WEEK 14 GAME SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Memphis Tigers vs Tulane Green Wave
INSIDE THE SERIES
• Saturday’s game between Memphis and Tulane will mark the 41st all-time meeting between the two programs. • Memphis leads the all-time series 24-15-1, with the Green Wave winning each of the past two matchups by a 10-point margin.
Memphis Tigers Notes
SCOUTING THE GREEN WAVE
• The 18th-ranked Tulane Green Wave enters Thursday’s matchup with a 9-2 (7-0 AAC) record. • Tulane clinched a trip to AAC title game with 35-0 win over Navy. After going three-and-out on their first two drives, the Green Wave scored on three of their next four possessions, each on drives of more than 60 yards. The Green Wave held Navy to 113 yards and 1-for-11 on third down. • The Green Wave rank highly in a slew of statistical categories and lead the country with six defensive touchdowns. • In addition, Tulane is No. 2 in third-down conversion percentage (.526) and time of possession (34:55) and is tied for No. 3 in turnover margin (+13). • The Green Wave have the No. 4 scoring offense (40.5) in the country and lead The American and is No. 10 in scoring defense (17.). Tulane has the No. 10 rushing offense (227.1) and the No. 24 rushing defense (113.3) while ranking No. 9 in total defense (290.4) to lead the AAC. • Running back Makhi Highes ranks eighth nationally with 1,291 rushing yards and his 17 total touchdowns are No. 8 in FBS. • Quarterback Darian Mensah ranks No. 6 in the country with a 169.0 passing efficiency. His 14.55 yards per completion is No. 4 in FBS.
BEST AGAINST THE BEST
• Since 2015, Memphis has posted a record of 8-11 (.421) against top-25 ranked opponents. • The eight victories are the most over that stretch for any non-Power 5 team in the country. • Memphis’ eight ranked wins since 2015 have come over No. 13/12 Ole Miss (2015), No. 18/21/20 Houston (2016), No. 25/RV UCLA (2017), No. 25/24 Navy (2017), No. 15/14 SMU (2019), No. 18/17/19 Cincinnati (2019), No. 21/21/20 Cincinnati (2019) and No. 23/24 SMU (2021).
RIDING THE MOMENTUM
• The 2023 season was a historic one for the Tigers as they became just the fifth team in program history to win 10 games (2019, 2017, 2014, 1938). • Last year’s team was just the 10th in program history to win nine or more games in a season and just the fourth in school history to win five road games in a year. • If the Tigers finish with 10 or more wins this season, it would mark the first time in program history recording back-to-back 10-win seasons. • The Tigers’ eight wins mark the ninth time in the past 11 seasons that Memphis has won at least eight games.
BOWL STREAK
• Following the win over North Texas, Memphis is bowl eligible for the 11th-consecutive season, the longest stretch of any non-Power 4 team in the country. • It took the Tigers only seven games to reach bowl eligibility, matching the fastest marks set in 2017 & 2019 to do so in the last decade. • Memphis is one of nine teams in FBS with 10 or more consecutive bowl-game appearances along with Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Wisconsin and Iowa. • In 2023, the Tigers defeated Iowa State, 36-26, in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, improving the program’s record to 8-8 in bowl games.
Tulane Green Wave Notes
LAST MEETING
Tulane 31, Memphis 21 in Memphis on October 13, 2023 The Green Wave (5-1, 2-0 AAC) ended a 25-year drought in Memphis (4-2, 1-1 AAC) with a second-half surge to emerge victorious 31-21 Friday evening in Memphis. The victory was the Green Wave’s first in the Liberty Bowl since its unbeaten 1998 season. Makhi Hughes and Chris Brazzell II both recorded 100-yard games to lead the Wave offense. Hughes had a career-high 130 yards on the ground and went over the century mark in his second-straight outing. On defense, DJ Douglas led the Wave with six tackles (five solo). Lance Robinson and Kam Pedescleaux both had clutch interceptions that each ended in a Tulane touchdown. The Olive and Blue struck first with an interception by Robinson followed by a 32-yard reception by Chris Brazzell II. The nine play, 72-yard drive was capped by a two-yard rushing touchdown by Hughes to put Tulane on the board first. Two drives later, a 26-yard field goal by Valentino Ambrosio put the Wave up 10-0 through one quarter of play. Memphis fought back in the second quarter and led 14-10 through 30 minutes. After another Memphis score put the home team up 11 (21-10), Tulane turned up the heat and scored the game’s final three touchdowns. Michael Pratt completed an 18-yard pass to tight end Chris Carter to put TU on the one-yard line. Pratt then took it in on a quarterback sneak to draw the visitors within 21-17 with 4:32 left in the third quarter. The defense came up with a big three-and-out on Memphis’s next drive and the Olive and Blue kept the momentum rolling with a five play, 69-yard drive, capped by a Yulkeith Brown end-around to open the fourth quarter. The score gave Tulane a lead (24-21) it would not relinquish. The final touchdown of the game came on the next Green Wave drive, with an 11-yard reception by Lawrence Keys III to cap a drive that began with an interception by Pedescleaux.
Wave Rises To No. 18 in the Associated Press and the Coaches’ Polls
Tulane football’s team is ranked for the third straight week as the program moved up to No. 18 in the Associated Press (AP) Poll and are also placed No. 18 nationally in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll. The Green Wave totaled 446 votes in the most recent AP poll to place above No. 19 BYU, No. 20 Texas A&M, No. 21 UNLV, No. 22 Illinois, No. 23 Colorado, No. 24 Missouri and No. 25 Army. Tulane is one of two teams in the AAC to be ranked along with Army. The program was ranked No. 25 on Nov. 10 and No. 20 on Nov. 17 before moving up to No. 18 this week. Tulane also garnered enough votes to be ranked in the Coaches’ Poll for the second time this year as the program is No. 18 after being No. 20 last week. The program and Army are the only two AAC schools ranked. The program also moved up to No. 20 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings that were released on Nov. 19 after starting the season at No. 25 on Nov. 12. Tulane has already clinched its third-straight appearance in the AAC Championship Game. If Army and Tulane both win, then the higher-ranked team in the Nov. 26 College Football Playoff rankings would host the championship game. If Army and Tulane both lose, then the home team would be determined by an average of computer metrics after the conclusion of all games of Nov. 30. If one team wins and the other loses, then the outright regular-season champion would host the championship game.
32-7
Tulane is 32-7 in its last 39 games over the last two-plus seasons. The 32 victories since the start of the 2022 season ranks fourth nationally behind Georgia (37), Michigan (34) and Oregon (33).
Conference Win Streak
The Green Wave has currently won 17 consecutive American Athletic Conference games (regular season), the nation’s longest conference win streak. Tulane’s 17 straight league victories dates back to the 2022 season (11/17/22 vs. SMU – present) and is tied with UCF (9/30/2017 – 9/28/19) and Cincinnati (10/2/20 – 10/29/22) for the league’s all-time record of consecutive conference victories. The Green Wave has 22 conference wins since the start of the 2022 season, three more than the program’s total during its first eight seasons in the American Athletic Conference.
Turnovers!
Tulane, who forced two turnovers at Navy, has now won 27 of its last 31 games when forcing a turnover.
