(Wes Hale/The Daily Memphian)
Here’s your AAC game predictions for Week 3. I’m even including a Big Upset, because it will not be a good week for AAC fans. Here we go, direct to the picks!
Big Game of the Week
#18 South Florida Bulls go on the road to #5 Miami. The Bulls have to lose that momentum at some point. If they win this Saturday they’ll be the first team since 1980 to beat 3 ranked teams on the road since 1980, (per Stats Perform). Miami has only given up one rushing TD this year. Coach Alex Golesh takes his first loss, to a Miami team that could win the ACC.
Rest of the Games
#13 Oklahoma Sooners at Temple Owls
Michigan would probably tell Temple, go back! Temple offense put up gaudy numbers last week against Howard. 329 rushing yards spread among 3 different running backs is impressive. Oklahoma looked like they could’ve beaten Michigan by 3 touchdowns last week easily. You should look for an Oklahoma victory of about 3 touchdowns as they rest starters late for a tough SEC schedule that’s upcoming.
Memphis Tigers at Troy
The Memphis Tigers are visiting a very dangerous Troy team. Last week they held their own against a top 25 team. The Tigers haven’t had a serious challenge yet, but transfer QB Brendan Lewis has been efficient. The Tigers may be pointing towards a South Florida matchup slightly down the road. Coach Silverfield will have them ready, though, and their defense will be just enough. I feel it’s much, much closer than a casual observer will have it, Tigers by less than a TD or maybe even overtime.
Incarnate Word at UTSA
UTSA is led by running back Robert Henry. His preposterous stats through 2 games are 336 yards on only 33 carries. This includes a first game at ranked Texas A&M. Incarnate Word will be unable to contain him. Look for @robertThenry6 to go crazy this game and hit national media.
Prairie View at Rice
Prairie View is overmatched at Rice. Maybe the most definitive win of Rice’s year. Jackson, their RB is solid, but Prairie View can’t compete with the AAC Rice. Look for Rice’s problems to start once conference play begins.
East Carolina at Coastal Carolina
East Carolina has started the year off strongly. Coastal Carolina doesn’t resemble their Glory days of several years back. But Coastal Carolina apparently does not give up on a chance for a win. Coach Beck talked about East Carolina and their QB Katin Houser. Coastal Carolina doesn’t have a historically good homefield advantage and ECU should take it by 2 touchdowns at least.
Missouri State at SMU
SMU lost a close game to Baylor. Missouri State won a close game over Marshall. Usually winning begets winning, but not this time. SMU’s offense has been abysmal so far, but their rushing yards are less terrible. Going up against a Conference USA defense that’s been not the best- pick SMU. With a tough ACC schedule coming up SMU absolutely cannot afford another nonconference loss.
Navy at Tulsa
Navy has their first true road game of the year. They’re currently 23rd in the country in offense. During media availability (linked here) offensive coordinator Drew Cronic talked about the road routine of the Midshipmen. He noted that the team stays in a hotel on the road; but also for the home games, too. Maybe we should look at why it seems service academies perform very well on the road compared to other programs. Early in the season, a new defense against an experienced top-notch QB like Blake Horvath, going with Navy in a romp.
Northwestern State at Cincinnati Oh, the Humanity.
Northwestern State lost to a Big 10 team already this year, Minnesota 66-0. The bad news is Cincinnati is superior to Minnesota, and expect a blowout of Northwestern State. It’s a “buy” game for $425,000 (plus 400 tickets to the game in Cincinatti.)
Upset of the Week
Washington State at North Texas. Yet, it’s less than a touchdown favorite for North Texas. But Washington State has Jaxon Potter, who has a QBR of over 140 for each of the first 2 games. He’s a 3-star 6-5 player from California. North Texas is a solid team in the AAC, but Washington State still has West Coast NIL and they should wear down North Texas. Also, a 3:30 Eastern Time start translates to 12:30 East Coast time so no huge travel disadvantage.
As always, the picks are for entertainment purposes only. You can reach me with comments or suggestions for articles at [email protected] . Follow me on X [email protected]
