We've got USM this Saturday, and they are still reeling from everything that happened after they won the CUSA title in 2011.

But I looked it up, and saw that they weren't the only defending CUSA champs that have had a poor result in their follow on year.
Chalk it up to rebuilding, or what have you, but it is a trend.

2008 champ ECU successfully defended title.
2009 champ ECU 6-7 in 2010
2010 champ UCF 5-7 in 2011
2011 champ USM 0-12 in 2012 (23 gm L streak)
2012 champ Tulsa 3-9 in 2013
2013 champ Rice 0-3 to start (4 gm L streak incl bowl)

So this Saturday, the only two current CUSA teams that have won league titles meet, with both trying to shake off the doldrums since their wins. I still like Rice's chances, but USM is definitely starting to come back strong. Glad to have USM in our division, it's a good road trip game and should be a good rivalry.

Well I guess Marshall will prove the record wrong. I'm joking of course. I would like their to be three past champions after this year though( the third being Marshall)

I guess nobody will ever top our 0-23 after the 2011 Championship.