Now looking forward, here are the top Conference USA prospects who could be chosen in the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins on April 24 and goes on until April 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

NFL Draft Conference USA Big Board

The post 2025 NFL Draft: Conference USA Big Board & Top Prospects appeared first on HERO Sports.

Yes, that dates back to last season, but it goes to show the progress that has been made since early last year when SHSU started 0-8 in its first season as a member of the FBS and Conference USA. 

The momentum from the end of 2023 has carried into this season, and the Bearkats currently sit at 3-1 with wins over Rice, Hawaii, and New Mexico State. Those three programs aren’t looking great this year, but they’re legitimate Group of Five programs. I think it says enough about the Bearkats and that they’re not a squad that can be overlooked.

Texas State certainly shouldn’t be looking past the Bearkats ahead of Saturday’s matchup. This game will be played at Houston’s NRG Stadium and college football betting odds have the Bobcats as an 8.5-point favorite. 

If the Bearkats want a shot to win this game, they’ll likely need to keep the ball out of quarterback Jordan McCloud’s hands and keep the Bobcat offense off the field as much as possible. The Bearkats have proven they can control the clock this year and dominated possession in all three of their wins. Their average time of possession is 33 minutes, 4 seconds, which ranks second in the conference only behind Liberty (33:06). That mark is also tied for 10th best in the country. 

Sam Houston’s Rushing Attack

As you may imagine, the main factor in SHSU’s ability to keep its offense on the field is having a strong rushing attack. The Bearkats are tied for fifth in the FBS in total rushing attempts with 178. In their three wins, they have rushed the ball 148 times compared to their opponents’ combined 67 rushes. The only game so far where SHSU didn’t outrush its opponent was against UCF — which is the No. 1 rushing offense in the FBS.

The Bearkats are having success using multiple players in the run game. Led by quarterback Hunter Watson and his 58.3 yards per game, SHSU also has running backs Jay Ducker (52.3 YPG) and DJ Kinney (38.8) finding success out of the backfield. Each of these guys have 25 or more carries on the year. There are 11 players on the roster who have had at least one carry.

Of course all of this starts up front, and the Bearkats’ offensive line returned four starters from last year and has been run blocking well.

Texas State allows 151 rushing yards per game and has given up 28 rushing touchdowns. However, its defense did hold up well against Arizona State’s decent rushing attack in Week 3. I expect the Bobcats to try and make Watson beat them with his arm, so he’s going to have to make some plays through the air. He’s proven he’s capable of doing that, keeping defenses honest.

If Watson can continue to find success in the passing game this weekend, then this rushing attack can do what it’s been best at all season — keeping the ball away from the opponent. Sam Houston will need to do that for a chance to pull off the biggest win of its FBS era. 

Sam Houston-Texas State Prediction 

I predict that Texas State will win but the Bearkats will cover the 8.5-point spread. 

I can see the Bobcats getting a little too confident and taking SHSU lightly. I think the Bearkats make enough plays offensively to keep this game within reach while soaking in the atmosphere of NRG Stadium.

The post Controlling The Clock Has Been Key For Sam Houston Football appeared first on HERO Sports.

Last year in its first season in Conference USA, Liberty emerged as a champion and earned a New Year’s Six bowl bid. The Flames took a 13-0 record into the Fiesta Bowl before losing to Oregon 45-6. 

If there were a 12-team playoff last year, Liberty would have been the G5 representative. 

Liberty didn’t play any power teams a year ago, and this year there are none on the schedule. 

So the margin for error is thin for Liberty, which almost saw its season go up in flames before staging a fourth-quarter comeback during last week’s 30-24 CUSA win at New Mexico State. 

That is an impressive win on the road against the same New Mexico State team that Liberty beat in last year’s CUSA title game, 49-35.

In last week’s win, Liberty trailed 17-9 entering the fourth quarter and was down 24-15 with 7:42 left after a two-yard touchdown run by Parker Awad.

This was a strong comeback against a quality CUSA team.

