Ohio vs Jacksonville State Chasing Bowl Streaks in the 2024 Cure Bowl
Ohio Bobcats vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks
The Ohio Bobcats (10-3, 7-1 MAC) and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (9-4, 7-1 C-USA) will face off in the 2024 StaffDNA Cure Bowl this Friday at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 PM ET, and both teams come into the game with impressive momentum.
Ohio will be looking to secure their fifth consecutive bowl victory, while Jacksonville State aims for its second straight bowl win after clinching the New Orleans Bowl last season. This will be the first-ever meeting between these two programs, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup.
Let’s break down both teams, their key players, and what to expect in this exciting clash between the Mid-American Conference (MAC) champions and the Conference USA co-champions.
Ohio Bobcats: Chasing a Fifth Straight Bowl Victory
Ohio has been one of the most consistent teams in the MAC over the past few years, winning 10 games for the third straight season. After a dominant 38-3 victory over Miami (OH), they come into the Cure Bowl with four consecutive bowl wins. Now, they look to extend that streak, though it will be without head coach Tim Albin, who recently left to take the head coaching job at Charlotte. Offensive coordinator Brian Smith will step in as interim coach for the game.
The Bobcats are a well-rounded team, averaging 29.2 points per game. They excel at both the air and ground game, throwing for 187.7 yards per game and rushing for an impressive 212.2 yards per game. Much of their offensive success stems from Parker Navarro, who has proven to be a dual-threat quarterback. Navarro has completed 65.9% of his passes for 2,169 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while also rushing for 943 yards and 15 touchdowns.
In the backfield, Anthony Tyus III has been a workhorse, rushing for 1,111 yards and 9 touchdowns, while Coleman Owen is a reliable target in the passing game, leading the team with 67 catches for 1,105 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Defensively, Ohio is one of the most stingy units in the country, allowing just 17.5 points per game. In their previous game, the Bobcats surrendered just 3 points, showcasing the strength of their defense. For Ohio to continue its bowl success, a dominant defensive effort will be crucial in limiting Jacksonville State’s explosive offense.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks: Eyes on Back-to-Back Bowl Victories
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks come into this game as one of the hottest teams in college football, having won 9 of their last 10 games. They recently defeated Western Kentucky 52-12 to capture the Conference USA Championship and are riding high after securing a New Orleans Bowl victory last season.
However, Jacksonville State will be without head coach Rich Rodriguez, who resigned to become the new head coach at West Virginia just days before the bowl game. Offensive coordinator Rod Smith will take over as interim head coach for this contest.
The Gamecocks have been a high-powered offensive team all season, averaging a robust 36.7 points per game. They lean heavily on their rushing attack, which ranks among the best in the country, averaging 267.3 rushing yards per game. Tyler Huff, their dual-threat quarterback, has thrown for 2,179 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions while also contributing 1,343 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground.
The star of the Gamecocks’ backfield is Tre Stewart, who has racked up an impressive 1,604 rushing yards and a jaw-dropping 23 touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, Cam Vaughn has been Huff’s top receiving option, with 39 catches for 620 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Despite their offensive firepower, Jacksonville State has struggled on the defensive side of the ball, allowing 25.8 points per game. However, their defense stepped up in their Conference USA Championship game, holding Western Kentucky to just 12 points. If they can replicate that effort against Ohio, the Gamecocks could pull off the upset.
Conclusion
The 2024 StaffDNA Cure Bowl promises to be an exciting clash between two high-powered teams with very different styles. Ohio will look to continue its dominance in postseason play, while Jacksonville State will attempt to build on its impressive run through Conference USA. Whether you’re a fan of defensive strategy or explosive offenses, this game has all the makings of a thrilling contest.
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