Lighing it Up
Tulane has scored 50 points three times this season, the most for the program in any one season since 1998 (four). Tulane has also scored 40 points six times, which ties the 2022 Cotton Bowl season for the most such games since 1998.
Getting (Non-) Offensive
The Green Wave leads the nation in both non-offensive touchdowns (8) and defensive scores (6). The team paces the FBS in both pick-6s (5) and kickoff returns for touchdown (tied-2).
Navy Midshipmen vs East Carolina Pirates
THE SERIES
Navy leads 9-2 … The Midshipmen posted 28-23 and 76-35 victories to open the series in 2006 and 2010, respectively, before ECU used Dominique Davis’ record-setting 40-of-45 passing effort to post its first win in 2011 … Navy has won six of seven matchups between the two teams in American play (‘15, ‘16, ‘19, ‘20, ‘22, ‘23) and three years ago, Owen Daffer’s game-winning 54-yard field goal as time expired, gave ECU its first win over Navy in AAC play.
Navy Midshipmen Notes
OPENING KICK
• Navy (7-3, 5-2 in the American Athletic Conference) and East Carolina (7-4, 5-2 in the AAC) meet for the 12th time on the gridiron and for the sixth-consecutive year when the two square off on Friday afternoon (12 noon) at Dowdy Ficklen Stadium (50,000) in Greenville, N.C. Navy leads the all-time series against the Pirates 9-2, including a 5-0 record in Greenville. • The winner of Saturday’s game will finish at minimum tied for third in the final AAC standings alongside Memphis (Navy owns a victory over Memphis earlier in the year) and could finish third all alone if Tulane beats Memphis on Thursday night. Memphis was the preseason favorite to win the AAC, while East Carolina was picked 7th and Navy 11th. • Navy’s 321 points scored in its 10 games this season are 109 more than it scored in its combined 12 games last year (212). • Navy has scored a touchdown on the 1st play of a drive 5 times this fall which is tied for the 3rd most in the FBS. • Navy is averaging 243.2 rushing yards per game, the 8th-best average in the FBS and the program’s best since 2019 when it averaged a school-record 360.5 rushing yards per game. • Navy is 28-31 (.903) in the red zone with 26 of those scores resulting in touchdowns. Navy’s first 20 red zone trips resulted in TDs before settling for a field goal against Charlotte. Navy is #2 in the country in red zone touchdown percentage (.839), just behind Ohio State (.841). • In Navy’s 7 wins this fall, the Mids have outscored the opposition 87-7 in points off turnovers (14-7 vs. Bucknell, 7-0 vs. Temple, 7-0 vs. Memphis, 7-0 vs. UAB, 7-0 vs. Air Force, 31-0 vs. Charlotte, 14-0 vs. USF). In the 3 games Navy has lost, the Mids have been outscored 48-0 in points off turnovers (27-0 by Notre Dame, 7-0 by Rice and 14-0 by Tulane). • Riley Riethman’s (Sr. / P) 44.4 career punting average (214 punts, 9,510 yds) is the best in school history (min. 50 att.). He owns 4 of the 5-best single-game performances in Navy history (min. of 5 punts), averaging a school-record 52.2 yards per punt on 5 punts against Rice, 50.8 yds/punt against SMU in 2023 and 50.6 yds/punt against Notre Dame in 2021 and Air Force in 2024. Tied for 6th in the nation in punting average this fall, he is averaging 46.2 yards per, which would be a school record. • Eli Heidenreich (Jr. / Snipe) and Alex Tecza (Jr. / FB), who grew up in Pittsburgh and have known each other since the first grade, have combined to score a touchdown for Navy in 15 of the last 20 games dating back to the 2023 season. With 5 touchdown catches this year, Heidenreich is just one off the school record for single-season touchdown catches which has been done by 4 different players. • Rayuan Lane III (Sr. / Safety) made his 40th-consecutive start at safety for the Mids against Tulane which is the longest active streak for a safety in the FBS and second longest by a player in the secondary. Lane III has 3 forced fumbles this year which is tied for the 9th most in the FBS. Sporting News named him to its Midseason All-America Team, while he was also recently named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. • DaShaun Peele (Sr. / CB) became the 1st player in school history to return 2 interceptions for a touchdown in the same game in the Mids’ win over Charlotte. It was the 3rd time this year Navy returned an interception for a touchdown, as Rayuan Lane III (Sr. / S) had an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown with 23 seconds left in the game against Memphis that clinched the victory for the Mids. Peele leads the Mids with 4 interceptions. •Blake Horvath (Jr. / QB) has thrown 11 touchdown passes on the year which is tied for the 3rd most in school history. Alton Grizzard, who threw 12 in 1990, is 2nd and Ricky Dobbs, who threw 13 in 2010, is the record holder. • Horvath needs 105 yards rushing to become the 1st Navy player to rush for 1,000 yards in a season since 2019 when Malcolm Perry rushed for 2,017 yards. He is the 1st Navy quarterback to surpass 1,000 passing yards in a season since 2019 when Malcolm Perry threw for 1,084 yards and his 1,154 passing yards are the most by a Navy player since Will Worth threw for 1,397 yards in 2016. • Horvath is the No. 3 graded runner (all positions, min. 125 att.) according to Pro Football Focus, while Lane III is the No. 12-rated safety (min. 625 snaps) and Heidenreich is the No. 2-rated receiver among all position players (min. of 25 targets). Connor McMahon (Sr. / OT) is the 10th-best offensive tackle and the best pass blocker (min. 550 snap counts) among offensive tackles. • ECU head coach Blake Harrell replaced Brian Newberry as defensive coordinator at Kennesaw State in 2019 when Newberry left to become the defensive coordinator at Navy. • The Pirates enter Friday red-hot, having won 4-straight contests since elevating Harrell from defensive coordinator to interim head coach. ECU has been racking up points (45.8 points over the 4-game winning streak) at an incredible pace, beating Temple 56-34, FAU 49-14, Tulsa 38-31 and North Texas 40-28. Last Saturday, ECU fell behind 21-0 to North Texas before outscoring the Mean Green 40-7 the rest of the way.
A LOT TO PLAY FOR
• Despite being eliminated from playing in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game on Nov. 16 by Tulane, the Mids still have a lot to play for with 3 games remaining. • If Navy can win its final 3 games, it would become just the 6th team in school history to win at least 10 games in a season, joining the teams from 1905 (10-1-1), 2004 (10-2), 2009 (10- 4), 2015 (11-2) and 2019 (11-2). • A Navy win over Army on Dec. 14 would give the Mids the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy and a trip to the White House with victories over Air Force and Army. Navy has won the CIC Trophy 17 times overall, but just once in the last 8 years (2019). • A win in the bowl game would give Navy just its 11th bowl win in school history and its first since 2019. • A win over East Carolina would give the Mids a third-place finish in the American Athletic Conference after being picked 11th against one of the tougher schedules in the conference and having just 2 home games in its final 9 contests of the year..
QUICK STRIKES
• Navy has scored a touchdown on the first play of a drive 5 times in its 9 games this season. • Daba Fofana (Sr. / FB) scored on a 49-yard run against Bucknell, while Brandon Chatman (Jr. / Snipe) scored on a 42-yard screen pass from Blake Horvath (Jr. / QB). • Horvath and Alex Tecza (Jr. / FB) scored on back-to-back runs of 62 and 65 yards against Temple. • Horvath did it again against Memphis, going 90 yards on a keeper. • The 5 touchdown scores on the first play of a drive are the 3rd most in the FBS.
