AAC Football Predictions 2019

By Tyler Smith
Our AAC preview proven to be the most accurate in the country the past two seasons according to Stassen. 
2016
​AAC East
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2017
AAC 
​AAC West

East

 #1 UCF 12-0 (8-0)

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​Coach: Josh Heupel
Offensive Coordinator: Josh Heupel
Defensive Coordinator: Randy Shannon
Stadium: Bright House Networks Stadium (45,301)
​

​Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 12-1
2017 13-0
​2016 6-7
2015 0-12
2014 9-4

Top Returners

Offense
Passing
Darriel Mack Jr, QB, SO
Rushing
Greg McCrae, RB, JR

Receiving
Gabriel Davis, WR, JR

Defense
Interceptions
Richie Grant, JR, S

Sacks
Brendon Hayes, SR, DE
​
Tackles
Richie Grant, Jr, S

Unit Rankings

Unit AAC Rank
Offense 1
QB 2
RB 1
WR 1
OL 1
Defense 3
DL 6
LB 5
Secondary 1

UCF Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Pick
Thu, Aug 29 vs Florida A&M W
Sat, Sep 7 @ Florida Atlantic W
Sat, Sep 14 vs Stanford W
Sat, Sep 21 @ Pittsburgh W
Sat, Sep 28 vs UConn W
Fri, Oct 4 @ Cincinnati W
Sat, Oct 19 vs East Carolina W
Sat, Oct 26 @ Temple W
Sat, Nov 2 vs Houston W
Fri, Nov 8 @ Tulsa W
Sat, Nov 23 @ Tulane W
Fri, Nov 29 vs South Florida W

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: Stanford
Toughest Road Game: UC
Biggest Conference Game: Houston

Quick Thoughts

The loss of Mack Jr. to start the season hurts but I am sticking with my undefeated prediction. Brandon Wimbush should be enough to keep the train rolling in Orlando. Wimbush was 13-3 as a starter at Notre Dame. He will enjoy the most talented supporting cast in the AAC.
The defense continues to reload on defense. The secondary being the strength of the defense should help an inexperienced front. 
The schedule sets up well for UCF. I don't have Stanford or Pitt as top tier teams in their conferences. Games at UC and Temple will be their biggest challenges. 
Sorry to the UCF haters this is going to be another special season for the Knights! 

#2 Cincinnati 9-3 (6-2)

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​ Coach: Luke Fickell
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Denbrock
Defensive Coordinator: Marcus Freeman
Stadium: Nippert Stadium (40,000)
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Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 11-2
2017 4-8
​2016 4-8
2015 7-6
2014 9-4

Top Returners

Offense
Passing
Desmond Ridder, SO, QB

Rushing
Micheal Warren II, JR, RB
​
Receiving
Josiah Deguara, SR, TE

Defense
Interceptions
James Wiggins, JR, S

Sacks
Bryan Wright, SR, LN
​
Tackles
Jarell White, JR, LB

Unit Rankings

Unit AAC Rank
Offense 4
QB 5
RB 2
WR 6
OL 6
Defense 4
DL 8
LB 2
Secondary 2

Cincinnati Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Pick
Thu, Aug 29 vs UCLA W
Sat, Sep 7 @ Ohio State L
Sat, Sep 14 vs Miami (OH) W
Sat, Sep 28 @ Marshall W
Fri, Oct 4 vs UCF L
Sat, Oct 12 @ Houston W
Sat, Oct 19 vs Tulsa W
Sat, Nov 2 @ East Carolina W
Sat, Nov 9 vs UConn W
Sat, Nov 16 @ South Florida W
Sat, Nov 23 vs Temple W
Fri, Nov 29 @ Memphis L

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: At Ohio State
Toughest Road Game: At Ohio State
Biggest Conference Game: At Houston

Quick Thoughts

​What a 2018 season for UC! No one had them coming close winning 11 games. The good news is they bring back QB Desmond Ridder and RB Michael Warren. Those two combined for 39 TDs last year. 
One of the main reasons that UC had as much success as they did last season was due to their defensive front. That front allowed only 113 ypg on the ground. The big question going into this season is replacing 3 of 4 guys on the line. If they can be formidable up front this season, the Bearcats will find success. 
The schedule is more difficult this season. This team will end up with a worse record than last season. Even though they actually might be better.  

