2023-24 Conference USA Football Predictions with Betting Odds and Expert Picks
Realignment in college football has disintegrated the Pac-12 and has changed the Power 5 Conferences for the future landscape of the sport. Smaller conferences, such as Conference USA, have been hit just as hard. The league lost three teams to the Sun Belt prior to 2022 and had six teams bounce for the American Athletic Conference this offseason. A pair of FBS newcomers joined Conference USA; Jacksonville State and Sam Houston, while Liberty and New Mexico State ditched the potential independent route in favor of Conference USA. Doc’s Sports will break down the conference below.
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The Favorite: Western Kentucky (+120)
It is hard to pick against the Hilltoppers at No. 1 with their high-flying offense. Even with a new play-caller in Drew Hollingshead, do not expect the high-powered offense to slow down with quarterback Austin Reed and receiver Malachi Corley returning. The defense has some holes to fill after losing seven starters. Edge rusher JaQues Evans is one of the conference’s top returning defenders. WKU finished 6-2 in conference last year and 9-5 overall. This is the team to beat in 2023.
The Challenger: Liberty (+240)
Expect Liberty to challenge for a spot in the C-USA title game. Mainly due to the fact of their new head coach Jamey Chadwell, who comes over from Coastal Carolina. His background on offense should prevent a major drop in production on that side of the football. A handful of transfers have helped fill the gaps on the offensive line, receiving corps and running back room. The offense alone should keep Liberty in contention.
The Dark Horse: Middle Tennessee (+550)
Rick Stockstill has led Middle Tennessee to seven bowl trips over the last 10 years. Even with all the turnover within the conference, this program's consistency and steady track record of success should keep them at the top of the league. They return nine starters on defense and should build upon the 6.1 yards per snap allowed in C-USA games. Defense is the name of the game with this squad.
The X-Factor: Louisiana Tech (+900)
This could be the most improved team in Conference USA in 2023 after a massive haul in transfers, including former Boise State quarterback Hank Bachmeier. The Bulldogs went 3-9 last season, but four of those losses were by 10 points. They return talented playmakers like receiver Smoke Harris and running back Marquis Crosby. Contending for the conference title will hinge on how much the defense improves after allowing 37.9 points per game last season.
The Disappointment: FIU (+5000)
Mike MacIntyre inherited a major rebuild, and to no one’s surprise they were basement dwellers in the standings. Expect more of the same after their star running back, Lexington Joseph, suffered a torn ACL in the spring.
The Rest:
UTEP (+1100)
The Miners slid to 5-7 last season but have high hopes of returning to a bowl game. They bring back quarterback Gavin Hardison, who threw for 2,063 yards and 11 touchdowns. Running back Deion Hankins could push for the league’s rushing title after running for 701 yards last year. The offensive line should be one of the more elite units in C-USA. The secondary needs to improve after finishing 10th in the conference in pass efficiency.
New Mexico State (+2000)
New Mexico State went from a 2-10 squad in ’21 to a 7-6 program, capped off by a bowl win over Bowling Green last year. Moving to C-USA should make things a tad bit easier for the Aggies after the program was a FBS Independent for the last five years. The offense returns eight starters, including quarterback Diego Pavia, and plenty of depth at receiver and running back. The defense took a huge step last season, surrendering 23.9 points per game after allowing 40.4 points a game in ’21.
Jacksonville State (N/A)
The Gamecocks finished 9-2 in their final FCS season last fall and should be competitive right away in Conference USA. Offense is their calling card and expect head coach Rich Rodriguez to find ways to score points often in 2023. The running game is solid with Anwar Lewis and wide receiver Sterling Galban averaged 15.5 yards per catch. This team’s weak spot is the back end of the defense.
Sam Houston (N/A)
Predicted to finish near the bottom of C-USA’s standings, do not be surprised if this team exceeds expectations. Head coach K.C. Keeler is 85-27 with the Bearkats, including an FCS title in 2020. The team also wisely redshirted a bunch of players with eyes on 2023 and beyond in the FBS. Defense will be this team’s strength.
Projected C-USA Standings
1. WKU
2. Liberty
3. Middle Tennessee
4. Louisiana Tech
5. New Mexico State
6. UTEP
7. Jacksonville State
8. FIU
9. Sam Houston
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