Paws Up Preview: FIU vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks

DATE – Tuesday, October 13th

TIME – 8:00pm EST

OPPONENT – Jacksonville State Gamecocks (CUSA)

VENUE – AmFirst Stadium (Jacksonville, AL)

HOW TO WATCH – ESPN2

ODDS – Jacksonville State -3.5

The FIU Panthers head to Alabama Tuesday night to carry their defensive momentum into a critical battle against Conference USA foe Jacksonville State.

FIU is 3-2 with a 1-0 conference record after a promising 22-3 win over the New Mexico State Aggies last Wednesday. The Panthers are on a two-game winning streak and look to extend that to three.

Another #WeekdayCUSA matchup on deck 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kRHsSkmToK

— FIU Football (@FIUFootball) October 11, 2026

The Gamecocks are currently on a three-game winning streak, 4-2 overall and 2-0 in Conference USA after beating the Kennesaw State Owls 27-26 this past Wednesday.

Caden Creel Will Be a Challenge

By now, it’s no secret that FIU has one of the NCAA’s best defenses. They have kept the Panthers in all of their games, win or lose, this season. Once again, this unit will decide whether they pull off a road upset. The Panthers will need to play 60 minutes of disciplined football, limit explosive plays, and force Jax State into difficult third-down situations.

The Gamecocks have shown they can make explosive plays through the air and ground. Their quarterback, Caden Creel, enters the matchup with a 66.5% completion rate, 1,423 passing yards, and 10 touchdowns. He also has 86 carries, 405 rushing yards, and four touchdowns. Jacksonville State doesn’t always have to rely on the pass attack when he’s under center.

FIU’s defensive front and linebackers will need to work together to close running lanes while also staying prepared for the passing attack. Deondre Johnson is a wide receiver who can become dangerous. He leads the team with 338 yards on 18 catches and two touchdowns. If the Panthers pressure and use the right coverage, they will be in good hands.

FIU Needs a Consistent Offense

Offensive production has been an issue for the Panthers this season. Despite owning a positive record, the offense has shown its struggles. In the last two games, FIU has scored 20 and 22 points, but the unit has not fully broken out. Jacksonville State’s defense will make drives difficult for the Panthers, and they will need to play more efficiently and protect the ball to give themselves a chance.

JJ Kohl threw for 115 yards in his last outing, completing 12 of 21 passes with one interception. It may have worked against the Aggies, but that won’t be enough against the Gamecocks. Kohl needs to sustain more drives if FIU wants to have more productive scoring chances. If this offense were to remain competitive, Kohl will need more manageable passing situations, and its running game will have to be dependable.

The Panthers have struggled on third down, and it will be watched. FIU can’t afford repeated three-and-outs, or the Gamecocks’ offense will be kept on the field. They also have to play more carefully with the football and not create turnovers. Doing just enough on offense while relying on defense to win will not cut it against the Gamecocks.

FIU Football Weekly Press Conference 10.9.26 https://t.co/WIIyV2RDh8

— FIU Football (@FIUFootball) October 9, 2026

Special Teams Can be Decisive

Both teams profile with different offenses, but special teams can absolutely play a role. The Panthers have shown they can win games without scoring many points, which makes every possession important. FIU can’t give away turnovers and offer short fields. FIU must avoid penalties, or Jax State will get extended drives and wear down their defense.

The Panthers need to capitalize on any opportunity that comes their way. If the defense creates a turnover or leaves them in short-field position, the offense must convert that advantage into touchdown points rather than allow the opportunity to expire. In such an important conference matchup, small details can determine the outcome.

Playing a clean 60 minutes of turnover-free football will be important for the Panthers. Too many of them will erase their defensive advantage. FIU will need a strong special teams’ performance to keep this game within reach.

Who Will Win – FIU or Jacksonville State?

FIU’s defense has been firing on all cylinders over the last two games, allowing just six total points. That gives the Panthers a real chance at challenging Jacksonville State’s offense. They won last season’s contest 27-21 on November 22, 2025. However, can FIU’s offense complement its defense? Their offense hasn’t been consistent all season, and it will be pivotal against tougher conference opponents.

The Gamecocks have scored more points this season than the Panthers. Creel is a quarterback who can make plays inside and outside the pocket. FIU must limit Creel’s dual threat rushing skills. The Panthers will need to force turnovers like they did last week and limit Jax State’s offense from getting comfortable.

Jacksonville State’s offensive versatility and home-field advantage will be critical for FIU. The Gamecocks average 27.3 points per game, while the Panthers average just 18.8 points. Jax State has shown they can generate production, extend plays, and pick up game-changing first downs.

JACKSONVILLE STATE GAMECOCKS – 28

FIU PANTHERS – 20

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About Post Author

Ricardo Urrusuno

He’s a diehard 305 native who roots for his hometown teams in the good, the bad, and the ugly. Recently, he graduated from FIU with an MBA, but now he’s a Lemonhead covering UM basketball. Known to be anywhere and everywhere, you may catch him at a Miami sporting event.

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