The Conference USA slate is about to begin for every team in the league. Jacksonville State and Middle Tennessee featured in the first conference game of the season last week.
With all of the other teams ready to compete for the league title, let’s take a look at the Week 5 power rankings for Conference USA.
1. [4 in preseason poll] Jacksonville State (3-2, 1-0 in CUSA)
Last week: Jacksonville State 23, Middle Tennessee 13
The Gamecocks are the only team to win a conference game so far, therefore they rank as the top dog. Along with the win over the Blue Raiders, Jacksonville State has earned wins against Eastern Kentucky and Georgia Southern. Road losses to perineal power North Dakota State and a two-point loss to Ohio are the team’s only blemishes so far.
Up next: Open
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2. [1] Liberty (3-1)
Last week: Liberty 34, Coastal Carolina 17
The Flames were unable to take down James Madison in Week 1, but they have turned it into three straight wins. Liberty edged FCS Gardner-Webb 24-23 in Week. They have collected big blow out wins against Ball State and Coastal Carolina to keep the season moving in a positive direction.
Up next: at Delaware, Friday
3. [7] FIU (2-2)
Last week: FIU 20, Long Island 3
The Panthers have picked up home wins against Buffalo and FCS Long Island. The Panthers have looked strong in their two defeats, too. They lost 19-9 to USF and 16-10 against FAU. A few plays could’ve gone FIU’s way and they could’ve been the top team in the power rankings.
Up next: Open
4. [3] Delaware (2-2)
Last week: Virginia 42, Delaware 3
It wasn’t a week to remember for Delaware, who lost big to the Cavaliers along with an injury to quarterback Nick Minicucci. Delaware’s signal caller was the CUSA preseason offensive player of the year. Before last week, Delaware also secured wins over Coastal Carolina and FCS Merimack along with a nine-point loss to Vanderbilt.
Up next: vs Liberty, Friday
5. [8] Middle Tennessee (2-2, 0-1)
Last week: Jacksonville State 23, Middle Tennessee 13
It was a tough start to league play for the Blue Raiders. After a 13-10 lead in the third quarter, MTSU was never able to score again, allowing the Gamecocks to secure the win. MTSU has put up a strong start to the year, though. They secured wins over Nevada and FCS Murray State. The team’s other loss was a two-point road defeat to Marshall, who has also defeated Missouri State.
Up next: at Kansas, Saturday
6. [5] Missouri State (1-3)
Last week: No. 22 SMU 34, Missouri State 24
The Bears had SMU on the ropes, leading 10-0 early before the Mustangs were able to gain some breathing room. But, Missouri State never quit against a highly-touted team. Missouri State’s 30-24 loss to Marshall pegs them down a few spots, but a blowout win over FCS Lindenwood showcased what this team can do when firing at the right time.
Up next: Open
7. [6] Kennesaw State (1-3)
Last week: Arkansas State 17, Kennesaw State 14
The Owls started their season with a 47-0 win over West Georgia. Kennesaw followed it with a 14-point home loss to Georgia State and a big defeat to No. 15 Tennessee. Last week’s game against the Red Wolves was a disappointing result. Kennesaw led 14-7 before giving up 10 unanswered points in final 20 minutes of the game.
Up next: Open
8. [10] Sam Houston (1-3)
Last week: No. 11 Texas Tech 49, Sam Houston 14
The Bearkats opened the season with one possession defeats to Troy and Tulsa. Sam Houston picked up its first win via a 59-0 result over Nicholls. Last week’s defeat to the Red Raiders was expected, but close defeats in the opening two games should inspire confidence.
Up next: Open
9. [9] New Mexico State (1-3)
Last week: New Mexico 42, New Mexico State 18
It was a disappointing rivalry defeat for the Aggies at home last week. New Mexico State’s lone win came against FCS Mercyhurst in Week 2. The Aggies lost by just 17 points on the road to Florida State along with a 10 point loss to Hawaii away on the road, too. The close defeats have them avoiding the cellar of the power rankings.
Up next: vs Western Kentucky, Thursday
10. [2] Western Kentucky (1-3)
Last week: Western Kentucky 52, Mercyhurst 7
The Hilltoppers lone win has come against a hapless FCS Mercyhurst (1-4) squad, who has lost by at least 37 points to each FBS opponent. Western Kentucky has started the season with arguably the hardest schedule in the league. They have lost its opening three games by at least 35 points to Nevada, No. 2 Georgia and No. 4 Indiana.
Up next: at New Mexico State, Thursday
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Jacksonville State football leads latest Conference USA power rankings