#3 South Florida 7-5 (5-3)

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​Coach: Charlie Strong
Offensive Coordinator: Kerwin Bell
Defensive Coordinator: Brian Jean-Mary
Stadium: Raymond James Stadium (65,857)
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Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 7-6
2017 10-2
2016 11-2
2015 8-5
2014 4-8

Top Returners 

Offense
Passing
Blake Barnett, SR, QB

Rushing
Jordan Cronkrite, SR, RB

Receiving
Mitchell Wilcox, SR, TE

Defense
Interceptions
Nick Roberts, SO, SS

Sacks
Kirk Livingstone, SR, DE
​
Tackles
Greg Reaves, SR, DE

Unit Rankings

Unit AAC Rank
Offense 5
QB 6
RB 5
WR 8
OL 5
Defense 5
DL 5
LB 8
Secondary 6

USF Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Pick
Fri, Aug 30 vs Wisconsin L
Sat, Sep 7 @ Georgia Tech W
Sat, Sep 14 vs South Carolina State W
Sat, Sep 28 vs SMU W
Sat, Oct 5 @ UConn W
Sat, Oct 12 vs BYU L
Sat, Oct 19 @ Navy W
Sat, Oct 26 @ East Carolina W
Thu, Nov 7 vs Temple W
Sat, Nov 16 vs Cincinnati L
Sat, Nov 23 vs Memphis L
Fri, Nov 29 @ UCF L

Schedule Analysis 

Biggest Game: Wisconsin
Toughest Road Game: At UCF
Biggest Conference Game: At UCF

Quick Thoughts

​Hard to see this offense making great strides this season. The Bulls look to be average again. QB Blake Barnett was sloppy last season. If he can take a step forward, this team could contend, but I don't see that happening. 
The defense was poor last year, but the offense wasn't helping them out. Charlie Strong needs to see a big turn around on defense this season after a step back last year. With 6 starters back and a line that has the potential to break out, they could do it. 
The schedule is challenging across the board. In November alone they face Temple, Cincinnati, Memphis and UCF. That stretch will determine the Bulls season.  

#4 Temple 5-7 (3-5)

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​Coach: Rod Carey
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Uremovich, Thad Ward
Defensive Coordinator: Fran Brown, Jeff Knowles
Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field (68,532)
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​Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 8-5
2017 7-6
​2016 10-4
​2015 10-4
2014 6-6

Top Returners 

Offense
Passing
Anthony Russo, JR, QB

Rushing
Jager Gardner, SR, RB

Receiving
Branden Mack, JR, WR

Defense
Interceptions
Linwood Crump, SR, CB and Benny Walls, SR, S

Sacks
Quincy Roche, JR, DE
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Tackles
Shaun Bradley, SR, LB
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Unit Rankings

Unit AAC Rank
Offense 6
QB 8
RB 10
WR 7
OL 2
Defense 1
DL 3
LB 1
Secondary 3

Temple Schedule 

DATE OPPONENT Pick
Sat, Aug 31 vs Bucknell W
Sat, Sep 14 vs Maryland L
Sat, Sep 21 @ Buffalo W
Sat, Sep 28 vs Georgia Tech W
Thu, Oct 3 @ East Carolina W
Sat, Oct 12 vs Memphis L
Sat, Oct 19 @ SMU L
Sat, Oct 26 vs UCF L
Thu, Nov 7 @ South Florida L
Sat, Nov 16 vs Tulane W
Sat, Nov 23 @ Cincinnati L
Sat, Nov 30 vs UConn W

Schedule Analysis 

Biggest Game: UCF
Toughest Road Game: At Cincinnati 
Biggest Conference Game: UCF

Quick Thoughts

​ The offense had some major highs and lows last season. It will be interesting to see what Rod Carey does at QB. Anthony Russo and Todd Centeio will be competing for the spot. Centeio seems to fit what Carey wants to do more, but Russo has more experience. RB could be an issue, but they will have one of the best lines in the league to run behind. 
 Expect a lot of pressure out of this Temple defense under Jeff Knowles. Knowles will get to work with the best linebacker unit in the conference. The Owls hope to get corner Harrison Hand eligible for this season. He's a transfer from Baylor. If they do, they will take the best defense in the league to another level. 
Drawing Memphis, SMU, and Tulane out of the West is tough. The first four games of the season will tell you how far this team can go this season. 

