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AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE REPORT 2020 Season • Week 1 @American_FB Contact: Chuck Sullivan, Assistant Commissioner for Communications [email protected] • 401.453.0660 • @ChuckSullivan15 545 East John Carpenter Freeway • Iriving, TX 02903

AMERICAN OVERALL

SCHOOL AP/Coaches W-L PCT PF PA H A W-L PCT PF PA H A N STREAK UCF 21/21 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 Won 3 CINCINNATI 20/22 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 Won 1 EAST CAROLINA 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 Lost 1 HOUSTON 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 Lost 1

MEMPHIS rv/rv 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 Lost 1 NAVY rv/rv 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 Won 4 USF 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 Lost 4 SMU rv/rv 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 Lost 1

TEMPLE 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 Lost 1

TULANE -/rv 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 Won 1 TULSA 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 — 0 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 Won 1

THIS WEEK THE AMERICAN TODAY

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 After the college season officially began with last week’s game between NCAA FCS squads, the American SMU at Texas State Athletic Conference steps into the fray this week with three games on the Week 1 docket. Time: 4:30 p.m. Series: SMU leads, 2-0 All three games featuring teams from The American will be on ESPN, including a Saturday doubleheader Last Meeting: Sept. 14. 2019 (SMU, 47-17) on the flagship network.

Arkansas State at Memphis Things get started Saturday as SMU heads south on Interstate 35 to face Texas State as third-year Time: 8 p.m. Mustangs head coach Sonny Dykes faces his former offensive coordinator at California from the 2016 Series: Memphis leads, 29-24-5 Last Meeting: Sept. 21. 2013 (Memphis, 31-7) season — Jake Spavital, who is in his second season with the Bobcats. Dykes was a finalist for national coach of the year honors last year after leading SMU to its most successful season in 35 years as the MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Mustangs went 10-3 overall and were ranked as high as No. 14 in the national polls. BYU at Navy Time: 8 p.m. SMU will feature Shane Buechele, who led The American in passing last season (302.2 ypg) Series: Tied, 1-1 and has the keys to an offense that scored at least 28 points in every game in 2019, including eight Last Meeting: Sept. 16, 1989 (BYU, 31-10) games with at least 40 points.

All times Eastern Saturday’s nightcap has Memphis, the 2019 American Athletic Conference Champion, at home for an early test against an Arkansas State team that has its sights set on a Sun Belt championship this season. Memphis looks to continue the momentum from its best season in program history as the Tigers went 12-2 in 2019, capped by the conference title and an appearance in the Goodyear .

Ryan Silverfield embarks on his first full season as Memphis’ head coach, but was part of the most successful era in program history as an assistant. Silverfield also has the luxury of a veteran quarterback as Brady White returns as the only active player to throw for at least 4,000 yards last season.

While SMU and Memphis return veterans behind center, Navy will have to replace the 2019 American Offensive Player of the Year with the graduation of Malcolm Perry. The Midshipmen and coach Ken Niumatalolo begin their season Monday against BYU at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium looking to sustain momentum from an 11-win season that included a Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy series sweep of rivals Army and Air Force.

Quarterback Dalen Morris has emerged as the likely starter for the opener, and Navy can lean on a veteran defense led by all-conference first team linebacker Diego Fagot (100 teackles).

The Week 2 schedule will see four American Athletic Conference teams in action as SMU visits TCU (Friday), USF hosts The Citadel, Tulane visits South Alabama, and Tulsa makes a road trip to Oklahoma State.

1 AMERICAN NOTEBOOK

It’s A Start Home Is Where The Wins Are 2020 RULES CHANGES The American Athletic Conference has two teams ranked UCF has won 21 straight home games, trailing only Clem- in the Associated Press and USA Today presason polls for son (22) for the nation’s longest home winning streak. Players Numbering the first time in the eight-year history of the conference. Cincinnati has won 13 straight at home, which is seventh. No more than two squad members may be assigned or wear the same jersey number. There were no limits to The Power 6 Is Real Happy New Year duplicate numbers in previous seasons. With the recog- Four American Athletic Conference teams (No. 17 Mem- American Athletic Conference teams have played in a New nized popularity of the -digit numbers, the digit “0” phis, No. 20 Navy, No. 21 Cincinnati, No. 24 UCF) were Year’s Six bowl five times in the conference’s first seven is added as a legal number. Any number to be preceded ranked in the top 25 of both the Associated Press and seasons. The American is 3-2 in New Year’s Six games by “0” such as “07” or “00” remains illegal. the Amway Coaches’ polls to close the 2019 season. since the 2013 season. Targeting - Disqualified Player Only the Big Ten (six) and SEC (five) had more ranked Double Digits There were no changes to the targeting rule from an teams than The American. The four top-25 teams for The Memphis won 12 games for the first time in program on-field officiating perspective and the rule continues to American were more than the Big 12 (three), Pac-12 (two) history in 2019. Cincinnati has registered back-to-back serve the game well and is changing player behavior in and ACC (one) among others 11-win seasons. Navy matched its program record with terms of use of the helmet. The change for 2020 is that 11 wins in 2019. SMU registered its first 10-win season now a player disqualified for targeting will be declared Rank And File since 1984. UCF has turned in three consecutive 10-win ineligible for further participation in the game, but the The American has had at least three teams ranked in the seasons. player may remain in the team area. final polls in two of the last three seasons. Bowling League All other disqualifying fouls such as fighting, two un- Conference Calls The American had seven bowl-eligible teams in 2019 (UCF, sportsmanlike conduct fouls, flagrant personal fouls, etc. The American Athletic Conference ranked fourth among Cincinnati, Memphis, Navy, SMU, Temple and Tulane). The will be reclassified as fouls requiring ejection. Players the 10 FBS conferences in nonconference winning per- American has had at least seven teams in bowl games ejected will be required to leave the playing enclosure centage in 2019. in each year of the league’s 12-team alignment, which and must remain out of view of the field of play under Nonconference Winning Percentage (All Games) began in 2015. team supervision. Conference W L Pct. SEC 50 16 .758 Behind Center Pregame Warmup /Officials’ Jurisdiction Big Ten 38 13 .745 Nine of The American’s 11 teams return their regular The Rules Committee address issues of unsportsmanlike Big 12 25 11 .694 starting quarterback from the 2019 season. behavior in the pregame and took steps to clean this American 38 17 .691 2020 Returning Starting action up. The officials’ jurisdiction will now begin at 90 Pac-12 28 15 .651 , UCF minutes before kickoff (previously 60 minutes). Addition- ACC 39 26 .600 Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati ally, when any squad member enters the playing enclosure Sun Belt 25 20 .556 Holton Ahlers, East Carolina prior to the game, the head coach or an assistant coach Mountain West 35 21 .554 Clayton Tune, Houston from that team must be present on the field. Furthermore, Conference USA 27 37 .422 Brady White, Memphis when any squad member is present within the playing MAC 21 34 .382 Jordan McCloud, USF enclosure after the officials’ jurisdiction, they must be Shane Buechele, SMU wearing their jersey or have their numeral readily visible. Nonconference Winning Percentage (FBS Opponents) Anthony Russo, Temple Players without their numeral readily visible must leave Conference W L Pct. Zach Smith, Tulsa the playing enclosure. Big Ten 34 13 .723 SEC 35 16 .686 Welcome Aboard Defensive Linemen on Scrimmage Kick Plays Pac-12 20 12 .625 The American welcomes two new head coaches for the To further enhance the protection of the snapper on American 28 17 .622 2020 season. Ryan Silverfield was promoted to head scrimmage kicks, if the offense is in a scrimmage kick Big 12 16 11 .593 coach at Memphis after serving as deputy head coach formation at the , any defensive player within one Mountain West 23 21 .522 and offensive line coach last season. Jeff Scott is in his yard of the must be aligned completely ACC 25 25 .500 first year at USF after serving as co-offensive coordina- outside the frame of the body of the snapper at the snap. Sun Belt 15 20 .429 tor at Clemson. This change paired with the current rule that does not Conference USA 15 36 .294 allow the defense to initiate contact with the snapper MAC 10 34 .227 SportsCenter Is Next until one second has elapsed on these type plays will Thanks in part to The American’s new 12-year media further protect the snapper on kick downs. Pow6rful Stuff rights extension with ESPN, the conference already The American has registered 42 nonconference victories has nine games slated for ESPN in the 2020 season. By Instant Replay/Clock Adjustment and Review Time against other Power 6 opponents (including Notre Dame) comparison, The American had 10 games on the primary If the clock expires at the end of a half, and replay deter- since the start of the 2015 season, the first year of The ESPN channel in the 2019 campaign. mines that there was time remaining on the clock, and American’s current membership. the clock would start on the referee’s signal after review, 2019 Wins Against Power 6 Opponents Long Division there must be at least three seconds remaining when Cincinnati 24, UCLA 14 After playing five years as a 12-team, two-division the should have been declared dead to restore time Memphis 15, Ole Miss 10 conference, The American will feature 11 teams in a to the clock. With two seconds or one second remaining Temple 20, Maryland 17 single-division format for the 2020 season. Each team is on the clock, the half is over. This change will not impact UCF 45, Stanford 27 scheduled to play eight conference games this season. situations when the clock is stopped and will remain SMU 41, TCU 38 The top two teams in the final regular season stand- stopped until the snap such as incomplete passes and Temple 24, Georgia Tech 2 ings will play in the 2020 American Athletic Conference runners out of bounds. In addition, the expectation is that Navy 20, Kansas State 17 Football Championship, which will take place either Dec. the instant replay official will not exceed two minutes to Cincinnati 38, College 6 5, 12 or 19 at the home stadium of the first-place team. complete any review. The exception is if the review has end-of-game impact or has multiple aspects as a part Bullies Polling Place of the review, it should be completed efficiently but will American Athletic Conference teams were a combined Six of the 11 American Athletic Conference teams received have no stated time limit. 36-9 (.800) in 2019 against unranked opponents in votes in the 2020 USA Today preseason coaches’ poll. nonconference games. Other Changes: Well Rounded • A second jersey meeting all requirements of the jersey A League Of Our Own East Carolina and Houston are the only two American Ath- rule worn concurrently is allowed. American Athletic Conference teams were a combined letic Conference teams that return their leading rusher, • The penalty for a team not complying with the jersey 30-2 (.938) against opponents from outside the power passer, receiver and tackler from last season. rule (i.e., legal and contrasting numbers or a colored conferences/Notre Dame this season. jersey in violation of the rule) will be a 15-yard penalty Leadership after the kickoff of each half and the loss of a timeout Conference Call Tulsa offensive tackle Chris Paul is the chair of the in each quarter that illegal jerseys are worn. American Athletic Conference teams went 8-1 against American Athletic Conference Student-Athlete Advisory • Defensive team substitution infractions will now be Conference USA in 2019. The American was 4-0 against Committee and is one of 32 student-athletes nationally treated as a live ball foul. the Sun Belt, 3-0 against the Mountain West and 1-1 on the NCAA SAAC, which reports directly to the NCAA • All fouls that have an option to carry over to the suc- against the MAC. Teams from The American were 4-1 Division I Council. Paul is the first football player from The ceeding kickoff will also contain an option to carry over against FBS independents in 2019. American to be named to the national SAAC. to the succeeding spot in extra periods. 2 TALKING POINTS

