AAC football Week 6 picks: Temple vs. Navy, ECU vs. USF

The AAC schedule is lighter than normal this week, as teams prepare to load up with Friday night football in Week 7.

But there are a couple opportunities to make money. Let's take a look at the best betting opportunities of the week in the AAC.

Temple vs. Navy 

This matchup is between a team that has yet to take the field and a team that probably wishes it had not played a game yet.

Almost six weeks after the season was scheduled to begin, the Temple Owls will open with a trip to Annapolis.

Navy played in the first FBS football game to receive ESPN's primetime spotlight, but preparing for the game during a pandemic was a challenge. The team did not tackle prior to the Labor Day kickoff and it showed, as the Midshipmen lost, 55-3, to BYU.

Last weekend's game against rival Air Force produced a similar result. Navy lost, 40-7, to a team that was playing its first game of the season. 

There was one bright spot for Navy this season, and it is a reason to have a hope this weekend.

When the Midshipment trailed, 24-0, against Tulane, the triple-option attack scored 27 unanswered points, capped by a game-winning field goal at the horn. It was the largest second-half comeback in school history.

This week they'll have a little extra help in the stands, too. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan approved a plan that will allow the "Brigade of Midshipmen" to attend Saturday's game. 

The additional home-field advantage may be exactly what Navy needs to secure its second win of the season.

Ken Niumatalolo's option attack has been inconsistent, with some key departures and new starters. Temple's offense has enough weapons to produce points, but it will show rust.

If the Midshipmen can get on the scoreboard early, their methodical offense can control the clock and keep the Owls offense from finding a rhythm in their delayed season opener.

Pick: Navy +3.5

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East Carolina vs. South Florida

It's difficult to discern if the Bulls are a good football team. They've played two top 25 teams on the road, both losses, and their only win was a blowout against The Citadel. 

In Jeff Scott's first season as head coach, South Florida has had nice moments on the ground, but the passing game is a completely different story. Five different players have attempted passes for South Florida this season, led by sophomore Jordan McCloud. The Tampa Bay native has completed 60% of his passes through three games, but has thrown more interceptions (two) than touchdowns (one).

Scott, a former Clemson offensive coordinator, will try to get his first conference victory as a head coach against a winless East Carolina team that lost each of its first two games by 20 points or more.

There's no shame in giving up 51 points to Central Florida, but a week later, the Pirates gave up 485 yards and 49 points to Georgia State.

Something alarming showed in the loss to Georgia State. East Carolina's defense allowed 5.6 yards per carry. USF averaged 4.7 yards per carry against far superior defenses. South Florida should be able to run the ball, control the clock, and cover at home. 

Pick: South Florida -4

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Check out all the NCAAF betting matchups for this week at BetAmerica!