East Carolina Pirates Notes
EAST CAROLINA RECORDS, STREAKS & TRENDS
• Secured a winning record in AAC play for the third time (2014, 2021, 2024) since joining the league … • For the third time in the last four years, ECU became bowl eligible with a 38-31 won over Tulsa … • The Pirates also earned bowl eligibility in 2021 (Military) and in 2022 (TicketSmarter Birmingham) … • ECU won its first bowl game since 2013 against Costal Carolina (53-29)in the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl … • In its 40-28 win at North Texas, ECU rushed for 255 yards making the fourth consecutive game with 200-plus yards on the ground (last time that occurred was a five-game stretch over the 1988 and 89 seasons; last two of 1988, first three of 1989) … • The Pirates tallied 500-plus yards of total offense against the Mean Green (553) marking the fourth consecutive game with 500 or more yards (500/Temple, 581/FAU, 536/TLS) … • According to ESPN’s Total QBR for Week 11, Katin Houser topped the list at 99.7 … • Established new single-game record for yards per play against FAU (10.4) besting the previous record of 9.7 against Western Carolina in 2016 … • Scored a season-high 35 first half points against FAU (Nov. 7), which were the most since 41 versus South Florida in 2022 (game played in Boca Raton) … • Tallied 418 yards of total offense in the first half against FAU (Nov. 7) – the most since 459 vs. North Carolina in 2014 (both ranking first and second in program and Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium history) … • Set a modern day record with 29 points in the third quarter against Temple which is also the sixth most in an FBS game this season… • Also had eight different players (7/offense, 1/defense) score a TD against Temple, which tied a school record … • Has 13 offensive scoring drives of 44 seconds or less on the season … • Forced at least one turnover in 58 of the last 69 game since 2019 … • Since the start of 2023, ECU’s defense has scored six TDs (2/ASU ‘23, 1/UTSA ‘23; 1/NSU ‘24, 1/ASU, 1/TEM) … • Currently ranks ninth in FBS (second in AAC) in defensive scores with three … • East Carolina concluded non-conference play with a 2-2 record … It marks the fourth time in six years that the Pirates are .500 through four games (2019, 2021, 2022, 2024) … • Tallied fourth home win of the season against FAU (Nov. 7) for the third time in last four years … • The Pirates rank 100th nationally in total defense (398.6 ypg) and 25th in total offense (440.9 ypg) … • ECU is averaging 69.2 offensive plays per game which is 36th nationally … On the flip side, the defense is averaging 75.9 – the second most per game in the FBS behind San Jose State … • Twenty five (25) different ECU defenders have recorded at least a half TFL through 11 games – In all, ECU has tallied 83.0 TFLs for minus 263 yards and ranks 10th nationally in TFLs per game at 7.5 … • ECU’s stands 82nd nationally (sixth in AAC) in scoring defense allowing 27.3 ppg and 28th in scoring offense (fourth in AAC) at 33.6 points per game …
NON-SATURDAY MAYHEM
East Carolina is 25-31 (.446) in non-Saturday games since 2000 … Oddly, the Pirates have fared better on the road (16-15; 8-16 at home) … In terms of days (including bowls), ECU is 5-1 on Sundays, 1-1 on Mondays, 3-1 on Tuesdays, 0-3 on Wednesdays, 9-13 on Thursdays and 6-12 on Fridays … Most recently, ECU is 14-16 when deviating from the normal Saturday routine since 2010 … The Pirates, 2-0 this season, had one non-Saturday game in 2023 hosting SMU on Oct. 12 (loss/31-10) … In 2022, ECU played three non-Saturday contests posting a 2-1 ledger (win at BYU/27-24, win vs. Coastal Carolina/53-29; loss at Cincinnati/27-25) … With their win in Tulsa, Okla. the Pirates became bowl eligible for the third time in the last four years.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
UTSA Roadrunners vs Army Black Knights
SERIES HISTORY
Friday will mark the fifth meeting between UTSA and Army West Point and the first as American Athletic Conference foes. The Black Knights own a 3-1 advantage in the all-time series, having come out on top in all three meetings in San Antonio including a 37-29 victory on Sept. 15, 2023, in the last matchup. The Roadrunners won the only previous contest in West Point, a 41-38 overtime decision on Sept. 10, 2022.
UTSA Roadrunners Notes
OPENING DRIVE
• UTSA and Army West Point will meet for the fifth time on Saturday. • The Black Knights lead the all-time series, 3-1. • The Roadrunners won the only previous meeting in West Point, 41-38, in overtime on Sept. 10, 2022. • Jeff Traylor boasts a 45-19 overall record at UTSA, the most wins and best winning percentage (.703) in program history. • In the Jeff Traylor era, UTSA is 31-7 (.816) in regular season conference games and 33-7 (.825) against league competition when including the 2021 and 2022 Conference USA Championship Games. • The Roadrunners are 16-2 (.889) in the month of November with Jeff Traylor at the helm. • With Army checking in at No. 22 in this week’s AFCA Coaches Poll and 25th in the AP Top 25, this will mark the third ranked opponent UTSA will face this season. The Roadrunners are 1-1 versus top-25 teams in 2024. • UTSA has eclipsed 500 yards of offense in each of the last two games, including surpassing the 300-yard barrier on the ground in back-to-back contests for the first time in school history. • The Roadrunners are riding a streak of 21 consecutive games with both a takeaway and a sack. • UTSA is bowl eligible for the fifth straight year under head coach Jeff Traylor.
SETTING THE SCENE
Winners of three straight games and bowl eligible for the fifth year in a row, UTSA will conclude the regular season schedule against No. 22 Army West Point on Saturday, Nov. 30. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York, and the game will be televised on CBS Sports Network. The Roadrunners are coming off a 51-27 victory over Temple in their home finale to run their record to 6-5 overall and 4-3 in the American Athletic Conference. The Black Knights suffered their first setback of the season in a 49-14 decision to Notre Dame at Yankee Stadium, falling to 9-1 overall. Army is 7-0 in the league and has secured a spot in The American Championship Game against Tulane. This will mark the fifth meeting between UTSA and Army with the Black Knights owning a 3-1 advantage in the series. The Roadrunners scored a 41-38 overtime triumph on Sept. 10 2022, in their only previous visit to West Point.
REMEMBER NOVEMBER
The Roadrunners will look to continue their success in the 11th month of the year under fifth-year head coach Jeff Traylor. Following wins over No. 25 Memphis, North Texas and Temple this season, UTSA now boasts a 16-2 November record (.889) — including a perfect 11-0 mark at home —during the Traylor era.
