The C-USA had a terrible start last Thursday. But, as the weekend continued we saw that there are some quality offenses across the C-USA. The problem? The defenses aren't off to a good start. UTEP may have moved up a slot, thanks mostly to the struggles of the rest of the league, but we won't know if Andre Patterson's defense is ready for prime time until tonight.
Stock: Same #12: The Tulane Green Wave (1-0) Last Time: Beat Southeast Louisiana 27-21 It's Not Getting Easier: Tulane won last week which is a lot better than a lot of other C-USA squads can say. But, they barely beat an FCS squad at home. And this week's comp is a little better than that. Memphis and Tulane are really 12(a) and 12(b).
Next Up: Ole Miss Comes to Town
Stock: Same #11: The Memphis Tigers (0-1) Last Time: Lost to Mississippi State 49-7 Uh Oh: Watch MSU's offense for the rest of the year to see if they get anywhere near 49 again. Here's betting they don't. Next Up: at East Carolina (Comcast Sports) Stock: Same #10: The UAB Blazers (0-1) Last Time: Lost to Florida Atlantic 32-31 The 1 Man Show: David Isabelle was spectacular in Week 1 but UAB simply doesn't have a supporting cast capable of helping him take the Blazers to a bowl game. Isabelle had 214 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground (4 overall) and the Blazers couldn't beat FAU. Expect SMU to get things right this week. Next Up: at SMU Stock: Down 1 #9: The Marshall Thundering Herd (0-1) Last Time: Lost at Ohio State 45-7 Tough Start: It's hard to criticize a squad that opens up at the Horseshoe on a Thursday night and get's beat. Things aren't getting easier for Doc Holliday's club against WVU. 0-2 is all but a guarantee. Next Up: Friday against West Virginia (ESPN) #8: The Rice Owls (0-1) Last Time: Lost to Texas 34-17 The Bottom Line: Yes, Rice lost to Texas 34-17 but that's a heck of a lot more impressive of a performance than Marshall had against Ohio State. I give Marshall credit for playing at the Horseshoe to open it all up, but right now, the Owls get the nod. It wasn't a knockout start for Sam McGuffie but expect a breakout this week. Next Up: At North Texas Stock: Up 1
Stock: Down 2
#7: The Southern Miss. Golden Eagles (0-1) Last Time: Lost to South Carolina 41-13 No Threat?: The Golden Eagles have the leagues best receiver in DeAndre Brown. The problem? Austin Davis doesn't like throwing downfield. At least he didn't against South Carolina. Expect a monster game for Davis this week. Next Up: Home vs. Prairie View Stock: Up 1 #6: The Tulsa Golden Hurricane (0-1) Last Time: Lost to East Carolina 51-49. The Offense Came: Tulsa passes up Southern Miss. despite a loss because the Hurricane showed that their offense is back to elite form. Their defense? Not so much, but what do you expect with the 3-3-5? Next Up: Home vs. Bowling Green
Stock: Up 1
#5: The UTEP Miners (1-0) Last Time: Beat Arkansas Pine Bluff 31-10 Will He Play? UTEP's defense showed some good and bad under a first year coordinator but the real question is will last year's giant killer Donald Buckram play tonight? Houston will score some points tonight, can UTEP keep Case Keenum off the field? Next Up: Friday at Houston (ESPN) Stock: Down 1
#4: The SMU Mustangs (0-1) Last Time: Lost to Texas Tech 35-27 Close But, No Cigar: SMU pushed Texas Tech to the limit on Sunday despite an awful start to the season by starter Kyle Padron who tossed three picks. Luckily for SMU,UAB isn't nearly as good as Texas Tech. Next Up: vs UAB Stock: Up 1 #3: The East Carolina Pirates (1-0) Last Time: Beat Tulsa 51-49 Truly Texas Tech East: The Pirates held off Tulsa 51-49 on an incredible finish as BC Transfer Dominique Davis hit Justin Jones on a 33 yard TD with time expiring to give ECU the win. One things certain, Lincoln Riley's offense is off to a better start than Ruffin McNeills defense. Next Up: vs. Memphis
#2: The Central Florida Knights (1-0) Last Time: Won 38-7 over South Dakota State Did He Do Enough? Rob Calabrese helped UCF accumulate over 470 yards of total offense. But, it was against South Dakota State. Can he do it again? Against the ACC's NC State? Next Up: vs. N.C. State (CBS College Sports) Stock: Same #1: The Houston Cougars (1-0) Last Time: Won 68-28 over Texas State The Rush Defense? Yes, Houston crushed Texas State after scoring 55 unanswered points in the beat down. But, don't forget that the FCS school had 180 rushing yards in the contest. Will Donald Buckram play? Can UTEP's rush attack keep Case Keenum off the field? Next Time: vs UTEP (Friday, ESPN)