#5 East Carolina 4-8 (1-7)

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Coach: Mike Houston
Offensive Coordinator: Donnie Kirkpatrick
Defensive Coordinator: Bob Trott
Stadium: Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium (50,000)

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Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 3-9
2017 3-9
​2016 3-9
2015 5-7
2014 8-5

Top Returners

Offense
Passing
Holton Ahkers, SO, QB

Rushing
Holton Ahlers, SO, QB

Receiving
Deondre Farrier, SR, WR

Defense
Interceptions
3 Players tied at 1

Sacks
Kendal Fuller, SR, DE and Alex Turner, SR, NT

Tackles
Davondre Robinson, JR, FS

Unit Rankings

Unit AAC Rank
Offense 11
QB 11
RB 12
WR 10
OL 10
Defense 10
DL 9
LB 9
Secondary 10

ECU Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Pick
Sat, Aug 31 @ NC State L
Sat, Sep 7 vs Gardner-Webb W
Sat, Sep 14 @ Navy L
Sat, Sep 21 vs William & Mary W
Sat, Sep 28 @ Old Dominion W
Thu, Oct 3 vs Temple L
Sat, Oct 19 @ UCF L
Sat, Oct 26 vs South Florida L
Sat, Nov 2 vs Cincinnati L
Sat, Nov 9 @ SMU L
Sat, Nov 23 @ UConn L
Sat, Nov 30 vs Tulsa L

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: At UConn
Toughest Road Game: At NC State
Biggest Conference Game: At UConn

Quick Thoughts

​ ​Mike Houston enters as the HC after a disastrous hire in Scottie Montgomery. Houston doesn't have a lot to work with in year one. This season will be more about finding key contributors for next season. It all starts with sophomore QB Holton Ahlers. If he can improve on last year's play, ECU has their QB. 
The defense returns 7 starters, but they were one of the worst defenses in the country. The defense is filled with juniors and seniors. They should work in their underclassmen to give them valuable experience. 
Games at Navy, William & Mary, and ODU will be telling. Mike Houston has his handles full this season. 

#6 UConn 1-11 (0-8)

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​Coach: Randy Edsall 
Offensive Coordinator: Frank Giufre
Defensive Coordinator: Lou Spanos
Stadium: Rentschler Field (40,000)
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Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 1-11
2017 3-9
​2016 3-9
2015 6-7
2014 2-10

Top Returners

Offense
Passing
Marvin Washington, SO, QB

Rushing
Kevin Mensah, JR, RB

Receiving
Zavier Scott, SO, RB

Defense
Interceptions
Oneil Robinson, SO, S

Sacks
Kevon Jones, SO, LB
​
Tackles
Tyler Coyle, JR, S

Unit Rankings

Unit AAC Rank
Offense 10
QB 12
RB 8
WR 11
OL 7
Defense 12
DL 12
LB 12
Secondary 12

UConn Schedule 

DATE OPPONENT Pick
Thu, Aug 29 vs Wagner W
Sat, Sep 7 vs Illinois L
Sat, Sep 21 @ Indiana L
Sat, Sep 28 @ UCF L
Sat, Oct 5 vs South Florida L
Sat, Oct 12 @ Tulane L
Sat, Oct 19 vs Houston L
Sat, Oct 26 @ UMass L
Fri, Nov 1 vs Navy L
Sat, Nov 9 @ Cincinnati L
Sat, Nov 23 vs East Carolina L
Sat, Nov 30 @ Temple L

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: At UMass
Toughest Road Game: At UCF
Biggest Conference Game: ECU

Quick Thoughts 

​ At this point, if UConn football went away forever, they would have the same amount of wins as they do most years. We would also not have to watch a historically poor defense as we did in 2018. I'm not sure how you can be that bad, but the mighty UConn Huskies found a way. THEY GAVE UP 617 YPG LAST YEAR! OHHHH MY! The good news is that the majority of the defense was freshman and sophomores. Honestly, it can't get any worse, right? 
It all comes down to UConn finding a QB. Until they do that, this offense won't be going anywhere. 
Have fun in the Big East/Independent UConn. 

