FIU matchup vs. Jacksonville State could prove pivotal in Conference USA race

Florida International U admin October 12, 2026 0 Comments

FIU matchup vs. Jacksonville State could prove pivotal in Conference USA race

The FIU Panthers are entering a pivotal stretch of the season, and their next test could go a long way toward determining their championship aspirations.

At 3-2 overall and riding a two-game winning streak, FIU travels to Alabama to face the 4-1 Jacksonville State Gamecocks on Tuesday. The Panthers are looking to carry their recent momentum into a challenging road matchup against one of the top teams in Conference USA.

FIU sits third with a 1-0 conference record, while Jacksonville State ranks second at 2-0. With both teams off to strong starts, Tuesday’s contest presents the Panthers with an opportunity to close the gap and establish themselves as legitimate contenders in the conference title race.

“We want to control our own destiny. As long as we are in the driver’s seat, we’re in good shape,” head coach Willie Simmons said.

For a FIU program that has yet to win a C-USA championship, a victory over Jacksonville State would not only improve the Panthers’ position in the standings but also provide an important confidence boost as the season progresses.

However, FIU faces a difficult challenge against a Gamecocks offense led by dual-threat quarterback Caden Creel and 6-foot-8 wide receiver Deondre Johnson. Simmons identified both players as key threats the Panthers must contain to have a chance at securing the road victory.

“Caden Creel makes them go. Whenever you’re the leading passer and rusher on the team, that says it all. They go as he goes. Obviously, it helps to have a 6-foot-8 receiver to throw the ball up to,” Simmons said.

Through five games, Creel is averaging 365.6 combined passing and rushing yards per game while accounting for 14 total touchdowns. His ability to produce both through the air and on the ground makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.

Johnson adds another dimension to the Gamecocks’ attack with his size and big-play ability. He is coming off his best performance of the season, recording four receptions for 112 yards against Kennesaw State. Johnson is averaging 18.8 yards per catch, highlighting his ability to create explosive plays downfield.

Containing the two playmakers will be especially important for a FIU defense that has helped fuel the team’s recent success. The Panthers are coming off a 22-3 victory over New Mexico State, marking the first time in program history they held opponents to three points or fewer in consecutive games. Their defensive consistency has helped FIU build momentum heading into the most challenging period of their schedule.

Still, the Panthers will need more support from their offense to maintain that success. Quarterback JJ Kohl has thrown five touchdown passes and seven interceptions through five games while completing 57% of his passes. Limiting turnovers and sustaining drives will be crucial against a Jacksonville State team that leaves little margin for error and will capitalize on mistakes.

FIU’s performance away from home is another factor entering Tuesday’s matchup. The Panthers are 3-0 at Pitbull Stadium but have yet to win on the road, posting an 0-2 record.

“To play championship football, you gotta beat the better teams on the road. So this is a great challenge for this football team to show what we’re made of and who we are, if we’re able to go into a hostile environment and come out with a big victory,” Simmons said.

A victory would extend FIU’s winning streak to three games and improve its C-USA record to 2-0. More importantly, it would give the Panthers an opportunity to strengthen their position in the standings and take another step toward competing for their first conference championship.