Week 1 had its ups and downs for the American Athletic Conference. From murmurs of three or more of their fellow schools leaving the league, a 21-point comeback by UCF in a Thursday night thriller, Oklahoma opening their hearts to the Tulane Green Wave after a devastating week with their community suffering from Hurricane Ida. The American truly offered up a lot to discuss after week 1.
Realignment To Affect AAC?
The story is simple but complicated. Someone’s leaving, people are going to be happy and sad on many fronts. Money will shift and dreams will be realized, for some. Reports across CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports, and others cite credential information suggesting UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston will be seeking a new home in the Big 12 this week.
It looks like it’s done. https://t.co/zS6hai4nYx
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) September 3, 2021
The process as a whole takes a long journey and has a lot of handshakes still to be had as it evolves. We’ll keep you updated on all that as information comes in.
Who Are The Contenders?
Cincinnati immediately jumps to the top of the charts, after cruising to a 49-14 win over Miami (OH). Until they stumble, it can be expected more of the same from the defending AAC Champs.
UCF has to be reckoned with now as a contender after overcoming adversity in a 21-0 hole, for a 36-31 win over Boise St. in Gus Malzahn’s debut. The Knights finished the fight and proved they won’t be deterred easily, and they have the heart & desire to do what is necessary to win. That cannot be ignored.
What a night/morning!! So happy for our players.
Thank you to everyone that played a part, but especially the fans and best student section in the country for sticking with us and the making that win possible!!
#ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/0RFDRIvYfq
— Coach Gus Malzahn (@CoachGusMalzahn) September 3, 2021
Any Sneaky Good Teams?
What about them Mustangs?! You, know from SMU? Well, know this, Oklahoma transfer quarterback Tanner Mordecai didn’t leave the Sooners because he couldn’t play…
The kid threw seven touchdown passes, the peak of the AAC record. All the while completing 24 of 30 passes for 317 yards, leading Southern Methodist University to a 56-9 win. Now, I saw “sneaky good”, because this win was over Abilene Christian.
Could Houston be in the mix come December? After a 38-21 loss to Texas Tech at NRG Stadium in Houston, the Cougars have a lot of work to do, and much to build on. After taking a 21-7 lead into the locker room at the half, the Coogs would be held scoreless in the second half, eventually giving up the lead late in the 3rd.
The Cougars will need more out of their quarterback Clayton Tune if they are going to be successful though. It wasn’t terrible, but it was far from great as he completed 27 of 38 passes. Four of the 11 incompletions were actually completed to the Red Raiders defense.
Memphis anyone? The Tigers dominated in a 42-17 win over Nicholls, but again, the opponent begs the question of what we are actually seeing, so we shall wait.
Best Moment Of The Weekend In AAC Football?
How could we choose any moment other than Oklahoma opening their gates and arms to Tulane? After the Green Wave football team was displaced from their facility, and normal life from the effects of Hurricane Ida, the Sooners offered up their stadium to host the game.
In addition, they included the tickets sales in the offer to have that go back to Tulane University, so they can work through this tough time. They also painted the Green Wave logo on the field in Norman.
???? @OU_Football https://t.co/wJUc4EojjP
— Tulane University Football (@GreenWaveFB) September 3, 2021
And to top it all off, Tulane put up a heck of a fight against the No. 2 ranked Sooners. Ultimately Oklahoma was able to hold on for a 40-35 win over the Green Wave.
Points On The Board Week 1 In The AAC
Boise St. – 31
UCF – 36
NC State – 45
South Florida – 0
East Carolina – 19
Appalachian St. – 33
UC Davis – 19
Tulsa – 17
Oklahoma – 40
Tulane – 35
Rutgers – 61
Temple – 14
Miami (OH) – 14
Cincinnati- 49
Marshall – 49
NAVY – 7
Texas Tech – 38
Houston – 21
Memphis – 42
Nicholls – 17
Abilene Christian – 9
SMU – 56
Written by Adrian Beecher
