Conference USA Football Power Rankings

The PonyGrad · Post by **The PonyGrad** » Thu Oct 20, 2011 4:36 pm

Last week Southern Miss benefited from SMU's bye week, jumping the Mustangs after a solid win over Navy. This week, as the Golden Eagles were off, SMU had the opportunity to return the favor with a big win over UCF. Mission accomplished. In the biggest story of week 7, UCF's "amazing defense" was finally exposed, as they fell 38-17 to SMU. Marshall picked up a last minute win over Rice, UTEP stomped Tulane in the Big Easy, East Carolina got back to winning against lowly Memphis, and Tulsa made sure UAB stayed winless, handing the Blazers a 37-20 loss. How does it all affect the C-USA Power Rankings? Find out here, with the Rush's Week 8 Power Rankings.

1. #19 Houston Cougars (6-0, 2-0) Last Week: BYE, This Week: vs. Marshall

Was there really any question? I mean SMU's win was big, but not that big. The Cougars are still undefeated and are ranked no. 19 in the initial BCS rankings. They had a week off to rest and now get Marshall and Rice at home in the next two. After those two practice sessions, they get two more at UAB and Tulane, before facing SMU in what should decide the C-USA West race. Don't expect anything to change up here on top for at least four more weeks.

Star-divide

2. SMU Mustangs (5-1, 3-0) Last Week: (W) vs. UCF, This Week: @ Southern Miss

Last week Southern Miss jumped SMU while the ponies were on a break, so its only fair that SMU should get their spot back this week. But, don't expect them to hold on to it for long. The Mustangs face Southern Miss this week in what should be one of the best games in C-USA all season. This game may be for second place, but it pairs two teams that are truly peaking. SMU will have another tough road test next week at Tulsa, before taking on Tulane at home. The Mustangs then play Navy, at Houston, and Rice to end the season. These guys have got a tough road ahead of them.

3. Southern Miss Golden Eagles (5-1, 1-1) Last Week: BYE, This Week: vs. SMU

The Golden Eagles lost their no. 2 spot to SMU, but will have a chance to get it right back as they take on the Mustangs at home this week. Before the bye week, USM pounded Navy 63-35, and the Golden Eagles have really seemed to find the rhythm everyone thought they'd have coming into the season. If not for a tough slip up in week 2, these guys could be right there with Houston at 6-0. After SMU, the Golden Eagles hit the road to take on UTEP and ECU, then have UCF and Memphis at home with a trip to UAB between those. If the Golden Eagles just take care of business, they'll have C-USA East in their back pocket.

http://www.minerrush.com/2011/10/17/249 ... r-rankings

PonyPlayer4 · Post by **PonyPlayer4** » Thu Oct 20, 2011 5:34 pm

We know they can be beat at home thanks to Marshall

S....M....U · Post by **S....M....U** » Thu Oct 20, 2011 5:36 pm

man, houston officially has the easiest CUSA schedule i have ever seen...we are their only tough CUSA opponent this year

Mustangs_Maroons · Post by **Mustangs_Maroons** » Thu Oct 20, 2011 6:18 pm

Agreed. Houston's schedule is much easier than ours. UCLA has been their toughest team and UCLA is not very good this year. Let's put it this way, if they would have had our schedule, would they be 6-0? I don't think they beat A&M at their place. Best scenario, they're 5-1. They also have a much easier second half to their schedule and they benefit from playing us at their place. At the end of the day, we control our own destiny but it sure does seem a lot tougher than theirs.

TidePony · Post by **TidePony** » Thu Oct 20, 2011 8:30 pm

Which is good for us, we're used to good competition.
Pony UP!
Beat the Eagles!

whitwiki · Post by **whitwiki** » Thu Oct 20, 2011 11:20 pm

Don't worry, case keenum will get hurt during our 4q so he can play again next year.