SPRINGFIELD — The beauty of Conference USA football is its competitive balance. Anyone can truly beat anyone.
Last season, six of Missouri State’s eight league games were separated by one possession. On a consistent basis, teams battling to the bitter end for a victory.
When the Bears open conference play this week, there will be plenty of opportunities to fulfill the team’s goals of bowl eligibility and conference title contention.
First-year head coach Casey Woods is well aware of the league’s parity and what that presents for his roster.
“I think we have a really good conference,” Woods said. “I do think there is opportunity in this league. The parity within this league is how close the conference games have been over the course of the past several
years.”
Missouri State opens its CUSA schedule at Western Kentucky (1-4) on Thursday, Oct. 8.
The Hilltoppers have won seven of their last nine home conference games. Six of Western Kentucky’s last 12 CUSA games have also been separated by one possession. Even though Western Kentucky holds a poor record, this will not be an easy challenge for the Bears.
Even though it will be difficult, Woods knows his team will have chances to win the ball game.
Following the game against Western Kentucky, the Bears will face Kennesaw State and Delaware all within two weeks thanks to mid-week scheduling.
“We are going to find out who we are real quick,” Woods said. “We look forward to it. It’s going to be a 12-day bender.”
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: In wide-open Conference USA, opportunities await for Missouri State football
