Conference USA Power Rankings (9/4/17)

It was an odd start to the season for CUSA as the elites struggled with inferior opponents, MTSU no showed versus Vandy again, and Marshall showed that you don’t always need an offense to win a game. With that said, let’s take a look at the CUSA power rankings.

1. Western Kentucky (1-0, 0-0): Sure, EKU is a rival, but the Hilltoppers looked a bit disinterested and looking ahead Saturday night. A win is a win and with Illinois, Louisiana Tech, and Ball State filling out a September slate, things will only get tougher for WKU.
2. Louisiana Tech (1-0, 0-0): It is hard to get up to play versus a vastly inferior opponent. The Bulldogs took care of business, but have quite a bit to work on before facing Mississippi State, WKU, and South Carolina in the next three weeks.
3. MTSU (0-1, 0-0): As usual, the Blue Raiders choked against their neighbors from Nashville. All you can really do is throw that game out the window and start new. Wins over Syracuse and Minnesota in the next two weeks could completely change the trajectory of the program this season.
4. Old Dominion (1-0, 0-0): It was an ugly game, but Old Dominion held off a tougher than expected Albany squad in week one. LaRussa showed flashes of brilliance and should have his spot cemented as a starter with his week one performance. Three turnovers cannot happen versus North Carolina and Virginia Tech if they want to pull an upset or two.
5. UTSA (0-0, 0-0): Weather kept the Roadrunners from playing in week one. They instead get to start their season with a trip to a Baylor squad smarting from a loss to Liberty in week one. If they can get this win, they could be looking at a possible 9/10 win season this fall.
6. Marshall (1-0, 0-0): I don’t even know what to make of the Thundering Herd. They cannot expect to score 21 non-offensive points every week. Until the offense proves they are improved from last season, Marshall sits in the middle of the CUSA pack.
7. Southern Miss (0-1, 0-0): There is hope for the Golden Eagles as they have found their quarterback in Kwadra Griggs. There were multiple chances for USM to beat Kentucky and they would have moved to #6 if they did, but they could not pull out the win. With Southern and ULM next on the slate, USM should start CUSA play at 2-1 overall.
8. North Texas (1-0, 0-0): The Mean Green took care of business in week one and beat the doors off Lamar as expected. Now, they have a real challenge with SMU and Iowa on the schedule before starting CUSA play with a visit from UAB.
9. UAB (1-0, 0-0): The Return got off to a great start in week one with a 38-7 win over Alabama A&M. The Blazers get into real FBS action in week two versus a solid Ball State squad, followed by Coastal Carolina. Five wins are possible for UAB this year.
10. Charlotte (0-1, 0-0): The 49ers hung around and had a chance to get within a score versus EMU, but could not put things together offensively in the 24-7 loss. Fix some mistakes and Charlotte could be battling for a bowl berth.
11. Florida Atlantic (0-1, 0-0): The Lane Kiffin era got off to a lackluster start versus a solid Navy squad. The players looked lost at times and the coaching staff looked ill prepared for the triple option of Navy. It could get ugly for the Owls in the next two weeks as they travel to #9 Wisconsin and Boston College comes to town.
12. UTEP (0-1, 0-0): The Miners were never going to compete with Oklahoma on the road. Forget that game. This week marks a matchup with Rice that could determine the worst team in Conference USA.
13. Florida International (0-1, 0-0): If Kiffin’s era got off to a lackluster start, the Butch Davis era started with a disaster. Playing rival UCF, the Golden Panthers are lucky that they didn’t give up 80 points. It was bad.
14. Rice (0-1, 0-0): With Stanford, Houston, Pitt, and Army making up the non-conference schedule, this could be the year that Rice goes 0-12. The best chances for the Owls to win a game might come in September as they travel to UTEP and host FIU.

Ten Conference USA Non-Conference Games To Watch

Again littered with SEC opponents, Conference USA spares no expense in getting some of the most compelling matchups in the sometimes drab non-conference schedule. Why Vanderbilt continues to schedule WKU and MTSU is beyond me, but let's enjoy it while it lasts. 