ROADRUNNERS VERSUS RANKED OPPONENTS
Less than a month after registering the program’s first win over a ranked opponent with the 44-36 victory against No. 25 Memphis on Nov. 2, the Roadrunners will play their 17th game against a nationally ranked foe when they face Army West Point on Saturday. The Black Knights check in at No. 22 in this week’s AFCA Coaches Poll and 25th in the latest AP Top 25. UTSA is 1-15 all-time against ranked foes, including 1-14 versus top-25 FBS teams. Army will mark the third ranked opponent on the 2024 schedule, which ties the most played in a season (2022). UTSA is 1-1 against top-25 foes this year
ON EASTERN TIME
The Roadrunners are set to play the second of two regular season games in the Eastern time zone this season when they face Army on Saturday in West Point, New York. UTSA, which dropped a 30-20 decision at East Carolina on Sept. 28, is 7-9 all-time in games played in the Eastern time zone with road wins against Georgia State in 2012, Charlotte in 2015, Old Dominion in 2019, Army West Point and FIU in 2022 and Temple and Florida Atlantic last fall.
ROADRUNNERS GOING BOWLING
Following the 51-27 home victory over Temple on Nov. 22, the Roadrunners are bowl eligible for the fifth year in a row under head coach Jeff Traylor. UTSA has played in a bowl game in each of the past four seasons, capped by a 35-17 victory over Marshall in the 2023 Frisco Bowl for the program’s first bowl win. The Roadrunners played in their first bowl game in 2016, a 23-20 setback to New Mexico in the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque.
SCOUTING ARMY WEST POINT
The Black Knights dropped their first game of the season in a 49-14 decision at the hands of Notre Dame last Saturday night at Yankee Stadium. Army is averaging 33.1 points and 401.2 yards per game while allowing 14.2 points and 292.7 yards per contest. Bryson Dailey spearheads the FBS’ top rushing attack with 1,201 yards and 23 touchdowns on 213 attempts while also throwing for 670 yards and seven TDs on 33-of-59 passing. Kanye Udoh has piled up 891 yards and nine scores on the ground. Casey Reynolds and Noah Short both have seven receptions for 336 yards and 270 yards, respectively. Defensively, Andon Thomas paces Army with 65 tackles, while Kalib Fortner has a team-high 7.5 tackles for loss. Head coach Jeff Monken is 79-56 in his 11th season at the helm.
LAST MEETING
Eddie Lee Marburger passed for 239 yards and three touchdowns in his first career start and Martavius French posted 10 tackles, but Army West Point held off a second-half UTSA rally in a 37-29 decision on Sept. 15, 2023, at the Alamodome. The Black Knights built an early 14-0 lead and held the Roadrunners at bay, using a 44:25-15:35 edge in time of possession and rushing for 254 yards. Marburger completed 17 of 25 passes to seven different receivers, paced by Joshua Cephus’ eight catches for 84 yards. Facing a 20-7 deficit with time running out in the first half, Marburger and Tykee Ogle-Kellogg connected on a 46-yard, Hail Mary pass to make it a one-score contest at the break. Army kicker Quinn Maretzki drilled his third field goal of the night from 36 yards to make it 23-14, but UTSA answered when Cephus turned a short screen pass in the right flat into a 44-yard scoring play. Chase Allen’s extra point pulled the home team within 23-21 with 7:04 left in the third. However, the Black Knights covered 80 yards in only two plays, a 55-yard pass from Markel Johnson to Isaiah Alston on a trick play followed by a 25-yard TD catch by Noah Short. Army increased its advantage to 16 when Bryson Daily scored on a 3-yard quarterback keeper with 6:45 left to play, only to have UTSA respond quickly on a 72-yard touchdown reception by true freshman Devin McCuin. Marburger then found McCuin open for a successful two-point conversion to make it 37-29 with just over six minutes to play. UTSA’s defense came through with a three-and-out on the next possession, forcing a punt. However, Army returned the favor with a sack on a third-down play to force a UTSA punt. The Black Knights then ran out the clock with a pair of first downs to secure the victory
Army Black Knights Notes
#18 (AP) Army (9-1, 7-0) suffered its first setback last weekend at the hands of #6 Notre Dame, 49-14. The Black Knights return home for senior day where they look to finish the regular season perfect at Michie Stadium and may have AAC Championship Game implications on the line in determining if the title game is played at Army or Tulane. QB Bryson Daily is up to 23 rushing touchdowns on the season and with a guaranteed four games to play, will attempt to be just the sixth player in FBS history to accumulate 30 rushing touchdowns in a single season. UTSA (6-5, 4-3) comes into its final regular season game on a three-game winning streak defeating Memphis, North Texas and Temple to become bowl-eligible. QB Owen McCown, son of former NFL QB Josh McCown has thrown for seven touchdowns and 879 yards during the three-game stretch for the Roadrunners. Army will be playing a guaranteed 14-game season this year, marking the longest in school history with a scheduled appearance in next week’s AAC Championship Game and a Bowl-game.
1ST AND 10
• Army is ranked #25 in the AP Poll and #22 in the Coaches Poll (Nov. 24, 2024). • Army has maintained a spot in the AP Top 25 for seven consecutive weeks, the longest stretch since being ranked each week of the 1958 season. • Despite the loss to #6 Notre Dame last week at Yankee Stadium, it was Army’s first loss on the season and first in over a full calendar year (392 days). • Army began the season 9-0 for only the seventh time in school history (1916, 1933, 1944, 1945, 1949, 1996 and 2024). • Army’s winning streak came to an end at 13 games. It was the longest active streak nationally and it was Army’s longest winning streak since between the 1949-1950 seasons. •With a win, Army will be a perfect 6-0 in the regular season at Michie Stadium for the fourth time under Head Coach Jeff Monken (2017, 2018, 2020). Army is 43-17 (.716%) at home under Monken (2014-pres.). • The Black Knights enter with a seven-game home winning streak. • Army is honoring 27 players on senior day at Michie Stadium. • Army is 9-1 on senior day in the Jeff Monken era. • Army is 3-1 all-time vs. UTSA as this matchup marks the third straight season facing off. UTSA won in OT, 41-38 at Michie Stadium in 2022 and Army won 37- 29 at UTSA in 2023. • QB Bryson Daily’s 23 rushing touchdowns are 2nd most in the country, only four behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty (27). • Daily has rushed for 100 yards in eight games this season, tying for the most 100-yard games in a single-season in Army history with Mike Mayweather (1990). • Daily has 1,201 rushing yards, the first Army rusher to eclipse 1,200+ yards since Ahmad Bradshaw (2017). • The venue for the American Championship Game will be determined in the final week of the regular season, when Tulane hosts Memphis (Thanksgiving night) and Army hosts UTSA (Saturday, Nov. 30), (SEE PAGE 10).
North Texas Mean Green vs Temple Owls
SERIES HISTORY
• The regular season finale between UNT and Temple will be the second all-time matchup between the two programs. North Texas won the first game in the series 45-14 in Denton in 2023. • UNT was dominant on both sides of the ball in the first matchup, forcing three turnovers against the Owls while racking up 527 yards of total offense. It was the first AAC win in program history for the Mean Green.
