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 (5-0, 3-0)
no change
This week: OPEN
The Flames are at the back end of a 32-day stretch with only one game. Coming off a scheduled open week, Liberty will be back in action on Wednesday at Kennesaw State.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 16 @ Kennesaw State, 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network
2. Western Kentucky #82 (5-2, 3-0)
1
This week: W, 31-14 @ Sam Houston
Caden Veltkamp threw for 281 yards and 3 touchdowns while also rushing for a score to help lead the Hilltoppers to a huge road win at Sam Houston. WKU is now tied for first place in the league standings with Liberty entering an open date.
Next up: OPEN
3. Jacksonville State #84 (3-3, 2-0)
1
This week: OPEN
After a slow start to the season, the Gamecocks have got things rolling. They still have everything to play for, including a CUSA championship. That quest continues on Wednesday against Middle Tennessee.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 23 vs Middle Tennessee, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2
4. Sam Houston #95 (5-2, 2-1)
2
This week: L, 31-14 vs Western Kentucky
The Bearkats had a chance to make a strong case as the top team in CUSA on Wednesday night, but they were unable to knock off WKU at home. It was a back and forth contest into the second half until two turnovers by Sam Houston allowed the Hilltoppers to turn a one-score game into a lopsided finish.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 22 @ FIU, 7:30 p.m., ESPNU
5. New Mexico State #132 (2-5, 1-3)
2
This week: W, 33-30 (2OT) vs Louisiana Tech
The Aggies picked up their first FBS and CUSA win in the Tony Sanchez era on Tuesday night, outlasting La Tech in double overtime.
Next up: OPEN
6. Louisiana Tech #119 (2-4, 1-2)
2
This week: L, 33-30 (2OT) @ New Mexico State
The Bulldogs suffered a tough setback at NMSU on Tuesday night in double overtime. With games against Sam Houston, Jax State, and Western Kentucky still on the schedule – not to mention Arkansas in non-conference – it’s a tough road for La Tech to be able to get in the picture for bowl eligibility.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 22 vs UTEP, 8 p.m., CBS Sports Network
7. UTEP #129 (1-6, 1-3)
2
This week: W, 30-21 vs FIU
The Miners finally got into the win column on Wednesday night, outlasting FIU for a comeback win at the Sun Bowl. It’s the first win under first year head coach Scotty Walden.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 22 @ Louisiana Tech, 8 p.m., CBS Sports Network
8. FIU #117 (2-5, 1-2)
2
This week: L, 30-21 @ UTEP
The Panthers were unable to overcome an in-game injury to QB Keyone Jenkins and fell at UTEP. FIU led 21-20 entering the final quarter but allowed 10 unanswered points in the final 15 minutes for the final margin.
Next up: Tuesday, Oct. 22 vs Sam Houston, 7:30 p.m., ESPNU
9. Middle Tennessee #128 (2-5, 1-2)
1
This week: W, 14-5 vs Kennesaw State
Nick Vattiato passed for 199 yards and Omari Kelly returned a punt 61 yards for a touchdown to help MTSU to a win over winless Kennesaw State on Tuesday night. It was the first ever meeting between the programs, and the Blue Raiders overcome a first half 2-0 deficit after getting tackled in the end zone for a safety in the first quarter.
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 23 @ Jacksonville State, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2
10. Kennesaw State #133 (0-6, 0-2)
no change
This week: L, 14-5 @ Middle Tennessee
The Owls continue to struggle in their first season at the FBS level, falling to the Blue Raiders 14-5. Their next two games are against Liberty and Western Kentucky. When will their first FBS win come?
Next up: Wednesday, Oct. 23 vs Liberty, 7 p.m., CBS Sports Network
