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American Athletic Conference: Post-spring 2017 power rankings

By Zach Bigalke

Dec 29, 2016; Birmingham, AL, USA; South Florida Bulls quarterback Quinton Flowers (9) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2016 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Birmingham, AL, USA; South Florida Bulls quarterback Quinton Flowers (9) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2016 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2016; Boca Raton, FL, USA; Memphis Tigers running back Darrell Henderson (8) runs the ball against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the first half at FAU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; Boca Raton, FL, USA; Memphis Tigers running back Darrell Henderson (8) runs the ball against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the first half at FAU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

As Memphis can attest, it is possible to find fairly immediate success even after losing your coach and top quarterback. Last year Mike Norvell came in to replace Justin Fuente. Riley Ferguson took over for Paxton Lynch behind center.

The Tigers still rattled off eight wins and went bowling for a third straight year. Now the team will be looking to push a deep field in the West and contend for the American title in year two for both coach and QB.

Ferguson completed all four passes he attempted in the spring game before ceding time to younger players. David Moore looks like the favorite to back up Ferguson this season, after going 10-of-14 for 190 yards in the spring game. He threw for one touchdown, ran for another, and generally looked more poised than Brady Davis.

The defense should also be solid, with Jackson Dillon returning from a knee injury to pile up a sack and another tackle for loss on the first series of the game. The secondary notched three interceptions as well, maintaining momentum from last year in that regard. At this point, Memphis looks like one of the most dangerous teams in the West.

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