WEST


#1 Memphis 11-1 (7-1)

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​Coach: Mike Norvell 
Offensive Coordinator: Kevin Johns, Ryan Silverfield 
Defensive Coordinator: Adam Fuller
Stadium: Liberty Bowl (62,380)
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Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 8-6
2017 10-3
​2016 8-5
2015 9-4
2014 10-3

Top Returners

Offense
Passing
Brady White, JR, QB

Rushing
Patrick Taylor, SR, RB

Receiving
Damonte Coxie, JR, WR

Defense
Interceptions
T.J. Carter, JR, CB

Sacks
Bryce Huff, SR, DT

Tackles
​​​Tyrez Lindsey, JR, S

Unit Rankings

Unit AAC Rank
Offense 3
QB 3
RB 4
WR 3
OL 4
Defense 2
DL 2
LB 4
Secondary 4

Memphis Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Pick
Sat, Aug 31 vs Ole Miss W
Sat, Sep 7 vs Southern W
Sat, Sep 14 @ South Alabama W
Thu, Sep 26 vs Navy W
Sat, Oct 5 @ UL Monroe W
Sat, Oct 12 @ Temple W
Sat, Oct 19 vs Tulane W
Sat, Oct 26 @ Tulsa W
Sat, Nov 2 vs SMU W
Sat, Nov 16 @ Houston L
Sat, Nov 23 @ South Florida W
Fri, Nov 29 vs Cincinnati W

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: Ole miss 
Toughest Road Game: At Houston
Biggest Conference Game: Cincinnati 

Quick Thoughts

​ This offense is going to put up massive numbers. Brady White is back at QB and will have his top WR Damonte Coxie back. Memphis also has one of the top TE in the AAC. The running game won't be an issue with Patrick Taylor Jr. back. Pairing him with strong O-line will be dangerous. Good luck stopping this offense. 
The defense did give up 31.9 ppg. This doesn't concern me heading into this season. The Tigers have a strong starting 11. This seasons depth is much improved as well. Newcomers to watch this season are Cole Mashburn, Everitt Cunningham, and John Broussard. 
The schedule has some challenges, but they dodge UCF. They will face three of the top for four teams from the East. The good news is they get UC at home to end the season. If they can get past Ole Miss in week one, this team could make a run at sweeping the board. 

#2 Houston 8-4 (6-2)

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​Coach: Dana Holgorsen
Offensive Coordinator: Marquel Blackwell and Brandon Jones
Defensive Coordinator: Doug Belk and Joe Cauthen 
Stadium: John O’Quinn Field at TDECU Stadium (40,000)
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Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 8-5
​2017 7-5
​2016 9-4
2015 13-1
2014 8-5

Top Returners

Offense
Passing
D'Eriq King, SR, QB

Rushing
Patrick Carr, SR, RB

Receiving
Marquez Stevenson, JR, WR

Defense
Interceptions
Gleson Sprewell, JR, S

Sacks
Isaiah Chambers, JR, DE

Tackles
Gleson Sprewell, JR, S

Unit Rankings

Unit AAC Rank
Offense 2
QB 1
RB 6
WR 2
OL 3
Defense 9
DL 7
LB 11
Secondary 5

Houston Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Sun, Sep 1 @ Oklahoma L
Sat, Sep 7 vs Prairie View W
Fri, Sep 13 vs Washington State * L
Thu, Sep 19 @ Tulane W
Sat, Sep 28 @ North Texas W
Sat, Oct 12 vs Cincinnati L
Sat, Oct 19 @ UConn W
Thu, Oct 24 vs SMU W
Sat, Nov 2 @ UCF L
Sat, Nov 16 vs Memphis W
Sat, Nov 23 @ Tulsa W
Sat, Nov 30 vs Navy W

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: At UCF
Toughest Road Game: At Oklahoma
Biggest Conference Game: At UCF

Quick Thoughts

​ We all know QB D'Eriq King by now. He enters his final season at Houston with a lot of expectations. He has the 2nd best WR corps in the AAC to throw to. The running game shouldn't slow down with the addition of Kyle Porter. RB Patrick Carr is back as well after a solid junior year. 
Here come the concerns. After Ed Oliver ended his season, this defense went downhill quick. Houston is moving to a four-man front. This should benefit their line play. The bigger concern is LB where they return no starters. Three of their top five tacklers are linebackers. If they can get to under 30ppg this season they have a good shot at winning the division. 
The bad news for Houston is they draw UC at home and a trip to UCF. The non-conference slate is very challenging. They have a neutral site game vs Washington St. They will travel to Oklahoma and North Texas. The tough schedule makes it difficult for me to put them any higher than 2nd.  

