FAVORITE TEAMS

The AAC had surprising turns in improvement of competition and also downturns for the regular season and bowl games. However, Cincinnati and Tulane improved last season with bowl wins while Navy had a disappointing 2018 season for the first time since 2002.

UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton sits out for one more season and Darriel Mack Jr. hurt, leaving Brandon Wimbush as ther starter, but his passing efficiency is an issue. Cincinnati could return to their winning ways after having back-to-back losing seasons. USF’s looking to end UCF’s run and they have enough returning starters to make it possible (as long as QB Blake Barnett stays healthy). Temple hosts UCF, but winning early could boost their confidence quickly. ECU and UConn are expected to finish at the bottom once again.

Memphis returns plenty of starters to make another run at a conference title appearance. Houston quarterback D’Eriq King looks to bounce back from his injury and lead his team to a division title under new coach Dana Holgorsen. Tulane improved last season, but can they go bowling again with a rebuilding O-Line? Navy bouncing back from a 3-10 season is difficult due to only five returning starters. SMU lost quarterback Ben Hicks to Arkansas, but gains Shane Buechele from Texas. Can that translate into a bowl season? A 3-9 Tulsa looked gritty on defense and should continue, but their offense must follow for a bowl season.

SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS

USF won their first seven games of the season, but four games were by eight points or less. Houston twice ruined South Florida’s run twice (including injuries) and lost the rest of their games by an average of 19 points, and all their losses were by double-digits. Not only do they return 15 starters, but their schedule sets them up for season redemption, including November home games against Temple, Cincinnati, and Memphis before traveling to Orlando to hopefully end a Milton-less UCF team. Their only issue is their rushing defense, and their schedule features seven teams with capable rushers. The East turns into a 4-team race but USF is the most capable of all four. Their non-conference schedule looks winnable but November is where it could decide their fate in the division.

TULSA HURRICANES

This is a head scratcher for some people. Maybe Tulsa needs a year before they can compete in the West division but watching them last season, even with bad losses, they competed thanks to their defense. The offense has work cut out for them, and the improvement at quarterback, offensive line, and 3rd down conversions (86 – 200) are their top priority. Baylor-transfer quarterback Zach Smith could be the answer that Phillip Montgomery was looking for since coaching Dane Evans to two bowl games in his first two seasons. The schedule is hefty and there’s not much optimism for Tulsa to win six games. More importantly, this offense must find answers to help the running back position. If they find their solution, it could be surprising season for the Hurricanes.