Following the conclusion of week 10 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 (9-0, 7-0) #51
   no change

This week: W, 56-30 vs Louisiana Tech

What an impressive inaugural season in the Conference USA and for head coach Jamey Chadwell. Liberty has clinched the regular season CUSA title and will play the conference championship game at Williams Stadium on Friday, Dec. 1. Liberty’s offense was 7 for 8 on third downs and scored touchdowns on 8 of 10 possessions against LA Tech. Now, the Flames step out of conference play for the next two games, beginning Saturday against ODU.

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 11 vs Old Dominion, 1:00 p.m., ESPN+

2. Jacksonville State (7-3, 5-1) #94
   no change

This week: L, 38-28 @ South Carolina

It was a nice showing for the CUSA’s Gamecocks against the SEC’s Gamecocks. Jax State trailed bu just a field goal and had possession of the ball late in the 4th quarter. That was prior to a pick-6 for South Carolina as they picked up the non-conference win. It would have been a marquee win not just for Jacksonville State but for the entire league.

Next up: Bye

3. New Mexico State (7-3, 5-1) #105
   no change

This week: W, 13-7 vs Middle Tennessee

The Aggies took care of business at home against Middle Tennessee. Now, they prepare for a huge game on Saturday at Western Kentucky. A win and they clinch a spot in the championship game against Liberty. A loss and WKU will be in the driver’s seat.

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 11 @ Western Kentucky, 3:30 p.m., ESPN+

4. Western Kentucky (5-4, 3-2) #84
   no change

This week: W, 21-13 @ UTEP

Like the Aggies, WKU took care of business to set up the 2nd place game next week. It was a defensive struggle in the first half, with the score 3-0 at the break. The Hilltoppers woke up on offense after intermission to pick up the win on the road. Despite the struggles for WKU this season, they still control their own destiny in the CUSA title chase but must win on Saturday against NMSU.

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 11 vs New Mexico State, 3:30 p.m., ESPN+

5. Middle Tennessee (2-7, 1-4) #109
   no change

This week: L, 13-7 @ New Mexico State

The Blue Raiders tested the Aggies but were unable to pull the upset on the road. They return home to face FIU on Saturday.

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 11 vs FIU, 3:30 p.m., ESPN+

6. UTEP (3-7, 2-4) #123
  1

This week: L, 21-13 vs Western Kentucky

The Miners fell at home to Western Kentucky on Saturday as they have been eliminated from bowl contention. It’s been a disappointing season for UTEP as they enter a bye week.

Next up: Bye

7. FIU (4-5, 1-5) #131
  1

This week: Bye

The Panthers come off an open date and will now prepare to take on Middle Tennessee in Murfreesboro on Saturday.

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 11 @ Middle Tennessee, 3:30 p.m., ESPN+

8. Louisiana Tech (3-7, 2-4) #114
  2

This week: L, 56-30 @ Liberty

The Bulldogs could not stop the high powered Liberty offense on Saturday, falling on the road. Now, LA Tech will return home and look to beat Sam Houston.

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 11 vs Sam Houston, 3:00 p.m., ESPN+

9. Sam Houston (1-8, 0-5) #127
   no change

This week: W, 24-21 vs Kennesaw State

The Bearkats finally got in the win column, defeating future Big South rival, Kennesaw State, 24-21.

Next up: Saturday, Nov. 11 @ Louisiana Tech, 3:00 p.m., ESPN+