October has come and gone and gone with it are the midweek CUSA games as everyone has adjusted back to a Saturday game schedule entering the final month of the regular season. It’s also time to update our Conference USA Power Rankings once again.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of ESPN FPI. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Jacksonville State #77 (5-3, 4-0)
no change
This week: W, 31-21 @ Liberty
The Gamecocks continue their hot play, winning their fifth straight and knocking off the Flames to remain in first place in the conference race. Tre Stewart rushed for 232 yards and 4 touchdowns as the Jax State rushing attack was too much for the Flames.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 9 @ Louisiana Tech, 4:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network
2. Western Kentucky #86 (6-2, 4-0)
no change
This week: W, 31-14 vs Kennesaw State
Caden Veltkamp passed for 276 yards and three touchdowns as the Hilltoppers rolled to an easy win Wednesday night. WKU is allowing less than 16 points per game over the last seven games and have not allowed more than 21 points in a game during that stretch.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 9 @ New Mexico State, 6 p.m., ESPN+
3. Sam Houston #93 (7-2, 4-1)
no change
This week: W, 9-3 vs Louisiana Tech
The Bearkats capitalized on four turnovers to beat Louisiana Tech 9-3 on Tuesday night in the lowest scoring FBS game this season. The previous lowing scoring game of the season came just one week prior when Sam Houston bested FIU, 10-7. Now, the Bearkats have won 10 of 13 games since starting its venture into FBS with an 0-8 opening in 2023.
Next up: OPEN
4. Liberty #108 (5-2, 3-2)
no change
This week: L, 31-21 vs Jacksonville State
For the first time under Jamey Chadwell, Liberty has now lost two straight games. The Flames also lost at home for the first time under their second year head coach. Liberty still has a path to a CUSA championship game appearance but the Flames will need some help.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 9 @ Middle Tennessee, 1 p.m., CBS Sports Network
5. Louisiana Tech #119 (3-5, 2-3)
no change
This week: L, 9-3 @ Sam Houston
The Bulldogs had seven possessions inside the Sam Houston 40-yard line and four trips inside the six but only scored on a 25-yard field goal in the first quarter. They led 3-2 into the second half before Sam Houston got into the end zone on a 40-yard touchdown run.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 9 vs Jacksonville State, 4:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network
6. FIU #115 (3-6, 2-3)
2
This week: W, 34-13 vs New Mexico State
FIU wide receiver Eric Rivers set the school’s single game record with 295 yards receiving. He also had three touchdowns to help the Panthers beat NMSU on Tuesday night to snap a three-game losing skid. FIU’s previous school record was 201, set by three players including TY Hilton. Rivers had three catches over 50 yards on the night as FIU blew open the game in the second half. Leading 7-6 at the break, the Panthers scored 13 unanswered in the third period and then closed the game with two straight touchdowns in the final 8 minutes to put the game out of reach.
Next up: OPEN
7. Middle Tennessee #126 (3-6, 2-3)
3
This week: W, 20-13 @ UTEP
Nick Vattiato threw a 61-yard touchdown pass and ran for another 1-yard score with just 1:53 to play to help Middle Tennessee to a road win Saturday at UTEP. Vattiato completed 21 of 35 passes for 239 yards and two interceptions.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 9 vs Liberty, 1 p.m., CBS Sports Network
8. New Mexico State #133 (2-6, 1-4)
no change
This week: L, 34-13 @ FIU
The Aggies had just 246 total yards in a Tuesday night loss at FIU. Coming off a bye week, NMSU’s quarterbacks combined to complete just 7 of 19 passes for 30 yards. Despite this poor offensive effort, the Aggies still had a shot into the fourth quarter. They trailed only 7-6 at halftime and cut it to 20-13 early in the fourth quarter, but NMSU gave up 27 second half points to the Panthers.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 9 vs Western Kentucky, 6 p.m., ESPN+
9. Kennesaw State #132 (1-7, 1-3)
2
This week: L, 31-14 @ Western Kentucky
Davis Bryson was 13 of 26 for 96 yards and an interception as they were unable to pull off a second straight upset, this one on the road.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 9 @ UTEP, 4 p.m., ESPN+
10. UTEP #130 (1-8, 1-5)
1
This week: L, 14-10 vs Middle Tennessee
The Miners were down to their third string quarterback due to injury as JP Pickles made the start. He was 18 of 33 passing for 145 yards and an interception. He also added 77 rushing yards on 17 carries, but UTEP fell at home.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 9 vs Kennesaw State, 4 p.m., ESPN+
