After winning a first-place clash against Kennesaw State, coach Charles Kelly and Jacksonville State will put its undefeated mark in Conference USA play to the test on the road.
The Gamecocks will travel to Miami, Fla., for a matchup against Florida International on Saturday with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff. Jax State (7-3, 6-0 CUSA) beat Kennesaw State 35-26 last week. FIU (5-5, 3-3 CUSA) downed Liberty 34-27 on Saturday.
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Here’s everything you need to know about Saturday’s game, including a key matchup, storylines and a score prediction.
Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) prepares to tackle Florida International running back Kejon Owens (5) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)AP
Key matchup
Running back Kejon Owens vs. Jax State linebackers/safeties
One of the top playmakers in Conference USA will face a tough task against a solid Jax State defense. Named an All-CUSA preseason selection by multiple outlets, Owens has run for 1,039 yards and 10 touchdowns this season for FIU with three 160+ yard games under his belt. He’s run for a touchdown in five of the last six games, two coming against Middle Tennessee.
He’ll face a tough test against some linebackers fresh off of productive performances against Kennesaw State, including White Plains native Walker O’Steen (14 tackles, INT) and Mac Sanders (8 tackles, TFL). Keep an eye on safeties Caleb Nix, Trevor Woods and Malcolm Jones, who all recorded over 85 snaps apiece against Kennesaw State and combined for 30 tackles.
Storylines
New quarterback in the mix
As CUSA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Keyone Jenkins has dealt with injury this season, the Panthers have turned to Holy Cross transfer Joe Pesansky at quarterback. In two games as the full-time starter, Pesansky has gone 41-for-62 passing (66.1%) with six touchdowns and two interceptions, adding 52 yards and two more scores on the ground.
“They’ve got two capable quarterbacks that can get the ball to their playmakers in space defensively,” Jax State coach Charles Kelly said, talking about Pesansky and Jenkins.
Pesansky threw for four touchdowns and ran for another against Middle Tennessee in a 56-30 win, becoming the first FIU player to account for five touchdowns in one game.
Jacksonville State defensive back Tre’Quon Fegans during an NCAA football game against Sam Houston State on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke).AP
Calhoun County native shining
The signing of defensive back Tre’Quon Fegans was a splash for Charles Kelly and company this offseason, but now the Anniston native has put on a show. Fegans has the fourth-lowest catch rate (32.3%) among all FBS cornerbacks this season, sixth-lowest passer rating when targeted (66.1), along with the highest forced incompletion rate (29%) in Conference USA, per Pro Football Focus.
Fegans earned an 84.5 grade from PFF in coverage against Kennesaw State, recording four pass breakups and three tackles in the win. His nine pass breakups lead the Gamecocks.
“He gave me an opportunity that many didn’t give me, so I appreciate him for that,” he said of coach Charles Kelly. “Our relationship, he’s known me ever since Alabama, he recruited me. We built that area over there, and we’ve just kept connected ever since then. He’s got a great connection with my family, too.”
Prediction
Jacksonville State 30, FIU 27
The Gamecocks have played their fair share of close games on the road already, but this one is bound to be another for Charles Kelly and company. Jax State quarterback Caden Creel and running back Cam Cook will likely bring an edge for the visiting Gamecocks, with Creel fresh off his best start of the season against Kennesaw.
But, FIU brings some playmakers of its own into this one, with Hawaii transfer Alex Perry among the top pass-catchers in Conference USA and redshirt freshman Jojo Stone providing a spark, too. A win against the Gamecocks would also secure the Panthers’ first bowl-eligible season since 2019.
Jax State will have its work cut out against a solid FIU squad, but the team is clicking at the right time. Despite not being favored yet again, the Gamecocks have all the pieces to leave with a win.
Jacksonville State linebacker Jacob Cruz celebrates with coach Charles Kelly on the sidelines in a matchup against Kennesaw State.Madison Giltner, Jax State Athletics
Game info
Who: Jacksonville State (7-3, 6-0 CUSA) at FIU (5-5, 3-3 CUSA)
Where: Pitbull Stadium, Miami, Fla.
When: Saturday, Nov. 22 – 2:30 p.m. CT
Watch: CBS Sports Network
On the call: Jordan Kent, Logan Ryan (TV); Mike Parris, Ray Hammett, Tommy Wood (radio)
Listen: WLJS 91.9
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