UCF ECU MEMPHIS 0-0, 0-0 American 0-0, 0-0 American 0-0, 0-0 American @TigersAthletics @UCF_Football @ECUPiratesFB Next: Sept. 5 vs. Arkansas State Next: Sept. 18 at Georgia Tech Next: Sept. 26 vs. UCF American Ranks (2019) American Ranks (2019) American Ranks (2019) Total Offense...... 487.4...... 3rd Total Offense...... 540.5...... 1st Total Offense...... 430.2...... 6th Total Defense...... 383.5...... 6th Total Defense...... 346.1...... 2nd Total Defense...... 469.3...... 12th Scoring Offense...... 40.4...... 3rd Scoring Offense...... 43.4...... 2nd Scoring Offense...... 26.8...... 9th Scoring Defense...... 26.4...... 5th Scoring Defense...... 23.0...... 3rd Scoring Defense...... 33.7...... 11th • Ryan Silverfield begins his first full season as • UCF has gone 22-4 in Josh Heupel’s two sea- • QB Holton Ahlers finished the 2019 season with Memphis’ head coach. Silverfield had been the sons as head coach. 3,387 passing yards, good for fourth on ECU’s Tigers’ deputy head coach and offensive line single-season chart. coach in 2019 and was part of a staff that won • UCF’s has registered three consecutive sea- three consecutive division titles (2017-19). sons with at least 10 victories. The Knights • Ahlers threw for 1,715 yards and 14 are 35-4 since the start of the 2017 season. in the Pirates’ final four games of the season. • Memphis registered its first 12-win season in He was named to the preseason watch list for progarm history in 2019. The Tigers made their • QB Dillon Gabriel passed for 3,653 yards and 29 the 2020 Manning Award. first appearance in a New Year’s Six bowl with touchdowns as a true freshman. Gabriel led all their trip to the Goodyear . NCAA FBS freshmen in passing yards and was • K Jake Verity set ECU’s single-season and third among first-year players in career records for field goals made in 2019. • QB Brady White led all returning NCAA FBS passes. Verity had 24 field goals klast year and has 60 players with 4,014 passing yards in 2019. in his career, the most among active NCAA FBS • UCF has scored a rushing touchdown and had a players entering the 2020 season. • K Riley Patterson ranks second among returing touchdown reception in 39 consecutive games FBS kickers in scoring. Patterson scored 134 — the longest such streak in the nation. • The Pirates had three players finish with at points last season, trailing only LSU’s Cade York least 50 receptions and 600 receiving yards. (152). • The Knights have won 21 straight games at the WR Tyler Snead had a team-high 66 receptions, Bounce House. while WR C.J. Johnson, an FWAA Freshman All- • Memphis ranked 10th nationally in total of- America, had 908 receiving yards. fense last year, averaging 485.1 yards per game.

CINCINNATI HOUSTON NAVY 0-0, 0-0 American 0-0, 0-0 American 0-0, 0-0 American @NavyAthletics @BearcatsFB @UHCougarFB Next: Sept. 7 vs. BYU Next: Sept. 19 vs. Austin Peay Next: Sept. 18 at Memphis American Ranks (2019) American Ranks (2019) American Ranks (2019) Total Offense...... 455.8...... 4th Total Offense...... 390.3...... 10th Total Offense...... 391.5...... 9th Total Defense...... 314.2...... 1st Total Defense...... 363.8...... 3rd Total Defense...... 467.5...... 11th Scoring Offense...... 37.2...... 4th Scoring Offense...... 29.6...... 7th Scoring Offense...... 39.3...... 6th Scoring Defense...... 22.3...... 2nd Scoring Defense...... 20.6...... 1st Scoring Defense...... 34.0...... 11th • Navy won the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy for • Cincinnati enters the 2020 season with a 13- • QB Clayton Tune started seven games and the 11th time in the last 17 seasons with its game home winning streak. Cincinnati has not threw for 1,533 yards and 11 touchdowns in victories against Army and Air Force in 2019. lost at home since a Nov. 10, 2017, setback to 2019. Tune threw for 393 yards and a career- Temple. high four touchdowns in the 2019 season finale • Navy led the nation in rushing at 360.5 yards against Navy. per game last year and was the only team that • Cincinnati has turned in back-to-back 11-win averaged better than 300 rushing yards per seasons after the Bearcats topped Boston • Houston faced six top-25 opponents in 2019. game. College in the 2019 TicketSmarter . • LB Grant Stuard ranked third in The American • Navy improved by eight wins from 2018 to in tackles (8.1 per game). 2019, marking the largest turnaround among • Cincinnati won The American’s East Division any NCAA FBS team. title and played in the conference champion- • WR Marquez Stevenson ranked fourth in The ship game for the first time last season. American in all-purpose yards (122.4 ypg) in • Navy is 11-1 in home openers under head coach 2019. Stevenson had 52 catches for 907 yards Ken Niumatalolo. • S Ahmad Gardner was chosen as an FWAA and nine touchdowns last season. Freshman All-America selection. • Monday’s season-opener against BYU will be • Houston is one of two American Athletic Con- the first night game at Navy-Marine Corps • The Bearcats led The American in scoring de- ference teams (East Carolina) that returns its Memorial Stadium since 2005, when Navy fell fense (20.6 ppg) and defensive leading rusher, passer, receiver and tackler to Stanford 40-38. (16). from the 2019 season.

