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 (5-0, 3-0) #57
   no change

This week: W, 21-16 vs Sam Houston

The Flames were able to remain unbeaten with a last minute goal line stand at home over Sam Houston. The Bearkats had 8 plays in the Liberty red zone on their final drive, but were unable to get into the end zone as Kobe Singleton had three pass breakups in the final five plays.

Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 10 @ Jacksonville State, 7:30 p.m., ESPNU

2. Western Kentucky (4-2, 2-0) #83
   no change

This week: W, 35-28 @ Louisiana Tech

The Hilltoppers raced out to a 35-7 halftime lead as Austin Reed connected with Malachi Corley for three touchdown passes. WKU was able to fight off a late Louisiana Tech rally, as they scored three second half touchdowns and had the ball with a chance to tie in the closing minutes.

Next up: Bye

3. Jacksonville State (5-1, 3-0) #101
   no change

This week: W, 45-30 @ Middle Tennessee

For the second straight week, the Gamecocks overcame a deficit to pick up a conference win. This week, JSU came back from a 23-7 halftime lead, dominating the Blue Raiders in the second half by scoring 38 unanswered points. Huge game looms for the Gamecocks on their home field on Tuesday with a first place CUSA battle against Liberty.

Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 10 vs Liberty, 7:30 p.m., ESPNU

4. New Mexico State (3-3, 1-1) #112
  4

This week: W, 34-17 vs FIU

The Aggies scored 17 unanswered in the fourth quarter to pick up their first ever Conference USA win, defeating the FIU Panthers. Diego Pavia threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score to help New Mexico State to the victory.

Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 11 vs Sam Houston, 9:00 p.m., CBSSN

5. Louisiana Tech (3-4, 2-1) #110
  1

This week: L, 35-28 vs Western Kentucky

The Bulldogs fell behind to the preseason CUSA favorite, 35-7, at the half. It was too big of a hole to climb out of despite a furious rally made by the home team.

Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 10 @ Middle Tennessee, 7:00 p.m., CBSSN

6. Sam Houston (0-5, 0-2) #123
  1

This week: L, 21-16 @ Liberty

Are the Bearkats the best winless team in the country? Their defense has certainly given teams fits throughout the season and they did so again while facing a Liberty offense that had been nearly unstoppable the past few weeks. Sam Houston was unable to get the job done on offense though, failing to score on 8 tries in the Flames’ red zone on their final drive.

Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 11 @ New Mexico State, 9:00 p.m., CBSSN

7. FIU (3-3, 0-3) #131
  1

This week: L, 34-17 @ New Mexico State

The Panthers kept things close, trading scores with New Mexico State until the 4th quarter. The game was tied at 17 entering the final period, but that’s when the Aggies pulled away, scoring 17 straight to take the win.

Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 11 vs UTEP, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2

8. Middle Tennessee (1-5, 0-2) #111
  1

This week: L, 45-30 vs Jacksonville State

It was a tale of two halves when Middle Tennessee lost at home to Jacksonville State on Wednesday night. The Blue Raiders jumped out to a big 23-7 halftime lead before being dominated in the second half as the Gamecocks scored 38 straight to seize control of the game.

Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 10 vs Louisiana Tech, 7:00 p.m., CBSSN

9. UTEP (1-5, 0-2) #130
   no change

This week: Bye

The Miners will look to get back on track this week at FIU.

Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 11 @ FIU, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2