USAToday: AAC Football Preview

[Brad]

College football 2016: American Athletic Conference preview

Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY Sports 8:57 a.m. EDT August 1, 2016

 

First in an 11-part series

The American Athletic Conference has designs on turning the Power Five into a Power Six, trading in its current existence outside the automatic-bid structure for a seat among the established major conferences.

It’s a grand plan, though perhaps a fruitless one. For all its recent gains — and the AAC as a whole is fresh off an outstanding season — there is a clear delineation between the Group of Five and the Power Five. It’s seen most clearly in numbers: Non-power leagues, such as the AAC, simply don’t tout the same depth.

But then there’s Houston. In the Cougars, which claimed the conference title and won the Peach Bowl last season, the AAC has a tent-pole program upon which to build its national bona fides.

For now, at least. The Big 12 Conference’s recent announcement that it would pursue expansion throws a wrench into the American’s plan for a step up the ladder, seeing as Houston stands as the league’s most likely addition.

Well, so be it. For now, the Cougars carry the flag for the American — and will continue to do so until, or if, the Big 12 opens its doors. And when it comes to 2016, Houston gives the conference a clear national contender.

Projected order of finish

Rank among the FBS' 128 teams in parentheses

EAST

1. South Florida (No. 35)

2. Temple (No. 41)

3. Cincinnati (No. 59)

4. Connecticut (No. 75)

5. East Carolina (No. 96)

6. Central Florida (No. 110)

WEST

1. Houston (No. 16)

2. Memphis (No. 38)

3. Navy (No. 43)

4. Tulsa (No. 66)

5. SMU (No. 112)

6. Tulane (No. 115)

...

 

Best units

Quarterback: Houston. Greg Ward has proven himself to be not just a top-flight college starter — a question heading into last season — but nearly a perfect fit for Tom Herman’s offense.

Running back: South Florida. The Bulls have the league’s top back in Marlon Mack and plenty of depth in reserve. The running game also lands a significant boost from dual-threat junior quarterback Quinton Flowers, who added nearly 1,000 yards on the ground last season.

Wide receiver and tight end: East Carolina. First-year coach Scottie Montgomery will have plenty of depth and talent to work with at receiver, led by Isaiah Jones, the top returner at the position in the American.

Offensive line: Houston and South Florida (tie). USF’s front will

 

Rest of report

[KB]

Looks like Rodney transferred to UCF.

[OcalaBull2]

6 minutes ago, KB said:

Looks like Rodney transferred to UCF.

LOL not only does C. Florida not have a single player on the All Conference teams listed, but Adams is listed as one of their players. Unintentional trolling at its best. 

[raptorcj]

Well, crud boys, we might as well all pack it in for the season. Houston already won. 

[206BULL]

Stopped reading after Adams being listed as UCiF. I get we're not in a big boy conference but just like announcers and refs, writers should know what school is what.

[OcalaBull2]

1 minute ago, 206BULL said:

Stopped reading after Adams being listed as UCiF. I get we're not in a big boy conference but just like announcers and refs, writers should know what school is what.

Welcome to the greater 5. 

[Guest PCBull14]

6 minutes ago, 206BULL said:

Stopped reading after Adams being listed as UCiF. I get we're not in a big boy conference but just like announcers and refs, writers should know what school is what.

This and I was done. Almost as bad as Mickey Mouse announcers not knowing how to pronounce names. Wish I could do my job half-ass and still collect a paycheck.

[GaUSFBull]

Looks like they fixed it.  

[The Great 8]

This article is WAY too definitive about Houston joining the Big XII.