Ohio vs. Jacksonville State: Predictions, odds for Cure Bowl
The college football bowl action continues Friday with the Ohio Bobcats facing off against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
The Bobcats are riding a wave of success into the Cure Bowl, having clinched their first conference title since 1968. Their momentum is further bolstered by their seventh-ranked defense, which has allowed a mere 11 rushing touchdowns this season. The team also boasts a star player in running back Anthony Tyus III, who has 1,111 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
The Gamecocks are a force to be reckoned, though, entering the game on the back of a dominant season during which they clinched the Conference USA championship. Their offense, spearheaded by quarterback Tyler Huff, has been a key factor in their success. Huff has recorded 2,179 passing yards and 13 touchdowns this season. The team also boasts a standout player in senior running back Tre Stewart, who has been a consistent performer, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and accumulating a total of 1,604 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns.
Here's everything you need to know about the Cure Bowl:
Cure Bowl predictions: Ohio vs. Jacksonville State
Paste BN: Majority of writers pick Ohio
- Scooby Axon: Ohio
- Jordan Mendoza: Jacksonville State
- Paul Myerberg: Ohio
- Erick Smith: Jacksonville State
- Eddie Timanus: Ohio
- Dan Wolken: Ohio
ESPN: Ohio 31, Jacksonville State 29
Adam Rittenberg writes: "Bowl matchups that feature two conference champions always bring a bit more flavor. Ohio claimed its first conference title since 1968, while Jacksonville State, which only became eligible to win Conference USA this season, rolled to a championship – its first as an FBS program. The Bobcats are in transition following coach Tim Albin's departure to Charlotte, and Jacksonville State coach Rich Rodriguez resigned to return to West Virginia, his alma mater. The game's best matchup features Jacksonville State running back tandem Tre Stewart and Tyler Huff, who have combined for staggering rushing numbers – 2,947 yards, 37 touchdowns – facing an Ohio defense that ranks seventh nationally against the run and has allowed only 11 rushing touchdowns all season. Ultimately, Ohio's defense and its own run game, led by Anthony Tyus, prevails in a close one."
NBC Sports: Ohio Bobcats
Eric Froton writes: "Both programs will be without their head coaches who move onto other jobs, and several Jax State starters are in the portal. Though some players may suit up, Jacksonville State appears to be in a more compromised position from a roster standpoint. Ohio is 9-4 ATS and QB Parker Navarro is confirmed to be playing, which is enough for me to back the Bobcats getting +2.5 points."
Cure Bowl odds, lines: Ohio vs. Jacksonville State
The Ohio Bobcats are favorites to defeat the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, according to the BetMGM college football odds.
Odds as of Thursday, Dec. 19.
- Spread: Ohio (-4.5)
- Moneylines: Ohio (-165); Jacksonville State (+165)
- Over/under: 56.5
How to watch Ohio vs. Jacksonville State in the Cure Bowl
- Date: Friday, Dec. 20
- Time: Noon ET
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: ESPN+
- Where: Camping World Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
Tickets to the Cure Bowl with StubHub
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