#3T Tulane 6-6 (4-4)

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​Coach: Willie Fritz
Offensive Coordinator: Will Hall
Defensive Coordinator: Jack Curtis
Stadium: Benson Field at Yulman Stadium (30,000)
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Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 7-6
​2017 5-7
​2016 3-9
2015 3-9
2014 3-9

Top Returners

Offense
Passing
Justin McMillan, SR, QB​

Rushing
Darius Bradwell, SR, RB

Receiving
Darnell Mooney, SR, WR

Defense
Interceptions
6 Players tied at 1

Sacks
Patrick Johnson, JR, OLB

Tackles
Marvin Moody, JR, LB
​​​​​

Unit Rankings

Unit AAC Rank
Offense 7
QB 7
RB 3
WR 9
OL 8
Defense 7
DL 1
LB 7
Secondary 7

Tulane Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Thu, Aug 29 vs Florida Intl W
Sat, Sep 7 @ Auburn L
Sat, Sep 14 vs Missouri State W
Thu, Sep 19 vs Houston L
Sat, Oct 5 @ Army L
Sat, Oct 12 vs UConn W
Sat, Oct 19 @ Memphis L
Sat, Oct 26 @ Navy W
Sat, Nov 2 vs Tulsa W
Sat, Nov 16 @ Temple L
Sat, Nov 23 vs UCF L
Sat, Nov 30 @ SMU W

Schedule Analysis 

Biggest Game: FIU
Toughest Road Game: At Auburn
Biggest Conference Game: Houston

Quick Thoughts

​ Willie Fritz is entering his 4th season as the HC at Tulane. So far we have seen steady improvements under Fritz. This needs to be the year where the Green Wave breakthrough. It all rests on the arm of Justin McMillan. McMillan enters this season as the full-time starter. He took over for Banks halfway through the 2018 season. He does have top target, Darnell Mooney, back. The addition of OK State transfer, Jalen McCleskey is welcomed.  He could be the 2nd WR option that Tulane needs. The running game should still be one of the best in the country with all major contributors back. 
The defense has been strong under Fitz. This year should be no different with the best defensive line in the conference setting the tone. They have talent at all three levels. As long as the newcomers can fill their roles, Tulane will be tough again this year. 
I have the FIU game as the deciding factor on how well this team will perform this year. A win could elevate them to at least a bowl bid. A loss will likely mean a below .500 record. 

#3T SMU 6-6 (4-4)

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​Coach: Sonny Dykes
Offensive Coordinator: Rhett Lashlee
Defensive Coordinator: Kevin Kane
Stadium: Gerald J. Ford (32,000)
​
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 5-7
​2017 7-6
​2016 5-7
2015 2-10
2014 1-11

Top Returners

Offense
Passing
William Brown , SO, QB

Rushing
Ke'Mon Freeman, SR, RB

Receiving
James Proche, SR, WR

Defense
Interceptions
Kevin Johnson, SR, CB and Patrick Nelson, SR, S

Sacks
Richard Moore, SR, LB

Tackles
Richard Moore, SR, LB

Unit Rankings

Unit AAC Rank
Offense 8
QB 4
RB 9
WR 4
OL 11
Defense 6
DL 4
LB 6
Secondary 9

SMU Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Picks
Sat, Aug 31 @Arkansas State W
Sat, Sep 7 vsNorth Texas L
Sat, Sep 14 vsTexas State W
Sat, Sep 21 @TCU L
Sat, Sep 28 @South Florida L
Sat, Oct 5 vsTulsa W
Sat, Oct 19 vsTemple W
Thu, Oct 24 @Houston L
Sat, Nov 2 @Memphis L
Sat, Nov 9 vsEast Carolina W
Sat, Nov 23 @Navy W
Sat, Nov 30 vsTulane L

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: North Texas
Toughest Road Game: At TCU
Biggest Conference Game: At Navy

Quick Thoughts

​WR James Proche is the star of this team. He will have a new QB throwing to him for the first time in his career. Shane Buchele enters the season as the starting QB. Buchele had some good moments at Texas, but he was beaten out by Ehlinger. He should find success at SMU. The downfall will be the struggling offensive line. If they don't find improvement there, this could be a long season for SMU. The running game should be fine with Jones and Freeman. 
SMU has depth on defense. Something that has been a weakness in the past. Richard Moore is a stud at WLB. The defense made major strides last season. That gives me a reason to believe that this years team will be the best defense that SMU has had since 2012. 
The first three games will be telling for the Mustangs. A 3-0 start would mean big things are coming in Dallas. The conference schedule worked in their favor with UCF and UC off the schedule.  

