UPCOMING SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27
Florida Atlantic at Charlotte *
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Series: Florida Atlantic leads, 6-2
Last Meeting: Aug. 27, 2022 (Florida Atlantic, 43-13)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
Tulsa at SMU *
Time: Noon
Series: SMU leads, 16-13
Last Meeting: Oct. 29, 2022 (SMU, 45-34)
Memphis at North Texas
Time: 3 p.m.
Series: Memphis leads, 17-4
Last Meeting: Sept. 24, 2022 (Memphis, 44-34)
East Carolina at UTSA *
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Series: First meeting
Tulane at Rice *
Time: 4 p.m.
Series: Rice leads, 20-15-1
Last Meeting: Nov. 30, 2013 (Rice, 17-13)
OPEN WEEKS
UAB
Next Game: Nov. 4 vs. Florida Atlantic
Navy
Next Game: Nov. 4 at Temple
South Florida
Next Game: Nov. 4 at Memphis
Temple
Next Game: Nov. 4 vs. Navy
All times Eastern
WEEKLY HONORS
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Michael Pratt • Jr. • QB • Tulane
Pratt accounted for 264 yards of total offense and four total touchdowns to help keep Tulane atop the American Athletic Conference standings in a 35-28 win against North Texas. Pratt completed 15 of 21 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns, helping Tulane build a 28-7 lead. He added 70 rushing yards, including a 19-yard touchdown with 2:34 left that stood up as the game-winner.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Demetrius Knight II • Jr. • LB • Charlotte
Knight had a team-high nine tackles, including two tackles for loss, to go with two pass breakups to help Charlotte to a 10-7 win at East Carolina, the 49ers’ first American Athletic Conference victory. Knight led a 49er defense that set a program record by holding the Pirates to 127 yards, while forcing East Carolina into seven three-and-outs.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Roderick Daniels Jr. • Jr. • WR • SMU
Daniels provided the backbreaking touchdown on special teams as SMU stayed atop the American Athletic Conference standings with a 55-0 win at Temple. Daniels After the Mustangs forced a three-and-out on Temple’s first possession of the third quarter, Daniels returned the punt 67 yards for a touchdown, becoming the first SMU player to score on a punt return since 2013.
HONOR ROLL
Simeon Blair • Jr. • DB • Memphis
Had six tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery in a 45-21 win at UAB.
Blake Watson • Sr. • RB • Memphis
Rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries in a 45-21 win at UAB.
Dean Connors • Jr. • RB • Rice
Rushed for a career-high 120 yards and three touchdowns on only nine carries in a 42-10 win at Tulsa.
Josh Pearcy • Jr. • OLB • Rice
Had seven tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in a 42-10 win at Tulsa.
Nay’Quan Wright • Sr. • RB • South Florida
Rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries — all career highs — in a 24-21 win at UConn. Scored the game-winning touchdown with 4:02 left in the fourth quarter.
AMERICAN NOTEBOOK
Anytime, Anyplace
Through eight weeks of the 2023 season, American Athletic Conference teams have played 12 games against teams ranked in this week’s Associated Press top 25, including games against the Nos. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12 and 14 teams.
Battle Tested
Teams from The American have played three of the four teams that reached the 2022-23 College Football Playoff. East Carolina faced Michigan Sept. 2., while UAB visited Georgia and SMU was at TCU on Sept. 23.
To Be The Best …
American Athletic Conference teams have played the most challenging nonconference schedules of any FBS conference in 2023, based on opponents’ winning percentage. The cumulative record of The American’s nonconference FBS opponents is 164-147 (.527).
Nonconference FBS Opponent Winning Percentage – 2023
.518 American (188-175)
.469 Big Ten (134-152)
.467 Conference USA (98-112)
Mountain West (147-168)
.458 Big 12 (121-143)
.456 MAC (144-172)
.421 ACC (127-175)
.407 SEC (107-160)
.399 Sun Belt (130-196)
.389 Pac-12 (88-138)
Road Sweet Road
Tulane has won seven consecutive road games, which ranks as the third-longest active streak nationally (Georgia- 13; Michigan-9).
Milestone
Tulane head coach Willie Fritz earned his 200th career victory as an NCAA head coach with the Green Wave’s 36-7 win against Nicholls Sept. 23. Fritz sixth among active FBS coaches in career wins.
Most Career Wins Among Active NCAA FBS Head Coaches
287 Nick Saban, Alabama
280 Mack Brown, North Carolina
279 Brian Kelly, LSU
259 K.C. Keeler, Sam Houston
204 Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
203 Willie Fritz, Tulane
Seven
North Texas WR Ja’Mori Maclin has at least one touchdown reception in all seven games this season.
