This week's picks

Florida International vs. Liberty Prediction, Week 9 2026

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Picks two teams at random. Any FBS team can come up.

How we picked it

How we picked it

Three ratings look at a team in three different ways. Big Al's pick is the team at least two of them favor.

Where the game is won

Where the game is won

Each row puts one team's unit against the unit it faces, by national rank out of all FBS teams. An edge is a gap of 25 spots or more.

Ratings: SP+ via CFB Update; PRIME via primecfb.com. Box and play stats computed from CollegeFootballData.com play data (via the public cfbfastR files), FBS games only for scoring. Rushing yards here exclude sacks, so they run higher than official totals. Ranks are out of 138 FBS teams.

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Florida International at Liberty

Week 9, Sat, Oct 31, 3:30 PM ET, Williams Stadium (VA).

Big Al's pick: Liberty, 90% to win.

The game

KickoffSat, Oct 31, 3:30 PM ET
TVCBSSN
WhereWilliams Stadium (VA)
Weather61°, wind 5 mph
LineLiberty −14, total 44.5
Line movementOpened Liberty −11.5; moved 2.5 points toward Liberty.
SeriesLiberty leads 3–1
Last meetingFlorida International 34–27 in 2025

The ratings and the line

MarginWin chanceTotal
SP+Liberty by 17.990%41
PRIMELiberty by 18.491%
EloLiberty92%
The lineLiberty −14, opened −11.544.5

Margins include home field. SP+ is Bill Connelly's rating; Sources has PRIME and Elo. Line and total from DraftKings, as of Wed, Oct 28, 2:21 PM ET.

Who wins, Florida International or Liberty?

Big Al's pick: Liberty. 91% to win

Which matchups decide Florida International vs. Liberty?

All three ratings favor Liberty, by 17.9 to 18.4 points, and it isn't close. Liberty's best matchup is its scoring defense, 7th in points allowed, against Florida International's scoring offense at 120th. Florida International's way back in is its pass protection, 10th in sacks allowed per dropback, against Liberty's pass rush at 97th.

Florida International with the ball

Liberty with the ball

Who's out for Florida International and Liberty?

Florida International

Liberty

How Florida International and Liberty compare, in charts

Which team is better on offense and on defense?

Which team is better on offense and on defense? Florida International lands in the defense first corner (better than average on defense, below it on offense); Liberty in the complete teams corner (better than the FBS average on offense and on defense). Liberty is ahead on offense, 28.5 (56th) to Florida International's 17.9 (118th) in SP+ offense, and ahead on defense, 21.0 (34th) to Florida International's 25.4 (61st) in SP+ defense.1020304010152025303540SP+ offense: better →SP+ defense: better →Defense firstComplete teamsStrugglingOffense first
Florida International lands in the defense first corner (better than average on defense, below it on offense); Liberty in the complete teams corner (better than the FBS average on offense and on defense). Liberty is ahead on offense, 28.5 (56th) to Florida International's 17.9 (118th) in SP+ offense, and ahead on defense, 21.0 (34th) to Florida International's 25.4 (61st) in SP+ defense.
SP+ offenseSP+ defense
Florida International17.9 (118th)25.4 (61st)
Liberty28.5 (56th)21.0 (34th)

Who wins on early downs?

Who wins on early downs? Florida International lands in the defense carries it corner (better than average on defense, below it on offense); Liberty in the good on both sides corner (better than the FBS average on offense and on defense). Liberty is ahead on offense, 66.5% (12th) to Florida International's 48.2% (123rd) in SUPLEX, and ahead on defense, 44.0% (15th) to Florida International's 48.9% (36th) in SUPLEX allowed.40%50%60%70%80%40%45%50%55%60%65%70%75%SUPLEX on offense: better →SUPLEX allowed on defense: better →Defense carries itGood on both sidesStrugglingOffense carries it
Florida International lands in the defense carries it corner (better than average on defense, below it on offense); Liberty in the good on both sides corner (better than the FBS average on offense and on defense). Liberty is ahead on offense, 66.5% (12th) to Florida International's 48.2% (123rd) in SUPLEX, and ahead on defense, 44.0% (15th) to Florida International's 48.9% (36th) in SUPLEX allowed.
SUPLEXSUPLEX allowed
Florida International48.2% (123rd)48.9% (36th)
Liberty66.5% (12th)44.0% (15th)

How do the two offenses move the ball?