North Texas Mean Green Notes
STORY LINES
• Coming into the final regular season game of the season, UNT looks to snap a five game losing skid to become bowl eligible for the first time in the Eric Morris era Saturday as they travel to Philadelphia to take on Temple. • With a win, the Mean Green would clinch a bowl berth for the 15th time in program history and eighth time since 2013. • North Texas comes into the contest with the No. 3 total offense in the country averaging 493.7 total yards per game while also sitting fourth in passing offense (335.8 YPG) and 21st in scoring offense (34.9 ppg). UNT is one of only seven programs to sit in the top-21 in FBS in those three categories joining No. 3 Texas, Texas Tech, No. 8 Miami, Washington State, No. 15 Ole Miss and Louisville. • Junior QB Chandler Morris ranks in the top-five in FBS passing touchdowns (2nd), passing yards per game (4th), points responsible for (4th), total offense (4th) and completions (3rd). He also leads the country with four 400+ yard passing games this season. Cameron Ward ranks second with three. • UNT is the only FBS team with seven plays of 70+ yards and leads the country with seven one-play scoring drives. • Interim defensive coordinator Brian Odom is calling the plays for the Mean Green defense for the second time this season. Odom previously served as the interim DC at both USC (2023) and Oklahoma (2021). • Junior WR DT Sheffield comes into the contest sixth in the country with 10 receiving touchdowns while sitting eighth among FBS WRs with 1,145 all-purpose yards. • Senior WR Damon Ward Jr. looks to cement his legacy as one of the top receivers in program history in his final regular season game. Ward ranks inside the top-16 in program history in career receptions (16th) and receiving yards (15th). • Morris has spread the wealth as total of 20 different players have caught a pass for North Texas, tied for third-most in FBS. • The Mean Green have started five different true freshman and three redshirt freshman this season while also featuring a redshirt freshman kicker. In total, 33 redshirt or true freshman have seen action for UNT, tied for the 10th-most in FBS. • Of the 23 games in the Eric Morris era, North Texas has 13 games with 500+ yards of total offense. • The Mean Green offense is one of the most explosive in the country, ranking inside the top-10 in FBS in offensive plays of 10+, 20+, 30+, 40+, 60+, 70+, 80+ and 90+ yards. • In the 15 AAC games in the Eric Morris era, nine of them have been decided by one score. UNT is just 3-6 in those contests. • Junior RB Shane Porter is averaging 7.23 yards per rush this season, a mark that ranks eighth in FBS and would be the second-best single season YPC in program history. • Senior CB Ridge Texada is one of the leaders of the defense, heading into the contest as the program’s all-time leader in PBUs and passes defended. His 36 career PDF is tied for ninth-most among all active FBS players.
MORE QUICK HITTERS
• The Mean Green have a host of new faces on the 2024 squad, leading all of FBS with 77 newcomers on the roster including 41 freshmen and 36 transfers. • North Texas has lost five straight games for the first time since dropping six straight in the 2022 season. • LB Jordan Brown, DL Roderick Brown, OL Jett Duncan CB Ridge Texada, QB Chandler Morris, OL Landon Peterson and LB Jaylen Smith and WR Damon Ward Jr. are the UNT 2024 team captains. • At just 32 years old, offensive coordinator Jordan Davis is the sixth-youngest FBS OC in the nation. • UNT has scored 50+ points against FBS opponents twice this season. It is the first time that has happened since 2003 when the Mean Green scored 50+ on both Baylor and Arkansas State. • The UNT offense had two 99-yard touchdown drives in the same game for the first time in program history in the win over Tulsa. In the last 20 seasons, the only other FBS team to produce multiple 99-yard touchdown drives in a single game was Oklahoma State on Oct. 29, 2011 vs Baylor. • UNT is tied for third in the FBS with 21 fourth down conversions this season. • North Texas has blocked two punts this season in wins over South Alabama and Tulsa. It is the first time since 2019 the Mean Green have multiple blocked punts in a season. • The offensive line for UNT has featured nine different starting units in 11 games this season. • North Texas has one of the top punt units in the country, ranking second in FBS in punt return defense (1.2 yards per return allowed) and 23rd in net punting (41.4 net yards per punt).
LOOKING FOR A BOWL BID
• With a win over East Carolina, North Texas would clinch its 15th bowl bid in program history. • The Mean Green have had a strong pedigree of appearing in bowl games in the last decade with seven of the 14 total bowl bids coming since 2013. • The bowl berth would be the first for UNT in the Eric Morris era after narrowly missing out in 2023, finishing 5-7. • North Texas has struggled to find wins in bowl contests, however, going just 3-11 in bowl games with the last win coming in the 2013 Heart of Dallas Bowl against UNLV.
NARROW MARGINS IN AAC PLAY
• UNT has become synonymous with close games during AAC play in their first two years in the league. • In the first 15 conference games in the AAC era for the Mean Green, nine of those contests have been decided by one score with three already occurring in the first six league games. • UNT is 3-6 in those nine games, going 1-2 in one-score games this year after finishing 2-4 in 2023. • The 2023 schedule was littered with close matchups as it finished with eight games decided by one score or less, matching a program record for one-score games set in 1937.
Temple Owls Notes
LAST WEEK
The Owls fell to UTSA in San Antonio last week, 51-27. Roadrunners RB Robert Henry rushed for 178 yards and found the end zone twice. QB Owen McCown completed 20-27 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns passing and a rushing touchdown of his own. Temple WR Dante Wright hauled in five passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Wright now has 100 receptions in his two years with the Owls, which puts him 16th on the Temple all-time receptions list. RB Antwain Littleton led Temple on the ground, finishing the game with 64 yards and a touchdown. Temple LB D.J. Woodbury Sr. had himself a day, as he notched his first career interception midway through the second quarter. The senior caught the deflected pass and returned the ball 42 yards. Woodbury also recorded a sack and 13 total tackles, three of which went for a loss.
LAST TIME VS. NORTH TEXAS
Temple fell to North Texas last season in Denton in what was the two teams’ first-ever meeting. Mean Green WR Jay Maclin had an impressive day, catching two touchdowns and totaling 163 receiving yards on six receptions. Additionally, QB Chandler Rogers went 25-39 for 307 passing yards and four touchdowns. Owls’ QB Quincy Patterson used his legs throughout the game, rushing for 113 yards and finding the end zone on the ground. Defensively, CB Dominick Hill led the game in total tackles with 15, 10 of which were solo tackles.
UP NEXT
This week’s game against North Texas will conclude the 2024 Temple Football season.
Offense
LANGS LOVES OFFENSE
Danny Langsdorf was named offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for Temple Football in January 2022. He came to Temple after serving two seasons as pass game coordinator and quarterback coach at Colorado. In 2022, Langsdorf oversaw true freshman starting quarterback, E.J. Warner who registered one of the best campaigns in Temple history. Langsdorf has 27 years of experience on the collegiate and professional levels, all on the offensive side of the ball augmented by some extensive special teams coaching. He has 16 years of Power 5 conference experience, including 12 as an offensive coordinator.
OSCILLATING O-LINE
In 2022, Temple started a different offensive line combination from the previous week in all 12 games. In 2023, the Owls were only able to start the same five twice. In the 24 games over those two seasons, 14 players earned at least one start and each position had no less than three starters – RT (3), RG (4), C (4), LG (9), LT (5). In all, Temple started 19 different combinations.
NEW FACE IN THE HUDDLE
For the first time since 2017, Temple does not have a returning quarterback with at least one start in a Temple uniform. In 2016, P.J. Walker, a four-year starter at QB for the Owls, started every game en route to the AAC Championship. Temple has had a revolving door at the position since, with E.J. Warner’s 20 starts leading the pack since that time. Redshirt junior Forrest Brock is the only QB on the roster who has seen game action for Temple (one game at Temple, 10 JUCO games) and Evan Simon’s two FBS starts for Rutgers (16 games overall) headline the QB room’s experience.
