Following the conclusion of week 2 of the 2023 football season, 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. Western Kentucky (2-0, 0-0) #73
no change
This week: W, 52-22 vs Houston Christian
The Hilltoppers jumped out to a 24-0 lead before the end of the first quarter as they rolled to a big win. Austin Reed threw for 253 yards and 4 touchdowns and Easton Messer had 9 catches for 116 yards. The competition ramps up considerably this week for the CUSA faves.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 16 @ #5 Ohio State, 4:00 p.m., FOX
2. Liberty (2-0, 1-0) #87
no change
This week: W, 33-17 vs New Mexico State
The Flames scored 20 unanswered points and held New Mexico State scoreless in the second half to roll to the program’s first ever Conference USA win. Kaidon Salter threw for two touchdowns and rushed for two more while Billy Lucas and Quinton Cooley each ran for 90+ yards.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 16 @ Buffalo, 12:00 p.m., CBSSN
3. Middle Tennessee (0-2, 0-0) #99
1
This week: L, 23-19 @ Missouri
MTSU has opened their season with two straight road losses against SEC opponents. This week’s outcome was much different than last week’s blowout loss at Alabama, as the Blue Raiders made things interesting for the Tigers. Middle led 7-3 in the 2nd quarter and tied the game at 10 midway through the third. That was before Missouri scored 13 straight points to provide some separation.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 16 vs Murray State, 7:00 p.m., ESPN+
4. Jacksonville State (2-1, 1-0) #103
1
This week: L, 30-16 @ Coastal Carolina
Jacksonville State had to settle for three first half field goals in Conway, South Carolina as they were unable to punch it into the end zone, ultimately costing them the game against Coastal Carolina. The Gamecocks led 9-7 in the second quarter, but the Chanticleers scored 23 unanswered to take a commanding 30-9 lead in the 4th quarter.
Next up: (following bye) Saturday, Sept. 23 vs Eastern Michigan, 5:00 p.m.
5. Sam Houston (0-2, 0-0) #120
no change
This week: L, 13-3 @ vs Air Force
There have been a combined 30 points scored by both teams in Sam Houston’s first two games of the season. That is just unheard of in this day and age of college football. The Bearkats trailed Air Force 3-0 at halftime and tied the game at 3 in the third period. Sam Houston had just 80 yards of offense as they rushed for only 1.2 yards per carry in the loss to Air Force.
Next up: (following bye) Saturday, Sep. 23 @ Houston, 7:00 p.m., ESPN+
6. Louisiana Tech (2-1, 1-0) #110
1
This week: W, 51-21 vs Northwestern State
Northwestern State kept it close into the early stages of the third quarter against Louisiana Tech. Then, the Bulldogs scored 20 unanswered points, all coming in the final 9:45 of the third period, to cruise to the victory.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 16 vs North Texas, 7:00 p.m., ESPN+
7. UTEP (1-2, 0-1) #125
1
This week: L, 38-7 @ Northwestern
Northwestern used a huge second half to beat UTEP 38-7 on Saturday afternoon. They scored all but seven of its points in the second half to stop a 12-game losing streak. UTEP found itself in a rare spot as a favorite to beat a Power Five team for the first time in 56 yards. Gavin Hardison threw for 192 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted twice. Deion Hankins was held to 27 rushing yards after going for a career high 174 yards in last week’s win.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 16 @ Arizona, 11:00 p.m., PAC12
8. FIU (2-1, 0-1) #130
1
This week: W, 46-39 vs North Texas
The Panthers struggled significantly on offense in their first two games of the season, but that was certainly not the case in FIU’s win over North Texas. Kejon Owens ran for three second half touchdowns while Hezekiah Masses returned an interception for a touchdown. Ownes finished with a career high 101 yards while Shomari Lawrence added 89 yards. Keyone Jenkins was 20 of 32 passing for 291 yards.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 16 @ UConn, 3:30 p.m., CBSSN
9. New Mexico State (1-2, 0-1) #123
1
This week: W, 33-17 @ Liberty
The Aggies were unable to create the same magic they had last season at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia against the Flames. Diego Pavia had three turnovers and the NMSU offense was held scoreless in the second half as they drop their first CUSA game.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 16 @ New Mexico, 8:00 p.m.
