Ohio vs. Jacksonville State Prediction: Can New Head Coaches Thrive in Cure Bowl?

The Ohio Bobcats and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks meet in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl in Orlando Florida. The Bobcats closed out the season with 6 straight wins en route to a MAC Championship. The Gamecocks won 9 of their last 10 games and capped it off with a Conference USA Championship. They are currently 6 point dogs with this Ohio vs. Jacksonville State matchup set to kick off at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Game Matchup & Betting Odds

Ohio Bobcats (-6) at Jacksonville State Gamecocks (+6) o/u 56.5

12:00 p.m. ET, Friday, December 20, 2024

Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL

TV: ESPN

Public Betting: Public Bettors Backing Bobcats

As of this writing, our CFB Public Betting page shows that 71% of bets are on Ohio. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided so that you’re getting the most updated information.

Ohio Bobcats

The Bobcats finished off their 10-3 season with a 38-3 win over Miami (OH) in the MAC Championship. Parker Navarro completed 20 of 27 pass attempts for 235 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also rushed for 67 yards and two touchdowns. Anthony Tyus III took 27 carries for 151 yards and a touchdown. The defense had an interception and allowed just 189 total yards. Head coach Tim Albin left for Charlotte and offensive coordinator Brian Smith, who led the squad to the big MAC Championship win, has been promoted to head coach.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks

The Gamecocks finished off their 9-4 season with a dominating 52-12 win over Western Kentucky in the Conference USA Championship. Tyler Huff completed 11 of 15 pass attempts for 176 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 167 yards and a touchdown. Tre Stewart was the lead back taking 27 carries for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns. The defense had two fumble recoveries and two sacks on the day. Jax State will also be without their head coach for this matchup, as Rich Rodriguez has decided to return as head coach of West Virginia. Offensive coordinator Rod Smith will lead the team in the bowl game.

Ohio is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games  

The UNDER is 4-1 in Ohio’s last 5 games

Jacksonville State is 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games

The OVER is 8-5 in Jacksonville State’s last 13 games

Ohio vs. Jacksonville State Prediction:

I like the over 56.5 in this matchup on Friday. Both teams lost their head coaches and the offensive coordinators are taking over the position. I think both new head coaches will be looking to show off the offenses in this matchup. Ohio has the 12th ranked defense allowing 18.4 ppg. However against non conference opponents they allowed 26.25 ppg. On the other hand Ohio has also cleared 35 points in 5 of their last 6 games. Jacksonville State has the 9th ranked offense in the country scoring 36.7 points per game. But their defense ranks 67th allowing 25.8 ppg. I think both teams will be able to move the ball and the over will hit to start off Friday’s college football slate.    

Ohio vs. Jacksonville State Prediction: Over 56.5