Cure Bowl 2015, Georgia State vs. San Jose State preview, prediction, odds and live stream info
Georgia State Panthers vs. San Jose State Spartans
When the Georgia State Panthers and San Jose State Spartans meet in the inaugural AutoNation Cure Bowl on Saturday in Orlando, it will be a matchup of two of the more unlikely teams to achieve bowl eligibility this season.
After winning just one game combined in its first two seasons at the FBS level, Georgia State got off to a 2-6 start and looked to be in line for another miserable season. Improbably, the Panthers won their final four games to reach the six win plateau, capped off by a dominant 34-7 victory over rival Georgia Southern.
The Panthers moved the ball effectively during their four-game win streak, particularly through the air. Quarterback Nick Arbuckle has quietly been one of the more productive passers in the nation, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 26 touchdowns.
San Jose State lost three of four to close out the season with a 5-7 record. However, the Spartans were one of three teams with five wins to qualify for a bowl based on high APR marks, joining Nebraska and Minnesota.
While the Spartans haven’t been lighting up scoreboards this season, they have a dangerous weapon in running back Tyler Ervin. Ervin rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns, while adding 44 receptions for 337 yards.
Saturday’s game starts at 7:00 PM eastern on the CBS Sports Network and can be streamed live on CBSSports.com. Further details for the 2015 Cure Bowl are below:
Date: Saturday, December 19, 2015
Start Time: 7:00 PM eastern
Location: Orlando, FL
Stadium: Orlando Citrus Bowl
TV Info: CBS Sports Network
Live Stream: CBSSports.com Live
Radio: Sirius XM 84
Ticket information: For ticket information, click here
Keys to Victory
Motivation always comes into play during bowl season, but that shouldn’t be an issue in this game. Given both teams’ unlikely path to the Cure Bowl, Georgia State and San Jose State figure to play a close, hard-fought contest.
The Panthers will hope to continue the momentum of the four-game win streak that included three victories of at least 14 points. San Jose State obviously didn’t finish the season quite as hot, but the Spartans were very competitive in losses to BYU, Nevada and Boise State.
Georgia State’s offense will present a major challenge to the San Jose State secondary. Arbuckle has been very efficient during Georgia State’s hot streak and has a solid trio to spread the ball to in Penny Hart, Robert Davis and Donovan Harden.
The San Jose State defense hasn’t been great overall, particularly against the run. However, the Spartans have been strong against the pass, allowing 6.7 yards per pass attempt according to Team Rankings. As good as Arbuckle is, the Panthers may have to run the ball to be effective, which they have not been good at all season.
Not to be overshadowed by Arbuckle and company, the Georgia State defense has been much better late in the season and completely shut down the powerful running attack of Georgia Southern. Ervin is one of the few weapons on a so-so San Jose State offense, but his speed as both a runner and receiver will test the Panthers.
As always in a matchup between teams of similar talent, turnovers will make a big difference. Georgia State’s offense has given the ball away often this season, while the San Jose State defense has not generated many takeaways. Whoever bucks the trend may come away with the first Cure Bowl trophy.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: SJSU -2
Moneyline: SJSU -137, GAST + 117
O/U: 56
Georgia State is 8-4 against the spread this season, including five straight wins. San Jose State is 7-5 against the spread this year.
Predictions
Arbuckle has proven he’s going to be tough to stop and will likely again move the ball well in this game. However, San Jose State’s balance will make the difference.
San Jose State’s cornerback duo of Jimmy Pruitt and Cleveland Wallace III have been excellent all season, and will at least be able to slow down the Panthers aerial assault. Georgia State won’t be able to take to advantage of San Jose State’s biggest weakness, and the secondary could force some mistakes if things get too one-dimensional.
The Spartans’ offense was middling overall this season, but did have a solid mix of run and pass thanks to Ervin. Ervin is a home run threat on every play and is poised for a huge bowl game against a defense that has had some issues against the run.
One big key could be special teams play. Ervin is one of the most productive kick returners in the game, and strong field position will help the San Jose State offense put up enough points on the board to edge the Panthers.
Final Score: San Jose State 31, Georgia State 28.