AAC preview, Part 2: Burning concerns and players to enjoy

It could be stated that nobody stands to benefit more from the College Football Playoff’s imminent expansion than whoever takes control of the new-look American Athletic Conference.Sure, plenty of others

likewise will benefit. Multi-loss champions of conferences such as the Pac-12 and Big 12 will get not only guaranteed seats at the 12-team table however likewise semi-regular playoff byes. The Penn States of the world, excellent teams stuck behind top-five programs in their departments, might get annual quotes too. However if a power emerges from the ranks of the AAC (or, possibly, the Sun Belt or Mountain West )in the coming years, they, too, could see regular bids and both the monetary and hiring increases that come with that.In losing Cincinnati, Houston and UCF to the Huge 12, the AAC has actually taken a hit in terms of general quality. But the moves have likewise opened a door for the conference’s remaining programs. Can Tulane combine power after last year’s incredible surge? Can SMU finally put all the pieces together? Can Memphis restore what it has lost in recent seasons? Can a beginner like UTSA or Florida Atlantic shine?There is opportunity afoot, and a lot of programs are trying to seize it. Last week we previewed

the AAC’s 6 newcomers; today let’s talk about its eight holdovers. Time to talk AAC!Every week through the offseason, Expense Connelly will preview another department from the Group of 5 and Power 5 specifically

for ESPN+, eventually consisting of all 133 FBS teams. The previews will consist of 2022 breakdowns, 2023 sneak peeks and burning concerns for each group.