Conference USA Power Rankings: Week Eight

Week Eight Rankings Update:

1. Houston (5-1, 1-1)—They did their job and beat an SEC team to wrap up a 4-0 out-of-conference record and are currently ranked. This team is 1-1 in conference, where it really counts.

Interesting fact: If you only include C-USA records, Houston is eighth place in the conference. They now begin a tough stretch that will determine their season including: SMU, USM, @ TU, and @ UCF. The season will end with two "gimme" home games against Memphis and Rice (although Houston proved capable of losing to anyone at UTEP).

2. Tulsa (4-2, 2-0)—Despite any criticisms, this team remains No. 1 in C-USA play with a 2-0 conference record and 4-2 overall record. In C-USA, this team is No. 1 in scoring defense and total defense. Tulsa proved they can compete with elite teams as they were driving down the field down seven in the final minutes against No. 5 Boise State.

Now, they face a "daunting" test which Houston failed: win at UTEP. Then, like Houston, they will begin a tough four-game stretch that includes SMU, Houston, ECU, and @ USM. After UTEP, they'll have four home games left and only one away.

3. ECU (4-3, 3-1)—A close loss at SMU is not as bad as it may sound. Despite another loss, this team is the favorite to win the East. They will be 5-3 before Virginia Tech comes to town.

They showed they are still in it to win it with a dominating performance against Rice. Barring drastic changes, this team should finish 7-5 or 8-4 and should win the East again.

4. Marshall (4-3, 2-1)—This team is gaining respect as it held on with WVU until the fourth quarter, only down 10-7. Most of their games have been unimpressive, but they've won most. They have a decent looking record at the moment, but there is no reason to put them above ECU as they probably won't win the East.

Unless this team improves drastically, they'll be fortunate to finish around the 6-6 or 7-5 mark.

5. UCF (4-3, 1-2)—They lost to ECU and So Miss, but they did play USM at their best. Miami game wasn't as bad as it could've been. This team has a great D, but their O can't keep up.

Games against Marshall, at Texas, and against Houston are coming up. This team is another that will be fortunate to finish 7-5. When your O can't score, it often doesn't matter how good your D is.

6. SMU (3-3, 2-0)—SMU may be for real, but they are the only team that has lost to Washington State this year. A 'W' over ECU was huge. Taking Navy into OT showed that this team can play with tough teams.

This team is 2-0 in C-USA, but only 3-3 overall. If they keep winning, they could jump to No. 1 in the West (where SMU is currently No. 2). Critical games at Houston and Tulsa are next.

7. So Miss (4-3, 2-1)—The new starting QB did well at Louisville and against Memphis. If USM is to have a chance at winning the East, the defense must start stepping up in critical situations.

Is this team rebounding, or did they just start the easiest four-game streak on its schedule with a 1-2 record? Tulane is the fourth game. Win it and work out any kinks before Houston.

8. UAB (2-4, 2-1)—Their conference record keeps them in the East title race, along with ECU, Marshall, and USM. They probably need to win out to win, but you never know. The East winner will likely have two conference losses.

9. UTEP (2-4, 1-1)—So, they probably aren't a good overall team. Maybe they are only decent at home. They can stir up trouble against Tulsa.

Like UAB, this team is still alive in their divisional title race. Sure, it would take a lot of miracle wins, but they've already pulled off one great win. What's another six? Problem is they have three home and three away left. This team is looking like they'll finish about like last year, at 5-7.

10. Tulane (2-4, 0-3)—Have they won all the games they will this year? They beat Army. They do have UTEP and Rice on the schedule. Houston is coming to town followed by So Miss (which could be winnable) and then LSU (not winnable).

11. Memphis (2-5, 1-3)—Their resume includes beating Tenn-Martin and beating the team that beat Houston...awesome.

12. Rice (0-7, 0-3)—No change here.