As we start to move into the meat of conference play and the 2024 season, it’s 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. Liberty #90 (4-0, 2-0)
no change
This week: W, 35-24 vs East Carolina
Liberty overcame a five hour weather delay and 17-0 first half deficit to beat the East Carolina Pirates. The Flames scored touchdowns on his last five offensive possessions to pick up the win to remain unbeaten.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 28 @ Appalachian State, 3:30 p.m., ESPN+
2. Western Kentucky #97 (3-1, 1-0)
no change
This week: W, 26-21 vs Toledo
Caden Veltkamp threw for a touchdown and ran for two in the fourth quarter to help Western Kentucky rally for a win over previously unbeaten Toledo. Trailing 21-10 after a weather delay of about 75 minutes, the Hilltoppers stormed back for the win.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 28 @ Boston College, 12 p.m., ACC Network
3. Sam Houston #89 (3-1, 1-0)
no change
This week: W, 31-11 vs New Mexico State
Hunter Watson rushed for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns to lead the Bearkats to the win to open conference play at 1-0. The Aggies scored first with a field goal but Sam Houston controlled the game from there. Watson would struggle throwing the ball, completing just 9 of 21 passes for 64 yards with two interceptions. Sam Houston outgained NMSU, 382-152, in the win.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 28 vs Texas State, 3 p.m., ESPN+
4. Jacksonville State #105 (1-3, 0-0)
5
This week: W, 44-7 vs Southern Miss
The Gamecocks finally got into the win column thanks to a dominating performance over Sun Belt foe Southern Miss. The Gamecocks led 14-7 early in the 2nd quarter and would then reel off 30 unanswered points. Jax State ran for 273 yards with three different players having more than 10 carries. Tyler Huff completed 14 of 16 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown.
Next up: OPEN
5. Louisiana Tech #119 (1-2, 0-0)
1
This week: L, 23-20 OT vs Tulsa
Tulsa got a game winning 34-yard field goal to beat Louisiana Tech on Saturday night. Jack Turner started at quarterback for the Bulldogs but was relieved by Blake Baker before Evan Bullock closed it out.
Next up: Saturday, Sept. 28 @ FIU, 6 p.m., ESPN+
6. Kennesaw State #131 (0-3, 0-0)
no change
This week: OPEN
The Owls got a breather after their first three games as members of the FBS and Conference USA. They now look to pick up their first win of the season over FCS UT Martin.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 28 vs UT Martin, 6 p.m., ESPN+
7. UTEP #129 (0-4, 0-1)
3
This week L, 27-17 @ Colorado State
The Miners had two touchdown passes from Cade McConnell to Kenny Odom to cut the deficit to 7 early in the fourth. The Miners turned it over on downs near midfield on their next possession, then the Rams took nearly six minutes off the clock with a drive t hat ended with a 39-yard field goal.
Next up: OPEN
8. Middle Tennessee #130 (1-3, 0-1)
1
This week: L, 45-17 vs Duke
The Blue Raiders had three first quarter fumbles that turned into touchdowns for the Blue Devils. Middle Tennessee now has to play against in-state foe Memphis this coming week.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 28 @ Memphis, 7:30 p.m., ESPNU
9. FIU #117 (1-3, 0-0)
4
This week: L, 45-42 vs Monmouth
The Panthers led by two touchdowns on a couple of occasions in the first half, but FCS Monmouth fought back to win the shootout, 45-42 on a 43-yard field goal with less than two minutes remaining.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 28 vs Louisiana Tech, 6 p.m., ESPN+
10. New Mexico State #133 (1-3, 0-2)
2
This week: L, 31-11 @ Sam Houston
It’s been a struggle on offense for New Mexico State so far this season. They have been relegated to being pretty much one dimensional as there just has not been much coming in the passing game. After reaching the CUSA Championship Game a year ago, the Aggies open this season at 0-2 in conference play.
Next up: Saturday, Sep. 28 vs New Mexico, 8 p.m., ESPN+
