The defensive unit will need to turn things around in a hurry after surrendering 41.2 points per game in 2022. The Bulls went 1-11 last year and failed to win an AAC game. New coach Alex Golesh arrives in Tampa after helping transform Tennessee’s offense into one of the best in college football over the last two years. South Florida (+5000)Īnother program that needs quick fixes. They have a brand-new coach, need to replace their quarterback and running back positions, and four starting offensive linemen are gone. They will be relying on a lot of unproven transfers and were hit hard by departures. This might be the toughest team to project throughout the entire conference. They also get a break in the schedule not playing against Tulane and UTSA. They finished last in the conference in yards per play with 4.7 and scoring, averaging 21.9 points per game.
The offense will need to improve to have any chance of contending in the AAC. The program has been known for defense, and that should be its strength again in 2023 with nine starters returning. It is a new era for Navy after Brian Newberry took the reins from long-time leader Ken Niumatalolo. Defensive improvement will make this team a contender after allowing 197.8 rushing yards per game in 2022. ULM transfer Chandler Rogers should start at quarterback, with a deep receiving corps and running game. His offensive-minded approach should help the Mean Green maintain their 33.8 points per game from last season. New head coach Eric Morris is a native of Texas and is a perfect fit for this program. With the offense in a transition, this team needs to rely on the defense. Success starts in the trenches, and they return only one offensive lineman that started in 2023. Their starting QB, running back, and two receivers all departed after helping the offense average 32.5 points per game last year. The Pirates are coming off their best season at 8-5 under coach Mike Houston, but contending for the ACC title in 2023 is going to be very difficult. The offensive line returns three starters to protect the QB, but playmakers need to emerge at the wide receiver position. Signal-caller Casey Thompson was a huge pickup in the transfer portal, to add to an offense that has massive talent in the backfield. The chips are all in for FAU to contend in Tom Herman’s debut in Boca Raton. It will be more of the same in 2023 if the defense cannot improve. The run defense got gashed for 192.6 yards a game. The defense was a major let down last year allowing 36.4 points per game in the AAC. The Owls claimed victory only three times in coach Stan Drayton’s debut. The transfer portal should help both the offense and defense in 2023. They return one of the league’s top quarterbacks in Seth Henigan, who threw for 3,571 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Tigers should be heavily motivated to elevate the program to new heights, and the shift in AAC teams should help their favor. Ryan Silverfield has led Memphis to three consecutive bowl games despite being 11-13 in AAC play during that span. The defense is absolutely loaded, bringing back seven starters after holding teams to 5.5 yards a snap last season. UTSA is 23-5 over the last two seasons and returns 16 starters. Quarterback Frank Harris returns after averaging 333.2 total yards per game in ’22. The Roadrunners have enough in the tank to compete for the league title in their AAC debut. The defense needs to improve after allowing 33.8 points per game last season. The Mustangs reeled in five offensive linemen with Power 5 experience. They have a rising star in quarterback Preston Stone and added a ton of talent in the transfer portal. They have a very favorable schedule with no matchups against Tulane and UTSA. This team has the pieces in place to make the AAC title game in 2023. Look for this squad to be on top of the standings. They will be tested early in nonconference play with matchups against South Alabama and Ole Miss.
The Green Wave boasts one of the best offensive line units in the entire AAC. Quarterback Michael Pratt returns after accounting for 3,488 yards and 37 total touchdowns. Tulane had an amazing 2022 season, winning 12 games and finishing No. Doc’s Sports will break down the conference below and offer some predictions for the upcoming season.ĭoc’s Sports offers college football expert picks for every game on our college football predictions page. Charlotte, North Texas, Rice, UTSA, UAB, and FAU bump the league’s membership to 14 teams. The AAC responded by adding six more teams. Houston, UCF, and Cincinnati moved to the Big 12 in realignment.
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