By Mark Pszonak
G5 programs are always looking for a program-building victory against a P4 opponent. CUSA teams have multiple opportunities to accomplish this in 2025. Here are five games to watch that could produce huge wins for the conference:
Jacksonville State at UCF (August 28)
The skinny: While Jacksonville State lost its head coach, Rich Rodriguez, quarterback, Tyler Huff, and star running back, Tre Stewart, the Gamecocks are still considered one of the preseason favorites in the conference. They’ll be traveling to Orlando in this season opener, where the Knights will be dealing with their own changes, most notably the return of head coach Scott Frost.
Kennesaw State at Wake Forest (August 29)
The skinny: It was a rough first FBS season for the Owls, who finished 2-10 and underwent a in-season head coaching change. However, the program did pull off one of the biggest surprises of the season with a 27-24 victory over Liberty, who entered the game at 5-0. Wake Forest is coming off consecutive 4-8 season and introduces a new head coach in 2025, Jake Dickert. Could the Owls surprise Wake while they adjust to their new offensive philosophies?
Delaware at Colorado (September 6)
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The skinny: In their first FBS season, after playing their season opener against Delaware State, the Blue Hens travel to Boulder to play Colorado on FOX. While most eyes will be tuning in to check out the revamped Buffaloes, it also gives Delaware an opportunity to make an immediate positive impression as they begin their transition.
Middle Tennessee at Wisconsin (September 6)
The skinny: It wasn’t a great first season for head coach Derek Mason with the Blue Raiders, who struggled at 3-9. This season, after opening against Austin Peay, the Blue Raiders travel to Madison to take on a Badgers team that will hope to rebound after their own disappointing season. With a trip to Alabama the week after this game, could Wisconsin be looking ahead when the Blue Raiders come into town?
SMU at Missouri State (September 13)
The skinny: Missouri State’s first FBS season will likely be a learning process. And that process will start quickly with the Bears’ first two games coming against USC and Marshall, both on the road. They then play their first FBS home game against SMU, who is coming off a surprising trip to the Playoffs during their first P4 season. No matter what happens in their first two games, it will be memorable atmosphere during the program’s first ever FBS home game.
