We enter the final week of the regular season. Here are our updated CUSA power rankings for one final time. We hope you have enjoyed these throughout the season.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of ESPN FPI. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Jacksonville State #80 (8-3, 7-0)
no change
This week: W, 21-11 vs Sam Houston
The Gamecocks picked up their 8th straight win and clinched its first berth into the CUSA Championship game with the win over Sam Houston. Jax State will host the championship game next Friday night. QB Tyler Huff ran for 177 yards and 3 touchdowns on 30 carries. Tre Stewart ran for 99 yards on 27 carries.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 30 @ Western Kentucky, 4 p.m., ESPNU
2. Liberty #96 (8-2, 5-2)
3
This week: W, 38-21 vs Western Kentucky
The Flames got a big win over WKU on Saturday afternoon to remain in the CUSA Championship title hunt. Liberty rushed for over 400 yards on the ground with Quinton Cooley and Billy Lucas both surpassing 100 each. The Liberty defense forced four turnovers to help in the win. Now, the Flames will need a win at Sam Houston Friday to get back to the CUSA Championship Game.
Next up: Friday, Nov. 29 @ Sam Houston, 3:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network
3. Western Kentucky #93 (7-4, 5-2)
no change
This week: L, 38-21 @ Liberty
The Hilltoppers were unable to overcome four turnovers on the road in a loss to Liberty. WKU is still alive in the championship race. They must win against Jax State on Saturday and also need Liberty to lose to Sam Houston.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 30 vs Jacksonville State, 4 p.m., ESPNU
4. Sam Houston #98 (8-3, 5-2)
2
This week: L, 21-11 @ Jacksonville State
The Bearkats have struggled to put points on the board in the last few weeks, only scoring 11 in a loss to Jax State. Hunter Watson rushed for 102 yards with a touchdown on 21 carries and threw for 84 yards for the Bearkats. Sam Houston had a chance to go ahead late in the third quarter when they recovered a Jax State fumbled punt return at the 14. But the Bearkats lost 6 yards on three downs and missed a field goal attempt wide. Sam Houston was just 1 of 3 in the red zone.
Next up: Friday, Nov. 29 vs Liberty, 3:30 p.m., CBS Sports Network
5. Louisiana Tech #115 (4-7, 3-4)
1
This week: W, 35-14 @ Arkansas
Louisiana Tech didn’t gain more than 20 yards on a single drive until late in the third quarter when they were able to get a touchdown. The Bulldogs finished with 229 yards of total offense after only having 43 at halftime.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 30 vs Kennesaw State, 4 p.m., ESPN+
6. New Mexico State #132 (3-8, 2-5)
3
This week: W, 36-21 @ Middle Tennessee
Brandon Nunez threw only two passes but each went for a score to help the Aggies end a three game losing streak. Parker Awad completed 12 of 16 passes for 221 yards while Seth McGowan had 83 yards rushing.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 30 vs UTEP, 4 p.m., ESPN+
7. Kennesaw State #130 (2-9, 2-5)
3
This week: W, 27-26 vs FIU
Davis Bryson ran 19 yards for a touchdown with six minutes left and Austin Welch kicked a 19 yard field goal to cap Kennesaw’s fourth quarter comeback win over FIU on Saturday, their second win of the season.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 30 @ Louisiana Tech, 4 p.m., ESPN+
8. FIU #116 (3-8, 2-5)
2
This week: L, 27-26 @ Kennesaw State
The Panthers battled back from a 17-6 first half deficit to take a 20-17 lead into halftime. FIU would extend their road lead to 27-17 into the fourth quarter before allowing 10 Kennesaw Points in the final six minutes, dropping the contest.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 30 vs Middle Tennessee, 2 p.m., ESPN+
9. UTEP #128 (2-9, 2-5)
2
This week: L, 56-0 @ Tennessee
The Miners held Tennessee scoreless in the first quarter but from there the Vols dominated, scoring 28 points in the second quarter to seize control and never look back.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 30 @ New Mexico State, 4 p.m., ESPN+
10. Middle Tennessee #129 (3-8, 2-5)
2
This week: L, 36-21 vs New Mexico State
Nick Vattiato was 30 of 45 passing for 277 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions for Middle Tennessee. The Blue Raiders have lost three of its last four contests.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 30 @ FIU, 2 p.m., ESPN+
