The battle for supremacy in Conference USA appears to be a five team race between Marshall and Middle Tennessee in the East and Rice, Texas-San Antonio, and North Texas in the West. The Billingsley projection shows Marshall favored in every game, which will include key games (both at home) against Middle Tennessee and Rice. A loss to the Thundering Herd gives Rice very little wiggle room, but wins over Texas-San Antonio and North Texas (both at home), and barring any upsets along the way in conference play, would still put Rice in a rematch with Marshall for the championship. An undefeated regular season for Marshall (13-0) would most likely land the Thundering Herd in the Top 25. Billingsley projects Marshall to end the regular season at # 16.