HARD WORK PAYS OFF
Being a walk-on is no easy task. It’s a selfless position, often requiring players to do whatever they can to help the team win. However, as a walk-on, there is always the possibility that hard work can lead to an eventual scholarship. On August 19, this became a reality for wide receiver John Adams. Adams has faced many challenges in his three seasons at Temple. A coaching change, limited playing time, and most significantly, a devastating leg injury sustained last November. Despite the adversity, Adams never gave up. He worked hard each day to improve, even through the injury. Now fully healthy, Adams is poised to make an impact on the offense this year, and he’ll be doing so as a scholarship player.
YOU CAN’T BUY SPEED
Graduate wide receiver Ashton Allen comes to Temple from the University of Southern California, where he was a member of the track and field team. The Maryland native won a national championship as part of USC’s 4×100 relay team but wanted to take on a new challenge for his final year of NCAA eligibility. Despite not having played football competitively since high school, Allen has seamlessly fit in on the gridiron. He has shown the team glimpses of what he brings to the table, using his speed to beat defenders and haul in long gains numerous times throughout fall camp. While nothing compares to the intensity of a game, Allen appears ready for the challenge.
BIG PLAY OFFENSE
When Evan Simon connected with Dante Wright for a 91-yard touchdown vs. Utah State it was more than just the longest pass and reception in each of their careers. The play was the second longest pass play and third longest play from scrimmage in Temple history exceeded only by a 96-yard pass from Lee Saltz to Keith Gloster (at Cincinnati, 1985) and a 94-yard run by Jager Gardner (at SMU, 2015).
Defense
EVERETT’S ELITE D
Everett Withers enters his second season as Temple’s defensive coordinator. In 2022, he served as chief of staff during Stan Drayton’s first year at Temple. He briefly left for an on-field position at FAU in January 2023 but returned to replace D.J. Eliot when he took a job with the Philadelphia Eagles. Withers brings 35 years of coaching experience, and his pedigree includes coaching stops at Texas, North Carolina, Ohio State, Minnesota and Louisville, as well as time with multiple NFL teams. Additionally, Withers has experience as a head coach, holding that position at Texas State, James Madison, and North Carolina.
D-BOW WITH THE DBS
Dominique Bowman joined the Temple coaching staff in 2022 when he coached the cornerbacks. Following that season, Stan Drayton made the decision to have Bowman coach all the defensive backs, including the safeties as well. (The subsequent move was to hire an additional defensive line coach.)
NEW LOOK SECONDARY
Speaking of the secondary, Temple’s defensive backs will look much different this season. Although a few key players are returning, including cornerback Ben Osueke and safety Elijah Deravil, much of the defensive back room is new to Temple. Transfer safety Andreas Keaton earned a single-digit and is expected to start at safety, while transfer cornerbacks Torey Richardson and Jamel Johnson are breaking camp as the Owls’ top two corners.
A CUT ABOVE
There’s a common saying in sports that if you look good, you play good. DL Demerick Morris has done his part in helping his teammates achieve this by becoming the Owls’ unofficial team barber. The redshirt junior learned how to cut hair just one year ago. Morris has honed the craft so well that he even cuts his own hair now.
Special Teams
ISN’T THAT SPECIAL
Adam Scheier joined the Temple Football staff in January, 2022, as the special teams coordinator and tight ends coach. A native of Bronx, N.Y., Scheier brought 26 years of collegiate coaching experience to Temple, including the previous 22 working with special teams. In 2023, Scheier had standouts in each of his rooms. TEs David Martin-Robinson and Jordan Smith emerged as dangerous targets and developed into pro players, Martin-Robinson was a UDFA with the Titans and Smith earned a tryout with his hometown Dolphins. On special teams, Sam Martin returned a kickoff for a touchdown and earned All-AAC recognition.
AUTOMADDUX
Senior kicker Maddux Trujillo set multiple records with a 64-yard FG in Temple’s Week 4 win against Utah State. Not only did Trujillo break the school record of 56 yards set by Don Bitterlich in 1975 at Akron, but it also became the longest FG made in the history of Lincoln Financial Field, surpassing Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliot’s two 61-yard FGs. The senior kicker is now tied for the eighth longest FG in NCAA history and holds the longest made try since 2009.
South Florida Bulls vs Rice Owls
INSIDE THE SERIES
• This will be the first meeting first meeting between the Owls and Bulls at Rice Stadium and the second in the series history. • Rice has faced 10 of the 13 current members of the AAC at Rice Stadium and has won the first meeting between the schools as conference rivals nine times, defeating Charlotte (2015), East Carolina (2006), FAU (2013), Navy (2024), North Texas (2014), Tulane (2005), Tulsa (1996), UAB (2006), and UTSA (2014) while falling to Memphis in 2007. • Rice has not yet faced Army or Temple at Rice Stadium in a conference games. • Rice fell 42-29 at season at Raymond James Stadium in the Owls’ AAC debut. • Each of the Owls four touchdown drives vs. USF covered at least 70 yards. The longest being a one play, 80-yard “drive” thanks to Dean Connors’ 80-yard catch and run on the first play from scrimmage. The shortest was a 10-play, 70- yard drive at the end of the first half to put Rice back in front on a 2-yard scoring pass from Daniels to Connors. The Owls managed to run 10 plays in 1:14 of game time. • Luke McCaffrey’s 199 receiving yards against the Bulls were the second-most in school history and the most ever by a Rice wide receiver … Tight end James Casey set the school record with 206 yards at Memphis in 2008 while David Houser held the record for wide receivers with 196 at Florida in 1976.
South Florida Bulls Notes
USF DRIVE STARTERS
• Seek first 3-game win streak since ‘18, record-tying 4th road win. • Golesh posts 13th win, tied for 2nd-most in first two seasons for USF coach, 2nd to lead team to bowls in first two FBS seasons. • Bulls earn 12th bowl bid in 24 FBS seasons, the 4th-best total in a program’s first 24 seasons since 1980. • Bulls post 122 points (61 ppg) & 1,266 yards (633 ypg) in last two games, first back-to-back 50+ point games since 2011. • Bulls posts 4th 300+-yard rushing game, 733 yards and 11 TD on the ground in last two games (366 ypg, 7.3 ypc & 5.5 TD) • Defense 6th nationally in tackles for loss (8.0), No. 3 in fumbles recovered (11) and No.8 in turnovers – gaining 9 in last two games. • Bulls winning by average margin of 28.5 ppg in six victories. 4 SR RB Kelley Joiner posts back-to-back 100-yard games & • TD in last two games, now 6th on USF career rushing chart (2,159). • SR WR Atkins has 29 straight games with a catch (2nd at USF), 23 of 24 with 4+ (leads FBS), 183 shy of career receiving yards mark.
