There should be plenty of action this week in Conference USA, but by far the game of the week will feature the [2] SMU Mustangs at the [3] Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Both teams have swapped positions in the power rankings over the last couple of weeks, and both are playing at an extremely high level. Should be a fun one to watch. Here is a shortened version of the Conference USA Game Picks.
[5] UCF Knights (3-3. 1-1) @ [12] UAB Blazers (0-6, 0-3) 6:00 p.m. ET, Thursday October 20th
This is a matchup of two at least semi under acheiving teams. The Knights have struggled a bit, but to say the Blazers have only struggled would be a complete understatement. Knights take this one.
Projection: UCF 28, UAB 20
[8] East Carolina Pirates (2-4, 2-1) @ Navy Midshipmen (2-4) 3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday October 22nd
The Pirates are now 2-4 on the season after a win over Memphis, and are narrowly clinging to their bowl hopes. Navy will be a good test for the Pirates, but these guys got stomped by USM. Pirates turn the corner.
Projection: ECU 35, Navy 27
[11] Memphis Tigers (1-6, 0-3) @ [10] Tulane Green Wave (2-5, 1-2) 3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday October 22nd
The Tigers have been absolutely terrible this year, while the Wave hasn't been too much better. Tulane coach Bob Toledo resigned this week so we could see a shift in emotion (positive or negative) from that squad. Tulane is a hair better.
Projection: Tulane 31, Memphis 21
[7] Marshall Thundering Herd (3-4, 2-1) @ [1] Houston Cougars (6-0, 2-0) 4:30 p.m. ET, Saturday October 22nd
The Thundering Herd are young and inconsistent, while the Cougars are the class of the league. While it wouldn't surprise to see Marshall's d hold them in it for a while, the Cougar offense is just too potent.
Projection: Houston 41, Marshall 21
[4] Tulsa Golden Hurricane (3-3, 2-0) @ [9] Rice Owls [2-4, 1-2] 7:00 p.m. ET, Saturday October 22nd
The Golden Hurricane has faced three top 5 teams (losses), and three cupcakes (wins) on the season. Rice doesn't exactly fall into that cupcake category, but this should be a win for the Hurricane.
Projection: Tulsa 34, Rice 28
Colorado State Rams (3-3) @ [6] UTEP Miners (3-3, 1-2) 8:00 p.m. ET, Saturday October 22nd
The Rams are struggling a bit losing two in a row at home to San Jose St. and Boise St. (63-13). The Miners put together their best performance of the year last Saturday in New Orleans, and seem poised to turn the corner. Its homecoming, and a must win for the Miners.
Projection: UTEP 38, CSU 20
[2] SMU Mustangs (5-1, 3-0) @ [3] Southern Miss Golden Eagles (5-1, 1-1) 8:00 p.m. ET, Saturday October 22nd
The Golden Eagles have reeled off 4 straight since losing to Marshall in week 2, while the Mustangs have reeled off 5 in a row since dropping their season opener against Texas A&M. Both these teams are peaking, and playing some great football. There should plenty of fireworks in this one, and it should be close, but I'm going to have to take the home team.
Projection: Southern Miss 35, SMU 34