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AAC Football Power Rankings 2017: Houston rising in Week 3

By Ryan T. Smith

TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Wide receiver Linell Bonner #15 of the Houston Cougars celebrates with Duke Catalon #2 and Keith Corbin #18 after scoring a five yard touchdown against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half at Arizona Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Wide receiver Linell Bonner #15 of the Houston Cougars celebrates with Duke Catalon #2 and Keith Corbin #18 after scoring a five yard touchdown against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half at Arizona Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 2: Quarterback Quinton Flowers #9 of the South Florida Bulls runs down the field against Stony Brook Sea Wolves at Raymond James Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 2: Quarterback Quinton Flowers #9 of the South Florida Bulls runs down the field against Stony Brook Sea Wolves at Raymond James Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images) /

Could this be the breakout year for Chad Morris’ Mustangs? If there was ever a time for SMU to make a run at a division title, it’s now. The Ponies have looked impressive so far — admittedly, against Stephen F. Austin and North Texas, but “taking care of bad teams” is a skill that’s eluded half of this conference to date. A road date against a ranked TCU squad should serve as a very good measuring stick, and a chance to put the rest of the AAC on notice.

This feels way too low for a Memphis squad that has only played one game so far — an admittedly ugly win over UL Monroe in a near-monsoon. Consider this ranking a metaphorical shrug. The Tigers have everything to prove this weekend when they host UCLA in the AAC’s marquee matchup. Win there, and you’ve got yourself an unquestionable conference front-runner.

The near-unanimous preseason pick to win the conference has struggled out of the gate, falling behind 16-0 to San Jose State in their opener and playing Stony Brook to a draw for three quarters before pulling away to win both games comfortably. The Bulls’ offense, so deadly under Willie Taggart, has looked choppy and neutered under Charlie Strong’s watch. The good news? There’s plenty of time to clean things up. The bad news? A sneaky-tough Illinois squad has enough talent to throw a wrench in USF’s perfect season this Friday.

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