Last week, the American Conference delivered a bunch of high-powered shootouts. While this week may not deliver as many explosions, we still have multiple games with significant implications for the conference race. Additionally, one conference team gets a shot at another Power Four foe, while others fight for bowl eligibility.
Without further ado, let’s go #AroundTheAmerican.
High-Powered Offenses Meet on Thursday Night
Thursday night promises another #AmericanThriller when FAU travels to North Texas (ESPN, 7:30 PM ET). This may be the most exciting Thursday night conference game yet. These two teams enter averaging a combined 78 points per game. North Texas is unbeaten in conference play, while FAU has a chance to reestablish itself in the conference race with a 2-1 record.
The FAU defense must recover from last week’s 49-point explosion. The Owls have allowed nearly 1,000 rushing yards over the last two weeks between games against Army and Rice. Meanwhile, North Texas boasts one of the best running backs in the country in Jaheim White (861 yards, 11 touchdowns). However, unlike Army and Rice, North Texas has an excellent passing game. UNT QB Tayven Jackson averages over 300 yards per game through the air and has 18 touchdowns. All signs indicate the FAU defense could have an even tougher assignment this week.
But then again, North Texas’s defense has also struggled. The Mean Green are allowing 33 points per game against FBS competition. North Texas could not contain Navy’s Sling-T attack, allowing 506 yards and 39 points. If FAU QB Caden Veltkamp can get solid support from his running game this week, we might see his best game yet. Veltkamp enters with 2,084 passing yards and 18 touchdowns.
The winner of this game could put itself into pole position to reach the American Conference Championship Game. Both North Texas and FAU will play UTSA later this season. A second loss for FAU likely pushes them out of the race, while a win could allow them to control their own destiny for the conference crown. On the other side, North Texas would remain in the driver’s seat for the American Conference Championship with a win, setting up a potential championship game preview against UTSA on November 14.
and here…we…go…24 hours 🃏 #GMG🦅 https://t.co/VZcJtU9jBN
— UNT Football (@MeanGreenFB) October 28, 2026
Tulane and Charlotte Take to the Friday Night Lights
Tulane and Charlotte continue the weeknight fun on Friday night in the Queen City (7:00 PM ET, ESPN2). Both teams are at different places in their season, but this game could be closer than people think. Tulane (3-4, 1-2 in the American) likely needs to win this game to avoid missing its first bowl since 2021. The Green Wave have games against Tulsa, North Texas, and USF remaining, so they cannot afford to lose to a struggling Charlotte squad (1-6, 1-2 in the American).
After their shocking win against Memphis, Tulane came back to earth against UTSA last week. The Green Wave lost, 42-19, when they could not get their running game going against the Roadrunners. The Green Wave ran for just 93 non-sack yards, well below their season average of 160. But that running game should get back on track against a Charlotte run defense allowing 199 rushing yards per game.
Charlotte QB Conner Harrell looks to build off his excellent performance against Temple. Harrell threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns. Most importantly, he did not throw an interception in 31 attempts. Before the Temple game, the 49ers had thrown nine interceptions in 173 attempts, approximately one every 19 passes.
Charlotte’s running game should thrive against Tulane’s porous run defense. The Green Wave have allowed 226 non-sack rushing yards per game. That might give Harrell the cover he needs to continue playing mistake-free football, which could in turn make this a far more competitive contest than pundits predict.
We are not into dreams. We’re into freakin’ nightmares 💀 Friday night, we wear green! 🟢 https://t.co/GJFxpGU6hY
— Charlotte Football (@CharlotteFTBL) October 28, 2026
Navy Takes on Notre Dame at Gillette Stadium
The American will be on ABC’s airwaves for the second time this year for Navy’s annual clash with Notre Dame. The Midshipmen look to salvage a down year with their first win over the Irish since 2016.
Unfortunately, the gap between these schools is widening. The Midshipmen have lost the last eight meetings by an average score of 41 to 14, with only two being decided by fewer than 22 points. This year does not look any different on paper, with the Midshipmen (2-5, 1-4 in the American) facing the #5 Irish. But Navy could be competitive. Navy QB Jackson Gutierrez is one of the toughest players in the country. He has 869 rushing yards in seven games and has carried the ball 88 times in his last three games.
Beyond Gutierrez, the Midshipmen are difficult to prepare for thanks to the presence of wildcat former starting QB Braxton Woodson. After losing the starting job, Woodson has begun logging time at running back, completing a 63-yard touchdown pass and running the ball five times for 73 yards against UTSA on trick plays.
However, Navy’s secondary needs to improve if they’re going to stay competitive this week. Aside from the Air Force game, the Midshipmen have allowed 285 passing yards per game alongside 16 touchdowns this season. Navy could fall behind quickly if their secondary struggles continue.
Micah made it look easy 🔥 #GoIrish☘️ | @Gilbert316Micah https://t.co/HX7qBUzojh
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 28, 2026
Other Notes From Around the American
Entering Week 9, UAB is still in the American Conference race. Who would have thought it? The Blazers are now 4-3 (2-1 in league play) and have a crucial game against USF this Saturday (12:00 PM ET, ESPNU). This one should be a defensive struggle. UAB is holding opponents to 24 points per game, while USF is allowing just 15.
Regardless of who wins, all roads in the American lead through UTSA. USF is UAB’s biggest challenge until a two-game stretch to end the season against UTSA and then North Texas. UAB having the head-to-head tiebreaker over both would likely ensure its spot in the American Conference Championship Game, assuming it can get a win this weekend as well.
Temple and East Carolina play a crucial game for both teams’ bowl hopes on Saturday (3:00 PM ET, ESPN+). East Carolina (3-4, 1-2 in the American) needs to take care of business against the Owls with games against USF, Army, and FAU on the horizon. Meanwhile, Temple (2-5, 1-2 in the American) has difficult games with UAB and Memphis ahead.
East Carolina made another change at quarterback last week. QB Mitch Griffis replaced former starter Emory Williams and led the Pirates’ comeback effort against Memphis. Griffis now has a chance to build on the momentum from the Memphis game after Head Coach Blake Harrell benched him earlier this year. Temple had trouble defending Charlotte’s passing game in the Owls’ last outing, allowing 281 yards.
On the other side, Temple’s running game looks to take control against an East Carolina defense allowing 162 non-sack rushing yards per game. The Owls average 202 yards per game rushing, but have had to lean more on the pass over the last two weeks, attempting 53 total passes against UConn and Charlotte.
Friends, this should be a great week of action. What are you watching?
Go Army! Beat Memphis!!!
