We’re in the thick of October, and Weekday CUSA is still going strong.
The prior week provided us a masterclass from the nation’s leading rusher Cam Cook, UTEP’s first FBS victory of the year, a down-to-the-wire finish in Lynchburg, and a stunning upset crafted by the FIU Panthers. What Weekday CUSA has truly shown us thus far is the unpredictable nature of this wide-open conference.
No contender seems safe against any opponent, and we’ll see if that hypothesis proves true in Week 9. There is another
4-game Tuesday and Wednesday slate, so let’s check out the Weekday CUSA matchups that will grace our television screens:
Kennesaw State @ FIU
Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 7 pm ET on ESPN2
Spread: Kennesaw State (-3.5)
Over/under: 49.5
Kennesaw State (4-2, 2-0 CUSA) is one of two teams sporting an undefeated CUSA record. The Owls are one of the most under-the-radar turnaround stories in 2025. First-year head coach Jerry Mack took over a second-year FBS program fresh off a 2-10 season of trials and tribulations, and now they look every part of a CUSA contender. Those two losses? One is to Indiana and the other is a 10-9 loss to Wake Forest due to a missed extra point. But two weeks ago, Kennesaw State decimated a potent Louisiana Tech team 35-7 behind 290 passing yards and four touchdowns from quarterback Dexter Williams II. Williams and wide receiver Gabriel Benyard are capable of creating explosives, but the Owls also exhibit defensive potency. They ride a 4-game win streak into Tuesday night, surrendering 21 or fewer points during all four wins.
FIU (3-3, 1-1 CUSA) is hosting its annual Vice Night at Pitbull Stadium — dalé! It’s a celebration of the city of Miami, and there’s a lot to celebrate right now considering the season FIU is having. First-year head coach Willie Simmons led the Panthers to their first win over arch rival Florida Atlantic since 2016 and then dominated WKU 25-6 on the road last week, preventing a dynamic Hilltopper offense from reaching the end zone. The Panthers offer a very disruptive pass coverage unit with cornerback Mister Clark and true freshman free safety Jessiah McGrew was notable standouts. And offensively, FIU is capable of running down opponents’ throats. Kejon Owens’ is 16th in the country in rushing after a 195-yard outburst last Tuesday — his second 170+ yard showing of 2025.
Prediction: Kennesaw State 21, FIU 20
WKU @ Louisiana Tech
Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 pm ET on CBS Sports Network
Spread: Louisiana Tech (-3.5)
Over/under: 50.5
Western Kentucky (5-2, 3-1 CUSA) was absolutely shocked last Tuesday, completely deprived of the end zone in a 25-6 upset defeat to FIU. The Hilltoppers were rolling until that point, winning their first three conferences games and routinely lighting up teams through the air. Quarterback Maverick McIvor (15th in FBS in passing) entered the FIU game with 12 touchdowns and two interceptions, yet had an uncharacteristic 159-yard, 0-touchdown, 3-interception showing which he looks to bounce back from. The seventh-year senior is surrounded by stellar wide receiving talent including the CUSA’s yards leader in Matthew Henry. That’s one area for improvement this week, and another involves preventing explosive runs — significant reasons WKU lost to Toledo and FIU. However, this is a sharp passing defense, allowing a 55.3 opponent completion percentage.
Louisiana Tech (4-2, 2-1 CUSA) was also on the wrong side of a stunner last time out, falling 35-7 to Kennesaw State in Week 7. Prior to Week 7, the Bulldogs enjoyed a better start to the season than any CUSA team, dominating New Mexico State and UTEP in conference play, handling Sun Belt West frontrunner Southern Miss, and hanging close with LSU in Death Valley. The Bulldogs are built on a potent run defense which allows 106 yards per game. However, they must operate without injured star linebacker Kolbe Fields for the remainder of the season, creating larger roles for Mekhi Mason and the rest of the corps. Turnover creation is another strength of the defense, ranking 12th in the FBS with 13 takeaways. Offensively, there is some uncertainty as quarterbacks Blake Baker and Trey Kukuk are day-to-day, meaning three different players — including Evan Bullock — could get the starting nod.
