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The American Conference’s Week 8 schedule puts its remaining unbeaten conference teams on the road. Five league games fill the October 22–24 slate, with action beginning Thursday and finishing Saturday night. Meanwhile, Charlotte, South Florida, Temple, and UAB have byes. UTSA enters at 6–1 overall and 3–0 in conference play. North Texas follows at 4–2 overall and 2–0 against American opponents. However, both face road assignments that could tighten the championship race.
East Carolina at Memphis
Thursday’s opener kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2. Memphis enters at 5–2 overall and 2–1 in conference play. East Carolina arrives at 3–3 overall and 1–1 in the American. Both teams need a response after disappointing road losses. Tulane defeated Memphis 31–17, while UAB beat East Carolina 30–17 in overtime. For Memphis, protecting the football should dominate the preparation after six turnovers against Tulane. Nevertheless, receiver Stonka Burnside supplied a bright spot with seven catches, 151 yards, and one touchdown. The Pirates must finish stronger after letting their UAB opportunity slip away. My key here: which offense handles pressure without handing the opponent a short field?
Army at Tulsa
Friday brings Army to Tulsa for an 8:30 p.m. Eastern kickoff on ESPN2. Army carries a 4–2 overall record and a 3–1 conference mark. Meanwhile, Tulsa enters at 4–3 overall and 1–2 in league play. Army quarterback Cale Hellums presents the clearest challenge for Tulsa’s defense. He rushed for 195 yards and five touchdowns during Army’s 56–24 victory over Florida Atlantic. His production makes disciplined tackling and assignment football essential for the Golden Hurricane. However, Tulsa brings momentum after scoring 31 consecutive points during a 38–17 victory over Rice. That comeback offers encouragement, although another slow start could prove costly against Army. I would watch Tulsa’s early possessions closely; chasing the Black Knights can quickly shrink an opponent’s options.
Rice at Florida Atlantic
Saturday starts with Rice visiting Florida Atlantic at noon Eastern on ESPNU. Florida Atlantic celebrates homecoming, adding another reason for the home crowd to bring energy. FAU enters at 4–2 overall and 1–1 in conference play. Conversely, Rice sits at 1–6 overall and 0–3 against American opponents. The home team needs a defensive recovery after surrendering 56 points to Army. However, receiver Easton Messer remains a player to watch after catching 14 passes for 102 yards last week. Rice needs sustained drives alongside its explosive moments. Otherwise, another afternoon of missed opportunities could deepen an already difficult conference season.
North Texas at Navy
North Texas visits Navy at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Saturday on CBS Sports Network. Navy celebrates homecoming and enters at 2–4 overall, including a 1–3 conference record. The Mean Green bring an offense averaging 42.2 points and 533.8 yards per game. Quarterback Tayven Jackson has thrown for 1,868 yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions. Meanwhile, running back Jahiem White has supplied 687 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Nevertheless, Navy allows only 2.73 yards per rushing attempt. That resistance should test North Texas’ balance. My biggest question concerns possession: can Navy limit the visitors’ opportunities while generating enough offense itself?
UTSA at Tulane
Saturday’s finale sends UTSA to Tulane for an 8 p.m. Eastern kickoff on ESPNU. Tulane enters at 3–3 overall and 1–1 in conference play. The Green Wave defense just produced six takeaways and seven sacks against Memphis. Safety Kevin Adams III contributed two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and nine tackles. Therefore, UTSA’s ball security deserves particular attention. Additionally, Tulane has a recent result to reverse. UTSA won last season’s meeting 48–26 in San Antonio. This time, Tulane gets its chance at home, where another disruptive defensive performance could reshape the league race.
Four teams take a breather
Charlotte, South Florida, Temple, and UAB sit out this week’s five-game schedule. Their records stand at 1–6, 5–2, 2–5, and 4–3, respectively. While those teams regroup, the ten active programs have opportunities to change the conference picture before November.
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Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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