How do the two offenses move the ball? Florida International lands in the struggling corner (below the FBS average at staying on schedule and at hitting big plays); Liberty in the efficient and explosive corner (better than the FBS average at staying on schedule and at hitting big plays). Liberty is ahead at staying on schedule, 51.4% (12th) to Florida International's 40.0% (105th) in success rate, and ahead at hitting big plays, 16.5% (8th) to Florida International's 11.5% (90th) in explosive play rate.8%10%13%15%18%35%40%45%50%55%Success rate: stays on schedule more →Explosive play rate: more big plays →Boom or bustEfficient and explosiveStrugglingGrind it out
Florida International lands in the struggling corner (below the FBS average at staying on schedule and at hitting big plays); Liberty in the efficient and explosive corner (better than the FBS average at staying on schedule and at hitting big plays). Liberty is ahead at staying on schedule, 51.4% (12th) to Florida International's 40.0% (105th) in success rate, and ahead at hitting big plays, 16.5% (8th) to Florida International's 11.5% (90th) in explosive play rate.
Success rateExplosive play rate
Florida International40.0% (105th)11.5% (90th)
Liberty51.4% (12th)16.5% (8th)

Which defense is harder to move on?

Which defense is harder to move on? Both land in the lockdown defenses corner: better than the FBS average at keeping offenses behind schedule and at limiting big plays. Liberty is ahead at keeping offenses behind schedule, 31.9% (3rd) to Florida International's 37.0% (31st) in success rate allowed, and ahead at limiting big plays, 10.5% (56th) to Florida International's 11.1% (74th) in explosive plays allowed.5%10%15%20%30%35%40%45%50%55%Success rate allowed: fewer →Explosive plays allowed: fewer →Bend, don't breakLockdown defensesLeakyStingy but gives up big plays
Both land in the lockdown defenses corner: better than the FBS average at keeping offenses behind schedule and at limiting big plays. Liberty is ahead at keeping offenses behind schedule, 31.9% (3rd) to Florida International's 37.0% (31st) in success rate allowed, and ahead at limiting big plays, 10.5% (56th) to Florida International's 11.1% (74th) in explosive plays allowed.
Success rate allowedExplosive plays allowed
Florida International37.0% (31st)11.1% (74th)
Liberty31.9% (3rd)10.5% (56th)

Who runs it and throws it better?

Who runs it and throws it better? Florida International lands in the stuck corner (below the FBS average running it and throwing it); Liberty in the balanced and good corner (better than the FBS average running it and throwing it). Liberty is ahead running it, 6.0 (16th) to Florida International's 4.0 (128th) in yards per carry, and ahead throwing it, 10.8 (4th) to Florida International's 7.0 (91st) in yards per attempt.46810124567Yards per carry: better →Yards per pass attempt: better →Air it outBalanced and goodStuckGround and pound
Florida International lands in the stuck corner (below the FBS average running it and throwing it); Liberty in the balanced and good corner (better than the FBS average running it and throwing it). Liberty is ahead running it, 6.07 (16th) to Florida International's 4.00 (128th) in yards per carry, and ahead throwing it, 10.87 (4th) to Florida International's 7.04 (91st) in yards per attempt.
Yards per carryYards per attempt
Florida International4.00 (128th)7.04 (91st)
Liberty6.07 (16th)10.87 (4th)

Who wins on third down?

Who wins on third down? Both land in the wins third down corner: better than the FBS average at converting third downs and at getting off the field on third down. Liberty is ahead at converting third downs, 51.5% (10th) to Florida International's 44.4% (44th) in 3rd down conversion, and ahead at getting off the field on third down, 26.9% (4th) to Florida International's 29.9% (15th) in 3rd downs allowed.20%30%40%50%30%35%40%45%50%55%60%3rd down conversion, offense: better →3rd downs allowed, defense: better →Gets off the fieldWins third downLoses third downStays on the field
Both land in the wins third down corner: better than the FBS average at converting third downs and at getting off the field on third down. Liberty is ahead at converting third downs, 51.5% (10th) to Florida International's 44.4% (44th) in 3rd down conversion, and ahead at getting off the field on third down, 26.9% (4th) to Florida International's 29.9% (15th) in 3rd downs allowed.
3rd down conversion3rd downs allowed
Florida International44.4% (44th)29.9% (15th)
Liberty51.5% (10th)26.9% (4th)

Each chart puts all 138 FBS teams on two stats; Florida International and Liberty are lit. Dashed lines are the FBS averages, and up and right is better. Ranks in parentheses. Games through Oct 24, 2026.

