Old Dominion had that epic comeback and while that was a testament to their quality, it is still concerning that they went down 21-0 to begin with. BJ Stith, in the post game interview with Watch Stadium, discussed how his play — and that of Ahmad Caver — is essential to the team. Bad first half: losing big. Good second half: epic comeback. So it goes.
This week we have some good matchups and some tough road trips for good teams — UNT at UTSA, WKU at Marshall, UAB at Tech.
Power Rankings
- Marshall — Went 2-0 in a tough week.
- ODU — Epic comeback gives you momentum
- WKU — Blowing a 20-point lead is never good. Especially against a team that is going to challenge for the title.
- North Texas — Beat some teams people think are good. Big road games coming up.
- UAB — Good coaching, team gelling. Handled business
inagainst the Florida teams. Ed note: Fat-fingered this. Fixed. - UTSA — Everyone getting healthy, beat up on UTEP last week. Time to host Rice and NT and see how good this team is.
- Rice — Yes, Rice. Big wins over USM/Tech. Travel to the UT-System schools this week.
- FAU — Have a scorer in Adger and have played a good team and a bad team. Host a good team and a bad team.
- FIU — Team is trying to get their philosophy set with new faces. Can jump up and beat teams if not careful
- La Tech — Couple of bad losses due to injury and schedule woes. Should be improved as the season continues but not a good start.
- UTEP — Young and injured but dangerous in El Paso.
- Charlotte – Jon Davis is fun and this team tries hard but its hard to live and die with one man.
- Southern Miss — Tough and talented and a bit unlucky in the trip in Texas
- MTSU — You know the deal.
Weekly Matchups
Watchabilty ★ to ★★★★
Jan 10th
Charlotte at FIU CUSA TV 6pm
Watchability ★★
Jon Davis is fun to watch and FIU should be creating havoc early.
ODU at FAU ESPN+ 6pm
Watchability ★★★
ODU is one of the best teams in the league and FAU has a good scorer. This should be fun.
UAB at Louisiana Tech BeIN 630p
Watchability ★★★
Good team on the road against a good team on television (for some).
Rice at UTSA ESPN+ 7pm
Watchability ★★
Rice has been surprising and this is not a far trip. UTSA is getting healthier.
MTSU at USM ESPN+ 7pm
Watchability ★
Watch this if you are an alumnus or something is happening on the scoreboard.
North Texas at UTEP ESPN+ 8pm
Watchability ★★
UTEP is getting healthier. North Texas won their home stand.
Jan 12th
Charlotte at FAU CUSA TV 3pm
Watchability ★★
Jon Davis vs Anthony Adger.
North Texas at UTSA ESPN+ 3pm
Watchability ★★★
NT is first in the conference standings and takes on a fun and gun UTSA team with Jhivvan Jackson getting to full strength.
MTSU at Louisiana Tech ESPN+ 4pm
Watchability ★
I cannot recommend watching MTSU but Tech is fun. They struggled away, but should roll at home in a get-right game.
UAB at USM ESPN+ 4pm
Watchability ★★
UAB is a tough ball club and USM has talent that is losing close games. This is an old rivalry and should be fun but could not be.
ODU at FIU
Watchability ★★★
The advanced numbers love ODU but they play a slow, deliberate pace. FIU is up-tempo and presses a bunch. A nice contrast in styles and a test for ODU that is not playing as well as their record would suggest.
WKU at Marshall CBSSN on FB 6pm
Watchability ★★★★
Game of the day — Western and Marshall tango again. The most talented team in the league — and a squad that is struggling right now — vs Jon Elmore and CJ Burks. Rematch of the league title game last year.
RIce at UTEP CUSA TV 8pm
Watchability ★
I cannot recommend CUSA TV. Rice is scrappy and UTEP is young but this is not going to be riveting internet streaming.
Random Thoughts
- I think WKU puts things together but there are some shades of last year’s LT team that just underperformed all season.
- Marshall really misses Penava.
- North Texas is playing well and getting contributions from nearly everyone. A lot rides on Zach Simmons, however. Keeping him healthy and productive is paramount.
- UTSA slew some giants at home last season. A little home stand against to beatable opponents could jump-start the season. UTSA looking for 3-0 tonight.
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