Bilo's College Football PASS/FAIL Reports Week 5: Conference USA

CUSA finally, for the first time in 2016, finished the week with even passing grades to failing grades, but one team still seems to have me befuddled, and that is Marshall, who was once again blown out this week. After a strong start against Morgan State, the Herd has fallen off the rails in a horrifying way. Here are the grades for week 5:

Conference USA

PASS: Old Dominion, Middle Tennessee, FIU, Louisiana Tech, Western Kentucky, Southern Miss

Jeremy Cox rushed for 3 TDs in limited duty this week, and Old Dominion is now 2-0 against Charlotte after a 52-17 blowout win, which snapped a 3 game losing streak for the Monarchs.

Brent Stockstill passed for 2 TDs, and Middle Tennessee went on a 23-0 scoring run after trailing 7-0 in the first quarter to North Texas. The Blue Raiders are now 4-1 overall in a must win season for this coaching staff.

FIU rebounded from the firing of Ron Turner to edge out FAU this week 33-31 under interim coach Ron Cooper. Alex McGough survived turnover issues to pass for a TD and rush for 2 more on the day in a huge rebound win.

Ryan Higgins passed for 2 TDs and rushed for another, as Louisiana Tech led UTEP from start to finish in a 28-7 win. The Bulldogs ran the ball effectively all night, averaging 8.9 yards per carry.

Western Kentucky led FCS member Houston Baptist 30-3 at the half, and then poured 20 more on in the 3^rd on the way to a 50-3 win over the Huskies. Mike White got back to being himself in this game, and tossed 3 TDs in the win.

Southern Miss used a 21 point 3^rd quarter to blow open the win against Rice this week. Nick Mullins passed for 591 yards and 4 TDs in the win for the Golden Eagles.

FAIL: Charlotte, North Texas, FAU, UTEP, Rice, Marshall

Charlotte only managed 17 points despite running 84 plays in a 52-17 loss to Old Dominion. The 49ers have dropped to 1-4 on the season.

North Texas jumped out on Middle Tennessee early, and then fell off the grid. The Mean Green has now won consecutive games since 2013.

FAU, playing their rival who fired their coach this week, could not use that in a Shula Bowl loss to FIU. The Owls defense failed to hold the Panthers when necessary in a 33-31 loss, which could very well cost Charlie Harbridge his job.

UTEP is just disintegrating now after a 28-7 loss to Louisiana Tech, and Sean Kugler’s job security is now faltering at an alarming pace.

Rice, now at 0-5 after a loss to Southern Miss, may also be in the market for a new coach, as the Owls remain lifeless in 2016. David Bailiff is not taking this program anywhere.

Marshall is the most stunning team in the nation this season, and are now just 1-3 after three straight horrible losses, this week to Pitt.