AAC Conference
The AAC and Moutain West have begun to stand out as the top 2 Group of 5 conferences, and this year will be no different. In the East, UCF and Cincinnati will battle USF, Temple and ECU for the crown, while the West is run by Memphis, Houston and perhaps a team like Tulane or SMU.
AAC East
Favorite: UCF (-125)
Easiest Path: USF
Toughest Path: Cincinnati
My Pick: UCF
-Most Important Games-
- UCF @ Cincinnati
- Cincinnati @ USF
- Cincinnati @ Memphis
- Houston @ UCF
- UCF @ Temple
UCF and Cincinnati are the top 2 in the East, but UCF comes out the front runner because of the slate the Bearcats have to play. Cincy must face Memphis and Houston in crossover games, with both on the road, as well as USF, Temple and UCF. The biggest match-up is of course UCF @ Cincinnati, but Temple and USF will have a hand in the argument by the time it is all said and done.
AAC West
Favorite: Memphis (-130)
Easiest Path: Houston/Tulane
Toughest Path: Memphis
My Pick: Memphis
-Most Important Games-
- Memphis @ Houston
- Memphis @ USF
- Cincinnati @ Memphis
- Houston @ Tulane
Any game that includes Memphis or Houston will make an impact on the AAC West race. The biggest game is Nov 16 when the Tigers travel to Houston. Houston has the easier conference slate, so Memphis will have the pressure on them when they face teams like Temple and USF on the road. Tulane and SMU also are dark horses to make some noise, especially vs Houston and Memphis.
AAC Title Game
Again, I have Memphis and UCF playing in the AAC Title game, but this year will be different. I project the Tigers to get over the hump and defeat the Knights. This pick can be construed as a “Well, it has to happen eventually right?” pick, but Memphis is the team to beat in the AAC this season.
