Conference USA Football 2019: Week 10 C-USA Roundup

It was another disappointing weekend for Rice football, but plenty of other Conference USA Football teams had big wins to celebrate in Week 10.

TeamWeek 10ResultWeek 11
Charlottevs MTSUW, 34-20at UTEP
FAUat WKUW, 35-24vs FIU
FIUvs Old DominionW, 24-17at FAU
LA Tech— OFF — —vs North Texas
Marshallat RiceW, 20-7— OFF —
MTSUat CharlotteL, 34-20— OFF —
North Texasvs UTEPW, 52-26at Louisiana Tech
Old Dominionat FIUL, 24-17vs UTSA
Ricevs MarshallL, 20-7— OFF —
Southern Miss— OFF — —vs UAB
UABat TennesseeL, 30-7at Southern Miss
UTEPat North TexasW, 52-26vs Charlotte
UTSAat Texas A&ML, 45-14at Old Dominion
WKUvs FAUL, 35-24at Arkansas

Notable Week 10 results – Standings

What could have been?

The Rice football offense showed signs of life under freshmen quarterback Jovoni Johnson, but untimely penalties and his injury stopped the Owls before they could ever get into a rhythm. One proficient half through the air was more than enough for Marshall to beat Rice on Saturday.

Tops turned after hot start

Three weeks ago, Western Kentucky was in the driver’s seat in the C-USA East. Losses to Marshall and FAU, the latter which came at home in Week 10, have not only put the dreams of winning the conference on hold, but severely dampened aspirations of playing in a bowl game this season. Sitting at 4-5 with a date against Arkansas next weekend, the Hilltoppers season might have just turned on a dime.

The Mason Fine we all know and love

It’s been a bumpy ride for preseason offensive player of the year, Mason Fine. A grueling schedule and some injuries have kept Fine off his A-game.  He threw for 300 yards three times in the Mean Green’s first seven-game, averaging 2.1 touchdowns over that span. In his last two games, he’s averaged 363 yards and SIX touchdowns per game. His seven touchdown outing against UTEP was marvelous.

Week 11 storylines

Could Charlotte go bowling after all?

It’s been a roller coaster of a season for Charlotte in 2019. After four straight losses, the 49ers have won their last two games, giving them four victories under their belt with three games to play. They still have Marshall on the schedule, but they also draw UTEP and Old Dominion, neither of which has won a conference game this year.

All-Florida showdown

Florida Atlantic and FIU have had this coming weekend circled on the calendar since the season began. It’s been a bumpy ride for FIU, but the Panthers can clinch a bowl berth and knock FAU out of contention for the East with a win. Rivalry games always seem to live up to the hype. This should be a good one.

For the west

Louisiana Tech has a win over Southern Miss and a one-game lead in the race fo the West. Beating North Texas next weekend at home will keep them in the front of the pack, but perhaps an even more intriguing battle will be happening in Hattiesburg. The winner of Southern Miss vs UAB could thrust themselves back into the mix, particularly if the Blazers can win on the road as they have a date with Louisiana Tech later in November.