Ten
UTSA has won its last 11 regular-season conference games.
Twenty
Memphis has scored at least 20 points in 21 consecutive games, marking the longest active streak among FBS teams
Twenty-One
Tulane is 18-3 in its last 21 games. The Green Wave trails only Georgia (22) and Michigan (21) in total wins among FBS teams in the last two seasons.
Conference Call
UTSA is 25-3 in regular-season and postseason conference games under fourth-year head coach Jeff Traylor.
Whitewashes
Navy and SMU have both registered two shutouts in 2023.
Catching On
Florida Atlantic WR LaJohntay Wester is averaging 9.4 receptions per game, leading all FBS players nationally.
Ball Security
North Texas QB Chandler Rogers has thrown 216 consecutive passes without an interception.
New Era, Same Power
The American Athletic Conference is in its first season under its new 14-team configuration in 2023. The American’s six new members are UAB, Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, North Texas, Rice and UTSA.
One And Only
The American Athletic Conference is the only conference that has a 2023 New Year’s Six bowl winner (Tulane) and an NCAA Men’s Final Four participant (Florida Atlantic) in its ranks for the 2023-24 academic year.
The Champs Are Here
The American is the only FBS conference that has two conference champions from last season among its membership. Tulane won the 2022 American title, while UTSA won the Conference USA crown.
Welcome Wagon
Seven of The American’s 14 teams have new head coaches for the 2023 season.
New Head Coaches in The American
UAB Trent Dilfer
Charlotte Biff Poggi
Florida Atlantic Tom Herman
Navy Brian Newberry
North Texas Eric Morris
South Florida Alex Golesh
Tulsa Kevin Wilson
Auld Lang Syne
The American Athletic Conference has sent its champion to a New Year’s Six bowl game in eight of the conference’s first 10 seasons after Tulane was chosen for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.
The American in CFP/New Year’s Six Bowls
2013 UCF 52, Baylor 42 (Fiesta Bowl)
2015 Houston 38, Florida State 24 (Peach Bowl)
2017 UCF 34, Auburn 27 (Peach Bowl)
2018 LSU 40, UCF 32 (Fiesta Bowl)
2019 Penn State 53, Memphis 39 (Cotton Bowl)
2020 Georgia 24, Cincinnati 21 (Peach Bowl)
2021 Alabama 27, Cincinnati 6 (CFP Semifinal/Cotton Bowl)
2022 Tulane 46, USC 45 (Cotton Bowl)
Top 10
Tulane’s finish at No. 9 in the 2022 national polls marked the third consecutive season, and the sixth time in The American’s 10-year history that the conference has had a top-10 team in the final polls. Four schools have accounted for The American’s top-10 finishes (UCF, Cincinnati, Houston, Tulane).
Conference Call
The American finished the 2022 season with a combined 12-3 record against non-autonomous FBS conference opponents in 2022.
Variety Show
Since The American began playing a championship game in the 2015 season, eight different teams have played in the game at least once, while six schools have hosted the championship game.
Play On
The American Athletic Conference had seven teams in Bowl Season last year and finished 4-3 in postseason play. The American has had at least seven bowl-eligible teams seven times in the last eight seasons.
Reversal Of Fortune
Tulane’s 9.5-game improvement from 2021 (when the Green Wave went 2-10) marked the NCAA FBS record for a one-year turnaround. The previous mark was held by Hawaii, which went 0-12 in 1998 and was 9-4 in 1999.
Tigers’ Tale
Memphis was selected for a bowl game for the ninth consecutive season, a streak that ranks ninth among NCAA FBS institutions.
TALKING POINTS
UAB
2-6, 1-3 American
Last: Lost to Memphis, 45-21
Next: Nov. 4 vs. Florida Atlantic (ESPN+)
American Ranks
Total Offense…………………………..431.0 …………………..4th
Total Defense………………………….418.9 ………………….11th
Scoring Offense ……………………….29.0 …………………..6th
Scoring Defense ……………………….36.1 …………………13th
- UAB was tied with Memphis at halftime (21-21), but the Blazers were outscored 24-0 in the final 30 minutes in the renewal of the Battle for the Bones trophy series.
- QB Jacob Zeno, who ranked third in The American in passing entering the weekend, was a late scratch against Memphis. The Blazers used three quarterbacks against the Tigers.
- UAB is idle in Week 9.
