Conference USA Week 8 Preview

MATCHUPS

Central Florida at UAB

East Carolina at Navy

Memphis at Tulane

Marshall at Houston

Tulsa at Rice

SMU at Southern Mississippi

Colorado State at UTEP

The most intriguing clash in week eight of the C-USA slate is SMU at Southern Mississippi. SMU is obviously on a roll, but Southern Miss has come on strong after an early-season clunker against Marshall. Golden Eagle coach Larry Fedora has righted the ship in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, getting the most out of his offense and veteran quarterback Austin Davis. Southern Miss lit up Navy’s defense for 63 points on Oct. 8, scoring at least 14 points in every quarter and maxing out on virtually every drive. USM’s passing game should provide an even match for SMU’s own turbocharged aerial attack. This game should be as fun as it is consequential, and that’s saying a lot. If USM can knock off SMU one week after the Ponies’ conquest of Central Florida, the Golden Eagles will be able to feel very confident when they eventually face Central Florida in what looks like the ultimate showdown for the C-USA East Division championship.