We enter the stretch run and the race for the CUSA Championship becomes clearer each and every week. Here are our updated power rankings.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of ESPN FPI. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Jacksonville State #75 (6-3, 5-0)
no change
This week: W, 44-37 (OT) @ Louisiana Tech
Jax State nearly had their win streak halted on Saturday night at Louisiana Tech. The Gamecocks got a hail Mary on the final play of regulation to tie the contest before missing the extra points that would have won the game. JSU would then win the game in overtime to remain unbeaten in conference play.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 16 vs FIU, 2 p.m., ESPN+
2. Western Kentucky #83 (7-2, 5-0)
no change
This week: W, 41-28 @ New Mexico State
Caden Veltkamp threw for 246 yards and 2 touchdowns while running for two more as WKU remained unbeaten in conference play by knocking off New Mexico State.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 16 vs Louisiana Tech, Noon, CBS Sports Network
3. Sam Houston #96 (7-2, 4-1)
no change
This week: OPEN
The Bearkats are quietly staying within striking distance of first place in CUSA. With games remaining against Liberty and Jax State, Sam Houston controls its own destiny for the conference title game.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 16 @ Kennesaw State, 3 p.m., ESPN+
4. Liberty #98 (6-2, 4-2)
no change
This week: W, 37-17 @ Middle Tennessee
The Flames played arguably their most complete game of the season, cruising to a comfortable win on the road against MTSU. Liberty rushed for a season high in rushing yards and controlled the game for the majority of the afternoon in Murfreesboro.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 16 @ UMass, Noon, ESPN+
5. Louisiana Tech #118 (3-6, 2-4)
no change
This week: L, 44-37 (OT) vs Jacksonville State
The Bulldogs were just seconds away from picking up a really good win in conference play and move one step closer to bowl eligibility. However, La Tech was unable to knock down Jax State’s hail Mary attempt on the final play of regulation and then lost in overtime.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 16 @ Western Kentucky, Noon, CBS Sports Network
6. FIU #114 (3-6, 2-3)
no change
This week: OPEN
The Panthers are coming out of an open date as they prepare to take on Jacksonville State this weekend.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 16 @ Jacksonville State, 2 p.m., ESPN+
7. UTEP #128 (2-8, 2-5)
3
This week: W, 43-35 (2OT) vs Kennesaw State
Scotty Lockleaer threw a touchdown to Kenny Odom in second overtime and then the UTEP defense held to give the Miners the win over Kennesaw State on Saturday night.
Next up: OPEN
8. New Mexico State #133 (2-7, 1-5)
no change
This week: L, 41-28 vs Western Kentucky
New Mexico State kept the game close at home against WKU but were unable to pull out the win. The Aggies cut it to a three point game in the third quarter before the Hililtoppers pulled away. Mike Washington and Seth McGowan both rushed for over 100 yards in the loss.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 16 @ Texas A&M, 7:45 p.m., SEC Network
9. Middle Tennessee #127 (3-7, 2-4)
2
This week: L, 37-17 vs Liberty
The Blue Raiders took an early 7-0 lead against Liberty on Saturday afternoon, but the Flames would take over from there and cruise to the victory.
Next up: OPEN
10. Kennesaw State #132 (1-8, 1-4)
1
This week: L, 43-35 (2OT) @ UTEP
The Owls surrendered a touchdown and two-point conversion in second overtime and then were unable to convert on a 4th and 9 on their possession in the second overtime, falling to the Miners on the road. On Sunday, Kennesaw head coach Brian Bohannon was fired, the program’s only football coach in its history.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 16 vs Sam Houston, 3 p.m., ESPN+