3 TALKING POINTS

USF TEMPLE TULSA 0-0, 0-0 American 0-0, 0-0 American 0-0, 0-0 American @TulsaFootball @USFFootball @Temple_FB Next: Sept. 12 at Oklahoma State Next: Sept. 12 vs. The Citadel Next: Sept. 26 at Navy American Ranks (2019) American Ranks (2019) American Ranks (2019) Total Offense...... 422.6...... 7th Total Offense...... 330.9...... 12th Total Offense...... 402.0...... 8th Total Defense...... 394.8...... 7th Total Defense...... 398.1...... 8th Total Defense...... 364.8...... 3rd Scoring Offense...... 26.4...... 10th Scoring Offense...... 20.8...... 11th Scoring Offense...... 27.4...... 8th Scoring Defense...... 31.3...... 8th Scoring Defense...... 28.9...... 7th Scoring Defense...... 23.5...... 4th • RB Shamari Brooks ended the 2019 season • Jeff Scott, the former co-offensive coordinator • Temple closed the 2019 regular season by with 1,046 rushing yards, becoming the 21st at Clemson, will make his head coaching debut winning three of its last four games. player in school history to surpass 1,000 yards when the Bulls open the season against The in a season. Citadel. • Temple had a 100-yard receiver in five con- secutive games to close the regular season, • Brooks and RB Corey Taylor II have combined • USF had at least one takeaway in each of the marking a program first. for 4,200 career rushing yards and 44 career first 11 games of the 2019 season before the rushing touchdowns. Bulls went without a forced turnover against • WR Jaden Blue set Temple’s single-season UCF. records for receptions (95) and receiving yards • QB Zach Smith ranked fifth in The American in (1,067). Blue became the Owls’ first 1,000-yard passing (3,279 yards) and had five games with • P Trent Schneider, a second-team CoSIDA Aca- receiver in program history. at least 300 passing yards in 2019. demic All-America selection, set school records with a 46.0 punting average and 3,266 yards. • RB Re’Mahn Davis ranked seventh in The Ameri- • LB Zaven Collins, who earned second team can — and second among freshman — in rushing all-conference honors in 2019, has registered • USF’s 2020 schedule includes six games last season at 78.0 yards per game. 182 career tackles in only two seasons. against teams that won 10 or more games in 2019 and five against teams that finished the • Seven players from the 2019 squad were either • The Golden Hurricane loses seven defensive 2019 season nationally ranked. drafted or signed by NFL teams. starters from last season. Tulsa has nine of its 11 offensive starters back in 2020. • Following the season-opener against The Cita- • Temple has played in a in five con- del, USF will face three consecutive teams that secutive seasons. won 11 games last year, all on the road (Notre Dame, Florida Atlantic, Cincinnati).

SMU TULANE 0-0, 0-0 American 0-0, 0-0 American @SMU_Football @GreenWaveFB Next: Sept. 5 at Texas State Next: Sept. 12 at South Alabama

American Ranks (2019) American Ranks (2019) Total Offense...... 489.8...... 2nd Total Offense...... 449.3...... 5th Total Defense...... 446.1...... 9th Total Defense...... 379.7...... 5th Scoring Offense...... 41.8...... 2nd Scoring Offense...... 33.1...... 5th Scoring Defense...... 33.4...... 9th Scoring Defense...... 26.3...... 5th

• SMU registered its first 10-win season since • Tulane won bowl games in back-to-back the Mustangs went 10-2 in 1984. It was the seasons for the first time in program history sixth season with at least 10 wins in program following the 2019 victory against Southern history. Miss in the .

• The Mustangs went 6-0 at Gerald J. Ford Sta- • Tulane has rushed for at least 100 yards in 53 dium in 2019, finishing unbeaten at home for consecutive games, dating to the end of the the first time since 1982 (5-0-1) and winning 2015 season. every home game for the first time since 1968 (4-0). • Tulane had at least 200 rushing yards in 10 of its 13 games in 2019. • QB Shane Buechele set SMU’s single-season record with 34 touchdown passes in 2019. • Tulane won seven games for the second con- Buechele ranked sixth nationally and led The secutive season, marking the first time since American with 302.2 passing yards per game. 1997-98 that the Green Wave had back-to-back seven-win campaigns. • SMU scored at least 28 points in all 13 games last season. The Mustangs had eight games in • The Green Wave has 14 starters back for the which they scored at least 40 points. 2020 season.

4 WEEK 1 GAME CAPSULES

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5 • 4:30 P.M. • ESPN SATURDAY, SEPT. 5 • 8 P.M. • ESPN MONDAY, SEPT. 5 • 8 P.M. • ESPN SMU ARKANSAS STATE BYU at at at TEXAS STATE MEMPHIS NAVY Bobcat Stadium (30,000/FieldTurf) Memorial Stadium (58,318/AstroTurf) Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (34,000/FieldTurf) San Marcos, Texas Memphis, Tennessee Annapolis, Maryland

Television Television Television ESPN ESPN ESPN Anish Shroff, Tom Luginbill and Kris Budden Bob Wischusen, Dan Orlovsky and Cole Cubelic Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit and Maria Taylor

Radio Radio Radio KTCK-FM 96.7 (SMU flagship) WREC-AM 600 (Memphis flagship) WBAL-AM 1090 (Navy flagship) SiriusXM 84 SiriusXM 84 SiriusXM 84 THE GAME THE GAME THE GAME Saturday’s game will be the third meeting between SMU Saturday’s game will be the 59th meeting between Monday’s game will be the third meeting between Navy and Texas State and the first to be played in San Marcos Memphis and Arkansas State in a series that dates to and BYU … The teams first met in the 1978 , … SMU has taken the first two matchups, both in Dallas, 1914 … Memphis holds a 29-24-5 series lead and took when Navy took a 23-16 win … The Cougars took a 31-10 including a 47-17 decision last season … RB TJ McDaniel the most recent matchup with a 31-7 decision in the decision in Annapolis in 1989 to even the series at 1-1 … led the way in last year’s matchup with 159 rushing yards 2013 season … The Tigers won 10 straight in the series Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo and BYU coach Kalani Sitake and three touchdowns in his first career game. between 1991-2004. both grew up in Laie, Hawaii.