CHARLOTTE
2-5, 1-2 American
Last: Won at East Carolina, 10-7
Next: Oct. 27 vs. Florida Atlantic (ESPN2)
American Ranks
Total Offense……………………………307.1 …………………12th
Total Defense………………………….341.5 …………………..4th
Scoring Offense ………………………..14.6 …………………14th
Scoring Defense ……………………….22.7 …………………..4th
- QB Jalon Jones rushed for a career-high 127 yards, turning in the 49ers’ first 100-yard game of the season, in the win at East Carolina.
- The 49ers held East Carolina to 127 yards of total offense, setting a program record for fewest yards allowed.
- Charlotte is ranked fourth in The American in total defense (341.5 ypg) and scoring defense (22.7 ppg).
EAST CAROLINA
1-6, 0-3 American
Last: Lost to Charlotte, 10-7
Next: Oct. 28 at UTSA (ESPN+)
American Ranks
Total Offense…………………………..276.9 …………………14th
Total Defense………………………….331.3 …………………. 2nd
Scoring Offense ………………………..19.2 …………………13th
Scoring Defense ……………………… 26.5 …………………..6th
- East Carolina held Charlotte to 10 points and 328 total yards, but the Pirates’ offense was stymied in the home loss to the 49ers.
- The Pirates were limited to 10 first downs and averaged 2.5 yards per play against Charlotte.
- East Carolina ranks second in The American in total defense, allowing 331.3 yards per game.
FLORIDA ATLANTIC
3-4, 2-1 American
Last: Lost to UTSA, 36-10
Next: Oct. 27 at Charlotte (ESPN2)
American Ranks
Total Offense…………………………..381.5 …………………10th
Total Defense………………………….392.7 ………………….. 7th
Scoring Offense ………………………..24.1 …………………..9th
Scoring Defense ……………………… 25.0 ………………….. 7th
- Florida Atlantic held a 10-7 lead after the first quarter, but the Owls were kept off the scoreboard for the final three periods against UTSA.
- QB Daniel Richardson went 19-for-34 for 142 yards and was intercepted twice against the Roadrunners.
- After reeling off 587 yards against South Florida last week, the Owls were limited to 162 yards of offense against UTSA.
NORTH TEXAS
3-4, 1-2 American
Last: Lost at Tulane, 35-28
Next: Oct. 28 vs. North Texas (ESPN+)
American Ranks
Total Offense………………………….. 470.1 ……………………1st
Total Defense…………………………..457.7 …………………14th
Scoring Offense ……………………….34.6 …………………..3rd
Scoring Defense ……………………… 35.4 …………………12th
- QB Chandler Rogers completed 35 of 51 passes for 343 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to No. 23 Tulane.
- WR Ja’Mori Maclin had eight receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown against Tulane. Maclin has at least one touchdown catch in all seven games this season.
- Rogers has thrown 216 consecutive passes without an interception.
MEMPHIS
5-2, 2-1 American
Last: Won at UAB, 45-21
Next: Oct. 28 at North Texas (ESPN+)
American Ranks
Total Offense……………………………416.1 …………………..5th
Total Defense…………………………..371.1 …………………..6th
Scoring Offense ……………………….35.6 …………………..3rd
Scoring Defense ……………………….22.7 …………………..4th
- RB Blake Watson rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries to lead Memphis past UAB in the Battle for the Bones.
- The Tigers outscored the Blazers 24-0 in the second half to pull away from what had been a 21-21 game at halftime.
- Memphis has scored at least 20 points in 21 consecutive games, which is the longest active streak nationally.
RICE
4-3, 2-1 American
Last: Won at Tulsa, 42-10
Next: Oct. 28 vs. Tulane (ESPN2)
American Ranks
Total Offense…………………………..412.3 …………………..6th
Total Defense…………………………383.9 ………………….. 7th
Scoring Offense ……………………….34.0 …………………. 2nd
Scoring Defense ………………………. 27.4 …………………..8th
- RB Dean Connors rushed for a career-high 120 yards and three touchdowns on only nine carries to lead Rice past Tulsa.
- QB JT Daniels turned in his fourth 300-yard game of the season as he passed for 342 yards and two TDs against the Golden Hurricane.
- The 32-point margin of victory was Rice’s most lopsided win in a conference game since a 52- 14 win against Louisiana Tech Nov. 14, 2013.
NAVY
3-3, 2-2 American
Last: Lost to Air Force, 17-6
Next: Nov. 4 at Temple (ESPN+)
American Ranks
Total Offense………………………….304.9 …………………13th
Total Defense…………………………362.9 …………………..5th
Scoring Offense ………………………..18.3 …………………12th
Scoring Defense ……………………….22.1 …………………..3rd
- Navy’s defense limited No. 22 Air Force to only nine first downs and 288 total yards, but the Midshipmen were shut down on offense until late in the fourth quarter.
