Week 9 is in the books and now we look ahead to Week 10 as we 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 (7-1, 4-0) #49
no change
Previous: W, vs FIU 49-10
Liberty continues to separate itself from the rest of the conference. Saturday’s win over FIU was another dominant performance, with the Flames improving to 7-1 and 4-0 in league play. The offense has found its rhythm, the defense continues to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks, and Liberty looks increasingly like a team capable of running the table in conference play. The Flames have established themselves as the clear favorite.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 7 at New Mexico State, 8 p.m., ESPNU
2. Jacksonville State (6-2, 4-0) #93
no change
Previous: W, at New Mexico State 24-0
Jacksonville State continues to put together an impressive conference season. The Gamecocks shut out New Mexico State on the road this past Wednesday, improving to 4-0 in CUSA. Their defense has become a major strength, and they remain the only team besides Liberty without a conference loss. The Gamecocks are firmly in position to challenge for a championship game appearance.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 7 vs Sam Houston, 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network
3. Delaware (4-4, 2-2) #100
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Previous: W, at Western Kentucky 35-21
Delaware gets the biggest boost near the top of this week’s rankings after a road win over Western Kentucky. The Blue Hens have now won back to back games with QB Nick Minicucci back in the fold. The offense is showing what it is capable of and the Blue Hens suddenly look like a dangerous opponent for anyone int he conference. Their 4-4 record doesn’t tell the entire story.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 7 at Kennesaw State, 3 p.m., ESPN+
4. Kennesaw State (2-6, 1-3) #112
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Previous: W, at Middle Tennessee 44-28
The defending conference champions finally delivered the type of performance that reminds everyone what they’re capable of. Kennesaw State went on the road and took care of business at MTSU Wednesday night. The Owls have struggled throughout much of the season, but this was easily their most impressive victory. The offense showed significant improvement, and the win gives them something to build on heading into November. It’s probably too late to make a serious championship push, but Kennesaw shouldn’t be overlooked.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 7 vs Delaware, 3 p.m., ESPN+
5. Western Kentucky (3-5, 2-2) #119
1
Previous: L, vs Delaware 35-21
WKU takes a tumble this week after losing at home to Delaware. The Hilltoppers had won two straight conference games and appeared to be finding their footing, but the loss to the Blue Hens raises more questions about their consistency. With a 3-5 overall record, WKU is running out of opportunities to turn its season around.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 7, at Middle Tennessee, 3:30 p.m., ESPN+
6. Middle Tennessee (4-4, 2-2) #128
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Previous: L, vs Kennesaw State 44-28
Just when it appeared MTSU was gaining momentum, the Blue Raiders suffered a setback at home to Kennesaw State. After winning consecutive conference games against Delaware and FIU, this was a significant step backward. The Blue Radiers have enough offensive talent to remain competitive, but allowing 44 points to a struggling Kennesaw team raises legitimate concerns.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 7, vs Western Kentucky, 3:30 p.m., ESPN+
7. Missouri State (3-5, 2-2) #124
1
Previous: W, vs Sam Houston 24-3
Missouri State has quietly put together a nice stretch of conference football. The Bears defeated Sam Houston on Tuesday, giving them consecutive conference victories after previously beating Kennesaw State. The defense has been much better over the past two games, and the Bears are showing they can compete in the middle of the CUSA standings. There is still work to do, but they’re trending in the right direction.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 7 at FIU, 4 p.m., ESPN+
8. New Mexico State (3-5, 2-2) #125
3
Previous: L, vs Jacksonville State 24-0
NMSU takes a hit after being a hit out at home by Jacksonville State. The Aggies have shown they can be competitive in conference play, but Wednesday’s performance was a major disappointment. The offense couldn’t get anything going against the Gamecocks, and the Aggies now have some work to do to stay relevant in the conference race.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 7, vs Liberty, 8 p.m., ESPNU
9. FIU (3-5, 1-3) #117
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Previous: L, at Liberty 49-10
FIU had a difficult trip to Lynchburg, falling to the Flames on Homecoming. The Panthers entered the game with some optimism, but they were completely overwhelmed by the Flames. FIU still has defensive talent, but the gap between the Panthers and conference’s top team was evident Saturday.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 7 vs Missouri State, 4 p.m., ESPN+
10. Sam Houston (1-7, 0-4) #130
no change
Previous: L, at Missouri State 24-3
Sam Houston remains at the bottom after a loss to Missouri State which ultimately led to the firing of their second year head coach Phil Longo during the season. The Bearkats have lost four straight conference games and continue to struggle offensively. There simply hasn’t been enough production on either side of the ball to suggest a turnaround is imminent and they will remain in the basement until further notice.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 7 at Jacksonville State, 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network
