The Conference USA seemed all but wrapped up just a few weeks ago, with UAB owning a commanding lead. But things have been blown wide open over the past two weeks.
After impressive runs by Florida Atlantic and North Texas — that came alongside some uncharacteristic losses by UAB and Louisiana Tech — we have a four-way race for the title.
We haven't even mentioned the solid odds to go along with it.
Conference USA Odds to Win Regular Season
Listed odds are updated as of Wednesday, Feb. 9 and courtesy of FanDuel.
The Favorite
UAB Blazers (-130)
The Blazers are still the highest-ranked team in the C-USA. They are possibly still the best, but there's absolutely no value in them at this number.
UAB suffered an odd loss on the road to Marshall, which is literally the worst team in the C-USA. The Thundering Herd's first conference win of the season was against the Blazers.
However, UAB does play host to its two toughest games left on the schedule — North Texas and Louisiana Tech. Because of that, I think the Blazers are still at a fair price here at -130. However, I think there are better options where the market currently lies.
In the Mix
North Texas Mean Green (+110)
The Mean Green have been on a tear, as they haven't lost a game since Jan. 6. That defeat came by just six to the then best team in the conference, UAB.
North Texas won a close one against Louisiana Tech on the road, too
This team has a chance to win the conference, and at +110, there's definitely some value to be had.
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (+3500)
The Bulldogs may be tied for third in the conference, but they still have games on the schedule against UAB and North Texas.
They have also already lost to both teams, so their best chance at winning the league would come via a tiebreaker scenario.
Louisiana Tech doesn't boast any value at its current price, and I would not recommend backing the Bulldogs at this time.
Florida Atlantic Owls (+6500)
The Owls may be tied for third at this point in the conference, but they have a massive advantage compared to our other three contenders.
FAU plays in the C-USA East, and the closest challenger it has is Middle Tennessee, which is 6-3 in the league. Florida Atlantic, meanwhile, is 8-3 and boasts a promising schedule compared to the rest of the competition.
The Owls' last four games of the season will be against Old Dominion, Charlotte and FIU (twice). All three teams have six wins or less, and FAU has beaten Charlotte and Old Dominion already this year by 15+ points. FIU, meanwhile, is tied for the worst record in the league.
If I was placing a bet on the C-USA right now, it would be on Florida Atlantic to win the league. The other three teams (UAB, North Texas and Louisiana Tech) have more difficult schedules upcoming.