rv/rv SMU ARKANSAS STATE BYU 0-0, 0-0 American 0-0, 0-0 Sun Belt 0-0

Head Coach Head Coach Head Coach Sonny Dykes (Texas Tech ’93) Blake Anderson (Sam Houston State ’92) Kalani Sitake (BYU ’00) 15-11, third full season at SMU 47-30, eighth season 27-25, fifth season 56-56, 10th season as collegiate head coach Information Contact Information Contact Information Contact Jerry Scott Brett Pyne Lindsey Olsen (870) 972-3405, [email protected] (801) 422-4912, [email protected] (214) 768-4970, [email protected] Notes Notes Notes Arkansas State was picked to finish second in the Sun BYU went 7-6 last season, capped by a 38-34 loss to SMU looks to continue the momentum from its most Belt Conference’s West Division in the league’s preseason Hawaii in the … The Cougars knocked off two successful season in 35 years as the Mustangs went coaches’ poll … The Red Wolves had six players named to nationally ranked opponents in 2019 as BYU topped then- 10-3 overall and were ranked as high as No. 14 in the USA the Sun Belt’s preseason all-conference teams, including No. 24 USC 30-27 in and edged then-No. 14 Boise Today Coaches’ Poll … The Mustangs set single-season three first-team picks … WR Jonathan Adams Jr. earned State 28-25 … BYU played eight games against teams with program records for points (544), scoring average (41.8 a first-team nod after he had 62 catches for 851 yards eight ore more wins in 2019 and faced four teams with ppg), total yards (6,368) and yards per game (489.6 ypg) and five touchdowns in 2019 … OT Jarrett Horst was a 10 or more wins … The Cougars have eight gams on their among others … Head coach Sonny Dykes was a finalist preseason first-team choice after he started every game 2020 schedule, including two against American Athletic for the Eddie Robinson and Paul “Bear” Bryant national at left tackle as a sophomore last season … K Blake Grupe Conference opponents (Navy, Houston) … QB Zach Wilson coach of the year honors … SMU will be led by QB Shane is a returning first-team all-conference pick who earned is the returning starter behind center … Wilson threw for Buechele, who threw for 3,929 yards and 34 touchdowns preseason honors as well … Arkansas State has appeared 2,382 yards and 11 touchdowns against nine interceptions against 10 interceptions last season … Buechele led The in a bowl game in nine consecutive seasons, marking the in nine games in 2019 … RB Lopini Katoa rushed for 358 American with 302.2 passing yards per game … WR Reg- nation’s 14th-longest active streak … The Red Wolves yards and four touchdowns last year and was the team gie Roberson Jr. had 43 catches for 803 yards and six have won 75 games in the last nine years, tying for the leader with 853 all-purpose yards … TE Matt Bushman touchdowns before his season was cut short due to injury. 24th-longest streak nationally . led the team with 688 receiving yards on 47 catches.

TEXAS STATE rv/rv MEMPHIS rv/rv NAVY 0-0, 0-0 Sun Belt 0-0, 0-0 American 0-0, 0-0 American

Head Coach Head Coach Head Coach Jake Spavital (Missouri State ’09) Ryan Silverfield (Hamden-Sydney ’03) Ken Niumatalolo (Hawaii ’89) 3-9, second season 0-1, first full season at Memphis 98-60, 13th season

Information Contact Information Contact Information Contact Rick Poulter Tammy DeGroff Scott Strasemeier (512) 245-2966, [email protected] (901) 678-5787, [email protected] (410) 293-8775, [email protected]

Notes Notes Notes Texas State went 3-9 overall and 2-6 in the Sun Belt Memphis is coming off of the most successful season in Navy was the most improved team nationally from 2018 Conference in Jake Spavital’s first year at the helm … The program history as the Tigers went 12-2 in 2019, capped to 2019 as the Midshipmen went 11-2 last year, improv- Bobcats are looking for their first winning season since by an American Athletic Conference championship, an ing by eight wins from the 3-10 campaign in 2018 … Navy the 2014 squad finished 7-5 … Texas State was 3-3 at home appearance in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl … Memphis has tied its program record with 11 wins and claimed the last season … Spatival served as offensive coordinator 64 letterwinners and 17 starters returning from last year Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy and a Liberty Bowl win at California under Sonny Dykes in 2016 and worked for as Ryan Silverfield embarks on his first full season as the against Kansas State … Navy finished the season ranked current Houston coach Dana Holgorsen at West Virginia in Tigers’ head coach … Silverfield coached Memphis against No. 20 nationally, marking the second time in the last 2017 and 2018 … Texas State opens its 2020 season with Penn State in the Cotton Bowl last season … RB Kenneth 56 years that Navy finished in the top 20 … Navy led the home games against SMU and UTSA before playing five Gainwell, the 2019 FWAA Freshman of the Year, announced nation in rushing last season (360.5 yards per game) … straight on the road, making road trips to the states of earlier in the week that he would not play this season … QB Dalen Morris has emerged as the Opening Day starter Louisiana, Massachusetts, Alabama and Utah … QB Brady Gainwell rushed for 1,459 yards and 13 touchdowns as for the Midshipmen following the graduation of Malcolm McBride, a transfer from Memphis, is expected to make a rookie last season … QB Brady White passed for 4,014 Perry, the 2019 American Offensive Player of the Year … his first career start against SMU … CB Jarron Morris and yards and 33 touchdowns, while WR Damonte Coxie had FB Jamale Carothers rushed for 734 yards and 14 touch- DT Caeveon Patton earned honorable mention All- Sun 76 catches for 1,276 yards and nine TDs … The Tigers downs last season … LB Diego Fagot, who had 100 tackles Belt honors in 2019. averaged 40.4 points and 485.1 yards per game last year. last season, leads the defense. 5 NATIONAL POLLS

Associated Press Poll Amway Coaches’ Poll American Preseason Media Poll

Presason Poll Preseason Poll School Record Pts School Record Pts School (First-Place Votes)...Points 1. Clemson (38) 0-0 1,520 1. Clemson (38) 0-0 1,589 1. UCF (10)...... 204 2. Ohio State (21) 0-0 1,504 2. Ohio State (17) 0-0 1,555 2. Cincinnati (7)...... 201 3. Alabama (2) 0-0 1,422 3. Alabama (4) 0-0 1,495 3. Memphis (2)...... 192 4. Georgia 0-0 1,270 4. Georgia 0-0 1,345 4. SMU...... 146 5. Oklahoma 0-0 1,269 5. LSU 0-0 1,330 5. Navy (1)...... 125 6. LSU (1) 0-0 1,186 6. Oklahoma 0-0 1,315 6. Tulane...... 118 7. Penn State 0-0 1,147 7. Penn State 0-0 1,199 7. Houston...... 114 8. Florida 0-0 1,125 8. Florida 0-0 1,176 8. Temple...... 88 9. Oregon 0-0 1,119 9. Oregon 0-0 1,164 9. Tulsa...... 49 10. Notre Dame 0-0 995 10. Notre Dame 0-0 1,012 10. East Carolina...... 42 11. Auburn 0-0 852 11. Auburn 0-0 898 11. USF...... 41 12. Wisconsin 0-0 840 12. Wisconsin 0-0 887 13. Texas A&M 0-0 764 13. Texas A&M 0-0 807 14. Texas 0-0 703 14. Texas 0-0 703 15. Oklahoma State 0-0 672 15. Michigan 0-0 687 16. Michigan 0-0 611 16. Oklahoma State 0-0 524 17. USC 0-0 534 17. USC 0-0 521 18. North Carolina 0-0 496 18. Minnesota 0-0 494 19. Minnesota 0-0 451 19. North Carolina 0-0 415 20. Cincinnati 0-0 234 20. Utah 0-0 241 21. UCF 0-0 229 21. UCF 0-0 232 22. Utah 0-0 211 22. Cincinnati 0-0 229 23. Iowa State 0-0 199 23. Iowa 0-0 204 24. Iowa 0-0 134 24. Virginia Tech 0-0 143 25. Tennessee 0-0 133 25. Iowa State 0-0 135

Receiving votes: Memphis 86, Virginia Tech 85, Boise Receiving votes: Boise State 111, Tennessee 111, Arizona State 68, Arizona State 66, Miami (Fla.) 42, Louisville State 88, Kentucky 73, Memphis 71, Baylor 66, Washing- 32, Appalachian State 26, Washington 21, Kentucky 20, ton 65, Louisville 62, Miami (Fla.) 58, Appalachian State Indiana 19, Baylor 15, California 11, TCU 9, Virginia 7, Navy 31, Navy 17, Virginia 13, Air Force 12, Mississippi State 9, 6, Florida State 6, SMU 3, Mississippi State 3, Air Force TCU 7, Washington State 6, California 5, Tulane 5, SMU 3, 3, Northwestern 1, UAB 1 Louisiana 3, Nebraska 3, Stanford 2, Indiana 1, Pittsburgh 1, Duke 1, Kansas State 1

WEEK-BY-WEEK IN THE NATIONAL POLLS

Below is a weekly look at each American Athletic Conference team’s spot in the Associated Press and Amway Coaches polls in 2020. Rankings are listed as AP/Coaches.

