The Jacksonville State Gamecocks take on the Florida International Panthers in Miami, Florida. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. EST on CBS Sports Network.
Jacksonville State is favored by one point on the spread with a moneyline of -110. The total is set at 56.5 points.
Here’s my Jacksonville State vs. FIU prediction and college football picks for Saturday, November 22, 2025.
Jacksonville State vs FIU Prediction
- Jacksonville State vs. FIU Pick: FIU +1 or Better
My FIU vs. Jacksonville State best bet is on the Panthers to cover. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Jacksonville State vs FIU Odds
| Jax State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1 -105 | 56.5 -110o / -110u | -110 |
| FIU Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1 -115 | 56.5 -110o / -110u | -110 |
- Jacksonville State vs FIU point spread: Jacksonville State -1 (-105), FIU +1 (-115)
- Jacksonville State vs FIU over/under: 56 (-110o / -110u)
- Jacksonville State vs FIU moneyline: Jacksonville State -110, FIU -110
Jacksonville State vs FIU Preview
This is a tricky situational spot for the Gamecocks, who head to Florida after upsetting Kennesaw State to take over sole possession of first place in Conference USA. They also have a major showdown against Western Kentucky next week, a game that could determine who hosts the title game.
The Gamecocks could lock up a place in the title game with a victory, but I wouldn't be shocked if they came out a bit flat.
Meanwhile, I think you get a home-run effort from the Panthers in their final home game of the season with a chance to clinch bowl eligibility, which would be a very nice step in the right direction for the program under first-year head coach Willie Simmons.
Since Caden Creel has taken over at quarterback, Jacksonville State has gone 5-0 in league play following a blowout home loss against Southern Miss. However, let's take a closer look at those wins, as well as one earlier in the season over Liberty.
- W by 10 vs. Liberty (out-gained 534-390)
- W by 2 at SHSU (walk-off 52-yard FG)
- W by 14 vs. Delaware (out-gained 456-388)
- W by 3 at MTSU (even game)
- W by 3 at UTEP (coin flip game)
- W by 9 vs Kennesaw (out-gained 579-451)
Yes, they have gone 3-0 on the road in league play, but by a combined 8 points over three of the worst teams in the conference (UTEP, Sam Houston, MTSU) in games that easily could have gone the other direction.
The Gamecocks were also out-played statistically in several other contests, but have benefited from extreme turnover and fourth-down luck. It certainly doesn't hurt to have a +9 turnover margin in conference play, but that's a very unsustainable way to make a living.
Yes, TCU transfer running back Cam Cook has been a revelation for Jacksonville State. Still, he's been dominant all season, yet the Gamecocks are still barely pulling out these games. The pass game still lacks juice, and the defense has plenty of holes that FIU can exploit.
While I'm not sure if quarterback Keyone Jenkins will return from injury for FIU, I could make a case that the offense operates more efficiently with Joe Pesansky under center. Jenkins has had a pretty disappointing season, and his numbers leave a lot to be desired in 2025.
- Jenkins: 258 drop backs 6.2 YPA, 5 BTT, 13 TWP, 8.2 ADOT, 62.8% completion percentage
- Pesansky: 116 drop backs 7.1 YPA, 8 BTT, 4 TWP, 11.4 ADOT, 63.4% completion percentage
I could make a case that Jacksonville State is one of the most overrated teams in the country and has played much worse away from home against very poor competition.
Ultimately, I don't see much difference between these teams despite where they sit in the C-USA standings.
Plus, I fancy the spot for a now-healthy FIU defense that got absolutely shredded a few times earlier this season when riddled with injuries.
Pick: FIU +1 or Better
