AutoNation Cure Bowl
San Jose State (5-7) vs. Georgia State (6-6)
Orlando, Fla.
Dec. 19, 2015
Looking at the records of the teams in the inaugural AutoNation Cure Bowl might be a turnoff, but both Georgia State and San Jose State are programs that have something to prove and are looking to get their 2016 season off on the right foot.
Georgia State has only had a football team for six seasons, so playing in their first-ever bowl game is a monumental step for the Panthers. Georgia State came into November with a 2-6 record and won four consecutive games, including a 34-7 stunner against rival Georgia Southern, to earn bowl eligibility.
But don’t let the record fool you. The Panthers have an efficient passing attack that ranks eighth in the country with 346.6 yards per game. Quarterback Nick Arbuckle is one of just seven quarterbacks in the FBS to throw for more than 4,000 yards this season. He led the Sun Belt with 4,160 passing yards and was second in the conference with 26 touchdown passes. His favorite target is Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year Penny Hart, who was second among all FBS freshmen in receptions (71), receiving yards (1.095) and touchdowns (8).
San Jose State can thank its APR for its bowl eligibility. The Spartans were one of a handful of 5-7 teams that owe their postseason to the graduation rate of their football players.
That said, this does give the football-loving world one more chance to see running back Tyler Ervin, who is the only FBS running back to rush for 250 or more yards in two games this season. That mark includes a whopping 300 against Fresno State.
However, outside of Ervin, who had 264 carries for 1,469 yards and 13 touchdowns, the offense was inconsistent. The defense, however, is ranked second nationally, allowing just 153.6 passing yards per game, which should provide a test for the pass-happy Panthers.
Despite that tough defense, San Jose State only beat one FBS team that finished the season with a winning record.
Picks
Graham: These are two evenly matched teams, so it’s hard to pick a winner, but I like the Spartans’ passing defense to be the difference in this game. SJSU 24, Georgia State 14.
Nick: Will this bowl be the cure for our sadness? Does anyone want to see San Jose State and Georgia State play each other? But seriously, good for Georgia State for making a bowl game. Panthers win 21-16.
Sam: Georgia State won two games total in three years heading into this season. How cool would it be for the Panthers to finish with a winning record and a bowl win? Georgia State 24, San Jose State 21.
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday
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