Conference USA Power Rankings: Week One

Marshall tops the first power rankings of the season, despite a less-than-inspiring win over Miami (Ohio). UTSA and Western Kentucky also received first-place votes thanks to dominant victories over highly-touted Group of Five programs. Rice and North Texas are still in striking position, despite opening week losses to Notre Dame and Texas, respectively, but at the bottom of the table, FAU, FIU and Southern Miss look like they're going to have difficulty getting out of the cellar in the next few weeks.

1. Marshall (1-0, 76 percent first-place votes)

Last week: Win @ Miami (Ohio) 42-17

Next week: vs. Rhode Island (Saturday, 7 p.m., ASN)

2. UTSA (1-0, 11.76 percent fist-place votes.)

Last week: Win @ Houston 27-7

Next week: vs. Arizona (Thursday, 8 p.m., FS1)

3. WKU (1-0, 11.76 percent first-place votes)

Last week: Win @ Bowling Green 59-31

Next week: @ Illinois (Saturday, Noon, BTN)

4. MTSU (1-0)

Last week: Win vs. Savannah State 61-7

Next week: @ Minnesota (Saturday, 3:30, BTN)

5. North Texas (0-1)

Last week: Loss @ Texas 38-7

Next week: vs. SMU (Saturday, Noon, FSN)

6. Rice (0-1)

Last week: Loss @ Notre Dame 48-17

Next week: BYE

7. UTEP (1-0)

Last week: Win @ New Mexico 31-24

Next week: vs. Texas Tech (Saturday, 11 p.m., FS1)

8. UAB (1-0)

Last week: Win vs. Troy 48-10

Next week: @ Mississippi State (Saturday, 2 p.m., FSN)

9. Louisiana Tech (0-1)

Last week: Loss @ Oklahoma 48-16

Next week: @ Louisiana (Saturday, 7 p.m., ESPN3)

10. Old Dominion (1-0)

Last week: Win vs. Hampton 41-28

Next week: @ NC State (Saturday, 6 p.m., ESPN3

11. FAU (0-1)

Last week: Loss @ Nebraska 55-7

Next week: @ Alabama (Saturday, Noon, SECN)

12. Southern Miss (0-1)

Last week: Loss @ Mississippi State 49-0

Next week: vs. Alcorn State (Saturday, 7 p.m., No TV)

13. FIU (0-1)

Last week: Loss vs. Bethune-Cookman 14-12

Next week: vs. Wagner (Saturday, 6 p.m., No TV)