We are off and running. Week 1 is in the books and now we look ahead to Week 2. This season, the 12-team Conference USA will feature an 8-game conference schedule with the top two teams at the end of the regular season meeting for the league’s championship.
Here are our updated power rankings for CUSA, and we will be updating these weekly during the season.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of ESPN FPI. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Western Kentucky (2-0, 1-0) #91
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Previous: W, 55-6 vs North Alabama
The Hilltoppers continue to roll in the early part of the season. QB Maverick McIvor threw for 305 yards and 5 touchdowns while the defense didn’t allow a touchdown. WKU scored 42 points before halftime and never looked back.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 6 @ Toledo, 7 p.m, ESPN+
2. Liberty (1-0, 0-0) #89
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Previous: W, 28-7 vs Maine
Liberty was tied with Maine at 7 early in the 4th quarter before the Flames scored 21 straight to seize control and pull away from their FCS counterparts. It was the beginning of the Ethan Vasko era at quarterback as Liberty now prepares to open conference play at the defending conference champs Jax State on Saturday.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 6 @ Jax State, 12 noon, CBS Sports Network
3. Jacksonville State (0-1, 0-0) #88
no change
Previous: L @ UCF, 17-10
It was a solid start to the Charles Kelly era at Jax State. They had a chance to win the game, on the road at a Big 12 opponent late into the fourth quarter. Of course, the Knights were able to hang on and hand the Gamecocks the loss, but it looks like JSU will at least be competitive in the CUSA this season.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 6 vs Liberty, 12 noon, CBS Sports Network
4. FIU (1-0, 0-0) #109
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Previous: W, 42-9 vs Bethune-Cookman
The Willie Simmons era began in style as FIU scored touchdowns on their first four possessions and never looked back in the win.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 6 @ #2 Penn State, 12 noon, Big Ten Network
5. UTEP (0-1, 0-0) #129
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Previous: L, 28-16 @ Utah State
The Miners fell in the opener with former five-star quarterback Malachi Nelson making his first start. He was 22 of 34 passing for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 6 vs UT Martin, 9 p.m., ESPN+
6. Louisiana Tech (1-0, 0-0) #115
no change
Previous: W, 24-0 vs SE Louisiana
Defense led the way in Louisiana Tech’s season opening win. In addition to the shutouts, Kam Franklin had an 80-yard fumble recovery touchdown. Leading 3-0 at halftime, the Bulldogs scored touchdowns on back to back drives to take control.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 6 @ #9 LSU, 7:30 p.m., ESPN+
7. Delaware (1-0, 0-0) #127
no change
Previous: W, 35-17 vs Delaware State
Delaware began its first season at the FBS level with a win over in-state foe Delaware State. QB Nick Minicucci finished with 251 passing yards and three touchdowns. It was a 14-10 game in the third quarter before the Blue Hens were able to gain some separation.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 6 @ Colorado, 3:30 p.m., FOX
8. New Mexico State (1-0, 0-0) #132
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Previous: W, 19-3 vs Bryant
Logan Fife passed for 227 yards and a touchdown in the season opening win for NMSU. Bryant’s lone score was a 43-yard field goal with 4:08 left in the first quarter to cut it to 6-3. The Aggies added two field goals and a touchdown with 6:20 to play.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 6 vs Tulsa, 9 p.m., ESPN+
9. Kennesaw State (0-1, 0-0) #121
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Previous: L, @ Wake Forest, 10-9
Despite 307 yards of offense, with 158 yards coming on the ground, penalties and miscues proved too much to overcome as Kennesaw dropped a tight one at Wake Forest Friday night. The Demon Deacons scored their lone touchdown on the opening possession. The Owls responded with a touchdown on the ensuing drive, but missed the extra points. Both defenses took over from there. The Owls took the lead with a field goal early in the third quarter before Wake responded and retook the lead at 10-9.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 6 @ #20 Indiana, 12 noon, FS1
10. Missouri State (0-1, 0-0) #133
no change
Previous: L, 73-13 @ USC
The FBS era began for Missouri State at USC. The Bears took a 3-0 lead early in the first quarter before the Trojans scored 28 unanswered. They would not slow down finishing the game with nearly 600 yards of total offense.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 6 @ Marshall, 6 p.m., ESPN+
11. Sam Houston (0-2, 0-1) #126
no change
Previous: L, 38-21 vs UNLV
In their home opener, played at the home of the Houston Dynamo this season while Bowers Stadium undergoes renovations, the Sam Houston Bearkats were unable to slow down the UNLV Rebels. UNLV scored 24 unanswered points to take controls and racked up more than 400 yards of offense.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 6 @ Hawaii, midnight
12. Middle Tennessee (0-1, 0-0) #134
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Previous: L, 34-14 vs Austin Peay
FCS Austin Peay rolled from the start in the win at Middle Tennessee. The Governors picked up their first FBS win since 1987. Nick Vattiato, who has more than 7,500 passing yards in his career at MTSU, was held to 104 yards on 15 of 36 passing. Austin Peay had 341 yards to 153 for Middle Tennessee.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 6 @ Wisconsin, 4 p.m., FS1
