The CUSA will arguably be the most wide open conference in the entire nation with up to 8 teams having a real shot at making the conference title. This means one thing: TONS of important games.
CUSA East
Favorite: FAU (+175)
Dark horse: Mid Tenn (+1000)
Easiest Path: The CUSA has 6-8 contenders, nothing is easy
Toughest Path: FIU
My Pick: Marshall
-Most Important Games-
- Marshall @ FAU
- FIU @ Marshall
- Marshall @ Mid Tennessee
- FIU @ Mid Tennessee
- FIU @ FAU
The East has 3 top contenders, with Middle Tennessee playing the dark horse role. Marshall @ FAU is the biggest game, but FIU on the road vs the other 3 contenders in the East will be huge. FAU is the betting favorite and FIU may have the best team, but I am picking Marshall to make it to the CUSA Title Game.
CUSA West
Favorite: North Texas (+160)
Easiest Path: The CUSA has 6-8 contenders, nothing is easy
Toughest Path: UAB
My Pick: Southern Miss
-Most Important Games-
- North Texas @ Southern Miss
- Southern Miss @ La Tech
- UAB @ Southern Miss
- UAB @ North Texas
- North Texas @ La Tech
- La Tech @ Marshall
- La Tech @ UAB
Same as the East, the West has 4 teams that all could be contenders to win the division. Ultimately, I think North Texas @ Southern Miss will decide it. However, both of those teams have plenty of other places that could trip them up along the way. North Texas was my pick for a while, but I switched to the Golden Eagles when I saw they get NT at home.
CUSA Title Game
This conference is going to be one to watch as there could be a number of combinations for the CUSA Title. 6-8 teams have a legit shot, but my pick is Southern Miss over Marshall. If I had to be less specific I would say the champion will come from the West, as that division includes North Texas, Southern Miss and UAB.
