Week 7 kicks off tonight with a clash in Alabama. Jacksonville State (4-2, 2-0) is looking to take control of CUSA, having won its first two games in conference play. Tonight’s meeting with FIU (3-2, 1-0) presents a massive opportunity, but it won’t be easy. The Panthers come into this one with momentum, having dominated New Mexico State at home last week. Which of these conference foes will come out on top during Tuesday’s primetime clash?
The Gamecocks are listed as three-point favorites over the Panthers, with the total set at O/U 43.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction and best bet for Tuesday’s FIU vs. Jacksonville State Week 7 matchup.
FIU vs. Jacksonville State prediction, preview
If there’s one thing Florida International does better than almost anyone, it’s burning clock. The team is averaging over 33 minutes per game in time of possession, most in Conference USA. Granted, there isn’t much else this offense does well. The Panthers are only averaging 5.33 yards per play, second-worst among all ten CUSA programs. Even worse, quarterback J.J. Kohl has already coughed up seven interceptions. On the ground, FIU is gaining 3.3 yards per rush attempt.
With that being said, there are a few standouts on offense. Wide receiver Maguire Anderson could play a huge role during Week 7’s contest. He currently leads the Panthers with 401 receiving yards. Running back Devonte Lyons recorded 78 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries vs. New Mexico State last Wednesday. A larger workload for the sophomore could be in store tonight. Kohl, when he isn’t turning the ball over, can move the chains and (more importantly) keep the clock running.
Jacksonville State’s defense is no pushover, allowing the conference’s third-fewest yards per game (336.3). This season, opposing quarterbacks have thrown six touchdowns and six interceptions while averaging 6.6 yards per pass attempt against the Gamecocks. All of those marks sit within the top four CUSA squads. The team’s defensive backs have done a great job at limiting big plays through the air as well. That knack for snagging interceptions could come in handy against Kohl, a passer with questionable decision making.
Jax State’s offense revolves around Caden Creel, one of the nation’s most dynamic quarterbacks. The junior is a true dual-threat, capable of doing almost anything on the field. He currently leads CUSA with 1,423 passing yards in addition to ten touchdowns and five interceptions. However, he’s also pacing his Gamecocks teammates with 405 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Creel’s favorite targets are wideouts Deondre Johnson and Jamill Williams. The pair have combined for 564 receiving yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Moving the ball could prove a bit tricky for the Gamecocks this evening. FIU has been carried by its defense, among the best units in college football. The team is allowing a CUSA-best 241.8 yards per game to opponents. That’s highlighted by a minuscule 2.74 yards per carry and two rushing touchdowns allowed this season. The Panthers can ramp up the pressure as well, racking up 13.0 sacks over their first five matchups. Florida International allowed a combined 35 points during its two losses this season against USF and FAU. Even in defeat, opposing squads tend to have difficulty reaching the end zone.
Best Bet: Florida International vs. Jacksonville State under 43.5 points (-108)
The Panthers aren’t great on offense, but their knack for chewing clock could come in handy on Tuesday. The best defense against a quarterback such as Creel is keeping him on the sidelines. Whenever Jacksonville State does get the ball, a stingy Panthers defense will be itching to make its mark. With two physical, hard-nosed squads taking the field on a short week, the under feels like the best bet on the board tonight.
