The Most Americ6n Recap, Week 7: You got some sides, and then you got the entrée
October 21, 2020 | Sports,
By Lucas Owens
While this past week had some fun matchups, including one in UCF at Memphis that led to an altercation on the sidelines, the American was marred by the loss of the headliner: No. 8 Cincinnati at Tulsa. The matchup was delayed because of a rising number of COVID-19, but a game is still planned for later in the year. Still, with a matchup as good as that off the table, the American did have some solid games this weekend.
No. 14 BYU 43 – 26 Houston
Honestly, even though the score very much says otherwise, Houston played well past where I expected them to this week. Heading into the fourth quarter, they were ahead by five, but that’s when BYU quarterback Zach Wilson kicked it into gear and left Houston in the dust. Houston did a good job of limiting the amount of time BYU held the ball, and also went from 6 turnovers last week to none this week. Quarterback Clayton Tune had a good day up until the fourth quarter, but past that mark he really did not make much of an impact. Overall, Houston played a solid game, but simply were outmatched in the fourth. The Cougars do have a lot to look forward to though if they can continue to perfect their fundamentals.
No. 17 SMU 37 – 34 Tulane
Positive to take from this game: Tulane might be better than we thought. Negative: SMU is probably over ranked. The Green Wave, unlike previous weeks, looked competent on defense against a great offensive team in SMU, but just could not get the job done in overtime, where quarterback Michael Pratt had a pass intercepted by Michael Brassley to give SMU an easy victory on their side of the field. Pratt looks to be the answer to the Green Wave’s woes at quarterback this year, as he did an okay job passing the football, but Tulane still needs to either get more production out of him or find different ways to win games. SMU really had a tough time on offense converting drives down the field, as although they outgained Tulane 581 yards to 387, they obviously were tied at the end of regulation. SMU still looks good, but it is clear they have some known faults they need to work on.
South Florida 37 – 39 Temple
Temple finally got their first win, in late October! More of a product of circumstance rather than crummy play, the Owls just outlasted the USF Bulls at home, mostly thanks to good play by quarterback Anthony Russo, who hopefully continues to return to form as the year goes on. However, had it not been for a late fumble returned for a touchdown and failed two-point conversion, USF could have easily won this game to get their second win of the season. Instead, they fall to 1-4 at the beginning of what is going to be a long process to get back up to the heights of a few years ago, and Temple gets to rest easy with a win. USF might not be very good this year, but it is looking evermore likely that Temple is not either.
Navy 27 – 23 ECU
Navy, after this close win, is somehow 3-2. Considering those wins have been against Tulane, Temple, and ECU, I think Midshipmen fans have reason for gross amounts of caution. Especially considering that they have lost by a combined 95-10 to BYU and Air Force. This game, however, was just a good fundamental game by Navy for three quarters, in which they were able to take a 27-13 lead over ECU. The problem is they seemed to almost just shutoff in the fourth, allowing a huge touchdown run by Rahjai Harris and a field goal, while not getting anything done themselves on offense. If this game was just a little longer, I think ECU completes the comeback, but that is not how football works so Navy takes home the win.
UCF 49 – 50
If the other games in the American slate were fantastic side dishes, this was the main entrée of the schedule this week. UCF and Memphis seem to always have it out for each other lately, and that was abundantly clear here. Even though UCF was able to take their last four meetings, quarterback Brady White finally got the win against the Knights to round out his career at Memphis. Indeed, the quarterback led a comeback of epic proportions against a UCF defense without answers, as he passed for 486 yards and six touchdowns, adding one rushing. All my doubts about White completely evaporated in that fourth quarter. Dillon Gabriel also had a great night for the Knights, throwing for 601 yards and five touchdowns himself, but that was not enough in the end to make up for a very suspect UCF defense. In the end, it all came down to UCF kicker Richard Obarski, who missed a hard kick late for beyond 40 in a hostile environment to take the lead. That led to an altercation with fellow Sophomore Quadry Jones on the sideline, but I am going to take that as just tempers flaring in a hard loss. Still, both teams look good, but this is not the start UCF wanted at all.
Pow6r Rankings:
- No. 9 Cincinnati Bearcats
- No. 16 SMU Mustangs
- Tulsa Golden Hurricane
- Memphis Tigers
- UCF Knights
- Houston Cougars
Past this point, there is a drop off in the American in my opinion. Although teams obviously have not played too many games yet, it looks like for now these teams just do not have it all going for them this year.
- Navy Midshipmen
- ECU Pirates
- Tulane Green Wave
- Temple Owls
- USF Bulls
Edited by Emma Moloney