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 #97 (5-0, 3-0)
no change
This week: W, 31-24 OT vs FIU
More of the same for the Flames this week as they defeated FIU but needed overtime to do so. It will be interesting in the final month of the season to see how Liberty fares against the top half of the conference.
Next up: OPEN
2. Sam Houston #87 (5-1, 2-0)
no change
This week: OPEN
The Bearkats are coming off an open date before a crucial game in the CUSA race as they host Western Kentucky on Wednesday. Sam Houston gets both WKU and Liberty on their home field this season.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 16 vs Western Kentucky, 7 p.m., ESPN2
3. Western Kentucky #92 (4-2, 2-0)
no change
This week: W, 44-17 vs UTEP
The Hilltoppers took care of business at home against UTEP. It sets up for a huge matchup at Sam Houston this Wednesday night. The winner of that one will be sitting in really good shape in the conference race.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 16 @ Sam Houston, 7 p.m., ESPN2
4. Jacksonville State #83 (3-3, 2-0)
no change
This week: W, 54-13 vs New Mexico State
We all saw that poor showing by Jax State in the season opener on Thursday night against Coastal Carolina. After that, most of us wrote the Gamecocks off, but they have figured things out and are playing very good football right now. With their win over NMSU, JSU has now won three straight all by 30+ points. The Gamecocks have their toughest CUSA games in front of them against Liberty, Sam Houston, and Western Kentucky, but they should certainly be considered as one of the teams in the mix.
Next up: OPEN
5. Louisiana Tech #117 (2-3, 1-1)
2
This week: W, 48-21 vs Middle Tennessee
Freshman Evan Bullock threw touchdown passes on four straight drives to open the game and then ran for a score on the fifth as the Bulldogs cruised to a victory over Middle Tennessee on Thursday. That win could help propel La Tech into the top half of the conference standings.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 15 @ New Mexico State, 9 p.m., ESPNU
6. FIU #114 (2-4, 1-1)
1
This week: L, 31-24 OT @ Liberty
It was a very good showing for the Panthers in Lynchburg on Tuesday night, pushing Liberty to the brink and sending the game into overtime. They were unable to get over the hump and pick up the win, but that performance should give the team some confidence heading down the stretch.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 16 @ UTEP, 9 p.m., CBS Sports Network
7. New Mexico State #132 (1-5, 0-3)
1
This week: L, 54-13 @ Jacksonville State
It has definitely been a disappointing first half the year under first year head coach Tony Sanchez. With three conference losses already, you have to wonder if Sanchez can keep the Aggies engaged and to continue fighting each and every week.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 15 vs Louisiana Tech, 9 p.m., ESPNU
8. Middle Tennessee #129 (1-5, 0-2)
no change
This week: L, 48-21 @ Louisiana Tech
Through their first five games, we didn’t really know much about Middle Tennessee under their first year head coach Derek Mason. They beat an FCS by a close margin, got beat bad by Ole Miss, Duke, and Memphis, and wasn’t very competitive with Western Kentucky. Well, it looks like more of the same for the Blue Raiders as they will likely struggle in conference play.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 15 vs Kennesaw State, 8 p.m., CBS Sports Network
9. UTEP #130 (0-6, 0-3)
no change
This week: L, 44-17 @ Western Kentucky
It’s getting to the point where you have to wonder when and if the first win of the Scotty Walden era will come.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 16 vs FIU, 9 p.m., CBS Sports Network
10. Kennesaw State #133 (0-5, 0-1)
no change
This week: OPEN
It’s been a tough start to their FBS and CUSA era as Kennesaw State is winless, including a loss to an FCS opponent. They come off an open date and will play at Middle Tennessee on Tuesday.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 15 @ Middle Tennessee, 8 p.m., CBS Sports Network
