Week 8 is in the books and now we look ahead to Week 9 as we begin to move towards the stretch run. 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 (6-1, 3-0) #57
no change
Previous: W, at Kennesaw State 34-6
The Flames emphatically handled Kennesaw State to become bowl eligible and end their recent struggles against the Owls. Liberty has won six straight since its opener and has allowed just 23 points in conference play. The Flames are the clear favorite until someone proves otherwise.
Next up: Saturday, Oct. 31 vs FIU, 3:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network
2. Jacksonville State (5-2, 3-0) #100
no change
Previous: Bye
The Gamecocks were idle, but their 3-0 conference record keeps them firmly in second. They remain Liberty’s biggest threat to reach the CUSA title game, although their narrow wins over FIU and Kennesaw State suggest they’re vulnerable.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 28 at New Mexico State, 8 p.m., ESPN2
3. Middle Tennessee (4-3, 2-1) #126
3
Previous: W, at FIU 26-23
MTSU’s win at FIU was its second straight conference victory and another sign that the offense can produce in tight games. The Blue Raiders are now 4-3 overall and are positioning themselves to challenge for a top-two finish.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 28, vs Kennesaw State, 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network
4. Western Kentucky (3-4, 2-1) #113
no change
Previous: Bye
Western Kentucky was off after winning back-to-back games against Missouri State and Sam Houston. The Hilltoppers’ record remains underwhelming, but they’ve shown enough in conference play to remain in the upper half. They have a chance to make a serious push if the defense continues playing well.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 27 vs Delaware, 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network
5. New Mexico State (3-4, 2-1) #114
no change
Previous: W, 30-24 at Sam Houston
The Aggies picked up a road win over Sam Houston. It wasn’t a dominant performance, but winning away from home matters. NMSU remains in the hunt, though consistency will determine whether it can climb into the top of the rankings.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 28 vs Jacksonville State, 8 p.m., ESPN2
6. FIU (3-4, 1-2) #110
3
Previous: L, vs Middle Tennessee 26-23
FIU has now lost consecutive conference games. The Panthers remain competitive, but close losses are beginning to pile up. Their defense is still a strength, yet the offense must do more in the biggest moments.
Next up: Saturday, Oct. 31 at Liberty, 3:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network
7. Delaware (3-4, 1-2) #107
2
Previous: W, vs Missouri State 61-38
Delaware’s win over Missouri State was clearly the most explosive offensive performance of the week. With QB Nick Minicucci back on the field, the Blue Hens finally got their first conference win and showed how dangerous their offense can be. The defense remains a concern, but this was a needed response after several close losses.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Western Kentucky, 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network
8. Missouri State (2-5, 1-2) #128
1
Previous: L, at Delaware 61-38
Missouri State’s defense gave up 61 points at Delaware, undoing some of the momentum from its win over Kennesaw State. The Bears have shown they can score, but their defensive struggles make it difficult to trust them against the better teams in the conference.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 27 vs Sam Houston, 8 p.m., ESPN2
9. Kennesaw State (1-6, 0-3) #120
1
Previous: L, vs Liberty 34-6
The defending conference champions are in serious trouble. Liberty controlled the game against the Owls, handing them their sixth loss. Kennesaw State has been competitive in stretches, but it needs a major turnaround to salvage the season.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Middle Tennessee, 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network
10. Sam Houston (1-6, 0-3) #129
no change
Previous: L, vs New Mexico State 30-24
The Bearkats lost to New Mexico State, their third straight conference defeat. They showed more offensive life than in their previous games, but the defense couldn’t close out the game. Sam Houston remains at the bottom until it can put together a complete conference performance.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 21 vs New Mexico State, 8 p.m., ESPN2
