1. North Texas (4)
Didn't play last week ... but UTSA lost to USM which was coming off a loss to North Texas ... Louisiana Tech lost to UAB ... Marshall won, but didn't set the world on fire in the process ... TCU and South Florida aren't in the conference anymore ... carry the seven ... Congratulations, Mean Green, you're the top team in CUSA!

2. Marshall (3)
A lot of people were expecting a much more comprehensive beatdown of the Niners, but it's CUSA: Expect the Unexpected, Unless The Unexpected Is Something Really Good Like a Media Contract Where Macedonian Fake News Producers Don't Have Second-Tier Rights. The Herd have been consistently producing and that's worth something in this topsy-turvy world of ours.

3. Florida Atlantic (5)
It's a nice turnaround for the Owls from getting smacked around by Navy to tearing apart ODU in the shadow of the world's largest Navy base. There's a joke about seamen to be had here, but I am far too classy to stoop to such levels. *snicker* ... seamen ...

4. Southern Miss (7)
Southern Miss has made a mess of the West. A Southern Mess, if you will. By beating then-unbeaten UTSA at their place, they've ensured that a) no CUSA team will get the NY6 bowl spot and b) the division standings might as well be determined by a Lotto popper.

5. UTSA (1)
A hard-fought and exciting game between two good teams. The Roadrunners could have firmed up control of the West, but it's OK because Rule One of West Division Fight Club is Don't be Rice or UTEP.

6. Louisiana Tech (2)
The Bulldogs lost to UAB ... I'm sorry, it's been 48 hours and I'm still wrapping my head around that one.

7. UAB (9)
And before anyone asks, the Blazers are not ahead of La. Tech because I take the whole season into account, so while it was undoubtedly a great win for a program that deserves nothing but great after all the crap they've dealt with, I still think the Bulldogs are (as of now) better. Boring explanation done with, I offer this as a peace offering.

Way to take it to those thatch-roofed cottages!

8. Middle Tennessee (8)
Delay the end of the world a week, the Blue Raiders handled FIU. Though suddenly that UAB game is looking pretty intriguing.

9. Western Kentucky (6)
Sure, they won, but in a decidedly unimpressive way against a decidedly unimpressive foe. If this keeps up, they'll be seeing red — and not just that Grimace-Elmo love child they call a mascot.

10. Old Dominion (10)
Didja see how the Florida Gators paid tribute to native son Tom Petty by singing "I Won't Back Down" before the fourth quarter? There's no organized effort at ODU, but a bunch of us have been singing "Free Falling" independently these days.

11. FIU (11)
The other cleat dropping? There aren't any easy wins on the schedule going forward. Though beating Tulane would be a nice F(I)U to the P6 Players.

12. Rice (12)
The Owls still have a win. But the chances of finding a playmate for it are growing dim.

13. Charlotte and UTEP (13/14)
You can probably make an argument for one being better than the other, but even after surprisingly competitive losses, they're both still winless and will almost certainly be stricken from the rolls of bowl-eligibility contenders next week. Too bad they don't play each other. They could stream it on Friendster.