The American Athletic Conference is having the best season it has ever had in football this year and two of the reasons why, Memphis and Houston, will face off on Saturday night. Memphis (8-1 (4-1)) comes in ranked 25th in the nation while Houston (9-0 (5-0)) comes in ranked 16th in the nation.
Although neither of these teams is likely to make the college football playoff this game has major ramifications in the AAC. Houston specifically has a great shot at making a New Year's Six bowl which would be quite the great accomplishment.
Before last week this game looked like an extremely juicy matchup as both team's were undefeated and although it still is juicy it lost a little bit of luster because they both had a bit of a stumble in their games prior to this one. The difference is that Houston beat Cincinnati by three while Memphis lost to Navy, who is also undefeated in the AAC this season. Before last week Houston had really run through their schedule with ease but they will again have their hands full this week with the Tigers.
Houston does lead the nation in takeaways with 25 on the season but they will have to contend with Paxton Lynch on Saturday night who has thrown just two interceptions all season. Lynch has been great and has even gained steam as a potential next level player as he has thrown for more than 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns in the team's first nine games.
Lynch has spread the ball around this season as Memphis has thre different receivers with at least 30 catches and more than 500 yards receiving. While the offense has been humming this season for Memphis the defense has been a bit of an issue and that will be a problem against a Houston team that puts points up in bunches.
Houston is led by dual-threat quarterback Greg Ward Jr. who is second in the nation among quarterbacks in rushing yards per game at 92.1. Ward has rushed for 16 touchdowns this season while also throwing for 13 more. His completion percentage is above 70 and he has thrown for more than 2,000 yards while only throwing four interceptions so he is the total package.
Demarcus Ayers and Kenneth Farrow are players to watch for Houston in this one as well. Ayers is the team's best receiver as he leads the team in catches (61) yards (769) and receiveing touchdowns (5.) Farrow has rushed for close to 900 yards this season and has added ten touchdowns and he and Ward make a fearsome duo out of the backfield.
Both of these teams are top ten in the nation in scoring and total yards and this represents the first ever game between ranked teams in AAC history so to say this is a huge game would be an understatement. Both teams are still alive in the West division so this game should be a really fun one to watch.
The game kicks off at 7 P.M. Eastern time and to watch the live broadcast go here. For the Memphis radio broadcast go here and for the Houston radio broadcast go here.
