Following the conclusion of week 7 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 (6-0, 4-0) #57
no change
This week: W, 31-13 @ Jacksonville State
The Flames flipped the script at halftime, outscoring Jax State, 21-3, following the intermission to cruise to the impressive road win. Liberty dominated the time of possession as well as through the ground game to pick up the win between two previously unbeaten CUSA teams.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 17 vs Middle Tennessee, 7:00 p.m., CBSSN
2. Western Kentucky (4-2, 2-0) #83
no change
This week: Bye
The Hilltoppers had an open date this past week and now prepare to play host to Jacksonville State.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 17 @ Jacksonville State, 7:30 p.m., ESPNU
3. New Mexico State (4-3, 2-1) #108
1
This week: W, 27-13 vs Sam Houston
The Aggies got off to a slow start, dropping two of their first three games, but they have responded to win three of four, including two straight in conference play. This week, NMSU jumped all over winless Sam Houston, leading 27-0 at halftime and then holding on for the win. With just one loss, New Mexico State can have their name mentioned as a threat for the CUSA title game if they keep winning.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 18 @ UTEP, 9:00 p.m., ESPN2
4. Jacksonville State (5-2, 3-1) #101
1
This week: L, 31-13 vs Liberty
The Gamecocks had a big opportunity to make a statement on national TV and knock off unbeaten, Liberty. They got off to a good start and an early lead, but the Flames were able to dominate the time of possession and JSU could not stop the Liberty running game. Now, Jax State has another huge opportunity as they take on WKU.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 17 vs Western Kentucky, 7:30 p.m., ESPNU
5. Middle Tennessee (2-5, 1-2) #114
3
This week: W, 31-23 vs Louisiana Tech
The Blue Raiders built a 24-9 second half lead over Louisiana Tech and held on to preserve the win. It was MTSU’s first FBS win of the season, and now they hit the road to try and upset the Liberty Flames.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 17 @ Liberty, 7:00 p.m., CBSSN
6. UTEP (2-5, 1-2) #125
3
This week: W, 27-14 @ FIU
For the first time this season, UTEP showed some life and dominated FIU in Miami to pick up their first FBS win of the season and also get into the win column in conference play. Can the Miners keep that momentum this week against New Mexico State?
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 18 vs New Mexico State, 9:00 p.m., ESPN2
7. Louisiana Tech (3-5, 2-2) #112
2
This week: L, 31-23 @ Middle Tennessee
The Bulldogs had an opportunity to push towards the top of the league standings but were unable to pick up a win on the road at Middle Tennessee this past week. LA Tech now has an open date before the stretch run.
Next up: Bye
8. Sam Houston (0-6, 0-3) #120
1
This week: L, 27-13 @ New Mexico State
Perhaps fatigued and facing a bit of a hangover from their narrow loss at Liberty, Sam Houston traveled to New Mexico State and dropped a 6th straight contest to open their FBS tenure. The Bearkats fell behind 27-0 in the first half and did not have enough energy to make the comeback. Could Sam Houston pick up their first win of the year this week against FIU?
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 18 vs FIU, 7:00 p.m., CBSSN
9. FIU (3-4, 0-4) #133
2
This week: L, 27-14 vs UTEP
Vice City Night did not treat the home team well despite their fancy uniforms and new paint on the field. How did this FIU team win three straight earlier this year to open the season at 3-1? Can they turn things around?
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 18 @ Sam Houston, 7:00 p.m., CBSSN