UCF Cincinnati East Carolina Houston Memphis Navy USF SMU Temple Tulane Tulsa Preseason 20/22 21/21 -/- -/- rv/rv rv/rv -/- rv/rv -/- -/rv -/- Sept. 8 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Final

6 THE 2020 SEASON 2020 TOP PERFORMANCES THE RECORD BOOK

100-YARD RUSHING GAMES 100-YARD RECEIVING GAMES The American’s single-game records Player, School, Year 2020 Career Player, School, Year 2020 Career (through 2019 season): Shamari Brooks, Tulsa, Sr. 12 Damonte Coxie, Memphis, Sr. 11 Most Rushing Yards Corey Taylor II, Tulsa, Sr. 6 Marquez Stevenson, Houston, Sr. 8 1. Malcolm Perry, Navy vs. Army (12/14/19) 304 Greg McCrae, UCF, Sr. 5 Reggie Roberson Jr., SMU, Sr. 7 2. Jordan Cronkrite, USF at Massachusetts (10/6/18) 302 Mulbah Car, Houston, Sr. 4 Jadan Blue, Temple, Jr. 5 3. Malcolm Perry, Navy vs. SMU (11/11/17) 282 Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati, Jr. 3 Keylon Stokes, Tulsa, Sr. 5 Johnny Ford, USF, Jr. 3 C.J. Johnson, East Carolina, So. 4 Most Rushing Touchdowns Re’Mahn Davis, Temple, So. 3 Branden Mack, Temple, Sr. 4 1. Ryquell Armstead, Temple at Houston (11/10/18) 6 2. Keenan Reynolds, Navy vs. ECU (9/19/15) 5 Otis Anderson, UCF, Sr. 2 Tre Nixon, UCF, Jr. 4 James Flanders, Tulsa at Memphis (10/29/16) 5 Charles McClelland, Cincinnati, Jr. 2 Randall St. Fellix, USF, Jr. 4 Zach Abey, Navy vs. Virginia (12/28/17) 5 Gerrid Doaks, Cincinnati, Sr. 2 Tyler Snead, East Carolina, Jr. 3 Kevin Mensah, UConn at Massachusetts (10/26/19) 5 Tavion Thomas, Cincinnati, Jr. 2 Blake Proehl, East Carolina, Jr. 2 Jamale Carothers, Navy at Houston (11/30/19) 5 Darius Pinnix Jr., East Carolina, Sr. 2 Sam Crawford Jr., Tulsa, Jr. 2 Longest Kyle Porter, Houston, Sr. 2 CJ Williams, Navy, Sr. 2 1. , UCF vs. Memphis (9/30/17) 96 yds Jamale Carothers, Navy, Sr. 2 Jeremy Singleton, Houston, Jr. 2 Cory Dauphine, Tulane, Sr. 2 Alec Pierce, Cincinnati, Jr. 1 Most Passing Yards Darriel Mack Jr., UCF, Jr. 1 Johnny Ford, USF, Jr. 1 1. Hayden Moore, Cincinnati vs. Memphis (9/24/15) 557 McKenzie Milton, UCF, Sr. 1 Rashee Rice, SMU, So. 1 2. Garrett Gilbert, SMU vs. Temple (10/26/13) 538 3. Holton Ahlers, East Carolina vs. Cincinnati (11/1/19) 535 Holton Ahlers, East Carolina, Jr. 1 Kylen Granson, SMU, Sr. 1 Trace Christian, East Carolina, Jr. 1 Branden Mack, Temple, Sr. 1 Most Pass Completions Demetrius Mauney, East Carolina, So. 1 Amare Jones, Tulane, Jr. 1 1. Gardner Minshew, East Carolina at Houston (11/4/17) 52 Clayton Tune, Houston, Jr. 1 Stephon Huderson, Tulane, Sr. 1 2. Greg Ward Jr., Houston at Memphis (11/25/16) 47 Kelan Walker, Houston, Jr. 1 Bryson Smith, Houston, Jr. 1 3. Garrett Gilbert, SMU, vs. Rutgers (10/5/13) 45 Kylan Watkins, Memphis, Jr. 1 Tyler Page, SMU, Sr. 1 Most Touchdown Passes Kelley Joiner, USF, So. 1 1. Paxton Lynch Memphis vs. SMU (11/28/15) 7 TJ McDaniel, SMU, So. 1 Riley Ferguson, Memphis at UConn (10/6/17) 7 Nelson Smith, Navy, Sr. 1 3. Gunner Kiel, Cincinnati vs. Toledo (9/12/14) 6 Riley Ferguson, Memphis vs. Bowling Green (9/24/16) 6 Riley Ferguson, Memphis vs. UCLA (9/16/17) 6 300-YARD PASSING GAMES Shane Buechele, SMU vs. Temple (10/19/19) 6 Player, School, Year 2020 Career Holton Ahlers, East Carolina at SMU (11/9/19) 6 McKenzie Milton, UCF, Sr. 12 Holton Ahlers, East Carolina, Jr. 8 Most Receiving Yards Brady White, Memphis, Sr. 8 1. C.J. Johnson, East Carolina vs. Cincinnati (11/2/19) 283 2. Trevon Brown, East Carolina vs. Cincinnati (11/18/17) 270 Shane Buechele, SMU, Sr. 7 3. Keyarris Garrett, Tulsa vs. Memphis (10/24/15) 268 Zach Smith, Tulsa, Sr. 6 Dillon Gabriel, UCF, So. 4 Most Receptions Anthony Russo, Temple, Sr. 3 1. Zay Jones, East Carolina at South Carolina (9/7/16) 22 Clayton Tune, Houston, Jr. 2 2. Zay Jones, East Carolina vs. UConn (10/29/16) 19 Tyler Snead, East Carolina at SMU (11/9/19) 19 Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati, Jr. 2 Darriel Mack Jr., UCF, Jr. 1 Most Touchdown Receptions William Brown, SMU, Jr. 1 1. Courtland Sutton, SMU vs. North Texas (9/9/17) 4 Anthony Miller, Memphis at UConn (10/6/17) 4

LongestEast CarolinaReception 1. Marquez Stevenson, Houston vs. SMU (10/24/19) 96 yds 2. Three players 95 yds

Most Points 1. Keenan Reynolds, Navy vs. East Carolina (9/19/15) 30 James Flanders, Tulsa at Memphis (10/29/16) 30

Most Field Goals 1. Riley Patterson, Memphis vs. Penn State (12/28/19) 6

Longest 1. Jake Elliott, Memphis vs. USF (11/17/03) 56 yds

Longest Return 1. Otis Anderson, UCF at Pitt (9/21/19) 87 yds

Longest Kickoff Return 1. Eight times, most recent Tyler Snead, East Carolina vs. USF (10/26/19) 100 yds

Most All-Purpose Yards 1. Antonio Gibson, Memphis vs. SMU (11/2/19) 386

Most Tackles 1. Tyler Matakevich, Temple at Idaho (9/28/13) 24 2. Austin Robinson, Houston at Navy (10/20/18) 21 3. Michael Mudoh, Tulsa vs. Florida Atlantic (9/5/15) 20 Domenic Spencer, UCF at Tulsa (11/7/15) 20 D’Juan Hines, Houston at Tulsa (10/14/17) 20

Most Tackles For Loss 1. Quincy Roche, Temple vs. Tulane (11/16/19) 6.0 2. Montese Overton, East Carolina at SMU (10/3/15) 5.0 Haason Reddick, Temple at Memphis (10/6/16) 5.0 Bryce Huff, Memphis at Tulane (9/28/18) 5.0 Ed Oliver, Houston at East Carolina (10/13/18) 5.0

Most Sacks 1. Montese Overton, East Carolina at SMU (10/3/15) 4.0 Justin Lawler, SMU vs. UConn (9/30/17) 4.0