How Florida International's and Liberty's players compare

How do the quarterbacks compare?

How do the quarterbacks compare? Florida International's J.J. Kohl is in the struggling corner, below average in both: 41.3% passing success rate (94th of 171 quarterbacks) and 1,602 passing yards (44th). Liberty's Deshawn Purdie is in the struggling corner, below average in both: 40.7% passing success rate (106th of 171 quarterbacks) and 1,226 passing yards (90th). Kohl has the edge on both.35%40%45%50%55%60%65%1,0001,5002,0002,5003,000Efficient on low volumeVolume and efficiencyStrugglingVolume over efficiencyPassing yards →Passing success rate (per dropback) ↑KohlPurdie
Florida International's J.J. Kohl is in the struggling corner, below average in both: 41.3% passing success rate (94th of 171 quarterbacks) and 1,602 passing yards (44th). Liberty's Deshawn Purdie is in the struggling corner, below average in both: 40.7% passing success rate (106th of 171 quarterbacks) and 1,226 passing yards (90th). Kohl has the edge on both.
PlayerPassing success rate (per dropback)Passing yards
J.J. Kohl, Florida International41.3% (94th)1,602 (44th)
Deshawn Purdie, Liberty40.7% (106th)1,226 (90th)

How do the lead running backs compare?

How do the lead running backs compare? Florida International's Anthony Carrie is in the struggling corner, below average in both: 3.0 yards per carry (346th of 360 running backs) and 35.4% rushing success rate (294th). Liberty's Kam Davis is in the efficient and explosive corner, above the average running back in both yards per carry and rushing success rate: 7.0 yards per carry (27th of 360 running backs) and 62.7% rushing success rate (5th). Davis has the edge on both.24681030%40%50%60%70%80%Boom or bustEfficient and explosiveStrugglingMoves the chainsRushing success rate →Yards per carry ↑CarrieDavis
Florida International's Anthony Carrie is in the struggling corner, below average in both: 3.0 yards per carry (346th of 360 running backs) and 35.4% rushing success rate (294th). Liberty's Kam Davis is in the efficient and explosive corner, above the average running back in both yards per carry and rushing success rate: 7.0 yards per carry (27th of 360 running backs) and 62.7% rushing success rate (5th). Davis has the edge on both.
PlayerYards per carryRushing success rate
Anthony Carrie, Florida International3.0 (346th)35.4% (294th)
Kam Davis, Liberty7.0 (27th)62.7% (5th)

How do the top receivers compare?

How do the top receivers compare? Florida International's Maguire Anderson is in the role players corner, below average in both: 14 explosive catches (25th of 669 receivers and tight ends) and 569 receiving yards (34th). Florida International's JoJo Stone is in the role players corner, below average in both: 4 explosive catches (344th of 669 receivers and tight ends) and 181 receiving yards (396th). Liberty's Jamari Person is in the role players corner, below average in both: 7 explosive catches (161st of 669 receivers and tight ends) and 238 receiving yards (289th). Liberty's Darius Copeland is in the role players corner, below average in both: 2 explosive catches (538th of 669 receivers and tight ends) and 138 receiving yards (493rd).051015202502004006008001,0001,200Big plays on low volumeGo-to deep threatsRole playersYards without the big playsReceiving yards →Explosive catches (16+ yards) ↑StoneAndersonCopelandPerson
Florida International's Maguire Anderson is in the role players corner, below average in both: 14 explosive catches (25th of 669 receivers and tight ends) and 569 receiving yards (34th). Florida International's JoJo Stone is in the role players corner, below average in both: 4 explosive catches (344th of 669 receivers and tight ends) and 181 receiving yards (396th). Liberty's Jamari Person is in the role players corner, below average in both: 7 explosive catches (161st of 669 receivers and tight ends) and 238 receiving yards (289th). Liberty's Darius Copeland is in the role players corner, below average in both: 2 explosive catches (538th of 669 receivers and tight ends) and 138 receiving yards (493rd).
PlayerExplosive catches (16+ yards)Receiving yards
Maguire Anderson, Florida International14 (25th)569 (34th)
JoJo Stone, Florida International4 (344th)181 (396th)
Jamari Person, Liberty7 (161st)238 (289th)
Darius Copeland, Liberty2 (538th)138 (493rd)

Who makes the plays on defense?