- The game against Air Force was played in front of a record crowd of 38,803 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
- Navy held Air Force to 1-for-13 on third down conversion attempts.
SOUTH FLORIDA
4-4, 2-2 American
Last: Won at UConn, 24-21
Next: Nov. 4 at Memphis (ESPN+)
American Ranks
Total Offense………………………….433.9 …………………..3rd
Total Defense………………………… 455.0 …………………13th
Scoring Offense ……………………….28.6 ………………….. 7th
Scoring Defense ……………………….36.1 …………………14th
- RB Nay’Quan Wright rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns to lead South Florida past UConn.
- Wright broke the 100-yard barrier for the second consecutive game and for the third time this season.
- The Bulls had four takeaways against the Huskies, registering an interception and three fumbles.
SMU
5-2, 3-0 American
Last: Won at Temple, 55-0
Next: Oct. 28 vs. Tulsa (ESPNU)
American Ranks
Total Offense………………………….438.0 …………………..3rd
Total Defense………………………… 285.6 ……………………1st
Scoring Offense ……………………….36.4 ……………………1st
Scoring Defense ……………………….14.6 ……………………1st
- QB Preston Stone passed for 300 yards and two touchdowns and added a rushing score to help SMU stay unbeaten in conference play.
- The Mustangs registered their second shutout of the 2023 season.
- The win at Temple marked the first time that the Mustangs won conference road games in consecutive weeks since 1984 (Nov. 10 at Rice and Nov. 17 at Texas Tech).
TEMPLE
2-6, 0-4 American
Last: Lost to SMU, 55-0
Next: Nov. 4 vs. Navy (ESPN+)
American Ranks
Total Offense…………………………. 349.4 ………………….11th
Total Defense………………………… 454.0 …………………12th
Scoring Offense ……………………….. 19.1 …………………13th
Scoring Defense ………………………38.0 …………………14th
- QB Quincy Patterson got the start for the second consecutive game against SMU as QB E.J. Warner was out due to concussion protocol.
- The Owls were 0-for-12 on third down against the Mustangs and managed only 2.4 yards per play.
- Temple has an open date in Week 9 and returns to action Nov. 4 against Navy.
UTSA
4-3, 3-0 American
Last: Won at Florida Atlantic, 36-10
Next: Oct. 28 vs. East Carolina (ESPN+)
American Ranks
Total Offense…………………………..387.2 …………………..8th
Total Defense…………………………406.0 …………………10th
Scoring Offense ……………………….29.0 …………………..6th
Scoring Defense ……………………….25.1 …………………..8th
- QB Frank Harris passed for 261 yards and two touchdowns to help keep UTSA unbeaten in American Athletic Conference play.
- The Roadrunners registered 13 tackles for loss and had two interceptions against the Owls.
- UTSA has won 11 consecutive regular-season conference games and is 25-3 against conference opponents under Jeff Traylor.
TULSA
3-4, 1-2 American
Next: Lost to Rice, 42-10
Next: Oct. 28 at SMU (ESPNU)
American Ranks
Total Offense…………………………..373.0 ………………….11th
Total Defense…………………………. 415.4 …………………10th
Scoring Offense ………………………..23.7 …………………10th
Scoring Defense ………………………..31.1 …………………10th
- QB Cardell Williams and QB Braylon Braxton \both saw regular action in the loss to Rice. Williams passed for 101 yards and a touchdown,
while Braxton had a team-high 89 rushing yards. - S Kendarin Ray had a career-high 15 tackles against Rice.
- Tulsa’s opponent has scored first in six of the Golden Hurricane’s seven games this season.
TULANE
6-1, 3-0 American
Last: Defeated North Texas, 35-28
Next: Oct. 28 at Rice (ESPN2)
American Ranks
Total Offense………………………….398.6 ………………….. 7th
Total Defense………………………….341.6 …………………..3rd
Scoring Offense ………………………..30.7 …………………..5th
Scoring Defense ……………………….19.4 …………………. 2nd
- QB Michael Pratt passed for 194 yards and three touchdowns and scored the game-winning rushing touchdown.
- Head coach Willie Fritz coached his 95th career game with the Green Wave, breaking the previous mark for longevity of 94 games, set by Clark Shaughnessy (1915-20, 1922-26) and Chris Scelfo (1998-2006).
- Tulane is 6-1 for the second straight season.