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 27, WKU 24
Middle Tennessee @ Delaware
Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 7:30 pm ET on ESPN2
Spread: Delaware (-8.5)
Over/under: 54.5
Middle Tennessee (1-5, 0-2 CUSA) is in the midst of a nightmare season. The Blue Raiders initiated the year with a 20-point loss to FCS Austin Peay and there hasn’t been a sign of a midseason turnaround. The positive is, Derek Mason’s team is fresh after substantial rest, taking two full weeks between their last Oct. 8 matchup vs. Missouri State and this Oct. 22 trip to Delaware. Middle Tennessee exhibits the nation’s 130th-ranked offense primarily due to struggles in the run, where it obtains 82.8 yards per game (133rd in the FBS). However, the unit saw its best showing against Missouri State, as veteran quarterback Nicholas Vattiato created a strong connection with Cam’ron Lacy while Jekail Middlebrook rushed for 93. The Blue Raiders hope to channel that improvement into a first CUSA victory, with additional turnover help from a defense that has only picked off three passes all year.
Delaware (3-3, 1-2 CUSA) is gearing up for an incredible atmosphere. The FBS newcomer unveiled new blackout uniforms and is hosting Dollar Dog Night, allowing the fans to chase Joey Chestnut’s records while the Fightin’ Blue Hens chase new offensive highs. Besides the first half of last week, it’s been an excellent offensive season for Delaware which exhibits the talents of quarterback Nick Minicucci and wide receiver Kyre Duplessis. Minicucci is second in the conference with 1,801 passing yards and Duplessis is second in the conference with 430 receiving yards, creating an explosive duo for an offense that ranks first in the CUSA in total yards per game. The Hens have found themselves in several track meets this year as the defense allows north of 28 points on average. One thing Delaware needs is a premier pass rusher, and it will look to find one against a Middle Tennessee line surrendering 3.3 sacks per game.
Prediction: Delaware 38, Middle Tennessee 10
Missouri State @ New Mexico State
Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 9 pm ET on CBS Sports Network
Spread: Missouri State (-1.5)
Over/under: 52.5
Missouri State (3-3, 1-1 CUSA) is sitting .500 at the season’s midway point in both the CUSA and overall standings. The Bears’ transition under head coach Ryan Beard hasn’t been too arduous, and they’ve even overcome injury adversity to produce this record. Starting quarterback Jacob Clark remains day-to-day, but backup Deuce Bailey stepped in and defeated Middle Tennessee on the road in the team’s last outing. With 265 passing yards per game, Missouri State is an aerial-based attack regardless of the quarterback and will look to move the ball in that fashion. On defense, the Bears haven’t allowed 30 points in five matchups since a 73-13 Week 1 thrashing at USC — and they faced two 34+ points per game scoring offenses in SMU and Marshall.
New Mexico State (3-3, 1-2 CUSA) is fresh off a heartbreaker at Liberty where it outplayed the Flames on offense and defense but suffered perhaps the worst special teams game of any FBS program this season. A missed game-tying field goal, two muffed punts leading to Liberty points, and a surrendered kickoff return touchdown were just some of the miscues preventing the Aggies from a valuable East Coast road win. Now New Mexico State returns home where it is 3-0 and led by the talents of quarterback Logan Fife. Fife is a consistent presence at quarterback, firing between 240 and 290 yards in all five FBS outings. However, the Aggies need more run support as they’re currently ranked last in the FBS at 66.5 yards per game on a 2.3 average. Defensively, the unit thrives in chaos with 13 takeaways through six games — with seven different players picking off a pass and six different recovering a fumble.
Prediction: New Mexico State 27, Missouri State 20
