The Cure Bowl. Not exactly the Rose Bowl, but hey, who needs Pasadena when you’ve got Orlando in December? This year’s edition features a clash of surprisingly hot teams, the Ohio Bobcats and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks. Both squads enter Camping World Stadium riding impressive win streaks, making this a potentially more compelling matchup than your average pre-Christmas bowl game.
Ohio, after a slightly rocky start, found its footing and ripped off six straight victories, culminating in a decisive 38-3 drubbing of Miami (Ohio) for the MAC championship. That kind of momentum can be dangerous in a bowl game, especially against a team like Jacksonville State, which has been steamrolling opponents all season.
The Gamecocks, for their part, have been a force of nature, racking up nine wins in their last ten games. Their 52-12 demolition of Western Kentucky in the Conference USA title game was a statement win, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive dominance. This isn’t some plucky underdog story; Jacksonville State is the real deal.
Now, bowl games are notoriously unpredictable. Motivation is a fickle thing, and the long layoff can disrupt even the best teams’ rhythm. But on paper, this looks like a fun one. Two high-octane offenses, two stingy defenses –– something’s gotta give. And with both teams eager to cap off their seasons with a bowl victory, expect fireworks in Orlando.
Tune in to ESPN at 12:00 PM on Friday, December 20th to see if Ohio can extend their streak to seven or if Jacksonville State will continue their march toward double-digit wins. One thing’s for sure: this Cure Bowl has the potential to be a surprisingly entertaining affair.
The Cure Bowl airs on Fridays at 12:00 PM on ESPN.
