Liberty has been dominant so far among Conference USA teams.
The Flames are 11-0 overall and 7-0 in CUSA play. They also have arguably the best offense and best defense in the league.
That said, there are still more games to play, including the CUSA Championship.
Here’s a ranking of every team in Conference USA, their records, and predictions for CUSA games this week.
Place College Football Wagers at BetMGM
Check out the latest promotions and bonuses from BetMGM
BetMGM PromotionsConference USA Rankings And Records
Rank | Team | Record |
1 | Liberty | 11-0 |
2 | New Mexico State | 9-3 |
3 | Jacksonville State | 8-3 |
4 | Western Kentucky | 6-5 |
5 | FIU | 4-7 |
6 | Middle Tennessee | 4-7 |
7 | UTEP | 3-8 |
8 | Sam Houston | 2-9 |
9 | Louisiana Tech | 3-9 |
1. Liberty (11-0)
Liberty has scored the most points among CUSA teams (39.9 per game) and has allowed the third-fewest points in the league (21.1 per game). It’s tough to not rank the Flames No. 1 here.
Kaidon Salter has been a phenomenal dual-threat quarterback. He’s third in the league among all players with 74.8 rushing yards per game while completing 60% of his throws for 2,409 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions through the air.
Liberty has standout playmakers at pretty much every position and might not lose for the rest of the year.
2. New Mexico State (9-3)
New Mexico State sure has been fun to watch. The Aggies are on a seven-game winning streak and moved up this ranking after a convincing win over Auburn last week.
NMSU is third in CUSA in scoring offense (28.9 points per game) and is first in scoring defense (19.9 points per game allowed). The Aggies are well-balanced and clinched a spot in the CUSA title game after beating Western Kentucky earlier this season.
3. Jacksonville State (8-3)
Jacksonville State has surpassed countless expectations in its first season as an FBS team. The Gamecocks have the second-best scoring defense in CUSA with 20.4 points per game allowed and are second in scoring offense with 31 points per game.
They especially shined in their matchup with Western Kentucky. Jacksonville State allowed just 17 points against WKU’s high-flying offense.
Jacksonville State would be a contender to win the CUSA title if it weren’t for NCAA rules for teams transitioning to the FBS.
4. Western Kentucky (6-5)
Western Kentucky is above .500 after losses against Ohio State as well as Troy, New Mexico State, and Jacksonville State – G5 teams which are playing well this year.
WKU quarterback Austin Reed is first in CUSA with 278.2 passing yards per game and has recorded 27 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on a 60.5% completion rate. If he keeps playing at a high level, the Hilltoppers could win a bowl game.
5. FIU (4-7)
FIU may be 1-6 in CUSA play, but I think the Panthers can still win again this season.
The Panthers have struggled, though. After a three-game winning streak, they lost three straight against Liberty, New Mexico State, and UTEP. But they bounced back by winning at Sam Houston before losing to Jacksonville State, Middle Tennessee, and Arkansas.
Best Of The Rest
6. Middle Tennessee (4-7)
7. UTEP (3-8)
8. Sam Houston (2-9)
9. Louisiana Tech (3-9)
For more Group of Five coverage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Conference USA Predictions
Middle Tennessee vs. Sam Houston Prediction
I’m picking Middle Tennessee to win and cover the spread at -3.5. I also am predicting the game will go Over 49.5 points.
Western Kentucky vs. FIU Prediction
I’m picking Western Kentucky to win but for FIU to cover the spread at +10. I also am predicting the game will go Over 54.5 total points.
Liberty vs. UTEP Prediction
I’m predicting Liberty will win and cover the spread at -17. I also believe the game will go Under 57.5 points.
Jacksonville State vs. New Mexico State Prediction
I’m picking New Mexico State to win and cover the spread at +2.5. I also am predicting the game will go Under 50.5 total points.