October 11, 2004

Conference USA Skinny Posts -- Week 8

Welcome, all ye C-USA fans, to Judgment Week 2004. I'm not talking about the conference race, as there will be few games that will impact the standings in a meaningful way. Instead I'm referring the looming judgment and fate of the league's two BCS-buster hopefuls, Louisville and Southern Miss. Can either of these two unbeatens knock off a big brother from the big leagues (UL at Miami; USM at Alabama)? Or will one or both be slapped back to reality on the hallowed fields at the Orange Bowl and Bryant-Denny Stadium? It will certainly be worth watching.

This past weekend only offered a light sampling of league play, as four of the league's top six teams had a bye. The headlines of the weekend were Southern Miss dodging a bullet from Houston, scratching out a 35-29 overtime win at home, and the first conference and overall wins this season for Army (48-29 over Cincinnati) and East Carolina (27-25 over Tulane).

Buckle up for a ride around the league:

Louisville (2-0 conference, 4-0 overall)
The Cards had the weekend off to prepare for a Thursday night showdown at Miami, a tilt that will determine whether or not U of L is a legimate team to be reckoned with on the national stage or simply one of the better mid-majors. Bobby Petrino's club carries high rankings into the game: (#17 in the Coaches' Poll, #18 in the AP, #4 nationally in total offense, #9 in total defense).

The game, of course, will have no impact on the C-USA race, but the eyes of America stand ready to determine whether or not the Cards stand worthy for a longshot at the BCS.

Southern Miss (3-0, 4-0)
The Golden Eagles stared defeat in the face last Thursday against Houston. As often must be done in any magical season, they hunkered down for a fourth quarter comback and overtime win. This week, a rugged road test at Alabama awaits. Jeff Bower's squad will have to find a way to win without the services of veteran quarterback Dustin Almond, who suffered a hamstring injury in the Houston game.

USM's BCS-crashing hopes rest upon a trifecta of tests from BCS-league teams. They passed the first test against Nebraska. The second, a battle with highly-touted Cal, was postponed until December. Now, all eyes are trained on Alabama, a team the Eagles have only beaten 6 times in 40 tries. USM hasn't topped the Tide in Tuscaloosa since 1982. The nation's fourth-best defense promises to give Southern Miss a tough mountain to climb.

UAB (2-0, 4-1)
The beat goes on for Watson Brown's Blazers, having scored a 27-13 win over hapless Mississippi State of the SEC in Starkville. UAB returns to C-USA this Saturday night, hosting TCU at Legion Field. TCU is struggling, to be sure, but a win over them would legitimize UAB as a conference title contender.

The Blazers are certainly the league's surprise team of 2004, and are led by senior receiver Roddy White. White is has snagged 7 touchdown passes in five games and averages an even 100 yards per game receiving.

Memphis (1-1, 4-1)
After a week off, Memphis gets a home date with lowly Tulane Saturday afternoon, followed by road trip to Cincinnati. These should-be wins ought to set a up November 4th battle with Louisville at the Liberty Bowl for the league title. The Tiger better not look ahead, however, as UM has a history of losing games it shouldn't.

TCU (1-1, 3-2)
Despite an early loss to South Florida, the Frogs remain in the league hunt. Last week's bye should give Gary Patterson's club enough time to prepare for a tough battle at UAB on Saturday. The "contender or pretender" question will be answered for both teams on the field in Birmingham.

Fixing a defense that is giving up 429 yards per game must be the top priority for the Horned Frogs.

South Florida (1-1, 2-2)
USF wants to end its Conference USA membership this season by representing the league in a bowl game. Beating Army this Saturday night is must in order to do it. Jim Leavitt's teams are known for nasty defenses, but the Bulls must find a way to kick-start an offense that ranks dead last in the league and 114th out of 117 Division 1A ballclubs.

Cincinnati (1-2, 2-4)
Close early season losses to Ohio State and Syracuse provided hope that UC could contend in C-USA. Last Saturday's blowout loss to Army dispelled that notion entirely. It's on to a bye week and back to the drawing board for the Bearcats.

Houston (1-2, 1-5)
The Coogs get a bye week to think about the heartbreaking OT loss to Southern Miss before traveling to TCU. UH's inspired play in Hattiesburg gives hope that this team could a spoiler down the stretch.

East Carolina (1-2, 1-4)
John Thompson's improving Pirates got their first win of 2004 against Tulane. They're guaranteed not to lose this week (thanks to a bye), but will face long odds next Saturday at Southern Miss.

Army (1-3, 1-4)
The Knights were other first-time winner last Saturday in blowout fashion against Cincy. Bobby Ross's crew picked up four fumbles en route to his first victory as head coach at West Point. Army hopes to continue its newfound winning ways Saturday night in Tampa vs. USF.

Tulane (0-2, 1-3)
If Chris Scelfo on the hot seat? If he isn't, he should be. The Green Wave is fast making it's way to the cellar of C-USA.

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