Following the conclusion of week 5 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. Liberty (4-0, 2-0) #57
no change
This week: Bye
Liberty continues to look very strong in the early part of the season under first year head coach Jamey Chadwell. The Flames remain as the only unbeaten team remaining in the conference
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 5 vs Sam Houston, 7:00 p.m., CBSSN
2. Western Kentucky (3-2, 1-0) #83
1
This week: W, 31-10 vs Middle Tennessee
The Hilltoppers got a win in their first conference game of the season, taking care of business against Middle Tennessee. Austin Reed completed 30 of 52 passes for 297 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception to go along with 6 rushes for 23 yards and another score in the win.
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 5 @ Louisiana Tech, 8:00 p.m., ESPNU
3. Jacksonville State (4-1, 2-0) #101
1
This week: W, 35-28 (OT) @ Sam Houston
The Gamecocks fell behind Sam Houston 28-20 with only 1:11 left to play in regulation. The visiting Jacksonville State Gamecocks would fight out of that hole to pull out the win. Perry Carter caught a 28 yard pass from Logan Smothers with 13 seconds left. In overtime, Smothers would connect with Sean Brown for a 24-yard score for the eventual game winner as JSU opens CUSA play 2-0.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 5 @ Middle Tennessee, 8:00 p.m., ESPNU
4. Louisiana Tech (3-3, 2-0) #110
4
This week: W, 24-10 @ UTEP
Smoke Harris returned a punt 67 yards for a touchdown as Louisiana Tech jumped out to a 14-0 lead less than 4 minutes into the game and cruised to a road win in conference play.
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 5 vs Western Kentucky, 8:00 p.m., ESPNU
5. Sam Houston (0-4, 0-1) #123
1
This week: L, 35-28 (OT) vs Jacksonville State
The Bearkats took a 21-7 lead early in the 2nd quarter in their first ever home FBS and CUSA game. Sam Houston would keep the lead until 13 seconds left in regulation when Jacksonville State scored a tying touchdown and two-point conversion to force overtime, where SHSU would fall.
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 5 @ Liberty, 7:00 p.m., CBSSN
6. FIU (3-2, 0-2) #131
1
This week: Bye
The Panthers saw their momentum gained with three straight wins come crashing to a halt last week. The Panthers fell at home, 38-6, to the visiting Flames. FIU now looks to get in the win column in CUSA play at New Mexico State.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 4 @ New Mexico State, 9:00 p.m., CBSSN
7. Middle Tennessee (1-4, 0-1) #111
3
This week: L, 31-10 @ Western Kentucky
MTSU fell behind at Western Kentucky, 23-3, by halftime and were unable to make a comeback. The Blue Raiders had 3 interceptions in the loss.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 4 vs Jacksonville State, 8:00 p.m., ESPNU
8. New Mexico State (2-3, 0-1) #112
1
This week: Bye
The Aggies made the trek to Hawaii last week but were unable to hang on to a 17-3 first half lead. Hawaii kicked a 24-yard field goal as time expired to conclude the win. New Mexico State faces FIU this week.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 4 vs FIU, 9:00 p.m., CBSSN
9. UTEP (1-5, 0-2) #130
no change
This week: L, 24-10 vs Louisiana Tech
UTEP used three different quarterbacks after starter Gavin Hardison couldn’t go after warming up. These three QBs were a combined 9 for 28 for 101 yards in the loss to Louisiana Tech.
Next up: Bye
