FIU vs South Florida Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 5th, 2026
FIU vs South Florida Game Information
The Florida International Panthers will be on the road Saturday night for a 7:00 PM game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa against the South Florida Bulls. Florida International had a solid season a year ago, finishing with 7 wins but a 37-point loss in their bowl game the day after Christmas, which ended a 3-game win streak and their season. The South Florida Bulls come into Saturday looking to repeat last year's success. South Florida finished last season with 9 wins, but a 14-point loss in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl ended the year. Stay in the action with our College Football Picks.
FIU Preview
JJ Kohl is the Florida International quarterback coming into this year, making his first appearance for his third team. Last season, Kohl led the way for Appalachian State, completing 133 passes for 1465 yards and 12 scores. Anthony Carrie returns this year as the top running back from a year ago after 469 yards and 5 touchdowns on 103 carries. Kyle McNeal will likely be the top target in the Florida International offense this season after 310 yards and 1 touchdown on 31 catches.
South Florida Preview
Michael Van Buren Jr. will be the starting quarterback in week 1 for USF. Two years ago at Mississippi State, Van Buren completed 140 passes for 1886 yards and 11 scores, and last year he completed 94 passes for 1010 yards and 8 touchdowns with LSU. Sam Franklin is a top ball carrier returning from last year for South Florida after 474 yards and 4 touchdowns on 80 carries.
FIU vs South Florida Pick
South Florida is the more talented team and should control this in-state matchup on both sides of the ball. FIU could compete during the opening quarter, but the Bulls offense should eventually become too much for the Panthers to handle. Look for South Florida to create several explosive plays and pull away decisively to earn the comfortable home win and cover.
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- Pick: South Florida Bulls -14.5
- Secondary: Over 51.5
Final Score Prediction: South Florida Bulls win and cover 42-13.
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