Florida International Panthers at South Florida Bulls

Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium brings new quarterbacks on both sides and Brian Hartline’s first game as USF’s head coach. FIU has a credible offensive route to staying competitive. JJ Kohl threw 12 touchdowns against 2 interceptions across 8 appearances at Appalachian State in 2025. Anthony Carrie returns after 469 rushing yards at 4.6 per carry. I expect that combination to sustain enough possessions to keep FIU involved through the fourth quarter. Kohl’s previous ball security supports that expectation, although carrying it into a new offense remains part of the bet. The matchup that carries more weight for me is FIU’s returning defensive structure against USF’s rebuilt offensive line. Jovan Dewitt remains the defensive coordinator, with Josiah Taylor and Shamir Sterlin returning. FIU averaged 2.39 sacks per game in 2025; USF opens with four new starting linemen. I expect some of that disruption to carry forward and interrupt USF’s scoring drives. Retaining the coordinator and experienced defenders gives that expectation a football foundation, while the offensive line changes make this a relevant matchup tonight. USF has a substantial cover path: establish D.J. Crowther, connect Michael Van Buren Jr. with returning targets Mudia Reuben and Wyatt Sullivan, and put FIU into the passing situations its new defense wants to attack. Van Buren’s 267 yards and three touchdowns against Houston in the Texas Bowl demonstrate the productive version of his play. FIU’s replacement of major offensive producers and secondary contributors is the strongest obstacle to my ticket. USF’s challenge is making its new blocking combinations and defensive approach work consistently enough to build separation and protect it through the final possessions. I land on FIU because I expect its controlled quarterback play and defensive continuity to keep that sustained separation from developing. My central assumption is that FIU gets useful early-down rushing and protects Kohl well enough for those possessions to function. How its protection handles USF’s rebuilt front is the unresolved matchup that could change this decision. Consistent pocket collapse, combined with a successful USF running game, would strengthen the Bulls’ cover case considerably.