Conference USA is back in full swing this Saturday, marking Week 12 as an exciting opportunity for teams to showcase their skills, with all teams in action across various locations. The schedule features five conference matchups alongside two non-conference games, creating a day filled with competitive college football from Miami, Florida, to Pullman, Washington.
Among the notable games is a clash between UTEP and Missouri State at 3 p.m. ET, available on ESPN+, followed by Middle Tennessee facing WKU at 3:30 p.m. ET on the same network. New Mexico State will take on Tennessee at 4:15 p.m. ET on SEC Network, while Liberty meets FIU at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Later in the night, Delaware will compete against Sam Houston at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with Kennesaw State facing Jacksonville State at 8 p.m. ET on ESPNU. Finally, Louisiana Tech will go head-to-head with Washington State at 10 p.m. ET on The CW Network.
One of the most critical matchups is the showdown between Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State, both holding a perfect 5-0 CUSA record. This game, which will be nationally televised, has significant implications as it may determine which team has the home-field advantage in the upcoming CUSA Championship Game on December 5. Kennesaw State is riding high on a seven-game winning streak, while Jacksonville State comes in hot with four consecutive victories.
Kennesaw State’s defense has consistently kept opponents at bay, with Indiana being the only team to score more than 26 points against them this season. Offensively, the Owls have benefitted from the emergence of running back Chase Belcher, who’s made a significant impact recently. In contrast, Jacksonville State boasts Cam Cook, the FBS leader in rushing yards this season, making this matchup a highly anticipated clash between two standout players.
Another significant rivalry to watch this weekend is the storied “100 Miles of Hate” matchup between WKU and Middle Tennessee. This year marks the 75th meeting, with WKU leading the all-time series 38-35-1. The Hilltoppers have been dominant in recent years, going 6-0 against their rivals under coach Tyson Helton. Despite Middle Tennessee’s struggles, evidenced by their current 1-8 record, the rivalry brings a unique intensity that could spark an upset.
In a critical game affecting bowl eligibility, FIU, under first-year head coach Willie Simmons, faces Liberty. Both teams sit at 4-5, making this game crucial for their postseason hopes. Liberty, having experienced a recent downturn, is seeking to return to form following a disappointing loss to Missouri State. The Flames have historically been a strong program since moving to FBS, and they aim to regain winning momentum bolstered by tailback Evan Dickens, who has found his stride in the rushing game.
As fans tune into this exciting slate of games, the competitive spirit of college football shines through, with storied rivalries and high-stakes matches that could determine playoff and bowl fates for the teams involved.