Cure Bowl 2015, San Jose State vs Georgia State: Full highlights, final score and more

The San Jose State Spartans came up with enough critical plays on special teams and defense to beat Georiga State in the 2015 Cure Bowl.

Entering the bowl season at 5-7 proved not to matter to the San Jose State Spartans, as they took down the Georgia State Panthers 27-16 in the inaugural Cure Bowl in Orlando, FL. .

Both defenses started out strong, as the two teams traded punts for the duration of the first quarter and combined for just 252 yards in the first half. San Jose State’s excellent secondary did a good job of limiting prolific Georgia State quarterback Nick Arbuckle, while the Panthers prevented explosive Spartans running back Tyler Ervin from generating any big plays.

After the Spartans kicked a field goal early in the second and held Georgia State to a three-and-out, Ervin finally made his presence felt. Ervin, who entered the game second in the nation in all-purpose yards, scored on an 84-yard punt return to put San Jose State up 10-0 midway through the second in what was the first of several crucial special teams plays.

Arbuckle responded by leading Georgia State on a long drive capped off by a 38-yard touchdown pass to Donovan Harden. While Ervin was still able to generate some positive runs, the Panthers secondary and pass rush did an excellent job by holding San Jose State to 131 yards in the first half to keep the defect at 10-7. San Jose State appeared to have put more points on the board with a completed Hail Mary at the end of the first half, but it was called back on a chop block.

The two defenses continued to hold into the second half. Georgia State’s inability to run the ball against a weak San Jose State rush defense was a major factor, as Arbuckle was unable to solve the outstanding Spartans secondary for much of the night.  Georgia State’s defense wouldn’t back down either, as the Panthers completely eliminated the pass and kept Ervin largely in check.

Special teams would make a huge difference in the game beyond Ervin’s punt return. Punter Michael Michael Carrizosa pinned the Panthers deep three times the third quarter, and a shanked Georgia State punt led to another short Spartans field goal to close the third.

However, Georgia State’s special teams unit bounced back in the fourth. After a 70-yard punt by Will Lutz pinned the Spartans deep, a high snap led to a San Jose State safety to cut the deficit to 13-9. Donovan returned the punt to San Jose State 36, and the Panthers were suddenly in business.

Arbuckle finished off Georgia State’s first trip to the red zone with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Todd Boyd to give the Panthers their first lead with under 11 minutes to go.

San Jose State was not ready to abandon the run, as Ervin ran the Spartans into Georgia State territory in two plays. Designed runs by quarterback Kenny Potter had largely failed all afternoon, but he broke off a 42-yard score to put the Spartans back in front.

The Spartans than came up with a key defensive play, holding Georgia State on a fourth and one around midfield. Ervin and Potter ran the Spartans down the one-yard line, and a play action pass on third and goal to Josh Oliver sealed a 27-16 victory.

Three Stars

Cleveland Wallace, QB, San Jose State. Led a strong team effort to limit the prolific Georgia State passing offense, including holding leading receiver Penny Hart to just one catch.

Tyler Ervin, RB, San Jose State.  Focal point of the San Jose State offense, carrying the ball 30 times for 132 yards plus a punt return touchdown.

Kenny Potter, QB, San Jose State. Held to just 89 yards passing, but came up with a key touchdown pass on San Jose State’s final drive and made an important difference with his legs.

Highlights

".@SJSUSpartanFB‘s @swaguru_ takes a punt 85 yards to the house to put SJSU up 10-0 over GSU in the @CureBowl! #mwfb https://t.co/SfKB5mWT8G— Mountain West (@MountainWest) December 20, 2015"

"Look at that footwork. https://t.co/uqjReIhyGz — GSU Football (@GeorgiaStateFB) December 20, 2015"

"Potter to Oliver on play action extends the @SJSUSpartanFB lead! SJSU 27, GSU 16 with 2:40 left in @CureBowl #mwfb https://t.co/obU6189fuG— Mountain West (@MountainWest) December 20, 2015"

Odds

San Jose State closed as a one point favorite and was able to cover the spread. A late flurry wasn’t enough for the teams to hit the over/under of 55.

Up Next

San Jose State will look to build on the 6-7 season and bowl victory. Georgia State will be disappointing with the loss, but finishing 6-7 has to be considered a major success for Trent Miles’ program.