to faster starts), it will be fine during conference play. Next up: vs. UNLV, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET.
7. USF Bulls (1-2, 0-0; LW: No. 6)—The wheels fell off pretty quickly in USF’s 49-17 loss to N.C. State. The Wolfpack converted 11-of-16 third downs, compiled 589 yards in a well-balanced attack, and held possession for over 38 minutes, but not many teams will win with a quarterback situation like the Bulls have: Mike White and Quinton Flowers combined to go 5-of-20 for 89 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions as USF’s offense continued to sputter. Next up: vs. UConn, Friday, 8 p.m. ET.
8. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (1-2, 1-0; LW: No. 7)—Not exactly what we had in mind when we said Tulsa needed a convincing win over FAU. The Golden Hurricane limp into their bye week after giving up 102 points in two blowout losses. Next up: BYE
9. Tulane Green Wave (1-2, 0-0; LW: No. 8)—What does Tulsa’s 50-21 loss to FAU mean about Tulane? That the Green Wave aren’t very good, apparently. Next up: at Duke, Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET.
10. SMU Mustangs (0-2, 0-0; LW: No. 10)—SMU must overcome getting beat by 82 in its first two games, having its coach resign before Week 3, and losing its starting quarterback for the season. And guess who the Mustangs play next? Next up: vs. Texas A&M, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET.
11. UConn Huskies (1-2, 0-0; LW: No. 11)—There were signs of life and improvement in UConn’s 38-21 defeat against Boise State last weekend, with plenty to build on as it enters a winnable matchup with the struggling Bulls to open conference play. Next up: at USF, Friday, 8 p.m. ET.
*To check out last week’s rankings, click here.
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