Still, with other G5 schools such as Northern Illinois, Boise State, and Tulane playing ranked Power Four teams this past week, it demonstrates how much tougher other teams’ schedules are. 

Northern Illinois upset Notre Dame 16-14 while Boise State lost a 37-34 decision at Oregon and Tulane suffered a 34-27 defeat to visiting Kansas State. 

With its schedule, it would seem as if Liberty would again have to go 13-0 (which would include a win in the CUSA title game) to have a chance to earn the G5 playoff bid.

That is the negative part of it.

The positive is the Flames put together a big comeback. While their schedule can be knocked, this is a talented team.

A year ago, the Flames led FBS squads in rushing, averaging 293.3 yards per game. In two games this year, the Flames are averaging 248 rushing yards per game, which is 21st. 

During last week’s win, Liberty had only rushed for 100 yards through three quarters before gaining 117 in the fourth quarter. 

Liberty’s most dynamic player is Kaidon Salter, a major dual-threat quarterback, but it was Quinton Cooley who spearheaded the win over New Mexico State, scoring on touchdown runs of 27 and 44 yards in the fourth quarter.

The 5-foot-7, 220-pound Cooley began his collegiate career at Wake Forest and was named the CUSA Newcomer of the Year and a HERO Sports G5 third-team All-American last year during his first season at Liberty. He rushed for 1,401 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. 

In two games this season, he has rushed for 221 yards and three scores. 

Salter, last year’s G5 Player of the Year, was an explosive runner last season, rushing for 1,089 yards and 12 touchdowns.

In the first two games this season, he has averaged just 3.7 yards per carry but also has not thrown an interception.

Both Cooley and Salter give Liberty a major edge against virtually all opponents. 

Flames defensive end TJ Bush Jr., who started all 14 games last year as a true freshman, leads the team in tackles (11), tackles for loss (2.5), and sacks (two). 

While this is an impressive team, here are the non-conference opponents for Liberty: FCS Campbell (who Liberty beat 41-24 in the season opener), East Carolina, App State, and UMass. 

East Carolina is 2-0, and we’ll get a better understanding of the Pirates after they host Appalachian State this week. And even though App State got rolled last week by Clemson 66-20, the Mountaineers are a major threat in the Sun Belt after losing to Troy in last year’s title game.

While ECU and App State are solid G5 opponents, it’s still not like facing a quality P4 team.

That’s why every game for Liberty will be like a playoff matchup because one loss may be one too many to earn a CFP bid. 

The post Will The Liberty Flames Have To Run The Table To Earn A CFP Berth? appeared first on HERO Sports.

A bounce-back performance this week might be difficult, though. Jacksonville State is facing No. 22-ranked Louisville on the road.

Here’s more information about the game.

Jacksonville State vs. Louisville Betting

Louisville is a -28 college football betting odds favorite against Jax State, with the Over/Under being 58.5.

Jacksonville State vs. Louisville On TV

The matchup between Jacksonville State and Louisville will be televised on ESPN+.

The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 7. The contest is taking place at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky.

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Jacksonville State vs. Louisville Prediction

I predict Louisville will win and cover the spread at -28. I also project this game will go Over 58.5 total points.

Louisville has yet to face a real test yet, as the Cardinals beat Austin Peay 62-0 a week ago. But they’re ranked 22nd in the country for a reason. They have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.

I’m also a little worried about Jacksonville State after the Gamecocks lost like they did to start the 2024 campaign. What if their loss to start the year was a sign of things to come?

I could easily see Jacksonville State getting back on track the next two weeks against Eastern Michigan and Southern Miss. But I don’t see that happening in this week’s matchup.

The post Jacksonville State vs. Louisville Prediction, Betting Odds & How To Watch appeared first on HERO Sports.

But now MTSU has its first FBS matchup during the Mason era. The Blue Raiders are playing Ole Miss, the No. 6-ranked team in the AP Top 25, in what should be a difficult test for MTSU early in the season.

Will MTSU be able to keep up with one of the top SEC teams?

