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 #96 (4-0, 2-0)
no change
This week: OPEN
The Flames will have 17 days between their last game and when they return to the field on Tuesday night against FIU.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 8 vs FIU, 7 p.m., CBSSN
2. Sam Houston #88 (5-1, 2-0)
no change
This week: W, 41-21 @ UTEP
The Bearkats are looking like they may be the top teams in Conference USA this season and should, at least, contend with Liberty who has yet to lose a CUSA in a year and a half as a conference member. DJ McKinney ran for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns while Hunter Watson threw for two scores to lead Sam Houston to a road victory at UTEP on Thursday to kickoff a month of midweek action in the league.
Next up: OPEN
3. Western Kentucky #93 (3-2, 1-0)
no change
This week: OPEN
The Hilltoppers are coming off an open date before they welcome UTEP to Bowling Green, Kentucky on Thursday night.
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 10 vs UTEP, 8 p.m., ESPNU
4. Jacksonville State #91 (2-3, 1-0)
no change
This week: W, 63-24 @ Kennesaw State
On Friday night, Tre Stewart ran for 134 yards and 4 touchdowns, QB Tyler Huff ran for 176 yards and 3 touchdowns, as Jacksonville State tied a program record with eight rushing touchdowns in a rout at Kennesaw State. The Gamecocks had 384 rushing yards and 577 total yards. After a slow start to the season it looks like the Gamecocks may be right back in contention in CUSA this season.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 9 vs New Mexico State, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2
5. FIU #111 (2-3, 1-0)
no change
This week: OPEN
The Panthers were off this past weekend as they prepare to take on the Flames in Lynchburg.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 8 @ Liberty, 7 p.m., CBSSN
6. New Mexico State #131 (1-4, 0-2)
1
This week: OPEN
The Aggies had the weekend off as they transition to a midweek schedule for October. They travel to Alabama to take on the Gamecocks of Jacksonville State on Wednesday.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 9 @ Jacksonville State, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2
7. Louisiana Tech #119 (1-3, 0-1)
1
This week: OPEN
The Bulldogs did not play over the weekend and will take on Middle Tennessee on Thursday.
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 10 vs Middle Tennessee, 8 p.m., CBSSN
8. Middle Tennessee #127 (1-4, 0-1)
1
This week: OPEN
The Blue Raiders will be looking to pick up their first conference win of the season on Thursday night when they travel to Louisiana Tech.
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 10 @ Louisiana Tech, 8 p.m., CBSSN
9. UTEP #130 (0-5, 0-2)
3
This week: L, 41-21 vs Sam Houston
The Miners were dominated in the first half, being outgained by the Bearkats 263-70 in total yards but were only outscored 17-7 at the break. Sam Houston would score three straight touchdowns to take a commanding 38-7 lead late in the third quarter.
Next up: Thursday, Oct. 10 @ Western Kentucky, 8 p.m., ESPNU
10. Kennesaw State #133 (0-5, 0-1)
no change
This week: L, 63-24 vs Jacksonville State
At 5-0, Kennesaw State is off to its worst start in program history as they enter an open date.
Next up: OPEN
