About six weeks ago, the feeling at C-USA Media Day was that the league would be much better this year. There was hype about Houston. There was hype about Morris Almond and Rice. There was hype about Mike Davis landing at UAB.

It all sounded good at the time. But I’m here to tell you, the league doesn’t appear to be any better. In fact, it might be worse. I know that’s a horrifying thought for Memphis fans, but the early returns aren’t looking good.

Though C-USA is actually seventh as a league right now in the RPI ratings — ahead of the Big East and the ACC — I wouldn’t put much stock in that. The RPI is very volatile and a little bit wacky early in the season, and if I were to look into my crystal ball, I’d say C-USA will only get one NCAA Tournament bid come March (going to Memphis, of course).

Here’s my breakdown of where each C-USA team stands as we flip the calendar to December:

THE DISAPPOINTING

Houston — Tom Penders insisted his team deserved to be in the NCAAs last year ahead of teams like Utah State, Air Force and Seton Hall. But he’ll have another sob story this year if he keeps losing games he’s supposed to win, like last Saturday at St. Louis, which a week earlier lost by 36 to Texas A&M. Houston will get a shot at Arizona and Kentucky, and they better win one or else kiss their at-large hopes goodbye.

Rice — There was a lot of talk about Rice as a surprise team and potential at-large contender, but that talk is pretty much gone now after losses to North Texas and an awful Utah team, not to mention their 38-point embarrassment at Gonzaga.

UAB — It’s starting to look like Mike Davis just doesn’t have enough players this year. UAB’s losses to Washington State, Wyoming and Western Kentucky should signal the end of their run of three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. UAB might improve as the season goes on, but they don’t look like a challenger to Memphis.

Marshall — Suffered “good” losses to California and Hofstra. But also suffered bad losses to Robert Morris and Missouri-Kansas City.

THE SURPRISING
SMU — Matt Doherty has the Mustangs playing some good ball. They lost a close game at Florida State and then came back four days later to beat Dayton, which subsequently knocked off Louisville. Outside of a trip to Oklahoma on Dec. 28, the rest of the non-conference schedule is Cupcake City. Don’t be suprirsed if they’re 12-2 entering conference play.

Tulsa — They’re 4-1, including a nice victory over Kansas-killer Oral Roberts. Suffered a two-point loss to North Texas, which isn’t that bad. Nobody expects Tulsa to be a contender, but so far they look like an improved club.

THE REST
Southern Miss — Haven’t played anybody of significance.
Central Florida — See above comment.
East Carolina — Ditto.
Tulane — That 40-point home loss to Butler is looking better and better, I guess.
UTEP — Tony Barbee’s debut victory over Penn was a nice surprise, but the home loss to Chicago State on Wednesday was probably a more realistic indicator of the current talent level.