We have moved into the month of October which can only mean one thing – midweek football in CUSA. 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. Louisiana Tech (4-1, 2-0) #76
no change
Previous: Bye
The Bulldogs have managed their way through the first part of the season surprisingly looking like the top team in the conference. Coming off the bye they play at Kennesaw State.
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 9 @ Kennesaw State, 7 p.m., ESPNU
2. Western Kentucky (5-1, 3-0) #94
1
Previous: W, 27-24 @ Delaware
It has been the offense for WKU much of the ear ly part of the season that has led them to a strong start, but, on Friday night, it was the defense that got the necessary plays to help propel the visiting Hilltoppers to a road win over Delaware. Koron Hayward had a 25-yard pick six to put WKU in front and they would not surrender that lead. QB Maverick McIvor was 23 of 31 passing for 230 yards.
Next up: Bye
3. Delaware (3-2, 1-1) #104
1
Previous: L, 27-24 vs Western Kentucky
Koron Hayward and Dylan Flowers made game-changing defensive plays in the third quarter and Jaylen Lewis made a stop on fourth and 1 in the closing minutes as Western Kentucky fought back from an early deficit to upset the upstart Delaware Blue Hens. On the last play of the game, Delaware missed a 42-yard field goal, wide right, as their 10-game home win streak comes to an end..
Next up: Bye
4. Kennesaw State (3-2, 1-0) #118
no change
Previous: Bye
The Owls will have an opportunity to punctuate their early season better than expected to start by hosting the top team in CUSA, Louisiana Tech, Thursday night.
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 9 vs Louisiana Tech, 7 p.m., ESPNU
5. Missouri State (2-3, 0-1) #119
no change
Previous: Bye
Missouri State will be looking for its first ever win in CUSA play on Wednesday night at Middle Tennessee.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 8 @ Middle Tennessee, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2
6. New Mexico State (3-2, 1-1) #130
1
Previous: W, 37-10 vs Sam Houston
New Mexico State scored 14 points in 54 seconds in the fourth quarter to help push past Sam Houston on Thursday night, improving to 3-0 at home this season. Naeten Mitchell sealed the win with a 71 yard pick-six.
Next up: Bye
7. Jacksonville State (2-3, 1-0) #97
1
Previous: Bye
The Gamecocks will look to get back in the win column this week at Sam Houston.
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 9 @ Sam Houston, 8 p.m., CBS Sports Network
8. Liberty (1-4, 0-1) #110
2
Previous: Bye
Liberty will look to get into the win column for the first time this season against an FBS opponent Wednesday night at UTEP.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 8 @ UTEP, 8 p.m., CBS Sports Network
9. UTEP (1-4, 0-1) #116
no change
Previous: Bye
The Miners will return to action this week playing host to Liberty.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 8 vs Liberty, 8 p.m., CBS Sports Network
10. FIU (2-3, 0-1) #129
4
Previous: L, 51-10 @ UConn
The Panthers have now dropped two straight after getting embarrassed by UConn on Saturday. The Huskies scored on five straight drives in the 2nd and 3rd quarters with only three of their nine scoring drives lasting longer than 2:30. FIU had five turnovres in the loss.
Next up: Bye
11. Middle Tennessee (1-4, 0-1) #131
no change
Previous: Bye
The Blue Raiders take on FBS and CUSA newcomer Missouri State at home Wednesday night.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 8 vs Missouri State
12. Sam Houston (0-4, 0-1) #134
no change
Previous: L, 37-10 @ New Mexico State
Hunter Watson threw for 222 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The Bearkats have started a season at 0-5 for the second time in three seasons. Sam Houston lost two fumbles in the game after entering as the only CUSA team without one this season.
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 9 vs Jacksonville State, 8 p.m., CBS Sports Network
