Following the conclusion of week 8 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 (7-0, 5-0) #61
   no change

This week: W, 42-35 vs Middle Tennessee

The Flames continue to find ways to win, holding off Middle Tennessee on Tuesday night at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty remains unbeaten despite the narrow victory and is now the only remaining unbeaten team in CUSA play.

Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 24 @ Western Kentucky, 7:30 p.m., ESPNU

2. Jacksonville State (6-2, 4-1) #98
  2

This week: W, 20-17 vs Western Kentucky

The Gamecocks continued their strong season, their first at the FBS level and in Conference USA, with a win over conference preseason favorite Western Kentucky with a late field goal. Under Rich Rodriguez, Jacksonville State has been very impressive in their seemless transition. Can they keep the momentum going?

Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 25 @ FIU, 7:30 p.m., CBSSN

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

This week: W, 28-7 @ UTEP

A team that has seemingly been forgotten about by many in the CUSA race is the New Mexico State Aggies, yet they keep winning. They have won three straight and four of their past five to move to just one game shy of bowl eligibility for a second straight year. With games left against Western Kentucky and Jacksonville State, the Aggies control their own destiny in regards to a CUSA title game appearance.

Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 24 @ Louisiana Tech, 7:00 p.m., CBSSN

4. Western Kentucky (4-3, 2-1) #84
  2

This week: L, 20-17 @ Jacksonville State

The Hilltoppers were upended for the first time in conference play this season, falling at Jacksonville State due to a late field goal. WKU still sits in prime position and controls their own destiny to not only reach the conference title game but to play it on their home field. Of course, a lot of that rides on and will be decided by Tuesday’s game against Liberty.

Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 24 vs Liberty, 7:30 p.m., ESPNU

5. Middle Tennessee (2-6, 1-3) #113
   no change

This week: L, 42-35 @ Liberty

The Blue Raiders nearly pulled an upset on the road over Liberty, a win that could have certainly changed the projection of their season. Even at 2-6 entering a bye week, MTSU has a chance for some wins down the stretch. They still have games against FIU and UTEP, both at home, and at Sam Houston. Middle could be a favorite in all three of those games, leaving the game at New Mexico State on Sat. Nov. 4 as one that could decide the Blue Raiders’ bowl fate for this season.

Next up: Bye

6. Louisiana Tech (3-5, 2-2) #112
  1

This week: Bye

Coming off a bye, the Bulldogs will look to make things a bit more interesting and insert themselves into the CUSA title game picture with a win on Tuesday at home against New Mexico State.

Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 24 vs New Mexico State, 7:00 p.m., CBSSN

7. FIU (4-4, 1-4) #130
  2

This week: W, 33-27 @ Sam Houston (2OT)

The Panthers ended an 8 game losing skid in CUSA play, getting the better of Sam Houston on the road in double overtime. FIU fell behind by 3 with just about a minute to play, faced a 4th and 18, and still managed to not only tie the game to send it into overtime but also pull out the victory on the road.

Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 25 vs Jacksonville State, 7:00 p.m., CBSSN

8. UTEP (2-6, 1-3) #125
  2

This week: L, 28-7 vs New Mexico State

It has been a disappointing season for the Miners, one in which they hoped to compete in the upper half of the league standings. This week, UTEP lost a rivalry game at home to New Mexico State. Can they rebound at Sam Houston this coming week?

Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 25 @ Sam Houston, 8:00 p.m., ESPN2

9. Sam Houston (0-7, 0-4) #123
  1

This week: L, 33-27 vs FIU (2OT)

It has been a rough start to the FBS era for the Bearkats. Not only are they winless, but they have had heartbreak after heartbreak the past few weeks. First, a loss to Jacksonville State despite leading by 8 points with less than 2 minutes to play. Then, the loss on the final play of the game at Liberty, and now a loss in double overtime to FIU on their home field after taking a three point lead in the final minute.

Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 25 vs UTEP, 8:00 p.m., ESPN2