Conference USA action is about to heat up this week. By the end of the week, every team will have played at least one league game. It’s one of the most competitive conferences in the nation and any team can beat anyone on any given night.
Let’s take a look at the Week 6 power rankings for Conference USA.
1. [2 last week] Liberty (4-1, 1-0 in CUSA)
Last week: Liberty 30, Delaware 14
It was a statement win for the Flames, who dismantled a Delaware team that many were high on this year. The Flames relied on running back Cam Davis for 147 yards and two touchdowns. The Flames went for over 400 yards of offense in the win. The Flames look like the team to beat in CUSA action this season.
Up next: vs Sam Houston, Thursday
2. [1] Jacksonville State (3-2, 1-0)
Last week: Open
The Gamecocks took their open week after taking down Middle
Tennessee by 10 points. Jacksonville State is one of the favorites in the league this season and has played well through the first portion of the season. A road test against the Owls will be a great litmus test for the Gamecocks.
Up next: at Kennesaw State, Wednesday
3. [3] FIU (2-2)
Last week: Open
The Panthers have been one of the surprise teams to start the season. FIU has earned wins over Buffalo and FCS Long Island. They suffered close losses to South Florida and FAU on the road, which bodes well for the future. With conference play beginning, FIU must keep the momentum rolling week-to-week.
Up next: vs New Mexico State, Wednesday
4. [4] Delaware (2-2, 0-1)
Last week: Liberty 30, Delaware 14
The absence of starting quarterback and preseason offensive player of the year Nick Minicucci was apparent in the Blue Hens’ loss to the Flames. Delaware tried out three different quarterbacks in the loss with the team scoring its 14 points in the final quarter. The offense has to figure itself out if it doesn't want a disappointing season.
Up next: Open
5. [9] New Mexico State (2-3, 1-0)
Last week: New Mexico State 34, Western Kentucky 13
It was a perfect start to league play for the Aggies. New Mexico State forced the Hilltoppers to go 0-for-3 on 4th down. This allowed them to keep hold of the momentum. The Aggies rushed for over 200 yards thanks to James Jones, who went for 155 yards and a touchdown. This week, the Aggies will have a major prove-it game on the road showing that they are real contenders this season.
Up next: at FIU, Wednesday
6. [6] Missouri State (1-3)
Last week: Open
The Bears regrouped during its open week after challenging SMU in its latest game. Head coach Casey Woods said that the team is fully heathy, a great sign entering league play. The first-year coach goes on the road to Western Kentucky, which is having a down year, but is always a tough place to play. The Hilltoppers are 65-31 during CUSA action since joining the league in 2014.
Up next: at Western Kentucky, Thursday
7. [5] Middle Tennessee (2-3, 0-1)
Last week: Kansas 55, Middle Tennessee 0
Everything that could go wrong went wrong for the Blue Raiders last week. They will enjoy a much needed open week after only picking up 136 yards of total offense versus a Kansas team that is expected to be near the bottom of the Big 12 Conference.
Up next: Open
8. [7] Kennesaw State (1-3)
Last week: Open
The Owls have lost three straight before last week’s open date. Kennesaw will need to find offensive consistency with quarterback Rickie Collins. He’s thrown for 749 yards with just two touchdowns this season. He also leads the team with 185 rushing yards and three ground scores.
Up next: Jacksonville State, Wednesday
9. [8] Sam Houston (1-3)
Last week: Open
After losing to No. 11 Texas Tech by a large margin, the Bearkats were able to regroup during its open week. Sam Houston will have a challenge against Liberty. The two teams have only played each other twice in 2023 and 2024. Home teams are undefeated with Sam Houston winning in 2024, while the Flames won the series opener.
Up next: at Liberty, Thursday
10. [10] Western Kentucky (1-4, 0-1)
Last week: New Mexico State 34, Western Kentucky 13
The season is simply not going according to plan for the Hilltoppers. The team’s only win is against FCS Mercyhurst. Last week’s loss in CUSA opener to the Aggies was disappointing. Western Kentucky’s offense simply can’t find the end zone or extend drives. Sophomore quarterback Rodney Tisdale Jr. will need a big game at home this week versus Missouri State.
Up next: vs Missouri State, Thursday
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Liberty football takes over top spot in latest Conference USA power rankings
