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 #95 (3-0, 2-0)
no change
This week: W, 28-10 vs UTEP
Liberty continues to win, now having won 15 straight in the regular season, the second longest streak in the country, only trailing Georgia. The Flames did it with their defense while Billy Lucas rushed for over 100 yards and 3 scores. A nice non-conference test for the Flames this week.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 21 vs East Carolina, 6 p.m., ESPN+
2. Western Kentucky #97 (2-1, 1-0)
1
This week: W, 49-21 @ Middle Tennessee
Caden Veltkamp for 398 yards and f I’ve touchdowns in their CUSA opener. He also rushed for a touchdown while completing 27 of 30 passes. They teams combined for 937 yards passing and 1,145 combined yards of offense. The Hilltoppers scored the game’s first 28 points before MTSU got its firts touchdown with 10:12 left in the third quarter.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 21 vs Toledo, 7 p.m., ESPN+
3. Sam Houston #91 (2-1, 0-0)
1
This week: W, 31-13 vs Hawaii
The Bearkats jumped out to a 17-3 first half lead on their way to a second impressive non-conference victory, knocking off the Rainbow Warriors. Hunter Watson threw for 165 yards and 3 touchdowns and Sam Houston rushed for 261 yards on the afternoon. The Bearkats will now look to open CUSA play at home against NMSU.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 21 vs New Mexico State, 7 p.m., ESPN+
4. Louisiana Tech #116 (1-1, 0-0)
4
This week: L, 30-20 @ NC State
Louisiana Tech had a very nice performance at NC State, leading much of the way before giving up a double-digit deficit in the loss. Jack Turner completed 19 of 36 passes for 281 yards while Tru Edwards had 148 receiving yards. The Bulldogs scored 17 points int he final three minutes of t he first half for a 17-6 halftime lead.
Next up: Saturday, Sept. 21 vs Tulsa, 7 p.m., ESPN+
5. FIU #106 (1-2, 0-0)
3
This week: L, 38-20 @ FAU
The Panthers were unable to follow up an impressive showing last week, falling to FAU on Saturday. The Panthers scored on its opening drive but would not lead the rest of the way. The Owls held a 24-7 advantage at halftime and cruised to the win. Keyone Jenkins three for 281 yards three touchdowns and three interceptions.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 21 vs Monmouth, 6 p.m., ESPN+
6. Kennesaw State #131 (0-3, 0-0)
1
This week: L, 31-10 @ San Jose State
The Owls continue seeking its first win as an FBS program. They fell in California to San Jose State, after falling behind 17-3 at halftime. Kennesaw cut it to 17-10 late int he third quarter but the Spartans responded with two touchdowns to pull away late.
Next up: OPEN
7. Middle Tennessee #127 (1-2, 0-1)
1
This week: L, 49-21 vs Western Kentucky
Nicholas Vattiato completed 24 of 31 passes for 456 yards and three touchdowns, all three TD passes to Omari Kelly who finished with 239 yards. It wasn’t enough though as the Blue Raiders lost their CUSA opener.
Next up: OPEN
8. New Mexico State #132 (1-2, 0-1)
3
This week: L, 48-0 @ Fresno State
The Aggies continue to be one-dimensional, unable to find any consistency passing the ball. Parker Awad and Deuce Hogan combined for 11 of 29 passes for 61 yards and three interceptions as NMSU was routed on the road.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 21 @ Sam Houston 7 p.m., ESPN+
9. Jacksonville State #122 (0-3, 0-0)
no change
This week: L, 37-34 (2OT) @ Eastern Michigan
The Gamecocks missed a field goal before surrendering a game winning kick on the road to Eastern Michigan, falling to 0-3 to begin the season.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 21 @ Southern Miss, 3 p.m., ESPN+
10. UTEP #126 (0-3, 0-1)
no change
This week L, 28-10 @ Liberty
The Miners put a scare in defending CUSA champ Liberty, cutting their deficit to 14-10 in the third quarter. They would be unable to get the necessary stops and make enough plays on offense to pull off the upset though.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 21 @ Colorado State, 6 p.m., truTV
