Week 6 is in the books and now we look ahead to Week 7 with midweek action in full swing throughout the month of October. This season, the 10-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. Liberty (5-1, 2-0) #65
no change
Previous: W, vs Sam Houston 35-3
Liberty has won five straight since the season-opening loss at James Madison. The 35-3 dismantling of Sam Houston was its most complete performance of the season, and the defense has allowed just 17 points across two conference games. The Flames remain the clear No. 1, with a favorable opportunity to strengthen their position before the November stretch run.
Next up: Bye
2. Jacksonville State (4-2, 2-0) #99
no change
Previous: W, at Kennesaw State 27-26
The Gamecocks escaped Kennesaw State in a rematch of last year’s CUSA Conference Championship Game, extending their conference winning streak. It wasn’t pretty, but winning a road conference game when you’re not at your best counts. Jax State remains Liberty’s clearest challenge, although its narrow escape raises questions about the defense.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 13 vs FIU, 8 p.m., ESPNU
3. FIU (3-2, 1-0) #101
1
Previous: W, vs New Mexico State 22-3
FIU shut out New Mexico State in the second half of a convincing 22-3 win. The Panthers are now 3-0 at home and have the kind of defensive performance that strengthens their case as a serious conference contender. They move ahead of NMSU, though their resume still needs more depth.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Jacksonville State, 8 p.m., ESPNU
4. Kennesaw State (1-4, 0-1) #108
5
Previous: L, vs Jacksonville State 27-26
The Owls nearly pulled off a major conference win against Jacksonville State, losing by one point. That effort matters, especially after a challenging nonconference schedule. Could they make a rise as conference play ramps up?
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Missouri State, 7:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network
5. New Mexico State (2-4, 1-1) #119
2
Previous: L, at FIU 22-3
The Aggies’ 34-13 win over WKU looked like a turning point, but the e 22-3 loss at FIU quickly erased some of that momentum. NMSU has shown it can compete, yet its offense struggled badly in Miami. The Aggies remain in the middle tier, but they need a more consistent performance to regain ground.
Next up: Bye
6. Western Kentucky (2-4, 1-1) #116
4
Previous: W, vs Missouri State 34-13
One of the week’s biggest risers. WKU responded to a difficult start by beating Missouri State, 34-13, showing a more convincing version of itself. The Hilltoppers’ 2-4 record still matters, and the 34-13 loss to New Mexico State remains a concern. But their ceiling is higher than their record suggests, and this win moves them out of the conference basement.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Sam Houston, 8 p.m., ESPN
7. Delaware (2-3, 0-1) #112
no change
Previous: Bye
Delaware has two wins but has yet to establish itself against the conference’s best. Their overall profile is still more promising than teams below them, but the conference record leaves little room for error.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Middle Tennessee, 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network
8. Middle Tennessee (2-3, 0-1) #131
no change
Previous: Bye
The Blue Raiders have enough talent to be better than this ranking, but the offense’s performance against Kansas makes it difficult to justify keeping them in the upper half of the league. They need a strong response in conference play.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 13 vs Delaware, 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network
9. Sam Houston (1-4, 0-1) #122
4
Previous: Bye
Sam Houston’s loss at LIberty was a rough way to open conference play. The Bearkats have faced a challenging schedule, but the offense couldn’t generate enough to threaten the Flames. They need a much more competitive showing to climb out of the bottom third of the league.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 14 vs Western Kentucky, 8 p.m., ESPN
10. Missouri State (1-4, 0-1) #126
4
Previous: Bye
Missouri State’s loss at Western Kentucky leaves the Bears with little momentum. They have shown flashes in nonconference play, including a competitive game against SMU, but have yet to put together a complete performance. Until the defense improves and the offense becomes more consistent, the Bears remain at the bottom.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 14 vs Kennesaw State, 7:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network
