Jacksonville State Hosts FIU in Conference USA Week 7 Matchup

Jacksonville State hosts FIU in a Conference USA Week 7 college football matchup Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET at AmFirst Stadium in Jacksonville, Alabama, with the Gamecocks seeking a fourth straight win and the Panthers bringing one of the nation's top defenses.

According to CBS Sports, Jacksonville State enters the game at 4-2 overall and 2-0 in Conference USA after three consecutive victories, while FIU is 3-2 overall and 1-0 in league play following a 22-3 win over New Mexico State.

Jacksonville State quarterback Caden Creel leads the Gamecocks with 1,423 passing yards and 405 rushing yards this season, according to CBS Sports. He completed 66.5% of his passes with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Creel produced 311 passing yards in Jacksonville State's 27-26 comeback win over Kennesaw State, while Deondre Johnson recorded 112 receiving yards in that game, CBS Sports reported.

FIU has relied on its defense during its recent run. CBS Sports reported the Panthers have allowed 12.2 points per game and have gone 11 consecutive quarters without allowing a touchdown.

According to Covers, FIU has limited opponents to 14.5 points per game and ranks seventh nationally in rushing yards allowed per game. The Panthers have also ranked among the national leaders in opponent yards per play.

Jacksonville State's offense has focused on its ground attack, averaging 34.2 rushing attempts per game, according to Covers. The Gamecocks have used a balanced approach behind Creel, who contributes both through the air and on the ground.

FIU presents a challenge with its pass-heavy offense. CBS Sports reported quarterback J.J. Kohl has completed 57.1% of his passes for 1,180 yards, five touchdowns and seven interceptions this season.

The matchup features contrasting strengths, with Jacksonville State entering as the second-ranked scoring offense in Conference USA and FIU arriving after holding LIU and New Mexico State to three points each, according to CBS Sports.

Covers reported Jacksonville State has faced several teams with lower-ranked rushing defenses this season, while FIU has held opponents to fewer than 82 rushing yards per game.

The teams last met in 2025, when FIU defeated Jacksonville State 27-21 in Miami, according to CBS Sports. The 2026 meeting is scheduled for Tuesday night at AmFirst Stadium.