We had our first CUSA game with Liberty taking on New Mexico State this past weekend and several other conference teams in action. Here are our updated CUSA Power Rankings following week 2.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of ESPN FPI. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Liberty #92 (2-0, 1-0)
no change
This week: W, 30-24 @ New Mexico State
It hasn’t been pretty these first two weeks and the Flames haven’t covered in either contest, but the team is 2-0 and picked up a win in its CUSA opener Saturday night on the road at New Mexico State. Liberty scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including two in the final five minutes to come from behind to defeat the Aggies in a rematch of the 2023 CUSA Championship Game.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 14 vs UTEP, 6 p.m., ESPN+
2. FIU #101 (1-1)
7
This week: W, 52-16 vs Central Michigan
Keyone Jenkins threw two touchdown passes and ran for a third as FIU rolled to a win in the Panthers’ home opener in the first game at the renamed Pitbull Stadium. J Jenkins completed 10 of 18 passes for 124 yards.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 14 @ FAU, 6 p.m., ESPN+
3. Western Kentucky #120 (1-1)
no change
This week: W, 31-0 vs Eastern Kentucky
The Hilltoppers wanted to wear white in a whiteout game at home, but their in-state rivals wouldn’t allow it and instead wore the typical road whites. WKU maybe took out some of their frustration on the FCS opponent, grabbing a 17-0 halftime lead and cruising to the 31-0 victory. TJ Finley completed 27 of 39 passes for 351 yards in the win.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 14 @ Middle Tennessee, 7 p.m., ESPN+
4. Sam Houston #96 (1-1)
2
This week: L, 45-14 @ UCF
After a nice win in Week 1 on the road at Rice, things didn’t go so well for the Bearkats in Week 2. Sam Houston had no answer for the UCF potent offensive attack, as the CUSA member managed only 118 total yards in the first half and 282 for the game compared to UCF’s 554. After an impressive debut, Hunter Watson had only 82 passing yards on 9 of 13 passing while throwing two interceptions.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 14 vs Hawaii, 7 p.m., ESPN+
5. New Mexico State #128 (1-1, 0-1)
no change
This week: L, 30-24 vs Liberty
For much of the game it looked like the Aggies would get a program defining win to open the Tony Sanchez era up in just his second game leading NMSU. That wouldn’t be the case as New Mexico State surrendered a furious 4th quarter rally to the visiting and defending CUSA Champion Liberty, giving up the lead with just one minute left in the contest.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 14 @ Fresno State, 10:30 p.m., truTV
6. Middle Tennessee #125 (1-1)
no change
This week: L, 52-3 @ #6 Ole Miss
Not sure you can take much from this one as the Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart completed his first 24 passes in the route over MTSU. The Blue Raiders’ best drive of the day ended with an interception in the end zone. MTSU gets into conference play this week with a rivalry game against WKU.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 14 vs Western Kentucky, 7 p.m., ESPN+
7. Kennesaw State #132 (0-2)
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This week: L, 34-10 vs Louisiana
The Owls took an early 7-0 lead but then would not score again until the fourth quarter when the game was well in hand. Louisiana scored 34 unanswered points, taking a 20-7 lead at halftime and then 34-7 entering the final period. Kennesaw had just 204 total yards of offense in the game.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 14 @ San Jose State, 7 p.m., truTV
8. Louisiana Tech #119 (1-0)
no change
This week: Open date
The Blue Raiders had an early bye week following an FCS win to open the season. Now, they head on the road to take on ACC foe NC State.
Next up: Saturday, Sept. 14 @ #24 NC State, Noon, ACC Network
9. Jacksonville State #123 (0-2)
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This week: L, 49-14 @ #22 Louisville
It wasn’t as bad as the season opener against Coastal Carolina, but the Gamecocks have now started 0-2. Tyler Huff threw for 160 yards and a touchdown on 17 of 27 passing. He also ran 18 times for 1001 yards and a score. JSU was just 2 of 12 on third downs.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 14 @ Eastern Michigan, 7 p.m., ESPN+
10. UTEP #131 (0-2)
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This week L, 27-24 (OT) vs Southern Utah
UTEP took an early 14-6 lead in the first quarter and held a 17-6 advantage at halftime. Southern Utah would score 18 unanswered to grab a 24-17 lead with just over 2 minutes left in regulation. UTEP scored the game tying touchdown as time expired. In overtime, a 33 yard field goal for Southern Utah gave them the lead and the Miners missed their potential game tying kick.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 14 @ Liberty, 6 p.m., ESPN+
