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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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Nov 26, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; SMU Mustangs quarterback Ben Hicks (8) celebrates his touchdown pass against the Navy Midshipmen during the second quarter at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; SMU Mustangs quarterback Ben Hicks (8) celebrates his touchdown pass against the Navy Midshipmen during the second quarter at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

SMU could have quite the interesting quarterback situation once practices recommence in the fall. The Mustangs had to turn to Ben Hicks last season after Matt Davis was injured in the season opener. The sophomore has 11 starts under his belt and looked good during spring practices. Hicks hit on 11 of his 17 passes for 114 yards in the air and a touchdown.

But he will be pushed by Arkansas transfer Rafe Peavey. The former Razorback completed 16 of his 18 passes in the spring game for 173 yards and two late touchdowns, including the 58-yard winner to tight end Corey Rau. The question is whether the quarterback situation is a blessing or a curse for head coach Chad Morris, who will need every fall practice to scrutinize the players further.

Related Story: NFL Draft 2017: Top 10 early entrants who went undrafted

SMU is improving on both sides of the ball, but they will be competing a West division that is far more stacked in the American. Look for the Mustangs to pull off an upset or two like they did against Houston last year. A bowl game is well within reach, but contending for the conference crown is probably too much to expect out of this team.

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