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: @ Appalachian State canceled
Amid the devastating conditions left from Hurricane Helene, Liberty’s game at Appalachian State was canceled. The Flames will not return to the field until next Tuesday against FIU.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 8 vs FIU, 7 p.m., CBSSN
2. Sam Houston #91 (4-1, 1-0)
1
This week: W, 40-39 vs Texas State
The Bearkats fell behind 22-0 in the first quarter against in-state foe and one of the better teams in the Sun Belt Texas State. The deficit was also 39-21 early in the second half. From there, the Sam Houston defense took over, making two straight 4th down stops which both led to touchdown drives. A 24-yard Christian Pavon field goal with six seconds remaining gave Sam Houston their first and only lead of the game in the upset win.
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 3 @ UTEP, 9 p.m., CBSSN
3. Western Kentucky #89 (3-2, 1-0)
1
This week: L, 21-20 @ Boston College
The Hilltoppers had every opportunity and really should have picked up the win over Boston College on Saturday afternoon. Former FIU QB Grayson James led the Eagles to the comeback victory as they scored 14 unanswered points in the final quarter for the win.
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 10 vs UTEP, 8 p.m., ESPNU
4. Jacksonville State #102 (1-3, 0-0)
no change
This week: OPEN
Coming off their first win of the season, the Gamecocks had an open date. They now prepare to open CUSA play on Friday at Kennesaw State.
Next up: Friday, Oct. 4 @ Kennesaw State, 7 p.m., CBSSN
5. FIU #112 (2-3, 1-0)
4
This week: W, 17-10 vs Louisiana Tech
Keyone Jenkins threw a touchdown pass to Eric Rivers to help FIU to the CUSA win in the conference opener for both teams.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 8 @ Liberty, 7 p.m., CBSSN
6. UTEP #127 (0-4, 0-1)
1
This week OPEN
The Miners had the week off as they transition to the midweek schedule. They will take on Sam Houston in El Paso Thursday night.
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 3 vs Sam Houston, 9 p.m., CBSSN
7. New Mexico State #131 (1-4, 0-2)
3
This week: L, 50-40 vs New Mexico
The Lobos had 7 rushing touchdowns to hellp New Mexico beat NMSU on Saturday night. Mike Washington scored on runs of 10 and 2 yards and added a 25 yard touchdown reception.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 9 @ Jacksonville State, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2
8. Louisiana Tech #120 (1-3, 0-1)
3
This week: L, 17-10 @ FIU
The Bulldogs rallied within four points in the third quarter but could not get over the hump on the road Saturday. Evan Bullock threw for 218 yards in the loss.
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 10 vs Middle Tennessee, 8 p.m., CBSSN
9. Middle Tennessee #126 (1-4, 0-1)
1
This week: L, 24-7 @ Memphis
Neither team scored until Memphis converted a turnover into a touchdown in the second quarter. The Blue Raiders would cut it to 14-7 early in the 2nd half, but the Tigers would respond and coast to the victory.
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 10 @ Louisiana Tech, 8 p.m., CBSSN
10. Kennesaw State #132 (0-4, 0-0)
4
This week: L, 24-13 vs UT Martin
The early struggles for the Owls continue as they drop their fourth straight to begin FBS play, this time falling to FCS UT Martin.
Next up: Friday, Oct. 4 vs Jacksonville State, 7 p.m., CBSSN
