3 things you need to know for the AutoNation Cure Bowl

Need a brief primer before you attempt to watch all 40 bowl games this season? We’ve got you covered. Here are three things you need to know about the AutoNation Cure Bowl.

AUTONATION CURE BOWL
Arkansas State (7-5) vs. Central Florida (6-6)
Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m. ET
CBS Sports Network

– Arkansas State has not played well vs. teams outside the Sun Belt this year. Yeah, the Red Wolves lost handily to Auburn, but ASU also lost by 21 at home to Toledo, by 14 at Utah State and inexplicably by five vs. Central Arkansas.

So when you take away that 0-4 non-conference record, Arkansas State finished the year 7-1 in the Sun Belt and ended up tying for the conference title with Appalachian State. If Central Florida wins comfortably, the game could be a significant statement about the strength of the Sun Belt in 2016.

– But if UCF is going to get that win, it has to run the ball well. Arkansas State has allowed 3.7 yards per carry. Coincidentally, that’s what UCF has averaged as a team. Leading rushers Jawon Hamilton and Dontravious Wilson each average less than four yards a carry and neither topped 500 yards.

And while freshman RB Adrian Killins looks like a big play threat with 7.2 yards a carry, his stats are propped up by an 87-yard touchdown run vs. Michigan. Take away that run and he’s got 45 carries for 246 yards.

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– Since taking over as ASU’s starting quarterback vs. Utah State, sophomore Justice Hansen has been efficient, if not spectacular. He’s completed more than 55 percent of his passes in eight games and has thrown a touchdown pass in four-straight games.

UCF has had one of the stingiest pass defenses in 2016. The Knights have limited opponents to 200 passing yards a game and has picked off 15 passes while allowing just 13 touchdown receptions.

Mascot fight prediction: A Red Wolf can be vicious, but a Knight wears armor. And presumably has a sword. Edge goes to Central Florida.

Real predictions:

Graham Watson: UCF 24, Arkansas State 19
Nick Bromberg: UCF 27, Arkansas State 20
Sam Cooper: UCF 27, Arkansas State 17
Chris Herbert: Arkansas State 24, UCF 21

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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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