Middle Tennessee vs. Ole Miss Betting Odds

Ole Miss is a -41.5 college football betting odds favorite against MTSU, with the Over/Under being 63.5.

Middle Tennessee vs. Ole Miss On TV

The matchup between Middle Tennessee and Ole Miss will be televised on the SEC Network.

The game will kick off at 4:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 7. The contest is taking place at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi.

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Middle Tennessee vs. Ole Miss Prediction

I predict Ole Miss will win but Middle Tennessee will cover the spread at +41.5. I also predict the game will go Under 63.5 total points.

Ole Miss is absolutely the better team here, make no mistake about it. With Jaxson Dart at quarterback and a plethora of offensive weapons, the Rebels should have little problem winning here.

However, I do think outsourcing MTSU by six touchdowns is too much. Led by an experienced quarterback like Nicholas Vattiato, I think the Blue Raiders can score some points in this clash. And with Mason in charge of the team, I think Middle Tennessee will be better defensively than some might anticipate.

I think Ole Miss will win, but maybe by 30 points instead of 42.

The post Middle Tennessee vs. Ole Miss Prediction, Betting Odds & How To Watch appeared first on HERO Sports.

Kalen DeBoer will take the field as the Crimson Tide’s head coach, and Alabama’s first test will be against a Group of Five program.

Western Kentucky lost some talent from a year ago, like quarterback Austin Reed and wide receiver Malachi Corley. But WKU is still expected to be one of the top squads in Conference USA this year after adding one of the top-ranked transfer portal classes in the league.

But will it be enough to challenge Alabama?

Western Kentucky vs. Alabama Betting

Alabama is a -31.5 college football betting odds favorite against Western Kentucky, with the Over/Under being 59.5.

Western Kentucky vs. Alabama On TV

The matchup between Western Kentucky and Alabama will be televised on ESPN.

The game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 31. The contest is taking place at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

For more Group of Five coverage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Western Kentucky vs. Alabama Prediction

I predict Alabama will win and cover the spread at -31.5. I also project the game will go Over 59.5 total points.

I don’t think Alabama, led by quarterback Jalen Milroe, will have much problem with WKU’s defense. Although Nick Saban is now gone, this is still Alabama we’re talking about. And in a season opener at home, I expect the Crimson Tide to begin the year with plenty of energy and prove they are still capable of being one of the best teams in all of college football.

However, I also think WKU will be able to score once in a while. I think TJ Finley will be a good quarterback for the Hilltoppers, and I expect he’ll help put some scoring drives together.

But I think Alabama still ends up winning by 35 points at least.

The post Western Kentucky vs. Alabama Prediction, Betting Odds & How To Watch appeared first on HERO Sports.

The Bulldogs went 3-9 in each of his first two seasons, establishing a pattern after going 3-9 in 2021. It’s been five seasons since LA Tech’s last bowl game and winning season, when it went 10-3 under Skip Holtz. LA Tech hasn’t played for a Conference USA title since 2016.

Last year saw the Bulldogs lose four one-possession games, including a pair of three-point defeats. The Bulldogs have also been injury plagued. I’m not saying LA Tech would have made it to a bowl game last season if it had a couple of breaks go its way, but maybe the Bulldogs could have squeezed out a couple more wins. Their other five losses came in games that weren’t very competitive, so I imagine Cumbie is expecting a little more consistency from his group in 2024.

Louisiana Tech Football’s Conference USA Title Odds

Louisiana Tech’s odds to win Conference USA are +2500, via BetMGM.

Louisiana Tech Football’s Betting Odds & Over/Under Win Total

Louisiana Tech’s win total Over/Under is 4.5, with the Over at -155 and the Under at +130.

