The 2023 football season has begun with the completion of Week 0 that included three Conference USA games. As the rest of the team’s embark on their 2023 campaign and quest for a CUSA title, here are our updated power rankings for CUSA, and we will be updating these weekly during the season.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of ESPN FPI. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Western Kentucky #88
no change
The Hilltoppers have won 9 games in three of four years under head coach Tyson Helton. Now, with Austin Reed returning from a season where he threw for over 400 yards in four games and 4,744 yards on the season, WKU has their eyes set on the conference title.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 2 vs South Florida, 3:30 p.m., CBSSN
2. Liberty #97
no change
The Flames enter CUSA with high expectations despite a lot of turnover since the 2022 season. Head coach Jamey Chadwell has been a winner everywhere he’s been, and now he’s hoping to bring that success over to Liberty and CUSA.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 2 vs Bowling Green, 12:00 p.m., CBSSN
3. Middle Tennessee #112
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The Blue Raiders are a model of stability in the CUSA. They do have to play both WKU and Liberty on the road, so the conference slate is challenging.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 2 @ Alabama, 7:30 p.m., SECN
4. UTEP #124
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This week: L, 17-14 @ Jacksonville State
The Miners were unable to overcome three turnovers on the road against Jacksonville State to open up the season. Gavin Hardison threw for 208 yards but had two interceptions and also lost a fumble. UTEP was driving in the closing minutes with a chance to win or tie the game. Facing a 3rd and 1 at the JSU 24 yard line and 1:21 to play in regulation, the Miners threw two incomplete passes and turned the ball over on downs.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 2 vs Incarnate Word, 9:00 p.m., ESPN+
5. Louisiana Tech (1-0, 1-0) #101
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This week: W, 22-17 vs FIU
The Bulldogs fell behind 17-3 midway through the 2nd quarter, but they chipped away at the FIU lead and scored 19 unanswered to pick up the win in the season opener. A 30-yard touchdown run by Jacob Fields with 1:01 left in the game was the play that put LA Tech in front for the first time in the game. Boise State transfer QB Hank Bachmeier completed 34 of 44 passes for 333 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 2 @ SMU, 12:00 p.m., ESPNU
6. Jacksonville State (1-0, 1-0) #131
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This week: W, 17-14 vs UTEP
The Gamecocks opened up their FBS and Conference USA tenure with a big win at home over UTEP, 17-14. QB Zion Webb might not have had glamorous passing numbers (10/20 passing for 67 yards), but he rushed for 55 yards and protected the football to give Jacksonville State a chance. The Gamecocks forced three UTEP turnovers and came up with a defensive stand in the closing minutes to clinch the win.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 2 vs ETSU, 2:00 p.m., ESPN+
7. FIU (0-1, 0-1) #129
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This week: L, 22-17 @ Louisiana Tech
On the third play of the game, Shomari Lawrence broke free for a 67 yard rushing touchdown, giving the Panthers an early 7-0 lead on the road against Louisiana Tech. The lead would grow to 14-0 by the end of the first quarter and stood at 17-3 late into the 1st half. However, FIU would not score in the final 40 minutes of game action and was held to just 4!! yards passing as LA Tech scored 19 straight to pick up the win.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 2 vs Maine, 6:30 p.m., ESPN+
8. Sam Houston #132
no change
The Bearkats went 21-1 in two seasons in the FCS prior to last year’s 5-4 mark. Though in 2022, Sam Houston did elect to redshirt several key pieces to prepare for their FBS slate. It is likely they won’t finish at the bottom of the standings and will be a tough out in conference play.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 2 @ BYU, 10:15 p.m., FS1
9. New Mexico State (0-1, 0-0) #130
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This week: L, 41-30 vs UMass.
It was a disappointing start to the new season for second year head coach Jerry Kill and the Aggies as they were upset on their home field by UMass. Diego Pavia was unable to find a consistent rhythm at quarterback, and NMSU gave up 197 rushing yards at 5.3 yards per carry.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 2 vs Western Illinois, 9:00 p.m., ESPN+
