StaffDNA Cure Bowl Winning Pick: Ohio vs Jacksonville State

The 2024 StaffDNA Cure Bowl is set to deliver an intense showdown between the Ohio Bobcats and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, both conference champions with strong ground games. This Cure Bowl pick highlights an exciting matchup on Friday, December 20, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. With both head coaches sidelined, offensive coordinators will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this hard-fought game.

StaffDNA Cure Bowl Winning Pick: Ohio vs Jacksonville State
Bowl Game Boom: Your Ticket to Winning Big in the Cure Bowl

2024 NCAA Division I FBS Football Season | 155th season of college football in the United States
NCAAF Bowls: Saturday, December 14th, 2024 – Monday, January 20th, 2025 at 9:00 PM | Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas

Betting StaffDNA Cure Bowl Winning Pick

The 2024 StaffDNA Cure Bowl features a clash between two conference champions as the Ohio Bobcats take on the Jacksonville State Gamecocks.

Scheduled for Friday, December 20, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, this game highlights two teams that have excelled in the ground game all season.

With both head coaches absent, offensive coordinators will step into the spotlight for what promises to be a hard-fought matchup.

2024 StaffDNA Cure Bowl: Ohio Bobcats (10-3) vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks (9-4)
Friday, December 20th at 12:00 pm ET – ESPN | Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL

ATS Odds:: Ohio -3.5
SU Odds: Jacksonville State +132 / Ohio -162
Over/Under Odds: 54.5

Writer’s Picks for the Cure Bowl Game

Why Jacksonville State Will Win

The Jacksonville State Gamecocks (9-4) enter this game boasting one of the nation’s most dominant rushing attacks.

Under interim coach Rod Smith, the offense still revolves around quarterback Tyler Huff and running back Tre Stewart.

Stewart has been a force, racking up 201 yards and three touchdowns in the Conference USA title game against Western Kentucky.

Jacksonville State’s ground game ranked second in the FBS, averaging over 250 rushing yards per game.

Their ability to control tempo and wear down opposing defenses makes them a formidable opponent.

Additionally, the Gamecocks excel at forcing turnovers, ranking among the best in turnover margin.

With Ohio coughing up the ball 20 times this season, Jacksonville State’s opportunistic defense could create game-changing moments.

Despite the loss of some defensive contributors to the transfer portal, key playmakers like linebacker Kavian Gaither and defensive back Caleb Weaver are expected to suit up.

The Gamecocks’ defense has held opponents to 20 points per game, and they will need to step up to contain Ohio’s balanced offense.

Why Ohio Will Win

The Ohio Bobcats (10-3), winners of the MAC Championship, come into this game with momentum and stability.

While head coach Tim Albin has moved on to Charlotte, offensive coordinator Brian Smith will guide a team that remains largely intact.

Ohio’s biggest advantage lies in its elite run defense, which ranks fifth in the FBS, allowing fewer than 100 rushing yards per game.

This unit has shut down strong rushing attacks all season, with Kentucky being the only team to eclipse 165 yards against them.

If Ohio can contain Jacksonville State’s ground game, they’ll force the Gamecocks into uncomfortable passing situations where their offense struggles.

On offense, the Bobcats have relied on running back Anthony Tyus III, who rushed for 151 yards and a touchdown in their dominant win over Miami (OH) in the MAC title game.

Ohio’s offensive line, anchored by all-conference performers, has been a key factor in grinding out victories.

Quarterback JC French has also been efficient, balancing the offense with over 2,600 passing yards and 16 touchdowns this season.

With Jacksonville State’s secondary weakened by transfers, Ohio’s passing game could find opportunities to move the chains and capitalize on big plays downfield.

Prediction

This matchup between two conference champions will be a battle of strengths—Jacksonville State’s rushing attack against Ohio’s elite run defense.

While the Gamecocks have the firepower to make big plays, Ohio’s ability to control the clock and limit the ground game gives them the edge.

Look for the Bobcats to grind out long drives behind Anthony Tyus III while their defense contains Jacksonville State’s explosive offense.

The Gamecocks will keep it close, but Ohio’s consistency and defensive prowess will secure their sixth consecutive bowl victory.

Final Score Prediction: Ohio 30, Jacksonville State 24

NCAAF Bowl ATS Pick: Ohio -3.5

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Interim coaches guide Jacksonville State, Ohio into Cure Bowlhttps://t.co/tIeXBstabh
— everynews (@PepeArbaz) December 17, 2024

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Who Will Reign Supreme? 2024 College Football National Championship Odds Revealed!

