Photo: USA Today Sports
There were only four games on tap featuring teams in the American in Week 6. What did we learn? Louisville continued to impress while other contenders for the league crown seemingly faded while playing league games. However, UCF and Rutgers survived and advanced in league play while Cincinnati might have shown their true colors in a loss to lowly USF.
#7 Louisville 30, Temple 7: Louisville was literally seconds away from a shutout in this contest when Temple scored their only points on a last minute touchdown. Teddy Bridgewater was marvelous at quarterback for the Cardinals again and added two more passing touchdowns to his season total. Louisville settled for some short field goals in the game but didn't have much to worry about otherwise.
Rutgers 55, SMU 52, 3 OT: Rutgers survived the overtime shootout this time around against SMU after falling in overtime in their first game against Fresno State. The Scarlet Knights have won four games in a row even if it hasn't always been pretty. SMU got behind early and needed a furious fourth quarter rally (and an insane two-point conversion) to even get to overtime. SMU quarterback Garrett Gilbert was the American player of the week but it just wasn't enough for the Mustangs.
UCF 24, Memphis 17: UCF needed a 14-point fourth quarter comeback to defeat Memphis. Both of the touchdowns needed to complete the comeback came on back to back fumble returns for the Knights. The Tigers were in their own way all night with four turnovers and ruined what would have been a great victory for the program. UCF committed zero turnovers but simply was not efficient on offense.
USF 26, Cincinnati 20: USF is winless no more after taking out a Cincinnati squad that desperately misses Munchie Legaux at quarterback. The Bulls won the game without scoring an offensive touchdown. Cincinnati looked very bad in the game against one of the American's cellar dwellers and found themselves trailing 26-6 entering the fourth quarter. Nevertheless, the victory was the first in the Willie Taggart era at South Florida and the Bulls are one of five teams that are 1-0 in American Athletic Conference play.
Player of the Week: Garrett Gilbert, QB, SMU: Did everything and then some for the Ponies in a thrilling game against Rutgers. Gilbert finished the game 45-for-70 passing for 484 yards and five touchdowns. Gilbert also rushed for 14 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries.
