(10-10-2021 08:46 AM)mustangxc Wrote:  If SMU is undefeated when we face Cincinnati I hope we crush them. SMU landing in the access bowl is actually a better deal for the AAC than UC landing a playoff spot. Now if I'm a UC, UCF, or UH fan I am Cincinnati all the way.

This is the correct answer, it would also be better if Houston met SMU in the championship, preserving a 1 loss Cincy. Getting and SMU champion, a one loss possibly NY6 at large Cincy, and a three loss Houston who might be able to maintain a ranking. This scenario results in the best outcome for the AAC. It means we have two NY6 access teams left with SMU and Memphis and Navy (championship game loss), Temple (won a championship), USF (they beat UCF a few years ago and they are the team) have proven to be capable of competing for them.

While it seems unlikely, the door has cracked already for the AAC to be in the conversation with the PAC, Big 12, and ACC as equals this season. The PAC and ACC in partucular seem to be in touching distance and OU showed the Big Xii maybe vulnerable.