September 3:
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL at Central Florida- 5:00 PM
- CBSSN
- Bright House Networks Stadium, Orlando, FL
This is a game that is much closer on paper than it is on the field as both teams boast some of the better individual players in all of the G5 but both teams underachieved according to their standards with FIU completely flopping. As long as the Knight stay away from Richard Leonard when passing the ball, they should be in good shape. Expect UCF to roll to an opening night win in this game.
WESTERN KENTUCKY at Vanderbilt
- 7:00 PM
- SECN/WatchESPN
- Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, TN
The Hilltopper went from an underdog in this game to a two point favorite as many expect WKU to pull off the win versus the SEC foe. Vanderbilt has been killed by their loss of the top receiver and starting left tackle to season ending injuries. WKU has insisted all offeseason that the defense will be much better and if that is actually true, they are a very scary team. I think the HIlltoppers get it done on the road in week one.
UTSA at Arizona
- 9:00 PM
- PAC12
- Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ
UTSA was oh so close to pulling off the upset last fall to the eventual Pac 12 South Division champs but just missed out. This season is much different as both teams have much to prove but UTSA just has so many starters to replace. I think UTSA plays much better than many pundits expect them to but do not have the weapons to beat the Wildcats.
September 4:
CHARLOTTE at Georgia State- 2:30 PM
- ESPNU/WatchESPN
- Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
The newest member of Conference USA is finally playing their inaugural game as a FBS team against the Sun Belt's Georgia State. The Panthers can throw the ball all over the field but struggle on defense and will give up some points. The 49ers have several players returning with gaudy stats but will have a hard time moving up to the FBS level. Georgia State should cruise to a win but give the Charlotte offense some confidence.
September 5
OLD DOMINION at Eastern Michigan- 2:30 PM
- ESPN3
- Rynearson Stadium, Ypsilanti, MI
In a matchup of two teams that are not expected for compete for their conference titles, this game could be fun to watch jsut to see what each team brings to the table. The Monarchs have a lot to replace, especially on offense, and will look to prove they can compete this fall despite replacing one of the best quarterbacks in school history. Old Dominion should be able to outscore the Eastern Michigan offense for the win.
UTEP at Arkansas
- 2:30 PM
- ESPNU/WatchESPN
- Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR
Arkansas is the trendy pick as the SEC West team to make a move this fall but will have to face a strong running game from UTEP in the opener. The Miners can run and run and run the ball and should be able to generate some offense versus the Razorbacks. This is a blink and you miss it type of game with lots of running of the ball and the clock moving constantly. UTEP will give Arkansas everything they have but it will not be enough to spring the upset.
Wagner at RICE
- 2:30 PM
- Rice Stadium, Houston, TX
Rice returns a starting quarterback among many other starters from a team that finished in a bowl game last season. Wagner is an FCS program that should not put much fear into the Owl faithful. This game gives Rice a chance to try out some new things in game situations while getting a season opening win. Expect the Owls to cruise to a win.
FLORIDA ATLANTIC at Tulsa
- 2:30 PM
- CBSSN
- Chapman Stadium, Tulsa, OK
In maybe the most evenly matched up game for AAC programs in Week One, FAU heads halfway across the country to face the Golden Hurricanes. Tulsa, small program darling for so many years, has fallen on tough times in recent years but is looking to make a reassurgance very soon. This fall may be too soon to ask Tulsa to return to glory but I expect them to find just enough in their tanks to defeat their Conference USA foe.
Southern at LOUISIANA TECH
- 6:00 PM
- Joe Aillet Stadium, Ruston, LA
The Bulldogs are rolling with a one and done quarterback for the second straight year but retun a strong rushing game and should be able to ease into the upcoming season. This is a bit of a trap game for Louisiana Tech as they lost in their last matchup in the 2014 season to an FCS program. Don't expect that to happen again this season as the Bulldogs are one year stronger and experieced this season.
Jackson State at MTSU
- 6:00 PM
- Floyd Stadium, Murfreesboro, TN
The Blue Raiders have been tabbed by some as a dark horse candidate to win the CUSA East Division. MTSU just named a starting quarterback in head coach's son Brent Stockstill over an incumbent with over 2,500 yards passing last fall. This is one of those decisions that makes a coach look brilliant or loses as season. It will be interesting to see how this decision affects the team this fall. MTSU should cruise in this game versus FCS program Jackson State.
Mississippi State at Southern Mississippi
- 9:00 PM
- FOXS1
- M. M. Roberts Stadium, Hattiesburg, MS
The Golden Eagles are one of only two CUSA teams to get a Power Five conference memeber to start the 2015 season on the road. Southern Miss plays host to SEC program Mississippi State in this in-state battle. The Bulldogs are mad at the world after being picked to finish last in the SEC West so they want to make a statement with the Golden Eagles. Southern Miss is working to fill in several positions and is a work in progress. Mississippi State should win this game going away early.
September 6
Purdue at Marshall- 2:00 PM
- FOXS1
- Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington, WV
While Purdue is nowhere near the top level of the Big Ten, this is a big game for Marshall as the overall schedule has been criricized as being soft this fall. Purdue is a much improved team and should be able to move the ball somewhat regularly versus the Thundering Herd but will have a hard time stopping the run. The Marshall rushing attack will be the difference in the game that will be closer than the home crowd would prefer.
Overall CUSA Week One Record: 6-6
Wins: WKU, Old Dominion, RIce, Louisiana Tech, MTSU, Marshall
Losses: FIU, UTSA, Charlotte, UTEP, FAU, Southern Miss
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