7 THE 2020 SEASON AWARD WINNERS 2020 STATISTICAL RANKINGS

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK OFFENSE DEFENSE Sept. 14 Team Rush Pass Total Score Rush Pass Total Score KR PR Int. Sacks TFL T/O Sept. 21 UCF Sept. 28 Cincinnati Oct. 5 East Carolina Oct. 12 Houston Oct. 19 Memphis Oct. 26 Navy Nov. 2 USF Nov. 9 SMU Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Temple Nov. 30 Tulane Tulsa DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 AGAINST THE CONFERENCES Oct. 5 Oct. 12 ATLANTIC COAST (0-0) TOTAL NONCONFERENCE RECORDS Oct. 19 Oct. 26 UCF at Georgia Tech (9/19) All Games...... 38-17 Nov. 2 USF at Notre Dame (9/19) FBS Opponents...... 28-17 Nov. 9 FCS Opponents...... 10-0 Nov. 16 BIG 12 (0-0) AP Top 25...... 2-8 Nov. 23 SMU at TCU (9/12) USA Today Top 25...... 1-8 Nov. 30 Tulsa at Oklahoma State (9/12) Bowl Games...... 4-3 SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK Sept. 14 CONFERENCE USA (0-0) Sept. 21 SMU at North Texas (9/19) Sept. 28 Memphis at UTSA (9/25) Oct. 5 USF at Florida Atlantic (9/26) Oct. 12 Tulane at Southern Miss (9/26) Oct. 19 Oct. 26 North Texas at Houston (9/26) Nov. 2 Nov. 9 MOUNTAIN WEST (0-0) Nov. 16 Navy at Air Force (10/3) Nov. 23 Nov. 30 OHIO VALLEY (0-0) ACTIVE CAREER WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS Austin Peay at Cincinnati (9/19) 8 — McKenzie Milton (QB, UCF) SOUTHERN (0-0) 2— Jake Verity (K, ECU); Jamale Carothers (FB, Navy); Shane The Citadel at USF (9/12) Buechele (QB, SMU); Thomas Bennett (P, Tulsa) SOUTHLAND (0-0) 1 — Dillon Gabriel (QB, UCF); Darrick Forrest (S, Cincinnati); Stephen F. Austin at SMU (9/26) Ja’Von Hicks (S, Cincinnati); Desmond Ridder (QB, Cincinnati); Cole Smith (K, Cincinnati); James Smith (P, Cincinnati); Jarell White (LB, Cincinnati); James Wiggins SUN BELT (0-0) (S, Cincinnati); Holton Ahlers (QB, ECU); Tyler Snead (WR, SMU at Texas State (9/5) ECU); Dalton Witherspoon (K, Houston); T.J. Carter (DB, Arkansas State at Memphis (9/5) Memphis); Riley Patterson (K, Memphis); Gabriel Rogers Tulane at South Alabama (9/12) (DB, Memphis); Brady White (QB, Memphis); Adam Williams Tulsa at Arkansas State (9/26) (P, Memphis); Pop Williams (WR, Memphis); Terrence Horne East Carolina at Georgia State (10/3) Jr. (WR, USF); Coby Weiss (K, USF); Reggie Roberson Jr. (WR, SMU); Will Mobley (K, Temple); Merek Glover (K, Tulane) INDEPENDENTS (0-0) BYU at Navy (9/7) Army at Cincinnati (9/26) BYU at Houston (10/16) Army at Tulane (11/14)

8

The College Football Playoff (CFP) is a big success. Fans, including many 2020-21 College Football Playoff Schedule who are new to the sport, enjoy it. The first College Football Playoff semi- finals and national championship were the three most-viewed programs SEMIFINAL in cable television history. Game presented by Northwestern Mutual Every Game Counts January 1, 2021 The playoff preserves the excitement and significance of college foot- ESPN ball’s unique regular season where every game counts. Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, Calif.

Four Teams SEMIFINAL The selection committee ranks the teams based on the members’ evalu- Allstate ation of the teams’ performance on the field, using conference champion- January 1, 2021 ships won, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and comparison ESPN of results against common opponents to decide among teams that are Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, La. comparable.

Two Games, One Goal The kickoff of the new year belongs to college football, with two semifi- Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic nal games rotating annually among the Cotton Bowl, , Orange December 30, 2020 Bowl, , Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl. The two teams winning ESPN the playoff semifinals compete for the College Football Playoff National AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas Championship. That game is in a different city each year, always on a Monday night. Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl Universal Access January 1, 2021 Every FBS team has equal access to the College Football Playoff based ESPN on its performance. No team automatically qualifies. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.

Governance University presidents and chancellors from all 10 FBS conferences and Capital One Notre Dame serve on the CFP Board of Managers and govern the admin- January 2, 2021 istrative operations, with commissioners (the Management Committee) ESPN managing the event. A small staff in the playoff office in Irving, Texas, , Miami Gardens, Fla. carries out the detailed responsibilities. PlayStation Fiesta Bowl Selection Committee January 2, 2021 A talented group of high-integrity individuals with experience as coach- ESPN es, student-athletes, college administrators and journalists, along with University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz. sitting athletics directors, comprise the selection committee. Members of the committee are: Gary Barta (chair), Paola Boivin, Tom Burman, Joe Castiglione, Rick George, Ken Hatfield, Ronnie Lott, Terry Mohajir, Ray Odierno, R.C. Sllocum, Todd Stansbury, Scott Stricklin and John Urschel. COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Selection Committee Responsibilities January 11, 2021 • Rank the top 25 teams and assign the top four to semifinal sites. 8 p.m. ET, ESPN • Assign teams to New Year’s bowls Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.. • Create competitive matchups • Attempt to avoid rematches of regular-season games and repeat appearances • Consider geography

Participants In New Year’s Bowls Both participants in the Orange, Rose and Sugar Bowls are contracted outside the playoff arrange­ment (Big Ten and Pac-12 to Rose Bowl; SEC and Big 12 to Sugar Bowl; ACC to Orange Bowl against the highest ranked available team from the SEC, Big Ten and Notre Dame). If a conference champion qualifies for the playoff, then the bowl will choose a replace- ment from that conference. When those bowls host the semifinals and their contracted conference champions do not qualify, then the displaced­ champion(s) will play in one of the other New Year’s bowls.

When not hosting semifinals, the Cotton, Fiesta and Peach Bowls will welcome displaced conference champions and the top-ranked champion from a non-contract conference. The highest-ranked available teams will fill any other berths. The selection committee will make the pairings.

9 BOWL PARTNERSHIPS The American Bowl Lineup

American Athletic Conference teams are guaranteed at least seven bowl appearances annually as part of the conference’s new postseason lineup, which begins with the 2020 season and is in place through 2025.. The American, as it has done three times in the first five years of the cur- rent bowl cycle, will continue to send its champion to a New Year’s Six bowl if that team finishes higher than the champions of four other conferences in the final College Football Playoff rankings. American Athletic Conference teams are also eligible for the College Football Playoff if they are among the top four teams in the final CFP rankings. As part of the new bowl cycle, The American will annually send teams to the presented by Northrop Grumman against an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent, the in Boston, also against an ACC team, and a third annual spot which will alternate between the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl and the SoFi Hawaii Bowl. Additionally, The American will annually have four appearances in a group of eight bowls. The American has extended its existing partnerships with the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl, the , the Cheribundi , the Tropical Smoothie Cafe and the . New to The American’s lineup are the SERVPRO and the .

Annual Appearances (2020-25)

2020, 2022, 2024

2021, 2023, 2025

Four Selections Annually From

10 THE AMERICAN ON TELEVISION The American and ESPN reached agreement on a 12-year media rights extension that begins with the 2020-21 academic year.

With the new agreement, The American will have a stronger and more extensive presence on ESPN’s primary TV networks – ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU. The Conference will also be a valuable part of ESPN+, ESPN’s industry-leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service.

In football, a minimum of 40 regular-season telecasts per season will be televised on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU, including at least 20 across ABC, ESPN and ESPN2, which represents increased annual exposure across those ESPN networks. The American Championship game will be televised each year on ABC or ESPN.