Other games may be memorable or you may have a specific reason for looking forward to another game. What I looked for in this was a that encompasses G5/G5 play, home games versus the P5, and the first FBS opponent in the return of UAB football. 

Let's take a look at Conference USA's top non-conference games that you must watch (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER). 

• Miami at Marshall (September 2): A matchup that goes well into the history of both programs, the Thundering Herd and RedHawks could end up giving us one of the most interesting games of the non-conference season. Among the many aspects of the game to watch, the battle of quarterbacks Gus Ragland and Chase Litton nearly guarantees us a high-scoring affair. Currently, Miami looks like the early favorite to win this game.

• UAB at Ball State (September 9): This is the first FBS game for the Blazers since putting together the pieces of a disbanded program not all that long ago. UAB is a complete mystery full of players that have been with the program more than a year before playing their first game. Do not expect them to beat Ball State, but it may be more competitive than many think. Ball State needs a hot start to the season if they want to go bowling and this is a must win game.

• Ball State at Western Kentucky (September 23): A year after watching MAC rival Miami nearly knock off one of the top three G5 teams in the nation last season, the Cardinals look to do the same. There is quite a bit of talent on the Ball State roster, but it will take a nearly perfect effort to knock off the kings of Conference USA. The Hilltoppers are in a very slight rebuilding process, but still have Mike White, a stable of talented running backs, and the most dynamic return man in the nation. WKU has questions on defense, but they can normally score enough for that to be only a small problem.

• Florida International at Central Florida (August 31): It is honestly a surprise when you look at this series’ five game history and realize that FIU has won on two occasions. Sure, both were ugly wins including a 15-14 pillow fight in 2015. Since that loss, UCF has moved in a different direction, hiring Scott Frost and dominating the Golden Panthers in route to a bowl berth. There is little reason to think this game will go any different, but it is a rivalry game with Butch Davis in control and nine days before an enormous matchup with Memphis for UCF.  

• Vanderbilt at Middle Tennessee (September 2): I am still not sure what happened last year to the Blue Raiders. They were the dominant team but multiple errors saw them looking at an enormous hole on the scoreboard. All MTSU has to do is play up to its potential and CUSA will have a nice looking win on Labor Day weekend. That is asking a lot of an MTSU squad that seems to fall flat when on the national stage. Just look at the Hawaii Bowl last year if you need confirmation. I think MTSU finally gets the monkey off their back and beats Vanderbilt.

• Kentucky at Southern Miss (September 2): Speaking of games that logically made no sense last fall, this game is at the top of the list. Southern Miss was down and out in the first half with Kentucky looking to earn a blowout win. Suddenly, everything changed and the CUSA squad scored 34 straight points in route to a 44-35 win. Both teams have multiple players to replace, but Southern Miss has the best player on the field in senior running back Ito Smith. A Southern Miss win would be nice for the conference here.

• Houston at UTSA (September 2): In many ways, losing to the Roadrunners in 2015 was the best thing to ever happen to Houston. It set course a path that led to the hiring of Tom Herman, a Peach Bowl win over Florida State, and a ranking as high as sixth nationally. The Cougars that were on the team in the previous meeting are looking for revenge. UTSA is not the newborn FBS program led by Larry Coker anymore. This team is a quality CUSA program that may be ready to give Louisiana Tech a real battle for the CUSA West Division crown this fall. A win over Houston would suddenly make Frank Wilson a “new big thing” coaching candidate nationwide.

• Mississippi State at Louisiana Tech (September 9): Every year, it seems like Louisiana Tech is the team just missing out on a huge upset. They are perennially one of the best team in CUSA and a top ten G5 team, but they seem to be missing that signature win that gets the blood pumping. While Mississippi State is not expected to be a SEC title contender, a Louisiana Tech win in the battle of the Bulldogs would be a nice feather in the cap for CUSA. Remember, Mississippi State lost to South Alabama last season, so there is an unspoken need to avoid embarrassment with an early season loss to Conference USA.

