Ranking AAC Bowl Performances In 2023

The American Athletic Conference sent six teams to bowl games this season, producing a record of 4-2. Some squads set records, while had trouble dealing with the elements, on top of roster attrition. Here's a look at our thoughts on how the six AAC teams in bowl games stacked up, from worst to best.

6 - Tulane

Between the transfer portal, Willie Fritz's departure, and Michael Pratt's preparation for the NFL Draft, saying Tulane were shorthanded in their Military Bowl loss to Virginia Tech is an understatement. The Wave had no answer for VT quarterback Kyron Drones, who took over despite heavy rain in Annapolis.

5 - Rice

Luke McCaffrey and Rice made a few final highlights for the season, but were shutout in the second half against Texas State in the First Responder Bowl. The Owls clearly missed JT Daniels, with two backup quarterbacks combing for five interceptions.

4 - SMU

Playing without Preston Stone, far from home, in terrible weather, SMU just couldn't catch a break in the Fenway Bowl loss to Boston College. Backup quarterback Kevin Jennings gave a valiant effort, but his areas of potential improvement were noticeable. The Mustang defense also had trouble defending rising-star dual threat Anthony Castellanos of BC

3 - UTSA

In a battle of backup QBs with famous last names, Owen McCown led UTSA to a win after Frank Harris was a fairly late scratch. The defense backed up their young quarterback, pitching a second half shutout in the Frisco Bowl over Marshall.

2 - Memphis

Quarterback Seth Henigan broke several school records, but it was a complete team win by the Tigers in a 36-26 victory over Iowa State. No penalties, no sacks, and a net total of zero rushing yards allowed by the Tigers.

1 - South Florida

USF arguable had the most dominant bowl performance of any team in bowl season. The USF Bulls demolished Syracuse 45-0 in the Boca Raton Bowl. Yes, Syracuse was missing their starting quarterback and a few other pieces, but the Bulls still showed the culmination of the steady stream of improvement that was their 2023 season.