FIU vs Jacksonville State Picks and Predictions for Tuesday, October 13, 2026

The Florida International Panthers visit the Jacksonville State Gamecocks on Tuesday at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama, with the opening kickoff set for 8:00 PM ET on ESPNU. FIU are 3-2 overall and 1-0 in Conference USA, sitting third in the standings after defeating New Mexico State 22-3. Jacksonville State are second at 4-2 overall and 2-0 in conference play following a 27-26 victory over Kennesaw State. Build your bankroll with our free college football picks.

Florida International Panthers Building Around Defensive Pressure

FIU have won two consecutive games, defeating Long Island 20-3 and New Mexico State 22-3. The Panthers also beat Buffalo 33-20 earlier this season but lost to South Florida 19-9 and Florida Atlantic 16-10. FIU has allowed just six points across their last two games, although the offense has remained inconsistent. JJ Kohl has completed 57.1% of his passes for 236.0 yards per game, five touchdowns and seven interceptions. Maguire Anderson leads the receiving attack with 25 catches, 401 yards and two touchdowns, while Jojo Stone has added 183 yards and one score.

The Panthers average 259.2 passing yards and 119.2 rushing yards per game, with nine offensive touchdowns. Anthony Carrie leads FIU with 46.4 rushing yards per contest and one touchdown, while Devonte Lyons averages 39.0 rushing yards. FIU scores 18.8 points per game and allows just 12.2, having held four opponents below 20 points. The defense has recorded 13 sacks and four interceptions. DeeJay Holmes Jr. leads the team with five sacks, while Kenton Simmons has four. DeAndre Boykins leads FIU with 29 tackles, and the Panthers have recovered six fumbles.

Injuries: K. Schaeffer (questionable), A. Passley (questionable), N. Sidan (questionable).

Jacksonville State Gamecocks Riding a Three-Game Winning Streak

Jacksonville State have won three consecutive games, defeating Georgia Southern 31-27, Middle Tennessee 23-13 and Kennesaw State 27-26. The Gamecocks previously lost 29-27 against Ohio in four overtimes after opening with a 49-7 victory over Eastern Kentucky. Jacksonville State has scored at least 23 points in every game during their current winning streak. Caden Creel has completed 66.5% of his passes for 237.2 yards per game, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. Deondre Johnson leads the receiving attack with 338 yards and two touchdowns, while Jamill Williams has recorded five receiving scores.

The Gamecocks average 244.8 passing yards and 146.3 rushing yards per game, with 18 offensive touchdowns. Creel leads the rushing attack with 67.5 yards per contest and four touchdowns, giving Jacksonville State another scoring option. Jalen Likely has contributed 33.5 rushing yards per game and two touchdowns, while Lucas Farrington averages 27.5 yards and has scored once. Jacksonville State has recorded 11 defensive sacks and six interceptions. Caleb Nix leads the team with 35 tackles and two interceptions, including a touchdown return. Quay Hood and Tae Floyd have recorded two sacks apiece.

Injuries: N. Hoyt (questionable), A. Watkins (questionable), J. Savage (questionable), F. Baret Jr. (questionable), R. Pinto (questionable), L. Watkins (questionable), A. Paul (out).

Key to the Game

FIU's defensive pressure faces a Jacksonville State offense averaging 391.2 yards per game. The Panthers have recorded 13 sacks, while Creel has thrown five interceptions through six games. Jacksonville State's quarterback also leads the Gamecocks in rushing, creating problems for defenders when passing plays break down. FIU has allowed only six points across their last two games, but Jacksonville State presents a different challenge with 18 offensive touchdowns. Kohl's seven interceptions could prove costly against a Gamecocks defense that has already recorded six picks.

FIU vs Jacksonville State Game Pick

• Jacksonville State Gamecocks

Jacksonville State's offense offers more scoring options than FIU's, particularly with Creel contributing through the air and on the ground. The Gamecocks average 391.2 offensive yards per game, while FIU has scored only 18.8 points per contest. Jacksonville State has also won three straight games, including two conference victories. FIU's defense has impressed recently, but Kohl's seven interceptions create concerns against a secondary with six picks. Jacksonville State's balanced attack and home advantage make the Gamecocks the selection to extend their conference winning streak.

FIU vs Jacksonville State Over/Under Pick

• Under

FIU's recent defensive performances deserve attention after consecutive victories in which the Panthers allowed only three points each time. Four of FIU's five games have finished with fewer than 40 combined points, reflecting an offense averaging 18.8 points and a defense allowing 12.2. Jacksonville State has scored consistently, but the Gamecocks managed 23 points against Middle Tennessee and 27 against Kennesaw State. FIU's pass rush could restrict Creel's production, while Kohl's interception problems may limit sustained scoring drives. A lower-scoring conference matchup appears more likely.