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Louisiana Tech Football’s 2024 Schedule

8/31 vs Nicholls

9/7 at North Carolina State

9/21 vs Tulsa

9/28 at FIU

10/12 vs MTSU

10/15 at NMSU

10/22 vs UTEP

10/29 at Sam Houston

11/9 vs Jacksonville State

11/16 at WKU

11/23 at Arkansas

11/30 vs Kennesaw State

Bold indicates CUSA contests

Key Louisiana Tech Football Returners

2023 All-CUSA Second Team

KR Demarcus Griffin-Taylor

Louisiana Tech Football Has To Avoid Injury Woes

For the second consecutive season, LA Tech’s starting QB was injured and had to miss time last year. As a matter of fact, the Bulldogs’ top two options in 2022 missed quite a bit of time. Last year it was Hank Bachmeier who missed four games with a shoulder injury. 

The running back room was depleted last season. Marquis Crosby was injured on his first carry of the season after he was expected to have a breakout year. Backup Keith Willis missed five games while Tyre Shelton didn’t play in four. 

But the guy who came to the rescue the last two years will now have the reins of the offense. Jack Turner filled in in 2022 as a true freshman and started four games last season where he passed for 1,017 yards and five touchdowns. He also tossed five interceptions. Turner is the No. 1 guy entering the year after patiently waiting for the opportunity. LA Tech went 1-3 in his starts, but he showed potential.

Turner almost brought the Bulldogs back from a double-digit deficit against North Texas after Bachmeier left the game. Trailing 30-14 in the third quarter, Turner orchestrated a comeback but the Bulldogs fell short 40-37. Even though they were dealing with injuries to some of their key players, the Bulldogs still finished fifth in CUSA in scoring offense, averaging 23.9 points per game. They averaged 21.25 points per game during Turner’s four starts.

Cumbie has faith in Turner, who will have the opportunity to spark some life in this program during what may be a hot seat year for the coach. Turner should have a solid supporting cast with Crosby returning and RB Donerio Davenport transferring from Texas State, creating a solid backfield. Although the Bulldogs lost some all-conference wide receivers, they brought in a pair of promising transfer wideouts in Jimmy Holiday (Western Kentucky) and Abdul Fatal-Ibrahim (Bowling Green). They also return Tru Edwards.

One area where the Bulldogs must improve is their rush defense, which ranked last in CUSA after allowing 232 yards per game. LA Tech had a solid secondary last season but that core group of guys is gone, including first-team all-conference selection Willie Roberts, who is currently with the Seattle Seahawks. The rush defense must be more effective, especially since the secondary might take a step back. 

2024 Louisiana Tech Football Season Prediction

Louisiana Tech won’t win CUSA this season, but there is a chance the Bulldogs can reach a bowl game given their light schedule. Six wins will still be a stretch, but I think there are four games that the Bulldogs could very well win and at least two others where they should be competitive. 

I wouldn’t bet on the Bulldogs to go Over 4.5 wins because the juice is so high and I do not trust them that much until they prove to me otherwise, but if the odds moved to Over/Under 5 wins with a better price, then it might be something to consider. 

It doesn’t seem like LA Tech will be any worse than it was the last two seasons, and four or five wins seems right on point for the Bulldogs. 

The post 2024 Louisiana Tech Football Prediction & Preview With Betting Odds & Schedule appeared first on HERO Sports.

That starts with the recruits those programs are expected to sign in the near future. Here are rankings of recruiting classes among CUSA teams for 2025.

247’s College Football Recruiting Rankings In Conference USA

Rivals’ College Football Recruiting Rankings In Conference USA

On3’s College Football Recruiting Rankings In Conference USA

The post 2025 College Football Recruiting Rankings: Conference USA appeared first on HERO Sports.

Liberty’s college football betting odds to win the CUSA title game are -160. Jacksonville State and Western Kentucky are some of the other favorites.

Here’s a look at CUSA’s title odds for this season.

CUSA Championship Odds

The post College Football Betting Odds: 2024 Conference USA Title Odds Have Liberty As The Favorite appeared first on HERO Sports.

But will Liberty go undefeated in conference play once again? The Flames, as well as teams like Western Kentucky and Louisiana Tech, could be some of the college football betting frontrunners to win the conference at some point this year.

Here’s a look at CUSA’s win total Over/Unders for this season.

CUSA Over/Under Win Totals

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