It's interesting that you have ECU finishing ahead of Memphis and SMU.
It would be interesting to know your main reasons for rating them so highly, and why you think SMU might finish behind Tulane.
Some may be surprised that you've got Memphis finishing at #5, but it doesn't surprise me too much, considering that they finished 6-6 last season.
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I believe in ECU more than most. I think the improvement from year 2 to year 3 in the Mike Houston system is a really good indication that ECU is a legit contender.
2021:
- They took Houston to overtime on the road last year. The rematch is a home game for ECU this year.
- They were less than a TD from beating UCF on the road last year. That rematch is a home game for ECU in 2022.
QB Holton Ahlers returns and they are deep on the OL and RB positions.
I just like ECU as a fan and long-time conference foe.
I'm low on Cincy because they have to replace a lot of stars.
I'm low on Memphis because they are in year 2 of a coaching transition and I typically like coaches on their 3rd year to boom. Still have my doubts if they hired the right guy.
I'm really low on SMU because they are in the 1st year of a coaching transition and again I typically like coaches on their 3rd year to boom.
I'm higher on Tulane than most because the core of the team was super young. It was a rebuild year talent wise. His entire roster has grown up in the Fritz system, it should be a bounce back year.
ECU is the opposite of deep on the OL. It was by far the weakest link last season. ECU probably would have 2-3 more wins if they had a league average OL.
RE: Predicted order of finish in the American (2022): How would you rank the teams?
I'm no expert on other schools, but I do know the Pirates inside and out.
From a roster standpoint this is the deepest unit with talent that we have had since entering the AAC. Coach Houston has done a masterful job in that area giving us a chance to win.
The schedule which plays a big part in this has us with Navy, UCF, Memphis, and Houston at our place. The biggest challenge on the road is in UC along with Tulane and USF. Those later 2 will be tough games this season.
Defensively, the Pirates very well will have it's best safety tandem since the Hart Twins of the mid 90's. We have one experienced and top notch corner playing field with one unproven corner on the other side. We have several good options for that one spot. We have two returning starters at ILB and 2 great athletes playing OLB. The defensive line commitment this staff made when they got here will pay off this year because we are stocked up with rotational players that will not drop off ten deep! They will stop the run.
Offensively, we have struggled on the offensive line for years, but this is the year I feel we will turn the corner. This is primarily due to tackle and injuries there in the past. We could have injuries again, but at least we are 6 deep with high level guys stocked at that position group. Avery Jones our center will be up for 1st team honors this year and that guy is athletic. Our RB's are well documented and behind this line they will be a year older and better. Our QB is in his 5th season. We have one of the most athletic TE's in the league in Ryan Jones. He really can do a lot of things with the ball outside of the conventional TE. WE have 3 three speed guys at receiver and 4 big receivers thanks to the portal and the return of CJ Johnson.
In saying all this I'm not saying we will win the conference, but the days of no respect are over. Coaching, the bounce of the ball, and luck are big factors in determining outcomes, but don't expect an easy win against the Pirates as in the recent past is all I'm saying. We will be giving No Quarter!!
What kinda team will the Owls have this year? How do the fans feel about the new staff?
Although I predicted the hiring of the head coach before it was trending, I didn't actually agree with the hire.
My thoughts about the head coach haven't really changed, but I am impressed with the staff surrounding the HC... If coach Stan Drayton is a quick learner then Temple might just have another "winner coaching hire".
The kids seem to like the coaching staff, major step forward.
(This post was last modified: 05-27-2022 02:35 PM by GoOwls111.)
RE: Predicted order of finish in the American (2022): How would you rank the teams?
If I wasn't a USF fan, I would likely also place USF at the bottom of the list as well. However, I have no doubt that this will be a better team this year and primed to finish in the middle of the pack.
After years of putting band aids and trying to do things on the cheap, USF is finally taking football seriously, so that is encouraging off the field. On the field, USF was better than its record indicated last year....other than that dreadful "WTF Happened- Tulane game"....but the record didn't show the improvement throughout the year.
Typically teams turn the corner the year before it shows up in the win and losses columns, so we have a lot of talent coming back on offense and the defense has infused a new coordinator and talent into the program. Plus surely....the defense couldn't get any worse. lol
Is it football season yet?
(This post was last modified: 05-27-2022 02:16 PM by CyberBull.)
What kinda team will the Owls have this year? How do the fans feel about the new staff?
I think we have the right coach to turn around the Owls. That being said, he is a first time head coach, and Temple was one of the worst; teams in CFB over the last 2 years and the damage from the previous coach did a lot of damage. I think we are a 2- or 3- win team this year. I will be looking for improvement though as the season progresses and to not lose by multiple TDs.
What kinda team will the Owls have this year? How do the fans feel about the new staff?
Although I predicted the hiring of the head coach before it was trending, I didn't actually agree with the hire.
My thoughts about the head coach haven't really changed, but I am impressed with the staff surrounding the HC... If coach Stan Drayton is a quick learner then Temple might just have another "winner coaching hire".
The kids seem to like the coaching staff, major step forward.
For the conference sake which y'all are an important part going forward I hope he is good. Sometimes the staff can be just as important ie Lincoln Riley at ECU. I have noticed they've been pulling in some good transfers, but I don't know the quality and depth of the total roster. Probably take two years for him to get 50% of the roster to his guys.
(This post was last modified: 05-27-2022 04:51 PM by Pirate Rep.)
What kinda team will the Owls have this year? How do the fans feel about the new staff?
I think we have the right coach to turn around the Owls. That being said, he is a first time head coach, and Temple was one of the worst; teams in CFB over the last 2 years and the damage from the previous coach did a lot of damage. I think we are a 2- or 3- win team this year. I will be looking for improvement though as the season progresses and to not lose by multiple TDs.
It's hard to turn football around quickly. Especially a team roster. Hopefully he'll a good two foundational years getting the program going forward. I think our match-up will be important for the conference and pretty sure we will wind up permanent opponents. We do have some history!
What kinda team will the Owls have this year? How do the fans feel about the new staff?
I think we have the right coach to turn around the Owls. That being said, he is a first time head coach, and Temple was one of the worst; teams in CFB over the last 2 years and the damage from the previous coach did a lot of damage. I think we are a 2- or 3- win team this year. I will be looking for improvement though as the season progresses and to not lose by multiple TDs.
Recruiting has picked up, and the staff has a wealth of experience. The way things seem to be going, Temple could have a bowl team a year after the 2022 rebuilding season. Their administration has made it clear that they have very high expectations for the program (and for the basketball program, too).
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How would you rank the 2022 AAC FB teams? (poll at top of page)
