Conference USA Football Power Rankings Week 7

Big movers

• Marshall

The Herd are back at the top! After being a mainstay at the top of our Power Rankings from 2013-15, the Herd have a nice looking 4-1 overall record. Off-field issues may have derailed Marshall’s upward momentum the past couple of seasons, but the next few weeks will tell us how real the 2017 Herd are.

• North Texas

The Mean Green had a week off to prepare for a huge C-USA West showdown with UTSA this week. Off to a 2-0 start in conference play for the first time since 2004, UNT ranks ninth in FBS in total offense, have the best running back in C-USA in Jeffery Wilson. This week will tell us a lot about both UTSA, and how good this North Texas offense really is.

• FAU

Lane Kiffin and the FAU Owls continue to run the ball at a highly productive level, and look to be a major factor in the east. FAU set some gaudy rushing records in their 30-point win over ODU last week, posting 453 rushing yards. FAU is ranked 10^th in the FBS in rushing yards, and fifth in rushing touchdowns.

• UAB

For the second straight week, a team previously ranked 11^th, jumped into the seventh spot, and this week it was UAB. A last second blocked field goal made homecoming sweet for Blazers, and a home date with Middle Tennessee will be the ultimate measuring stick even if the Blue Raiders don’t have a full deck this weekend.

Tie breaking explanation

I’m sure some Southern Miss fans are going to be pissed at this one. The Golden Eagles knocked off UTSA in a close battle in San Antonio this week, but UTSA’s two first place votes broke the overall points tie for the third spot this week. I get it, head-to-head should weigh more, but two of our voters think UTSA is a #1 team, so we will respect our voters take on that to break a tie.

Falling off

• WKU

WKU avoided a major upset at winless UTEP last week, and our voters took major stock in that loss. The Tops dropped from #5 all the way to #9 with their unimpressive win. They have a chance to get right this week against Charlotte, but the preseason favorite has a lot of impressing to do in order to gain respect in the rankings.

• Old Dominion

Three straight ugly losses have the Monarchs dropping pretty quickly over the past few weeks. The Monarchs could be in major trouble if they lay another turd against Marshall this weekend.

• UTEP, Charlotte, and Rice

Basketball season is coming soon guys….