Conference USA got run over by the Lane Train in 2017. Florida Atlantic, a perennial doormat, experienced a rejuvenation under head coach Lane Kiffin. The Owls finished the regular season 8-0 in conference play and won the CUSA Championship game.

Conference USA had ten selections made in the 2018 NFL Draft. Marcus Davenport, UTSA edge rusher, was taken with the 14th overall pick.

In all likelihood, CUSA will not sniff the College Football Playoff.

PROJECTED CONFERENCE USA STANDINGS

EAST DIVISION

Team Conference Record Overall Record Florida Atlantic 8-0 10-2 Marshall 7-1 9-3 Western Kentucky 6-2 8-4 Middle Tennessee 4-4 5-7 Old Dominion 3-5 5-7 FIU 2-6 4-8 Charlotte 1-7 3-9

FAU again should be the Beasts of the East. Junior RB Devin Singletary arguably is the best offensive player in the league. I advise people to not sleep on Marshall. Wagner transfer Alex Thomson is expected to replace Chase Litton at quarterback. The Thundering Herd have two great skill players in WR Tyre Brady and RB Tyler King.

I learned a long time ago never to count out specific teams, especially Western Kentucky. After an injury-plagued 2017, QB Brent Stockstill returns to lead the MTSU Blue Raiders. Old Dominion, with edge rusher Oshane Ximines, could flirt with bowl eligibility. FIU is due for a down season.

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WEST DIVISION

Team Conference Record Overall Record UAB 6-2 8-4 North Texas 6-2 8-4 Louisiana Tech 5-3 7-5 Southern Miss 5-3 8-4 UTSA 2-6 3-9 Rice 1-7 2-10 UTEP 0-8 1-11

In 2018, the West division of Conference USA is up for grabs. For instance, any one of four teams could win the division. UAB and North Texas are the two favorites. Southern Miss has QB issues. Louisiana Tech has several good players, most notably is edge rusher Jaylon Ferguson. He is potentially a double-digit sack guy. UTSA, Rice, and UTEP are hapless.

CONFERENCE USA CHAMPIONSHIP: Florida Atlantic over UAB

What do you think about the Conference USA in 2018? Let us know in the comments!

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Check out our other conference projections: SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, Pac 12, AAC

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