WINNER OF 4 OF LAST 5, USF SEEKS MOST REGULAR SEASON WINS SINCE 2018
Coming off back-to-back dominating wins, USF will look to gain its fourth road victory of the season (tying program record & most since 2017) in the Bull’s first-ever trip to Rice Stadium. A victory would mark the most regular season wins (7) and first three-game win streak since 2018 and first three-game win streak in AAC play since 2017. Rice Stadium is the final date for USF to have played at every current member of the American Athletic Conference (although not playing at all as members of the AAC). USF is 8-4 in its first games at the other AAC stadiums. n RUNNIN’ IN HIGH GEAR: Coming off 715 total yards (a USF record vs. an FBS opponent) and 63 points in a win over Tulsa, USF has posted 1,266 yards (633 ypg) and 122 points (61 ppg) in posting a pair of wins and its first back-to-back 50+ point games since 2011 in its last two outings. The offensive explosion has been fueled by 733 rushing yards (366 ypg), including a program record 425 at Charlotte and 308 vs. Tulsa. USF has averaged 300 yards rushing per game in its six wins on the year – exceeding 300 yards in four of those.
GOLESH HAS BULLS FINISHING STRONG:
The Bulls have won four of their last five games. USF is 4-2 after Oct. 1 and making late season surges under Alex Golesh a habit. The Bulls four wins after Oct. 1 in 2023 were the program’s most since 2017 (5). USF is 8-5 under Golesh since Oct. 1. In five seasons from 2018-22, USF went 7-33 after Oct. 1. Golesh’s 13 wins in his first two seasons are tied with Jim Leavitt (1997-98) and Skip Holtz (2010-11) for second among USF coaches. Charlie Strong holds the best mark with 17 (2017-18), after taking over a program-best 11-win team (2016), and is the only other USF coach to lead the Bulls to two bowl games in their first two FBS seasons as head coach. Over the five seasons before Golesh’s arrival, USF had totaled 15 wins, including 1 the year before and 4 total from 2020-22. • USF’s 319 points in November the last two seasons are the most in FBS, and USF’s 39.9 ppg average in the month ranks 8th in FBS. n
KELLEY CLOSING FAST:
Sixth-year senior running back Kelley Joiner has posted 271 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in his last two games (averaging 14.3 ypc) and has a career-best 747 yards (7.4 ypc) and 11 touchdowns on the year – including TD runs of 54, 48 and 45 yards in the last two games. He stands sixth on USF’s career rushing chart with 2,159 yards, within 47 of the top five all-time. After an astounding 15.6 ypc Charlotte (140 yds) he averaged 13.1 ypc vs. Tulsa (131) and needs 253 yards for the 11th 1,000-yard rushing season in USF history.
LAST TIME OUT
BULLS CRUISE TO BOWL ELIGIBILITY WITH 715 YARDS IN WIN OVER TULSA
South Florida earned the program’s 12th bowl appearance in 24 seasons of play at the FBS level, posting 715 yards of offense in a 63-30 domination of Tulsa on Senior Day in Raymond James Stadium. The Bulls clinched it decisively, jumping to a 28-0 first quarter lead before Tulsa had recorded a first down and taking a 42-7 lead to the half. USF racked up 454 first half yards, averaging eight yards per play and logging 10 of their season high 16 explosive plays in the first 30 minutes. The Bulls finished with 715 total yards, the second-most in program history and the most ever against an FBS opponent. USF’s 63 points marked their most since scoring 65 vs. Cincinnati in 2015 and the program’s first back-to-back 50-point games since 2011. USF’s sixth 200-plus yard rushing effort on the year and fourth of more than 300, was led by senior Kelley Joiner who logged his second-straight 100-yard game, reaching that mark after just five carries including an early 48-yard touchdown 41 seconds into the game. Joiner went for 133 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 13.1 yards on 10 carries. • Quarterback Bryce Archie threw for a career-best 305 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 40 and a touchdown in three quarters of work, leading USF to victory for the fourth time as a starter in his sixth-straight start. • The Bulls’ defense was dominating early, not giving up a first down until Tulsa’s fifth drive of the game, forcing two first half turnovers and allowing just seven first half points as USF took command. USF collected a season-best five turnovers, one game after posting four in a win at Charlotte, and now has 23 on the year.
Rice Owls Notes
CLOSING WITH A FLOURISH
Rice is 13-3 on Senior Day since 2008 and the Owls are a combined 21-9 at home in the month of November over the same time span. The 2024 senior class will also look to close their final season with three straight wins at home for the first time since 2014. The Owls have defeated UTSA and Navy in their last two appearances at Rice Stadium. The Owls closed their 2014 home season by winning their last four (Hawai’i, North Texas, UTSA and UTEP).
TALKING DEFENSE
• The Owls have held their last seven opponents to a combined 17 points in the first quarter. • Rice is third in the AAC in total defense, allowing 325.8 yards per game and 4.95 yards per play which would be the lowest season averages for the Owls since they allowed 313.7 per game and 4.79 per play in 1994. • The Owls lead the AAC and are tied for fifth nationally in pass defense (160.5 per game) and are holding opposing quarterbacks to a 55.1 completion percentage this season, their lowest since allowing 51.7 in 2013. • Rice head Memphis’ Seth Henigan to the lowest completion percentage of his career (45.2) while matching the second lowest number of completions (14) in his four seasons with the Tigers. • Navy was held 127 yards under its rushing average and to just 3.5 yard per carry (came into the game averaging 5.87). • Rice held Tulane to 133 yards under its season average for total offense, while on the ground, Rice held the Green Wave to less than four yards a carry, and 60 yards under their season average (154). • Army was averaging 6.6 YPC but gained only 5.1 vs. Rice. • The Owls are allowing 1.45 rushing TDs this season, their lowest average since they 1.27 in 2002 (14 in 11 games). • Rice has allowed 23 plays from scrimmage of 30 or more yards this year compared with 32 in each of the last three seasons. • Opponents are averaging 25.2 points overall this season, the lowest average since 1998 (23.3). AAC foes are scoring 26.6, the lowest average since 2012 (20.2). (20.2).
SPECIALTIES
• Tim Horn saw his streak of four consecutive games with a field goal end at four when he did not attempt one at UAB…. His streak was the longest streak by a Rice kicker since the shortened 2020 season when Collin Riccitelli converted at least one in all five games. • Enock Gota is second in the AAC with an 82.1 touchback percentage on his kickoffs (33/39)… He averaged 63% last year (29/46) • Alex Bacchetta has 10 punts of 50 yards or better this year and has combined with Conor Hunt to place 18 punts inside the 20. The last Owl with more than at least 10 punts of better than 50 yards in a season was Chris Barnes (10 in 2019) and the last with more than 10 was current Detroit Lion Jack Fox, who had 26 in 2018. The 16 punts I/20 are the most since 2021 (17). • Tyson Thompson ranks third in the AAC with 21 punt returns and fourth with 173 yards.
Alabama-Birmingham Blazers vs Charlotte 49ers
UAB vs. CHARLOTTE SERIES
Series Began: Oct. 21, 2017 Series Lead: UAB leads, 2-1 at UAB: UAB 2-0 at Charlotte: Charlotte leads, 1-0 Last Meeting: Oct. 15, 2022 – UAB, 34-20
Alabama-Birmingham Blazers Notes
UAB TRAVELS TO CHARLOTTE TO CONCLUDE THE 2024 SEASON:
The UAB football team concludes the 2024 season this Saturday at Charlotte. The Blazers are coming off a decisive 40-14 victory over Rice and were led by a stout defensive effort which included three interceptions and 10 pass breakups. UAB has scored at least 40 points in all three of its wins this season and looks to end the season on a high note with a victory at Charlotte, which would be the Blazers’ first road win of the year.
