Conference USA Roundup: Week 1 Edition

Conference USA got off to a solid start in Week 1 of the new college football season. Here's how it all shook out:

Thursday, September 3

FIU 15, UCF 14: Ron Turner's third season at FIU looked early as if it may get off to a rocky start. The Panthers gave up a pair of first half touchdowns after an early field goal and trailed 14-3 at the break. FIU scored once in the third and fourth quarters to take a 15-14 edge. UCF drove to the FIU 30-yard-line late in the contest, but the Knights' 47-yard field goal was blocked by Imarjaye Albury to preserve the FIU victory.

Western Kentucky 14, Vanderbilt 12: The Hilltoppers normally potent offense was underwhelming in a victory over SEC foe Vanderbilt. Full recap.

Arizona 42, UTSA 32: Despite a record-setting effort on offense, UTSA failed to pull a road upset against the Wildcats in a game which they outgained Arizona 525-392. Full recap.

Friday, September 4

Charlotte 23, Georgia State 20: Charlotte managed to hold off Georgia State in the 49ers' first FBS contest. Charlotte's Terrance Winchester returned a fumble for a touchdown and Blake Brewer added two field goals to take a 13-0 lead in the first quarter. Georgia State scored twice in the fourth quarter, the second touchdown with 30 seconds to play, but was unable to recover an onside kick. Charlotte quarterback Matt Johnson was 19-of-32 passing for 244 yards and a touchdown.

Saturday, September 5

Old Dominion 38, Eastern Michigan 34: Running back Ray Lawry ran for 223 yards and four touchdowns as ODU gets the win. Full recap.

Arkansas 48, UTEP 13: Arkansas senior quarterback Brandon Allen threw for 308 yards and four touchdowns, as the Hogs racked up 490 yards of total offense to put UTEP away. Full recap.

Tulsa 47, Florida Atlantic 44 (OT): Florida Atlantic won the turnover battle, 4-0, but still lost in overtime in heartbreaking fashion. Full recap.

Rice 56, Wagner 16: This game was over quickly, as Rice led 35-3 at halftime. The Owls had a field day on the ground, rushing for seven touchdowns. Darik Dillard and Luke Turner each scored twice, as Austin Walter went over the century mark with 107 yards, finding the end zone once on his 12 carries. Driphus Jackson and Nate Turner also scored touchdowns.

Louisiana Tech 62, Southern 15: Jeff Driskel threw for 274 yards and 4 touchdowns and Louisiana Tech cruised to a week one victory. Full recap.

Middle Tennessee 70, Jackson State 14: The Blue Raiders scored six touchdowns in the first half and cruised to an easy win Saturday. Quarterback Brent Stockstill was 23-of-29 through the air for 336 yards and four scores. Receiver Ed'Marques Batties caught two of those touchowns, as he went for 123 yards on eight grabs.

Mississippi State 34, Southern Miss 16: JUCOs and transfers look solid for Southern Miss but a series of blunders give up any hope of an upset bid. Full recap.

Sunday, September 6

Marshall 41, Purdue 31: Devon Johnson scored the game-winning touchdown from six yards out with 2:50 left in the game and finished with 89 yards on 11 rushes. Tiquan Lang returned two interceptions for a score, as Marshall knocked off a Big 10 opponent for the first time in school history. James Madison transfer Michael Birdsong made his first start at quarterback for the Thundering Herd and completed 23-of-36 passes for 234 yards and a pair of touchdowns.