As we gear up for the 2024 Conference USA football season, there's plenty to dissect, including intriguing storylines, standout players, and coaching changes. Here's what you can expect from the top contenders and key players to watch.
The conference has become even more interesting with the introduction of the new 12-team College Football Playoff format, which provides the C-USA champion with an opportunity to secure an automatic bid.
Liberty is once again the favorite to win after a remarkable 2023 season, finishing with a 13-1 record, including a perfect 8-0 run in conference play and a victory in the C-USA Championship game. Liberty (-210) is one of two Group of Five teams with minus odds to win a conference title. However, the Flames had one of the easiest schedules in the nation, ranked 132nd out of 133 NCAA Division 1 FBS teams.
Jacksonville State made the jump to FBS in 2023, joining the C-USA and finished the season with a 9-4 record. Senior QB Logan Smothers was named the starter for this year and demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities in 11 appearances and four starts last season. Expect a smooth transition into the full-time gig for Smothers in 2024.
New Mexico State also had a notable 2023 season, finishing with a 10-5 record in their first year in conference. The Aggies achieved their first eight-win season since 1965 and secured their first-ever victory over an SEC team by defeating Auburn 31-10. However, replacing the production of quarterback Diego Pavia will be difficult. With a new head coach in Tony Sanchez and new coordinators, I would caution against backing the Aggies in the futures market.
Here is each team's regular season win totals and national championship odds as we head into the season.
Other conferences: ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, SEC, MAC, Independents
Coming up: Mountain West (Aug. 21)
Odds accurate as of publication. For the most up-to-date odds, visit ESPN BET. 
Maldonado's Pick: Western Kentucky over 7.5 wins (-130)
Known for their high-scoring offense, Western Kentucky is the team to watch in the C-USA and quarterback TJ Finley is someone to keep an eye on. The Texas State transfer had a successful season last year, recording 3,439 passing yards and 24 touchdowns for the Bobcats. He joins a Hilltoppers offense that ranked first in the conference in passing yards and passing yards per game.
Finley will be a key part of Western Kentucky's success because of his extensive experience at LSU, Auburn and Texas State. He is known for his strong arm, can make deep throws and stretch the field, which is essential in the Hilltoppers' Air Raid offense.
The team's new offensive coordinator, Will Friend, has expertise coaching the offensive line, which should be beneficial for Finley and provide the protection he needs to execute plays effectively. I'm looking forward to the partnership between Finley and Friend. Both have spent time in the competitive SEC and Friend is well-equipped to craft strategies that can maximize Finley's strengths.