Team	Odds
Oregon Ducks	+310
Georgia Bulldogs	+320
Texas Longhorns	+350
Ohio State Buckeyes	+400
Penn State Nittany Lions	+560
Notre Dame Fighting Irish	+830
Tennessee Volunteers	+2300
Clemson Tigers	+3300
SMU Mustangs	+3400
Indiana Hoosiers	+4000
Arizona State Sun Devils	+4400
Boise State Broncos	+4700

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What is the Cure Bowl? Let’s Find Out

The Cure Bowl is an exciting postseason college football game held annually at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

Typically featuring teams from the Sun Belt Conference and American Athletic Conference (AAC), the Cure Bowl has grown in popularity due to its competitive matchups and the meaningful cause it supports—raising awareness for cancer research. With its festive atmosphere and thrilling action, the Cure Bowl has become one of the standout games in the college football bowl season.

For the latest betting odds and lines for the Cure Bowl, visit our College Football News section to stay up-to-date with the best picks and analysis. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just starting, make sure you’re ready to place your bets on one of the most exciting bowl games of the year.

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2023 Cure Bowl Odds to Win: Appalachian State vs Miami OH

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From FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando Florida, the Avocados from New Mexico Cure Bowl will take place on Saturday. The game will feature the Redhawks from Miami of Ohio against the Mountaineers of Appalachian State.

The Redhawks of Miami OH are 11-2 on the season, and the MAC Champions. The Redhawks beat Toledo on December 2nd, which was their fifth straight win of the season. Miami OH is 8-6 all time in bowl games. A season ago, the Redhawks lost at the Bahamas Bowl to UAB by a single score of 24-20.

Appalachian State comes into the game with an 8-5 record. The Mountaineers lost in their conference title game at Troy. The Mountaineers are playing in their 8th bowl game since 2015. Last season was the first time since 2015 they did not play in one. Back in 2021, the Mountaineers lost to Western Kentucky in the Boca Raton Bowl. That snapped a six game winning streak in bowl games.

The Appalachian State Mountaineers are the favorites in the NCAAF odds in this game. Appalachian State is listed at -5.5. The total for this affair is set at 45.5 points.

2023 Cure Bowl Odds: Appalachian State vs Miami OH | MyBookie Bowl Game Preview

ATS Odds: Appalachian State -6.5
Money Line Odds: Appalachian State Mountaineers: -270; Miami OH RedHawks: +215
Over/Under Odds: 42.5

Saturday, December 16th at 3:30 pm ET | ABC, ESPN+
FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando, FL

Miami OH Redhawks

The Redhawks lost their season opener to the Miami Hurricanes, and then lost a home game to Toledo. They got revenge over the Rockets in the MAC title game for their fifth straight win. During the five game winning streak, the Redhawks have only allowed a total of 55 points during those five games.

The Redhawks have been anchored by their defense all season. When they do move the ball on offense, it is usually via the ground. Miami averaged more than 156 yards per game on the ground. Rashad Amos is the top running back for the Redhawks. He has carried the football 177 times for 865 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Miami OH quarterback Brett Gabbert has played in 13 games this season, and thrown for 1,634 yards and 14 touchdowns. Aveon Smith also threw it 86 times for the Redhawks. Gage Larvadain was the top target all season for the Redhawks with 643 yards.

Appalachian State Mountaineers

The tradition of the Appalachian State Mountaineers continues to grow. Members of the Sun Belt, the Mountaineers had a little of an up and down season. The Mountaineers won four straight to get to the Sun Belt title game. In those four wins over Southern Miss, Marshall, Georgia State and James Madison, they won by an average of 20.25 points per game.

In the win that got the Mountaineers to the Sun Belt title game, Joey Aguilar threw for four touchdowns. Kaedin Robinson caught a 27 yard touchdown and Cristian Horn added a 41 yarder. The Mountaineers quarterback finished with more than 3,500 yards thrown, and 33 touchdowns.

Nate Noel was the top rushing threat for the Mountaineers this season. He rushed 173 times for 834 yards and 5 touchdowns. Robinson led the receiving core, and is 13 yards shy of 800 on the season, with 10 touchdowns.

Mountaineers Top Redhawks

In the end, we like the Mountaineers offense over the Redhawks defense here. Miami OH has not seen the talent that Appalachian State has on the offensive side. Bet the Mountaineers -5.5 over the Redhawks on Saturday.

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