#5 NAVY 4-8 (2-6)

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​Coach: Ken Niumatalolo 
Offensive Coordinator: Ivin Jasper
Defensive Coordinator: Brian Newberry and Brian Norwood
Stadium: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (34,000)

Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 3-10
​2017 7-6
2016 9-5
​2015 11-2
2014 8-5

Top Returners

Offense
Passing
Malcolm Perry, SR, QB

Rushing
Malcolm Perry, SR, QB

Receiving
CJ Williams, JR, SB

Defense
Interceptions
Jacob Springer, JR, LB

Sacks
Nizaire Cromartie, SR, LB

Tackles
Nizaire Cromartie, SR, LB

Unit Rankings

Unit AAC Rank
Offense 12
QB 9
RB 11
WR 12
OL 12
Defense 11
DL 11
LB 10
Secondary 11

Navy Schedule 

DATE OPPONENT Pick
Sat, Aug 31 vs Holy Cross W
Sat, Sep 14 vs East Carolina W
Thu, Sep 26 @ Memphis L
Sat, Oct 5 vs Air Force L
Sat, Oct 12 @ Tulsa W
Sat, Oct 19 vs South Florida L
Sat, Oct 26 vs Tulane L
Fri, Nov 1 @ UConn W
Sat, Nov 16 @ Notre Dame L
Sat, Nov 23 vs SMU L
Sat, Nov 30 @ Houston L
Sat, Dec 14 vs Army * L

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game: vs. Army
Toughest Road Game: At Notre Dame
Biggest Conference Game: At Memphis

Quick Thoughts

​It's hard to get behind this Navy team. Only six starters return. They don't have a position that sticks out as a major strength. Their biggest advantage is the triple-option has worked in the past for them. The issue is last year was pitiful and this year is looking like more of the same. 
Navy will cut down their amount of travel this season, but that may not even matter this season. Navy needs to find a way out of week 4 with a 3-1 record. If they don't, you will see more of what happened last season.  

#6 Tulsa 3-9 (1-7)

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​Coach: Philip Montgomery
Offensive Coordinator: Philip Montgomery 
Defensive Coordinator: Joseph Gillespie
Stadium: Shelly Field at H. A. Chapman Stadium (35,542)
​
Last Five Year Win Totals
2018 3-9
2017 2-10
2016 10-3
​2015 6-7
2014 2-10

Top Returners

​Offense
Passing
​Seth Boomer, JR, QB

Rushing
Shamari Brooks, JR, RB

Receiving
Keylon Stokes, JR, WR

Defense
Interceptions
Cooper Edmiston, SR, LB

Sacks
Trevis Gipson, SR, DE

Tackles
Cooper Edmiston, SR, MLB
​

Unit Rankings

Unit AAC Rank
Offense 9
QB 10
RB 7
WR 5
OL 9
Defense 8
DL 10
LB 3
Secondary 8

Tulsa Schedule

DATE OPPONENT Pick
Fri, Aug 30 @ Michigan State L
Sat, Sep 7 @ San Jose State W
Sat, Sep 14 vs Oklahoma State L
Sat, Sep 21 vs Wyoming W
Sat, Oct 5 @ SMU L
Sat, Oct 12 vs Navy L
Sat, Oct 19 @ Cincinnati L
Sat, Oct 26 vs Memphis L
Sat, Nov 2 @ Tulane L
Fri, Nov 8 vs UCF L
Sat, Nov 23 vs Houston L
Sat, Nov 30 @ East Carolina W

Schedule Analysis

Biggest Game:  At San Jose State
Toughest Road Game: At Michigan State 
Biggest Conference Game: At ECU

Quick Thoughts

​ I am not in love with this prediction, but I can't get away from it. I can see this team making a big step forward, but the O-line and unknown at QB keep me away. While I see promise with Zach Smith at QB, I can't say the same for the line. 
The defense made a monster turnaround last season. There's a reason to believe that will happen again this season with seven returning starters. OLB Zaven Collins is going to be on everyone's radar. He earned Freshman All-American honors last season. 
Philip Montgomery was highly touted, but he has gone downhill in a hurry. He should have the fans coming out to support this team with home games vs OK State, UCF, Houston, and Memphis.