Undefeated, Uncontested Marshall Tops Week Four Conference USA Power Rankings

Last week, it appeared that upstart Louisiana Tech was closing in on Marshall's No. 1 spot. Looking ahead, a big win against an in-state FCS opponent could have shuffled a few more votes towards Ruston, and perhaps claim the throne for the Bulldogs.

The lesson? Don't look ahead. Louisiana Tech was upset on a last-second Northwestern State field goal, knocking the Bulldogs season back to earth and down to No. 9 in the Power Rankings this week.

Back to the No. 2 spot is UTSA, despite their losing record. MTSU, coming off a loss to a surprising Memphis team, slid up a spot as well.

The big jump came from Old Dominion, who after winning a Texas shootout at Rice, moved up to No. 5. There could be even more of a shakeup next week as MTSU and ODU will square off Friday night in Norfolk.

FIU remains in the cellar, and FAU and Southern Miss are keeping the Panthers company.

1. Marshall (4-0, unanimous choice)

Last week: Win @ Akron 48-17

Next week: BYE

2. UTSA (1-2, 93 percent of second-place votes)

Last week: BYE

Next week: @ FAU (Saturday, 5 p.m.)

3. MTSU (2-2)

Last week: Loss @ Memphis 36-17

Next week: @ Old Dominion (Friday, 7 p.m., Fox Sports One)

4. WKU (1-2)

Last week: BYE

Next week: @ Navy (Saturday, 3.30 p.m., CBSSN)

5. Old Dominion (3-1)

Last week: Win @ Rice (45-42)

Next week: vs. MTSU (Friday, 7 p.m., Fox Sports One)

6. UAB (2-1)

Last week: BYE

Next week: vs. FIU (Saturday, 3:30 p.m., AMSN)

7. North Texas (2-2)

Last week: Win vs. Nicholls State 77-3

Next week: BYE

8. UTEP (2-1)

Last week: Win @ NMST 42-24

Next week: @ Kansas State (Saturday, Noon, FSN)

9. Louisiana Tech (2-2)

Last week: Loss vs. Northwestern State 30-27

Next week: @ Auburn (Saturday, 4 p.m. SECN)

10. Rice (0-3)

Last week: Loss vs. Old Dominion 45-42

Next week: @ Southern Miss (Saturday, 7 p.m., FCS)

11. FAU (1-3)

Last week: Loss @ Wyoming 20-19

Next week: vs. UTSA (Saturday, 5 p.m.)

12. Southern Miss (2-2)

Last week: Win vs. Appalachian State 21-20

Next week: vs. Rice (Saturday, 7 p.m., FCS)

13. FIU (1-3, 86 percent of last-place votes)

Last week: Loss vs. Louisville 34-3

Next week: @ UAB (Saturday, 3:30 p.m., AMSN)