Florida International vs Liberty Picks and Predictions for Saturday, October 31, 2026
Liberty returns to Lynchburg on Saturday looking for a sixth consecutive victory. The Flames are 6-1, tied for first in Conference USA at 3-0, after beating Kennesaw State 34-6. Florida International arrives at 3-4, seventh in CUSA at 1-2, following a 26-23 loss to Middle Tennessee. Kickoff is at 3:30 pm ET from Williams Stadium on CBS Sports Network. Liberty is favored by 14 points, with the total at 45.5. Be a winner Saturday with our free NCAAF picks.
Florida International Struggling to Finish Games
Six points separate FIU from a three-game winning streak. The Panthers lost 26-23 to Middle Tennessee last Tuesday, one week after falling 27-24 at Jacksonville State. Before those defeats, FIU had beaten New Mexico State 22-3 and LIU 20-3. The defense played well in those victories, but the offense hasn't scored more than 24 points in any of its last five games. Facing Liberty on the road is a difficult assignment, especially with the Flames allowing just nine points across their previous two contests.
JJ Kohl has passed for 1,637 yards and 10 touchdowns, although eight interceptions have been costly. He's completed 57.7% of his attempts. Maguire Anderson has been his main receiving option, collecting 568 yards and four touchdowns. Devonte Lyons leads the ground attack with 383 yards, but FIU averages only 3.7 yards per carry. The defense has some productive players, including DeeJay Holmes Jr. with five sacks. DeAndre Boykins and Wesley Miller share the team lead with 37 tackles apiece.
Injuries: A. Passley, N. Sidan, Anthony Carrie and D. Giles are questionable.
Liberty Has Been Dominating Opponents
Liberty's last five results tell quite a story. The Flames have scored at least 30 points in every game, starting with a 51-15 victory over Ball State. They've since beaten Coastal Carolina, Delaware, Sam Houston and Kennesaw State. The latest two victories were particularly convincing, with Liberty winning 35-3 and 34-6. The Flames haven't needed much offense from their opponents to build comfortable leads. Now they face an FIU team that has struggled to score against stronger conference competition.
Kam Davis has been outstanding on the ground, rushing for 583 yards and five touchdowns while averaging seven yards per carry. Deshawn Purdie has thrown for 1,226 yards and nine touchdowns without an interception. Makai Jackson provides a dangerous receiving option, averaging 23.5 yards per catch on his way to 540 yards and five scores. Liberty has rushed for 1,553 yards overall. Defensively, Brenton Williams has three sacks, while Derrell Farrar leads the team with 39 tackles. The Flames have also collected seven interceptions.
Injuries: J. Marshall is out. B. Burklow, Cam Wood and Caleb Ryan are questionable.
Key To The Game
FIU's biggest challenge is stopping Liberty's running game. Davis has averaged seven yards per carry, and the Flames have several backs capable of gaining ground. The Panthers haven't enjoyed that production themselves, averaging just 3.7 yards per attempt. Kohl also needs to avoid turnovers against a defense with seven interceptions. Liberty's passing attack has been careful with the football, particularly Purdie, who hasn't thrown an interception. FIU will need its defense to create opportunities rather than depending on long offensive drives.
Florida International vs Liberty Game Pick
- Liberty Flames -14
Liberty has won its last five games by at least 13 points, with four victories coming by 16 or more. FIU has been competitive recently, losing consecutive games by three points, but the opposition changes considerably here. The Flames have a stronger rushing attack and a quarterback who hasn't been giving the ball away. Kohl's eight interceptions are another concern against Liberty's defense. FIU might keep things close early, although I expect Davis and the Flames' running game to take control. Liberty should cover the 14-point spread.
Florida International vs Liberty Over/Under Pick
- Under 45.5
Liberty has allowed only 20 points across its last three games. FIU's offense hasn't been particularly productive, either, scoring 24 points or fewer in five consecutive contests. The Flames should find opportunities against the Panthers, especially through Davis, but their running game could also keep the clock moving. FIU has struggled to establish its own rushing attack, leaving Kohl to handle much of the offense. I expect Liberty to win comfortably without needing another 50-point performance. The Panthers may struggle to reach double figures, making under 45.5 my pick.