In a movie, the hero rides away.
The American Athletic Conference is having 3 ride away… but probably not thinking of them as heroes.
Memphis vs. Houston October 7 When Rick told Ilsa, you’d better get on that plane (in Casablanca)… he was thinking about this game. Last year, Houston won in a dominating fashion 31-13. Houston will be replacing ECU, South Florida, and Tulsa with the likes of Oklahoma, Texas, and Oklahoma State. Memphis will be happy to put the Cougars on the plane themselves; next year Memphis will be top contenders for the conference title with Houston (and Cincinatti) gone
South Florida vs. Houston October 29 Not a rivalry game. But South Florida always plays them close. Ha, ha, just seeing if you were really reading and not just moving your eyes left-to-right. South Florida is estimated to be weak this year, and Houston strong again. As Conan the Barbarian said, “To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you.” I’m sure South Florida will keep a warm spot in their heart as they watch Houston play Iowa, Oklahoma State, and other formidable opponents next year. But South Florida has them at home, and it was only a 14-point game last year, so who knows?
These last two might decide 1st place; or they might just decide the 3rd and 4th place AAC teams.
Central Florida vs. Cincinnati on October 29. Yet another “don’t let the screen door hit you on your way out, game.” Central Florida could have another 1 or 2 conference championships perhaps, if it wasn’t for those Bearcats. I’m sure Central Florida is still having Jerome Ford run through their dreams after last year’s shellacking. But even with him in Cleveland (Browns) instead of Cincinatti, the Bearcats should have a huge edge.
Central Florida at South Florida on November 26. Last year Central Florida prevailed 17-13. This is a “Wait, you picked THAT Florida school? We’re the biggest school in Florida? game.” Central Florida had a great recruiting year, in part from their upcoming transfer to the Big 12, and should win handily.
