The 2024 football season kicked off with week 1 over the weekend and all 10 Conference USA teams were in action. Some played P4 opponents while others played FCS competition. There were only three contests against other G5 programs. So, it’s difficult to get a good read on everyone and it was only one game, but that’s what power rankings are for – to overreact to the one game.
Here are our CUSA Power Rankings following week 1.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of ESPN FPI. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Liberty #96 (1-0)
no change
This week: W, 41-24 vs Campbell
The Flames took care of business in the season opener as they look to repeat as CUSA Champions this year. It was a lackluster performance at times, but a win is a win and Liberty looks to keep it rolling against the Aggies on the road this week.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 7 @ New Mexico State, 10:15 p.m., ESPN2
2. Sam Houston #98 (1-0)
2
This week: W, 34-14 @ Rice
The only win over an FBS opponent for CUSA so far this season and it comes from the Bearkats. Hunter Watson threw two touchdown passes and scored twice in 50 seconds to pick up the win. Sam Houston jumped out to a 14-0 early lead and would not look back. Watson finished the game 16 of 27 for 229 yards passing and was the leading rusher with 57 yards.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 7 @ UCF, 6:30 p.m., ESPN+
3. Western Kentucky #129 (0-1)
1
This week: L, 63-0 #5 Alabama
Not sure how much we can read into this game from the Hilltoppers. At least they walked home with a nearly $2 million payday.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 7 vs Eastern Kentucky, 7:00 p.m., ESPN+
4. Kennesaw State #126 (0-1)
5
This week: L, 28-16 @ UTSA
In their FBS debut, the Owls hung with UTSA, one of the favorites in the AAC. Austin Welch made three field goals while Davis Bryson threw for 192 yards. Bryson hit Carson Kent with a 25 yard touchdown pass to pull within 21-16 with 9:23 left in the game. Bryson would fumble on the Owls’ next possession, allowing the Roadrunners to pick up the victory.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 7 vs Louisiana, 7:00 p.m., ESPN+
5. New Mexico State #128 (1-0)
no change
This week: W, 23-16 vs SE Missouri
With a new coaching staff and largely new roster, the Aggies had to fight back to pick up the win over FCS SEMO. They didn’t take a lead until two minutes left in the game and scored the game’s final 13 points.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 7 vs Liberty, 10:15 p.m., ESPN2
6. Middle Tennessee #122 (1-0)
no change
This week: W, 32-25 vs Tennessee Tech
The Blue Raiders got a 30 yard touchdown run with 16 seconds left in the game to take the lead over FCS Tennessee Tech. This came after they allowed a touchdown with just over a minute to play, falling behind 25-24.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 7 @ #6 Ole Miss, 4:15 p.m., SEC Network
7. UTEP #118 (0-1)
no change
This week L, 40-7: @ Nebraska
UTEP’s only touchdown came after it stopped Nebraska short on a fourth and 5 in the first quarter. The Miners’ 205 total yards were their fewest since managing 131 in a loss to Texas Tech in 2019. They are now 1-60 against opponents from power conferences, their lone win against Ole Miss in 1967.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 7 vs Southern Utah, 9:00 p.m., ESPN+
8. Louisiana Tech #121 (1-0)
no change
This week: W, 25-17 vs Nicholls
Jack Turner and Blake Baker each threw a touchdown pass to help La Tech beat FCS Nicholls. Those two combined to complete 16 of 32 passes for 277 yards with three interceptions.
Next up: Bye
9. FIU #131 (0-1)
1
This week: L, 31-7 @ Indiana
The score was a lot closer than the game actually was for the Panthers in their opener at Indiana. The Hoosiers outgained FIU 414-182 and 234-53 on the ground. FIU has lost five straight and eight of their last nine. Keyone Jenkins completed 20 of 29 passes for 129 yards 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 7 vs Central Michigan, 6:00 p.m., ESPN+
10. Jacksonville State #120 (0-1)
7
This week: L, 55-27 vs Coastal Carolina
What was that? Oof. A sorry debut for second year FBS and CUSA member Jacksonville State. The Gamecocks were expected to compete for a CUSA championship, but after getting dogged by the underdog Chanticleers on their home field, maybe they belong towards the bottom of the league. It’s just one game and a long season, but it’s hard to overcome that. They gave up 555 yards of offense. The JSU defense was their calling card last year, and many have overlooked all the departures the Gamecocks face on that side of the ball.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 7 @ Louisville, 3:30 p.m., ESPN+
