Cure Bowl: Ohio (10-3) vs. Jacksonville State (9-4), scheduled for December 20 at 12 p.m. EST.
BetMGM College Football Odds: Ohio favored by 2.5 points.
KEY MATCHUP
Ohio’s Bobcats boast the 13th-best rushing attack in the FBS, averaging 211.6 yards per game. They face a Jacksonville State defense that struggles against the run, ranking 95th by allowing 170.2 rushing yards per game.
On the offensive side, Jacksonville State manages an average of 177.1 passing yards per game, placing them 117th in the FBS, while Ohio’s defense is relatively better, ranking 41st by giving up 200.8 yards through the air.
LAST GAME
In their most recent outing, Ohio triumphed over Miami (OH) with a score of 38-3. Quarterback Parker Navarro demonstrated strong performance, completing 20 out of 27 passes for 235 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also contributed significantly on the ground with 13 carries for 67 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Running back Anthony Tyus III added to the success with 27 carries for 151 yards and one touchdown, while also making two receptions for 22 yards. Additionally, Coleman Owen achieved five catches for 73 yards and one touchdown.
For Jacksonville State, their last game resulted in a victory against Western Kentucky. Tyler Huff shined with 176 passing yards, going 11-for-15 with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also showcased his running ability, recording 23 carries for 167 yards and one rushing touchdown. Tre Stewart had an impressive game as well with 27 carries for 201 yards and three touchdowns, alongside three receptions for 54 yards. Cam Vaughn contributed with four catches for 91 yards and one touchdown.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
For Ohio, Navarro has accumulated 2,169 passing yards this season, averaging 166.8 yards per game with a completion rate of 65.9%. He has thrown 12 touchdowns but has also been intercepted 10 times. Besides his passing stats, he has amassed 936 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground, ranking 14th in college football. Running back Tyus has 211 carries for 1,111 yards, averaging 85.5 yards per game, with nine rushing touchdowns and 13 catches for a total of 103 yards and one touchdown. Owen has positioned himself as a top receiver with 67 receptions for 1,105 yards and eight touchdowns, ranking 12th nationally in receiving yards.
On the Jacksonville State side, quarterback Huff has achieved 2,179 passing yards thus far, averaging 167.6 yards per game, completing 60.6% of his passes with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. In addition to his passing numbers, Huff has 1,343 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, averaging 103.3 yards per game. Stewart, another key player, has made 264 carries, leading to 1,601 rushing yards, which ranks fourth in college football with an average of 123.2 yards per game, in addition to 23 rushing touchdowns. Vaughn has been effective in the receiver role with 620 yards on 39 catches and four touchdowns, averaging 47.7 receiving yards per game.
FACTS & FIGURES
Ohio has demonstrated a solid scoring edge, outpacing its opponents by an average of 11.7 points per game, while Jacksonville State has managed an average scoring advantage of 10.9 points per game. The Bobcats have a turnover margin of minus one, having forced 19 turnovers (placed 39th in college football) while committing 20 (ranked 99th). For Jacksonville State, despite ranking poorly at 18th in passing yards allowed per game, their pass defense is comparatively better, allowing 215.5 yards per game and ranking 63rd in the college football landscape.