GAME 100 SINCE THE RETURN:
Saturday marks UAB’s 100th game since returning to action in 2017 following a two-year hiatus. The Blazers have come back better than ever following the shutdown and have played to an overall record of 57-42, which has included the program’s first two conference championships (2018 & 2020) and three bowl victories (2018 Boca Bowl vs. NIU, 2021 Independence Bowl vs. No. 13 BYU, 2022 Bahamas Bowl vs. Miami (OH)).
MICHAEL MOORE TACKLES:
Despite missing the first half of the game against Rice, Michael Moore still led the team in tackles (9) and added an interception and 1.5 TFL. Moore is nine tackles shy of 100 for the season and ranks fourth in the AAC in tackles per game (8.72).
BEEBE JR SETS CAREER HIGH IN RUSHING:
Lee Beebe Jr. is coming off a career best 161 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries vs. Rice. Beebe Jr. has been extremely productive for UAB with 802 rushing yards, six touchdowns and 199 receiving yards for 1,001 all-purpose yards.
Charlotte 49ers Notes
NOTING THE NINERS
Charlotte closes the 2024 season under the leadership of interim head coach Tim Brewster. Brewster has head coaching experience after four seasons (2007-10) leading Minnesota and led the 49ers to a victory at Florida Atlantic last week.
RETURNING STARS:
The 49ers return very few starters from last season’s squad, but the list of returners is littered with star power. Defensive back Dontae Balfour was named preseason All-AAC by Phil Steele and Athlon as was return specialist/running back Henry Rutledge. Tight end Colin Weber, in spot starting duty last season, became the first tight end in program history to lead the team in receiving. Rush end Stone Handy picked up preseason second team honors from Phil Steele, joining linebacker Prince WallaceBemah who earned third team recognition.
PROGRAM FACTS:
Charlotte 49ers Football enters its 12th year of existence and 10th year at the FBS level. The 49ers football program began in 2013 and spent two years as an FCS Independent before taking a fast-track to FBS as a member of Conference USA in 2015. CLT joined the AAC in 2023. In 2019, Charlotte enjoyed its first winning season and participated in its first bowl game: 2019 Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl.
NEWCOMERS, NEWCOMERS, NEWCOMERS:
Charlotte features on the nation’s most turned-over rosters in the country in 2024. 71 newcomers dot the roster in every position group and rank behind only Army (74) and North Texas (77) among total newcomers between their 2023 and 2024 rosters. The 49ers are tied with Colorado (44) for the most transfer additions in the country.
WHY THE 49ERS:
Charlotte adopted the nickname “49ers” in honor of the importance of the year, 1949. In 1946, The Charlotte Center of the University of North Carolina (CCUNC) was established as a temporary institution designed to handle the influx of servicemen returning from the war. In 1949, community leaders, led by unofficial founder Bonnie Cone, successfully fought to make the school a permanent institution. Thanks to that can-do attitude and pioneering spirit, and in honor of the year 1949, the school’s athletic teams were nicknamed the 49ers (adopted in 1962).
GOLD TIES:
While the 49ers nickname was brought about by the importance of the year 1949 and had nothing to do with the gold rush of 1849, it should be noted that the first gold discovered in America was found in the Charlotte area, less than 20 minutes from campus, in 1799. Charlotte’s mascot, Norm the Niner, is a gold miner, by trade.
BY COMMITTEE:
Through 11 games, Charlotte has started three different quarterbacks and played multiple quarterbacks for meaningful snaps in six games.
NOTING THE GAME
• Saturday’s season finale will also be Senior Day for the 49ers as up to 25 Niners are expected to be honored pre-game. As with many senior days across the country in the Transfer Portal era, participation in senior day among student-athletes with remaining eligibility should not be seen as a clear indication of that student-athletes intentions for the 2025 season. Announcements for those decisions will be made at a later date. • Through 11 games (4-7 overall), the combined record of the seven opponents who have defeated the 49ers is 56-21 (.727) and includes four teams who are currently ranked or were ranked in the top 25 this season. • After securing their first four-win season since 2021 when the team went 5-7, the Niners are looking to reach five wins since that season as well. Charlotte posted consecutive 3-9 seasons in 2022 and 2023.
Florida Atlantic Owls vs Tulsa Golden Hurricane
THE SERIES . . .
• This is the fourth meeting between Tulsa and Florida Atlantic. • The Owls lead the series 2-1 with a 2-0 home mark. • FAU won last year’s meeting in Boca Raton, 20-17. • The first game came in 2014 as FAU grabbed a 50-21 home win, while a year later Tulsa claimed a season-opening 47-44 overtime win in Tulsa.
Florida Atlantic Owls Notes
Game notes unavailable.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane Notes
THE STORYLINES . . .
• The two teams will each be looking to end losing streaks … FAU has lost their last six games, while Tulsa has dropped its last three contests. • Each team will be with interim head coaches … for Tulsa, receivers coach/recruiting coordinator Ryan Switzer will be in his first game as interim head coach while FAU’s Chad Lunsford will be in his second with the Owls. • Tulsa is in its 128th season of football with its first year coming in 1895 … FAU began its football program in 2001, initially as an FCS member and moved to FBS in 2005. • The two teams have played six common AAC opponents this year – Army, East Carolina, North Texas, USF, UTSA and Temple … Tulsa has defeated UTSA (46-45) for a 1-6 mark, while FAU is 0-6 in those games. • Tulsa will have 24 seniors going through Senior Day ceremonies Saturday.
FIRST & TEN . . .
• Tulsa has had 41 different starters on offense and defense this year … 21 different players have started on offense and 20 on defense. • Of the starters, a total of 17 are either freshmen, RS freshmen or sophomores. • All 27 of Tulsa’s scholarship freshman in its recruiting class have played in at least one game this season with the majority playing multiple games. • Tulsa has had two true freshmen DBs – Zach Williams (10) and Dax Collins (11) – lead Tulsa in tackles in a single game this year with double-digit stops. • Graduate RB Anthony Watkins had Tulsa’s lone 100-yard rushing game this year with 101 yards and one TD at USF. • Graduate transfer QB Cooper Legas has thrown for 11 TDs and 969 yards in the last 4 games, while before that he passed for 112 yards and one TD in his six previous games played … he had a career-best 5 TDs vs. UTSA. • Graduate WR Kamdyn Benjamin is Tulsa’s team-leader for receiving yards (755), TD s (5) and receptions (62). • Benjamin and true freshman WR Joseph Williams have each had a 3-TD reception game this year – Benjamin vs. UTSA and Williams vs. East Carolina. • Graduate transfer LB Gavin Potter leads Tulsa with 68 tackles and 10 TFL for -31 yards. • Instead of just one running back carrying for a large number of yards, Tulsa has five players with each gaining over 200 yards this year – graduate Anthony Watkins (386) junior Bill Jackson II (319) and a pair of freshmen Viron Ellison Jr. (293) and Lloyd Avant (257) and QB Cooper Legas (2018. • Eight true freshmen have made at least one start this season including RB Lloyd Avant (1), WR Joseph Williams (5), OL Brody Duffel (4), OL Jack Tanner (3)and DBs Elijah Green (3), Buddha Garrett (1), Ashton Williams (1) and Zach Williams (1).