Beyond select Navy football games, all conference controlled football games from The American will air on an ESPN network or ESPN+.

2020 NATIONALLY TELEVISED GAMES ABC Sat., Sept. 19 Navy at Tulane * Noon

ESPN Sat., Sept. 5 SMU at Texas State 4:30 p.m. Arkansas State at Memphis 8 p.m. Mon., Sept. 7 BYU at Navy 8 p.m. Fri., Sept. 18 Houston at Memphis * 7:30 p.m. Sat., Sept. 19 Austin Peay at Cincinnati Noon UCF at Georgia Tech 3:30 p.m. Thu., Oct. 8 Tulane at Houston * 7:30 p.m. Fri., Oct. 23 Tulsa at USF * 7:30 p.m. Thu., Nov. 5 SMU at Temple * 7:30 p.m. ESPN2 Sat., Sept. 12 Tulane at South Alabama 7:30 p.m. Fri., Oct. 16 SMU at Tulane * 7:30 p.m. ESPN or ESPNU Sat., Sept. 12 Tulsa at Oklahoma State 7:30 p.m. ESPN Network TBD Fri., Oct. 30 East Carolina at Tulsa * TBD Sat., Nov. 14 Memphis at Navy * TBD Fri., Nov. 27 Memphis at Tulane * TBD UCF at USF * TBD ESPN+ Sat., Sept. 12 The Citadel at USF 1 p.m. CBS Sat., Dec. 12 Navy vs. Army 3 p.m. CBS Sports Network Sat., Sept. 19 SMU at North Texas 6 p.m. Fri., Sept. 25 Memphis at UTSA 8 p.m. Sat., Sept. 26 USF at Florida Atlantic 6 p.m. Temple at Navy * TBD Sat., Oct. 24 Houston at Navy * TBD Sat., Nov. 7 Tulsa at Navy * TBD USA Sat., Sept. 19 USF at Notre Dame 2:30 p.m. FS1 Fri., Sept. 11 SMU at TCU 9 p.m. Stadium Sat., Sept. 26 Tulane at Southern Miss 7 p.m.

All times Eastern and subject to change. * American Athletic Conference game

11 MEDIA SERVICES

TheAmerican.org Media Hub Weekly Release & Statistics The official website of the American Athletic Conference The American Athletic Conference maintains a compre- Media members may access PDF versions of the complete features up-to-date information on all facets of the hensive online hub designed to assist members of the weekly release, including conference and team-by-team league and serves as the central point of distribution for media in their coverage of The American and its member statistics, on TheAmerican.org or via CollegePressBox. live video and statistics of conference games. football programs. com. Regular updates of the weekly release will be distributed via e-mail from the conference office. To be The media hub will be updated daily and will contain included on the distribution list, send an e-mail request links to the most recent media sessions of coaches and to Chuck Sullivan at [email protected]. CollegePressBox.com is the official media website for student-athletes as they are made available. The hub will American Athletic Conference football and the media also list the weekly media schedule for each American Weekly Football Highlights home for information on every Division I team and team and will link to media guides and weekly game notes. The American Athletic Conference offers video highlights conference. Access and download weekly game notes, and clips of selected press conferences on a weekly basis quotes, statistics, media guides, photos and more for American Athletic Conference Media Hub to members of the media. the conference and each of its 11 member schools www.TheAmerican.org/FootballMedia Website aacvideo.mediashuttle.com throughout the season. Username [email protected] Password AACMedia2018 Social Media Fans and media members are invited to follow the latest Annual Awards American Athletic Conference football news through so- The American Athletic Conference will name first and cial media. The American Twitter feed may be accessed @ The American Athletic Conference has partnered with second all-conference teams, players of the year on American_FB and the conference’s official Facebook page StatBroadcast to provide media members with live, offense, defense and special teams, rookie of the year is available @AmericanConf. The American’s Instagram real-time statistics of all conference-controlled football and coach of the year. The awards are chosen by a vote handle is @Amercan_Conf. games. of the league’s 11 head coaches at the conclusion of the regular season. The American Athletic Conference All-Ac- American Athletic Conference Media Stats Central ademic Team is comprised of players who have an overall aac.statbraodcast.com grade-point average of 3.00 or better over the previous academic year and completed at least two semesters of academic work. The team is announced in July. The @American_FB American_Conf American Athletic Conference Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year was established to recognize student-athletes who have achieved success in the classroom and on the The American Digital Network is the home of all live and field. The winner receives a scholarship which may be on-demand video coverage of all 22 American Athletic applied to graduate or professional studies. Conference sports. The ADN will provide in-depth coverage AmericanConf AmericanAthleticConf of the 2020 season.

AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE COMMUNICATIONS CONTACTS

AMERICAN HOUSTON SMU Chuck Sullivan Tyler Pigg Lindsey Olsen Office...... (469) 840-3132 Office...... (713) 743-9409 Office...... (214) 768-4970 Mobile...... (401) 641-8760 Mobile...... (334) 750-0791 Mobile...... (847) 344-0389 e-mail...... [email protected] e-mail...... [email protected] e-mail...... [email protected]

UCF MEMPHIS Brad Sutton John Heisler Tammy DeGroff Office...... (214) 768-1651 Office...... (407) 823-2729 Office...... (901) 678-5787 Mobile...... (214) 914-8705 Mobile...... (574) 532-0293 Mobile...... (901) 734-1504 e-mail...... [email protected] e-mail...... [email protected] e-mail...... [email protected] TEMPLE Dan Forcella Jen Hannah Rich Burg Office...... (407) 823-2142 Mobile...... (217) 369-4402 Office...... (215) 204-0876 Mobile...... (207) 650-6790 e-mail...... [email protected] Mobile...... (215) 356-3952 e-mail...... [email protected] e-mail...... [email protected] NAVY CINCINNATI Scott Strasemeier TULANE Ryan Koslen Office...... (410) 293-8775 Tom Symonds Office...... (513) 556-5186 Mobile...... (443) 336-9023 Office...... (504) 862-8249 Mobile...... (513) 497-3132 e-mail...... [email protected] Mobile...... (504) 407-7349 e-mail...... [email protected] e-mail...... [email protected] Stacie Michaud EAST CAROLINA Office...... (410) 293-8773 TULSA Tom McClellan Mobile...... (410) 212-3761 Don Tomkalski Office...... (252) 737-4523 e-mail...... [email protected] Office...... (918) 631-3200 Mobile...... (252) 414-0990 Mobile...... (918) 640-0683 e-mail...... [email protected] USF e-mail...... [email protected] Brian Siegrist Malcolm Gray Office...... (813) 974-4086 Office...... (252) 737-1274 Mobile...... (813) 293-3897 Mobile...... (252) 414-2021 e-mail...... [email protected] e-mail...... [email protected]

12 2020 RESULTS AND SCHEDULES

UCF (0-0, 0-0 American) Rank Offense Defense Date Opponent Result Attend. UCF Opp Rush Pass Total Passing TO Rush Pass Total TO

9/19 at Georgia Tech (3:30 p.m., ESPN)

9/24 at East Carolina * (an ESPN Network) 10/3 Tulsa * 10/17 at Memphis * 10/24 Tulane * 10/31 at Houston * 11/14 Temple * 11/21 Cincinnati * 11/27 at USF *

CINCINNATI (0-0, 0-0 American) Rank Offense Defense Date Opponent Result Attend. Cin Opp Rush Pass Total Passing TO Rush Pass Total TO

9/19 Austin Peay (Noon, ESPN) 9/26 Army 10/3 USF * 10/17 at Tulsa * 10/24 at SMU * 10/31 Memphis * 11/7 Houston * 11/14 East Carolina * 11/21 at UCF * 11/28 at Temple *

EAST CAROLINA (0-0, 0-0 American) Rank Offense Defense Date Opponent Result Attend. ECU Opp Rush Pass Total Passing TO Rush Pass Total TO 9/26 UCF * 10/3 at Georgia State 10/10 at USF * 10/17 Navy * 10/30 at Tulsa * 11/7 Tulane * 11/14 at Cincinnati * 11/21 at Temple * 11/28 SMU *