• North Carolina at Old Dominion (September 16): Outside of lacking a proven quarterback, the Monarchs seem to be one of the best teams in CUSA. Instead, ODU has to prove that the end of the 2016 season was not a fluke and that they are really that good. Getting the Tar Heels at home is a huge coup for the program and a chance to earn their first top level P5 scalp since moving to the FBS ranks. How well the Tar Heels handle arguably the best running back duo in Conference USA will decide this game.

• Western Kentucky at Vanderbilt (November 4): This is the third rematch from last season on this list that just makes you scratch your head. The Hilltoppers kicked a field goal with 1:02 left on the clock and allowed Vanderbilt to race downfield. The Commodores scored as time expired, eventually winning in overtime. From the inability to hold Vandy to going for two in the first overtime, this was not the WKU we expected to see. It was a bit of a wakeup call and the Hilltoppers looked great down the stretch in route to another 10+ win season. Mike White and company not only want this win, but they also want to embarrass their SEC foe in the process.

Others to watch: Stanford vs. Rice (Sydney, Australia), Navy at Florida Atlantic, Alabama A&M at UAB, Marshall at NC State, MTSU at Syracuse, North Texas at SMU, WKU at Illinois, Arizona at UTEP, MTSU at Minnesota, Coastal Carolina at UAB, BGSU at MTSU, UTEP at NMSU, Marshall at Cincinnati. 

2017 Conference USA Top Returning Offensive Players

One of the best parts of watching college football is the chance that any night could be a 55-52 shootout. In no conference is that truer than in Conference USA. Every team has a multitude of weapons on offense and defenses seem to be a step behind at all times. 

The 2016 season may have been a peak for CUSA offenses, but don't discount this year's group. Beyond the returning stars, there are quite a few dark horse players that could put up outstanding seasons. 

With that said, let's take a look at the top returning offensive skill position players for this fall.

Rushing:

1. Ito Smith, Southern Miss: 265/1,459/17TD
2. Ray Lawry, Old Dominion: 200/1,255/11TD
3. Jarred Craft, La. Tech: 191/1,074/9TD
4. Devin Singletary, FAU: 152/1,021/12TD
5. Jeffery Wilson, North Texas: 169/936/14TD

Others to watch: Alex Gardner FIU (181/930/6TD), Gregory Howell Jr. FAU (167/828/13TD), Jalen Rhodes UTSA (155/827/9TD), Jeremy Cox ODU (129/732/13TD), Anthony Jones FIU (116/562/4TD), Quinton Baker WKU (99/542/4TD), Boston Scott LA TECH (70/515/6TD), Leon Allen WKU (Injured).  

The running back position took a hit with graduation and the NFL, losing the league’s top three rushers from last season. That trio combined for just under 5,000 yards and 61 touchdowns last season. Despite the losses, the drop is not as steep as you would think with Ito Smith, Ray Lawry, and Jarred Craft all ready to dominate this fall.

Watch out for the ODU combination of Lawry and Jeremy Cox to be among the most deadly in CUSA, but eyes have to be on WKU’s Leon Allen. He has recovered from a devastating injury and could be a difference maker if he is anywhere near the player he was in 2015.

Passing:

1. Mike White, WKU: 329-496/4,617/41TD/168.6 Efficiency
2. Brent Stockstill, MTSU: 262-414/3,233/31TD/150.2 Efficiency
3. Chase Litton, Marshall: 231-371/2,612/24TD/137.9 Efficiency
4. Jason Driskel, FAU: 200-327/2,415/9TD/125.6 Efficiency
5. Dalton Strum, UTSA: 169-299/2,170/20TD/135.5 Efficiency

Others to watch: Alex McGough FIU (1,891/13TD), Mason Fine UNT (1,572/6TD), Ryan Metz UTEP (1,375/14TD), Hasaan Klugh CHARLOTTE (1,356/10TD).

When you talk about star power in Conference USA, it starts behind center. WKU’s Mike White and MTSU’s Brent Stockstill are two of the best in the nation. Stockstill already has 7,279 yards passing and is on pace to end his career inside of the top ten all time. If he duplicates his first two years, he would end up seventh all-time behind Kellen Moore of Boise State.

