Conference USA
Still in it: FIU, Middle Tennessee, Marshall, UAB, Louisiana Tech
On the Edge: Charlotte, North Texas, Southern Mississippi, UTSA
Elimination Zone: FAU, Old Dominion, Western Kentucky
The Breakdown: This was supposed to be a rebuild year for Butch Davis at FIU, but the Panthers are undefeated in CUSA play, and seem to be the favorite in the East by a long stretch moving forward. There are still 2 hurdles on the map. The Panthers must beat a completely disappointing FAU club this week, and will get Marshall in the finale. The Panthers have already beaten Middle Tennessee, which puts the Blue Raiders in chase mode. If the Blue Raiders can get 2 FIU losses, and win out, they could be in control, as they have beaten Marshall, which firmly places them in the 2 spot in the East. The schedule is largely manageable moving forward, but they do play UAB in the season finale, which could pose a problem for future plans, as no team has a better run going than the Blazers. More on that in a minute. Marshall still has that all important game coming up against FIU in the finale, and on the road. The Herd also has to handle a tougher than expected assignment against Charlotte next week, after a tough trip to play a desperate Southern Miss club this week on the road. If Marshall can get by all that, win out, and get one more Middle Tennessee loss to boot, they win the East.
Now back to UAB...the Blazers are red hot right now, and have beaten almost everyone that poses an issue for them moving forward in Louisiana Tech and North Texas. If the Blazers can beat both UTSA and Southern Miss, their next 2 opponents, they have locked up a division spot in the CUSA title game, and the Middle Tennessee game in the finale won't mean much for them. If they lose one, or both games (unlikely), things get muddy in the West. Louisiana Tech needs 2 losses from UAB, and they would need to win out. Tech already has a win over North Texas, but gets Southern Miss on the road on 11/17. A game against Mississippi State this week has no bearing on anything. Tech should handle Rice the week after, and then comes USM. The finale against Western Kentucky should be a win.
Top Week 10 Games: Marshall at Southern Miss; FAU at FIU; UTSA at UAB
Coaches on the Hot Seat: Bobby Wilder, Old Dominion; Mike Sanford, Jr., Western Kentucky
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