HOUSTON (0-0, 0-0 American) Rank Offense Defense Date Opponent Result Attend. Hou Opp Rush Pass Total Passing TO Rush Pass Total TO

9/18 at Memphis * (7:30 p.m., ESPN) 9/26 North Texas

10/8 Tulane * (7:30 p.m., ESPN)

10/16 at BYU (an ESPN Network)

10/24 at Navy * (CBS Sports Network) 10/31 UCF * 11/7 at Cincinnati * 11/14 USF * 11/21 at SMU * 11/28 Tulsa *

13 2020 RESULTS AND SCHEDULES

MEMPHIS (0-0, 0-0 American) Rank Offense Defense Date Opponent Result Attend. Mem Opp Rush Pass Total Passing TO Rush Pass Total TO 9/5 Arkansas State

9/18 Houston * (7:30 p.m., ESPN)

9/25 at UTSA (8 p.m., CBSSN) 10/3 at SMU * 10/17 UCF * 10/24 Temple * 10/31 at Cincinnati * 11/7 USF *

11/14 at Navy * (an ESPN Network)

11/27 at Tulane * (an ESPN Network)

NAVY (0-0, 0-0 American) Rank Offense Defense Date Opponent Result Attend. Navy Opp Rush Pass Total Passing TO Rush Pass Total TO

9/7 BYU (8 p.m., ESPN)

9/19 at Tulane * (Noon, ABC)

9/26 Temple * (CBS Sports Network) 10/3 at Air Force 10/17 at East Carolina *

10/24 Houston * (CBS Sports Network) 10/31 at SMU *

11/7 Tulsa * (CBS Sports Network)

11/14 Memphis * (an ESPN Network) 11/21 at USF *

1 12/12 vs. Army (CBS)

1 Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pa.

USF (0-0, 0-0 American) Rank Offense Defense Date Opponent Result Attend. USF Opp Rush Pass Total Passing TO Rush Pass Total TO

9/12 The Citadel (1 p.m., ESPN+)

9/19 at Notre Dame (2:30 p.m., USA)

9/26 at Florida Atlantic (6 p.m., CBSSN) 10/3 at Cincinnati * 10/10 East Carolina * 10/17 at Temple *

10/23 Tulsa * (7:30 p.m., ESPN) 11/7 at Memphis * 11/14 at Houston * 11/21 Navy *

11/27 UCF * (an ESPN Network)

14 2020 RESULTS AND SCHEDULES

SMU (0-0, 0-0 American) Rank Offense Defense Date Opponent Result Attend. SMU Opp Rush Pass Total Passing TO Rush Pass Total TO

9/5 at Texas State (4:30 p.m., ESPN)

9/12 at TCU (9 p.m., FS1)

9/19 at North Texas (6 p.m., CBSSN) 9/26 Stephen F. Austin 10/3 Memphis *

10/16 at Tulane * (7:30 p.m., ESPN2) 10/24 Cincinnati * 10/31 Navy *

11/5 at Temple * (7:30 p.m., ESPN) 11/14 at Tulsa * 11/21 Houston * 11/28 at East Carolina *

TEMPLE (0-0, 0-0 American) Rank Offense Defense Date Opponent Result Attend. Temple Opp Rush Pass Total Passing TO Rush Pass Total TO

9/26 at Navy * (CBS Sports Network) 10/17 USF * 10/24 at Memphis *

10/31 at Tulane * (7:30 p.m., ESPN) 11/5 SMU * 11/14 at UCF * 11/21 East Carolina * 11/28 Cincinnati *

TULANE (0-0, 0-0 American) Rank Offense Defense Date Opponent Result Attend. Tulane Opp Rush Pass Total Passing TO Rush Pass Total TO

9/12 at South Alabama (7:30 p.m., ESPN2)

9/19 Navy * (Noon, ABC)

9/26 at Southern Miss (7 p.m., Stadium)

10/8 at Houston * (7:30 p.m., ESPN)

10/16 SMU * (7:30 p.m., ESPN2) 10/24 at UCF * 10/31 Temple * 11/7 at East Carolina * 11/14 Army 11/21 at Tulsa *

11/27 Memphis * (an ESPN Network)

TULSA (0-0, 0-0 American) Rank Offense Defense Date Opponent Result Attend. Tulsa Opp Rush Pass Total Passing TO Rush Pass Total TO

9/12 at Oklahoma State (7:30 p.m., ESPN or ESPNU) 9/26 at Arkansas State 10/3 at UCF * 10/17 Cincinnati *

10/23 at USF * (7:30 p.m., ESPN)

10/30 East Carolina (an ESPN Network)

11/7 at Navy * (CBS Sports Network) 11/14 SMU * 11/21 Tulane * 11/28 at Houston *

15 2020 COMPOSITE SCHEDULE

Saturday, September 5 Friday, October 23 SMU at Texas State...... 4:30 p.m...... ESPN Tulsa at USF *...... 7:30 p.m...... ESPN Arkansas State at Memphis...... 8 p.m...... ESPN Saturday, October 24 Monday, September 7 Houston at Navy *...... CBSSN BYU at Navy...... 8 p.m...... ESPN Tulane at UCF * Cincinnati at SMU * Friday, September 11 Temple at Memphis * SMU at TCU...... 9 p.m...... FS1 Friday, October 30 Saturday, September 12 East Carolina at Tulsa *...... ESPN Network The Citadel at USF...... 1 p.m...... ESPN+ Tulane at South Alabama...... 7:30 p.m...... ESPN2 Saturday, October 31 Tulsa at Oklahoma State...... 7:30 p.m...... ESPN or ESPNU UCF at Houston * Memphis at Cincinnati * Friday, September 18 Navy at SMU * Houston at Memphis *...... 7:30 p.m...... ESPN Temple at Tulane *

Saturday, September 19 Thursday, November 5 Austin Peay at Cincinnati...... Noon...... ESPN SMU at Temple *...... 7:30 p.m...... ESPN Navy at Tulane *...... Noon...... ABC USF at Notre Dame...... 2:30 p.m...... USA Saturday, November 7 UCF at Georgia Tech...... 3:30 p.m...... ESPN Tulsa at Navy *...... CBSSN SMU at North Texas...... 6 p.m...... CBSSN Houston at Cincinnati * Tulane at East Carolina * Friday, September 25 USF at Memphis * Memphis at UTSA...... 6 p.m...... CBSSN Saturday, November 14 Saturday, September 26 Memphis at Navy *...... an ESPN Network USF at Florida Atlantic...... 6 p.m...... CBSSN Temple at UCF * Tulane at Southern Miss...... 7 p.m...... Stadium East Carolina at Cincinnati * Temple at Navy *...... CBSSN USF at Houston * UCF at East Carolina * SMU at Tulsa * Army at Cincinnati Army at Tulane North Texas at Houston Stephen F. Austin at SMU Saturday, November 21 Tulsa at Arkansas State Cincinnati at UCF * East Carolina at Temple * Saturday, October 3 Houston at SMU * Tulsa at UCF * Navy at USF * USF at Cincinnati * Tulane at Tulsa * East Carolina at Georgia State Memphis at SMU * Navy at Air Force Friday, November 27 UCF at USF *...... an ESPN Network Thursday, October 8 Memphis at Tulane *...... an ESPN Network Tulane at Houston *...... 7:30 p.m...... ESPN Saturday, November 28 Saturday, October 10 Cincinnati at Temple * East Carolina at USF * SMU at East Carolina * Tulsa at Houston * Friday, October 16 SMU at Tulane *...... 7:30 p.m...... ESPN2 December 5, 12 or 19 BYU at Houston American Athletic Conference Championship...... ABC or ESPN

Saturday, October 17 Saturday, December 12 UCF at Memphis * Navy vs. Army 1...... CBS Cincinnati at Tulsa * Navy at East Carolina * * American Athletic Conference game USF at Temple * 1 Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pa. All times Eastern; all dates and times subject to change. Additional television listings will be announced as they become available 16