Who makes the plays on defense? Florida International's top playmaker is Kenton Simmons (4 sacks), 45th of 1571 FBS defenders in sacks plus takeaways. Liberty's top playmaker is Deuce Spurlock (1 sack, 1 INT), 384th of 1571 FBS defenders in sacks plus takeaways.Kenton Simmons, Florida International4 sacksDeeJay Holmes Jr., Florida International2 sacks, 1 fumble recoveryElisha Baldridge, Florida International2 sacksDeuce Spurlock, Liberty1 sack, 1 INTMarkus Clark, Liberty2 sacksRonald Moore, Liberty1 INT, 1 fumble recovery
Florida International's top playmaker is Kenton Simmons (4 sacks), 45th of 1571 FBS defenders in sacks plus takeaways. Liberty's top playmaker is Deuce Spurlock (1 sack, 1 INT), 384th of 1571 FBS defenders in sacks plus takeaways.
PlayerSacksINTsFumble recoveriesFBS rank
Kenton Simmons, Florida International40045th
DeeJay Holmes Jr., Florida International201140th
Elisha Baldridge, Florida International200334th
Deuce Spurlock, Liberty110384th
Markus Clark, Liberty200385th
Ronald Moore, Liberty011386th

The scatter charts show the top 40 FBS players at the position by both stats combined, plus the players lit here. Dashed lines are the averages; up and right is better. Ranks are among every FBS player at the position with enough snaps. Takeaways are interceptions plus fumble recoveries. Games through Oct 24, 2026.

How do SP+, PRIME and Elo rate Florida International and Liberty?

On a neutral field, SP+ has Liberty 15.4 points better (45th to 100th). PRIME also has Liberty ahead, by 15.9. Elo, which only sees results, also has Liberty ahead (18th to 90th).

Florida InternationalLiberty
SP+ overall-7.9 (100th)7.5 (45th)
SP+ offense17.9 (118th)28.5 (56th)
SP+ defense25.4 (61st)21.0 (34th)
SP+ special teams-0.4 (113th)0.0 (68th)
PRIME net-8.2 (98th)7.7 (35th)
PRIME offense-9.04 (128th)2.30 (43rd)
PRIME defense1.18 (57th)4.55 (32nd)
PRIME SOS-9.8 (132nd)-10.1 (134th)
PRIME SOR-2.1 (118th)0.9 (44th)
Elo1401 (90th)1770 (18th)

Opponent-adjusted power ratings. These drive the projection.

Who's better once you adjust for the schedule?

Florida International's offense ranks 117th in adjusted EPA per play, and the Liberty defense it faces ranks 20th in EPA per play allowed. Liberty's offense ranks 25th against Florida International's 40th-ranked defense. Neither side of the ball has a clear edge. The biggest edge on the board is Liberty's offensive line in the run game: 9th in adjusted line yards per carry, against Florida International's 54th-ranked defense. Adjust for opponents and Liberty's offense climbs from 45th to 25th in EPA per play: it has done its work against good defenses.

Florida InternationalLiberty
EPA per play (adjusted)+0.03 (117th)+0.18 (25th)
EPA per pass (adjusted)+0.17 (87th)+0.23 (34th)
EPA per rush (adjusted)−0.03 (130th)+0.16 (5th)
Success rate (adjusted)38.3% (113th)46.2% (21st)
Success rate, standard downs (adjusted)44.0% (116th)51.1% (16th)
Success rate, passing downs (adjusted)31.0% (58th)31.9% (36th)
Explosiveness (adjusted)0.88 (136th)0.93 (80th)
Line yards per carry (adjusted)2.76 (124th)3.19 (9th)
Open-field yards per carry (adjusted)0.84 (137th)1.25 (36th)
EPA per play allowed (adjusted)+0.06 (40th)+0.03 (20th)
EPA per pass allowed (adjusted)+0.15 (39th)+0.10 (14th)
EPA per rush allowed (adjusted)+0.03 (46th)+0.06 (64th)
Success rate allowed (adjusted)40.1% (44th)37.8% (21st)
Explosiveness allowed (adjusted)0.92 (40th)0.94 (87th)
Line yards allowed per carry (adjusted)2.90 (54th)2.93 (63rd)
Open-field yards allowed per carry (adjusted)1.03 (44th)1.15 (76th)

The same efficiency numbers, adjusted for the offenses and defenses each team has faced (CollegeFootballData.com). A good number against a soft schedule shrinks; one against a hard schedule grows.

Who's more efficient, Florida International or Liberty?

Florida International is better throwing (94th in EPA per pass) than running (126th). Liberty's pass defense ranks 15th, so the defense has the better of it. Liberty is about as good throwing (47th in EPA per pass) as running (39th).

Florida InternationalLiberty
EPA per play+0.03 (113th)+0.19 (45th)
EPA per pass+0.13 (94th)+0.29 (47th)
EPA per rush−0.05 (126th)+0.16 (39th)
EPA per 3rd-down play+0.50 (58th)+0.44 (76th)
EPA per play allowed+0.01 (28th)−0.06 (9th)
EPA per pass allowed+0.03 (19th)+0.01 (15th)
EPA per rush allowed0.00 (45th)−0.02 (37th)
EPA per 3rd-down play allowed+0.25 (27th)+0.22 (19th)

Expected points added per play, from CollegeFootballData.com. EPA measures how much each play changes the points a team can expect from the drive. Zero is break-even; +0.20 is very good. Not adjusted for opponents.

Who scores more, Florida International or Liberty?

Florida International outscores FBS opponents by 3.8 a game, and Liberty by 17.6. Florida International's offense ranks 120th in scoring, and the Liberty defense it faces ranks 7th in points allowed. Liberty's offense ranks 49th against Florida International's 21st-ranked defense. Both defenses have the edge on the offenses they face.

Florida InternationalLiberty
Points scored20.1 (120th)31.6 (49th)
Points allowed16.3 (21st)14.0 (7th)

Per game, FBS opponents only.

Which offense has the edge?

Florida International has no clear edge here. Its best is explosive play rate, 90th, against a defense ranked 56th in explosive plays allowed. Liberty's best matchup is big plays: its offense ranks 8th in explosive play rate, and Florida International's defense ranks 74th in explosive plays allowed. That's a mismatch.

Florida InternationalLiberty
Pass yards / game246.6 (49th)192.6 (106th)
Rush yards / game130.7 (111th)234.1 (13th)
Yards per play5.50 (117th)7.38 (12th)
Yards per carry4.00 (128th)6.07 (16th)
Yards per attempt7.04 (91st)10.87 (4th)
Completion %56.7% (102nd)71.0% (24th)
Success rate40.0% (105th)51.4% (12th)
Explosive play rate11.5% (90th)16.5% (8th)
3rd down conversion44.4% (44th)51.5% (10th)
Sack rate (taken)2.4% (10th)8.2% (115th)
INT rate (thrown)3.3% (105th)0.0% (1st)
SUPLEX48.2% (123rd)66.5% (12th)

Per game and per play, from play-by-play.

Which defense has the edge?

Florida International's defense is best placed to get home: it ranks 63rd in sack rate, and Liberty's offense is bottom-20 at avoiding sacks (115th). Liberty's defense is best placed to win on early downs: it ranks 15th in SUPLEX allowed, and Florida International's offense is bottom-20 in SUPLEX (123rd). That's a mismatch.

Florida InternationalLiberty
Pass yards allowed / game159.4 (9th)180.3 (21st)
Rush yards allowed / game115.9 (20th)125.6 (34th)
Yards per play allowed5.24 (30th)4.78 (10th)
Yards per carry allowed4.48 (46th)4.65 (57th)
Yards per attempt allowed6.38 (36th)5.13 (4th)
Success rate allowed37.0% (31st)31.9% (3rd)
Explosive plays allowed11.1% (74th)10.5% (56th)
3rd downs allowed29.9% (15th)26.9% (4th)
Sack rate (generated)6.4% (63rd)5.0% (97th)
INT rate (generated)2.9% (57th)2.9% (58th)
SUPLEX allowed48.9% (36th)44.0% (15th)

What opponents managed against them.

Who wins the turnover battle?

Liberty is +0.7 in turnover margin a game and Florida International is −0.3. At about five points a turnover, that's roughly a 5-point edge for Liberty. Turnover margin rarely holds from one month to the next, so don't count on it.

Florida InternationalLiberty
Interceptions thrown / game1.14 (121st)0.00 (1st)
Fumbles lost / game0.29 (20th)0.71 (99th)
Giveaways / game1.43 (88th)0.71 (18th)
Interceptions / game0.71 (64th)1.00 (22nd)
Fumbles recovered / game0.43 (68th)0.43 (68th)
Takeaways / game1.14 (66th)1.43 (39th)
Turnover margin / game-0.3 (89th)+0.7 (18th)

Per game, from play-by-play.

Which team has more talent?

Liberty has the more talented roster (79th in the 247Sports talent composite; Florida International is 90th). Liberty also plays further above its talent: +9.3 points of SP+ beyond what its roster predicts, to Florida International's −4.4.

Florida InternationalLiberty
Talent composite607.6 (90th)633.4 (79th)
Blue-chip ratio8.6% (78th)4.2% (98th)
Players on roster105 (106th)104 (112th)
Rated by 247Sports70 (98th)71 (93rd)
5-star players0 (37th)0 (37th)
4-star players6 (73rd)3 (94th)
3-star players61 (66th)68 (37th)
Below 3-star3 (53rd)0 (113th)
2026 transfers in20 (76th)29 (34th)
Transfer share28.6% (72nd)40.8% (30th)
SP+ vs. talent-4.4 (96th)+9.3 (19th)
Returning production31.6% (86th)38.3% (71st)
Returning passing production-0.6% (120th)74.6% (57th)
Returning rushing production16.4% (97th)45.0% (69th)
Returning receiving production48.9% (49th)21.1% (99th)
2026 recruiting class (national rank)102 (102nd)109 (109th)
Recruiting rank, last four classes99.0 (101st)102.8 (106th)

247Sports team talent composite and 2026 transfer portal class. Star counts cover only the players 247Sports rates, not walk-ons, so they add up to less than the full roster. Ranks are out of all 138 FBS teams.

Where did each team's wins come from?

Florida International is −0.5 wins against a .500 team; the biggest piece is schedule (+1.6). Liberty is +2.5 wins against a .500 team; the biggest piece is schedule (+1.8). Florida International's record is 0.9 wins worse than its play on bad luck, so it's better than the record says.

Florida InternationalLiberty
BAWA (total)-0.5 (89th)+2.5 (8th)
Schedule BAWA+1.6 (15th)+1.8 (6th)
Roster BAWA-0.4 (97th)-0.1 (78th)
Coach BAWA-0.8 (103rd)+0.7 (36th)
Luck BAWA-0.9 (116th)+0.1 (63rd)

Big Al Wins Added: where the wins came from. Every team starts as a .500 team. Then each win (or loss) goes to the schedule, the roster, the coaching or luck, and the four add up to the real record. Wins above or below a .500 team.

Florida International at Liberty: questions people ask

Who will win Florida International at Liberty?

Big Al picks Liberty, 91% to win. All three ratings favor the same team. Liberty's best matchup is its scoring defense, 7th in points allowed, against Florida International's scoring offense at 120th.

When and where is Florida International at Liberty?

Sat, Oct 31, 3:30 PM ET at Williams Stadium (VA), on CBSSN.

What's the line for Florida International at Liberty?

DraftKings has Liberty −14, total 44.5. Big Al picks winners, not bets.

What's the Florida International–Liberty series record?

Liberty leads 3–1. Last meeting: Florida International won 34–27 in 2025.

Who are the quarterbacks in Florida International at Liberty?

Florida International's is J.J. Kohl (1,602 passing yards this season); Liberty's is Deshawn Purdie (1,226 passing yards this season).

More on this game

Numbers through the games of Oct 24, 2026. SP+ as of Oct 27, 2026. Updated every week.

Florida International and Liberty: team pages with every stat and national rank. Compare any two teams.