Ohio vs. Jacksonville State Bowl Streaks on the Line in 2024 Showdown
Ohio Bobcats vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks: 2024 Cure Bowl Breakdown
The 2024 StaffDNA Cure Bowl is set to take place on Friday afternoon at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, featuring two high-powered teams in the Ohio Bobcats (10-3, 7-1 MAC) and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (9-4, 7-1 C-USA). This matchup pits two programs on impressive streaks, each aiming to secure a significant bowl victory to cap their respective seasons.
Ohio enters the game with a four-bowl win streak, while Jacksonville State is riding high after a dominant win in last year’s New Orleans Bowl. Here’s a deeper look at each team’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential to secure a victory in this intriguing matchup.
Ohio Bobcats: Looking to Extend Bowl Win Streak
Ohio has been a powerhouse in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), finishing the regular season with a 10-3 record, including a dominant 7-1 MAC record. The Bobcats will be playing for their fifth consecutive bowl win when they take on Jacksonville State. Coach Tim Albin will not be on the sidelines for this game, as he recently took the head coach position at Charlotte. Interim coach Brian Smith, who also serves as the offensive coordinator, will lead Ohio through this bowl game.
The Bobcats have a balanced offensive attack, averaging 29.2 points per game. They are a run-heavy team, rushing for an impressive 212.2 yards per game, with senior quarterback Parker Navarro leading the charge. Navarro has accounted for 2,169 passing yards, along with 943 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, running back Anthony Tyus III has been a standout in the backfield, racking up 1,111 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the season.
Ohio’s defense has been one of the nation’s most formidable units, allowing just 17.5 points per game, the 19th best in the country. In their most recent game, they held Miami (OH) to just three points in a 38-3 victory, demonstrating their ability to stifle opposing offenses when it matters most.
However, the Bobcats may face challenges in this game with key players potentially sidelined, including TE Nick Segarra, WR Delaney Crawford, and S Jeremiah Wood, who are all listed as questionable for this game.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks: Seeking Back-to-Back Bowl Victories
The Gamecocks have been a force in the Conference USA (C-USA), finishing their regular season at 9-4 and tying for first in the C-USA East Division with a 7-1 C-USA record. Jacksonville State bounced back from a season-ending loss to Western Kentucky with a dominant victory in the C-USA Championship Game, securing their place in the Cure Bowl. Last year, they triumphed in the New Orleans Bowl, defeating Louisiana, and now look to build on that success.
However, like Ohio, Jacksonville State has undergone a significant coaching change. Rich Rodriguez, who guided the team to several successful seasons, resigned to take the head coaching job at his alma mater, West Virginia. Offensive coordinator Rod Smith will take over as interim head coach for this game.
Offensively, Jacksonville State has been explosive, ranking among the highest-scoring teams in the country with 36.7 points per game. The Gamecocks have a potent rushing attack, leading the nation with 267.3 rushing yards per game. Senior quarterback Tyler Huff is the catalyst for the offense, throwing for 2,179 yards and rushing for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has been complemented by Tre Stewart, who leads the team with 1,604 rushing yards and an impressive 23 touchdowns on the season.
On the defensive side, Jacksonville State has been less consistent, allowing 25.8 points per game, but they are capable of stepping up when needed, as evidenced by their recent 52-12 victory over Western Kentucky in the conference championship. They’ll need another strong defensive performance to contend with Ohio’s multifaceted offense.
Conclusion
This game promises to be a thrilling matchup between two teams that have shown resilience and determination throughout the season. With both programs boasting impressive offensive and defensive units, this Cure Bowl has all the ingredients for an exciting contest. Ohio’s defense will need to stifle Jacksonville State’s rushing attack, while Parker Navarro and his offensive playmakers must continue their strong performances to extend the Bobcats’ bowl win streak.
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