Following the conclusion of week 9 of Conference USA play, here are our updated power rankings for CUSA.

Note: National rankings are courtesy of ESPN FPI. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.

1. Liberty (8-0, 6-0) #58
   no change

This week: W, 42-29 @ Western Kentucky

The Flames have clinched a spot in the CUSA championship game, quite an impressive feat under first year head coach Jamey Chadwell. Liberty took care of business at the preseason CUSA favorite, Western Kentucky, thanks to a dominating third quarter. The Flames can clinch hosting the title game with a win over Louisiana Tech next week (or a loss by New Mexico State).

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 4 vs Louisiana Tech, 6:00 p.m., CBSSN

2. Jacksonville State (7-2, 5-1) #92
   no change

This week: W, 41-16 @ FIU

The Gamecocks have clearly cemented themselves near the top of the conference standings. After defeating WKU a week ago, Jax State completely dominated FIU on the road, jumping out to a 21-0 first quarter lead. A nice opportunity for them this week coming up at South Carolina.

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 4 @ South Carolina, 12:00 p.m. ESPNU

3. New Mexico State (6-3, 4-1) #103
   no change

This week: W, 27-24 @ Louisiana Tech

The Aggies have been overlooked by Liberty and the two new FCS teams in their addition to the league, but they have been a strong addition. New Mexico State will go back to another bowl game after knocking off Louisiana Tech this week. They have a chance to not only advance to the CUSA Championship game but also still has a shot to host the game if they win out with a little bit of help.

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 4 vs Middle Tennessee, 6:00 p.m., ESPN+

4. Western Kentucky (4-4, 2-2) #84
   no change

This week: L, 42-29 vs Liberty

It has certainly been a disappointing season for the Hilltoppers who were picked as the preseason CUSA favorite behind head coach Tyson Helton and quarterback Austin Reed. Two straight losses in league play and their backs are firmly up against the wall.

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 4 @ UTEP, 9:00 p.m., ESPN+

5. Middle Tennessee (2-6, 1-3) #112
   no change

This week: Bye

Following a bye, the Blue Raiders get back to action at New Mexico State. They must win out to achieve bowl eligibility.

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 4 @ New Mexico State, 6:00 p.m., ESPN+

6. Louisiana Tech (3-6, 2-3) #114
   no change

This week: L, 27-24 vs New Mexico State

The Bulldogs narrowly missed a chance to defeat NMSU, falling by a field goal on their home field. Now, they have to head to Lynchburg to take on the unbeaten Flames.

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 4 @ Liberty, 6:00 p.m., CBSSN

7. UTEP (3-6, 2-3) #125
  1

This week: W, 37-34 @ Sam Houston

The Miners came from behind to defeat Sam Houston and continue pursuit of bowl eligibility. A tough test remains as they host WKU next Saturday.

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 4 vs Western Kentucky, 9:00 p.m., ESPN+

8. FIU (4-5, 1-5) #130
  1

This week: L, 41-16 vs Jacksonville State

It’s been a tough go of things for the Panthers in conference play and definitely has been disappointing. They were dominated on their home field by Jacksonville State to fall to 1-5 in league play so far this season.

Next up: Bye

9. Sam Houston (0-8, 0-5) #123
   no change

This week: L, 37-34 vs UTEP

The Bearkats have some talent and could have won a few games to this point. Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to notch a win yet through 8 games. They take on FCS and soon to be CUSA member Kennesaw State next.

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 4 vs Kennesaw State, 1:00 pm., ESPN+