It is put up or shut up time for a few other quarterbacks as Chase Litton has to prove his worth, Jason Driskel has to prove he deserves to start, and Alex McGough has to live up to expectations.

Receiving:

1. Richie James, MTSU: 105/1,625/12TD
2. Allenzae Staggers, Southern Miss: 63/1,165/7TD
3. Jonathan Duhart, ODU: 48/735/9TD
4. Ty Lee, MTSU: 63/699/9TD
5. Josh Stewart, UTSA: 36/682/5TD

Others to watch: Thomas Owens FIU (47/652/7TD), Kerry Thomas Jr. UTSA (35/555/8TD), Travis Fulgham ODU (29/478/8TD).

Compared to previous seasons, this year’s crop leaves a little to be desired. Only James and Staggers broke 1,000 yards last year, but both did it in style. James is among the best in the nation at his position and is already within 2,307 of catching Corey Davis for #1 all-time. If he stays all four years and does not get injured, he will set the record.

An outside the box player to watch is Travis Fulgham of Old Dominion. He made only 29 catches last season, but he ended the year with eight touchdown grabs. He could be a stud second receiver with Duhart this fall.

Next week, we will take a look at defense and special teams for Conference USA before rolling out conference previews. 

Conference USA Week Five Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with Conference USA going 5-7. Conference play kicked into gear with four CUSA game taking place. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week five CUSA football action.

Conference USA Week Four Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with Conference USA going 5-8 with two conference games taking place. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week four CUSA football action.

Conference USA Week Four Preview

Week four of the college football season gets underway tonight with Cincinnati and Memphis getting a seat on the big stage. Conference USA action kicks into gear with 11 games scheduled for Saturday.

Conference USA Week Three Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with Conference USA going 6-7 with two conference games (Rice-UNT, MTSU-Charlotte) taking place. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week three Conference USA football action.

Conference USA Week Two Review

Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with Conference USA going 4-9 with only one conference game (WKU-La. Tech) taking place. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week two Conference USA football.

Top 10 G5 Passers: Week One

With a week full of games in the books, let's take a look at the top passers among Group of Five Conference programs.

CUSA Week One Preview

With all CUSA members except for North Texas kicking off the season this week, let's take a look at each matchup and who will win.

Conference USA Players to Watch

There is lots of talent all over the board in Conference USA this year with some of the craziest offensive numbers as well as some of the better defensive players in the nation. Unsure of who to watch for in the conference this season, let's take a look and find out who should be noticed among CUSA this season.

Top CUSA Conference Games

With so many quality programs in Conference USA, it is tough to narrow the list of top CUSA conference games down to 10. Here is my best shot at doing so. **These games are in no particular order.**

TOP CONFERENCE GAMES:

Top CUSA Non-Conference Games

Conference USA has quite the slate of non-conference games in 2014 with matchups versus P5 programs dotting the landscape. Here is a look at ten of the biggest non-conference games involving Conference USA teams in my opinion. **These games are not listed in any particular order**

TOP NON-CONFERENCE GAMES:

2015 Conference USA Football Schedule

2015 Conference USA Football Schedule:

64 FBS to FBS transfers dot the CUSA landscape

Conference USA programs have been able to bring in players from other FBS programs on a regular basis to fill holes, give players second chances, and give players a chance to compete for playing time when that was not a possibility previously. 64 FBS to FBS transfers are currently on Conference USA team rosters with with five schools bringing in 5+ of those players.

Fall Previews 3 of 63: MTSU

MTSU: 

Group of Five players on the Jim Thorpe Award watch list

Jim Thorpe Award watch list:

MTSU's FBS non-conference record

Looking at each of the CUSA teams, the non-conference record versus current FBS teams is an excellent indicator for all-time success as a program. Next on the list is MTSU with a total of 88 FBS non-conference games. Some of the opponents may have been conference foes in the past but are now in different FBS conferences.

A brief history of MTSU football

Middle Tennessee State: 

MTSU 2015 roster (with 2014 stats)

MTSU: