Conference Race: Week 9 Slate Tests CUSA and MAC Contenders
CBS Sports Network broadcasts six games, including critical matchups for Western Kentucky, Liberty, and UNLV.
By Kwame Silva ·
The 2026 college football season enters Week 9 with a schedule that determines the trajectory of several conference races. CBS Sports Network broadcasts six games beginning Tuesday, October 27. The slate features high-stakes matchups in Conference USA, the Mid-American Conference, and the Mountain West. These contests will directly impact title odds for teams across the Group of Six.
Western Kentucky hosts Delaware at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday in Bowling Green. The Hilltoppers enter the game as 1.5-point favorites. They have won their last two Conference USA games. A victory would place them at 3-1 in conference play, keeping them close to Liberty and Jacksonville State. Delaware, which scored 61 points against Missouri State last week, tests Western Kentucky's defense.
Middle Tennessee takes on Kennesaw State on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Murfreesboro. The Blue Raiders are 3-point favorites. Quarterback Roman Gagliano has thrown 12 touchdown passes and two interceptions this season. Middle Tennessee has won two consecutive close games to reach 2-1 in conference play. Kennesaw State, which lost to Liberty recently, sits at 1-6 overall and 0-3 in the conference.
Saturday's schedule begins at 12 p.m. with Bowling Green visiting Western Michigan in Kalamazoo. The Broncos are 13.5-point favorites. Western Michigan is 3-1 in MAC play. Bowling Green, led by coach Eddie George, is 2-6 overall but has won two of its last four conference games. Both of the Falcons' recent losses came by one score.
Liberty hosts Florida International University at 3:30 p.m. in Lynchburg. Liberty is a 14.5-point favorite and remains unbeaten in Conference USA play. The Flames are positioned to challenge Jacksonville State for the conference title. Their offense, featuring quarterback Deshawn Purdie and running back Kam Davis, ranks among the most explosive in the Group of Six. FIU has lost its last two games but has been competitive in every contest this season.
Washington State plays San Diego State at 7 p.m. in San Diego. The Aztecs are 2.5-point favorites. San Diego State is 3-5 overall after facing a difficult schedule that included a top 10 team. Washington State is winless in conference play following a late loss to Boise State. The Cougars rely on defense to keep games close, while San Diego State has played in high-scoring contests for most of the season.
The week concludes at 10:30 p.m. when Northern Illinois visits UNLV in Las Vegas. The Rebels are 24-point favorites. UNLV has won its last three games after a slow start. Northern Illinois is 0-7 in its first season in the Mountain West after leaving the MAC. UNLV looks to extend its winning streak and maintain its position among conference leaders.
