2024 College Football Conference Winner: Conference USA
2024 College Football Conference Winner: Conference USA
The good news is that the undermanned conference will be adding Delaware and Missouri State from FCS in 2025. The bad news is that Liberty (-175) doesn’t have a lot of competition and their overall schedule is awful. They’ll have to go undefeated to have any shots at the new 12-game playoffs and their strength of schedule doesn’t help. QB Kaidon Salter threw for 32 TDs and just six picks last season for the Flames. But instead of picking the obvious heavy favorite, let’s take a chance and look for more value.
Conference USA Championship Game Winner: Jacksonville State +475
What a great story the Gamecocks were last season, going 9-4 and 6-2 in the league. The key is finding a quarterback as sophomore Zion Turner arrives from UConn to replace Zion Webb. Logan Smothers, a transfer from Nebraska was with the program last season and Furman transfer Tyler Huff are also options. Anwar Lewis returns at running back where he averaged 4.9ypc. Rich Rodriguez adds Kenney Solomon II from Tulsa to help the secondary. They also added BANDIT Reginald Hughes from Ole Miss to bolster a defense that was solid last season. They have a tougher schedule with Liberty and Louisville on the road, but this is a dangerous team to play.
Longshot: Sam Houston State +2200
This is a real long shot, but this program is no joke. Last season, they gave Liberty one of their toughest games, losing 21-16 on the road. They lost their first seven games in FBS and then won three of their last four games. They weren’t eligible for a title last season due to moving up from FCS but will not be eligible. QB Jake Bauer, a transfer from Central Michigan threw for 1,881 yards last season. He’ll likely become the starter with an improved WR corps. They also added former Liberty safety Jaylon Jimmerson to a defense that returns four starters but needed an upgrade of talent.
Conference USA Over/Under Regular Season Win Totals
1)Liberty Over 10.5 (-115)
2)Jacksonville State Over 8 (-115)
3)Western Kentucky Over 7 (-140)
4)Louisiana Tech Over 5 (-115)
5)New Mexico State Over 4.5 (-110)
6)Sam Houston State Over 4.5 (-130)
7)UTEP Over 4 (-120)
8)Middle Tennessee State Under 5 (-115)
9)FIU Under 4.5 (-150)
10)Kennesaw State Over 2.5 (-105)
