The Ohio Bobcats and Jacksonville State Gamecocks are set to face off for the first time ever in this year’s Cure Bowl, but one team enters with a clear disadvantage.
So, who has the edge? Our Ohio vs. Jacksonville State prediction covers all the key details—from the latest betting odds to what’s on the line for both teams as they clash in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl.
Ohio vs. Jacksonville State Cure Bowl Betting Preview
All Ohio vs. Jacksonville State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. The CFN Spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Ohio -4 - Spread
Ohio -6 - Moneyline
Ohio -205, Jacksonville State +170 - Over/Under
57.5 points - Game Time
Noon ET, Friday, Dec. 20 - Location
Camping World Stadium | Orlando, Fla. - Predicted Weather at Kick
61 degrees, 6 mph winds, partly cloudy - How To Watch
ESPN
Both of these teams are hot against the spread, with Ohio going 6-0 ATS in its last six games and Jacksonville State producing a 6-3 ATS record in its last nine.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
The two are also tied at the hip in terms of the total, with the under hitting in four of the Bobcats’ previous five contests and four of the Gamescocks’ past six.
Ohio’s Winning Probability
Tim Albin’s journey with Ohio began in 2005, but after 19 years, it seems even the most steadfast roots can be uprooted. With Albin heading to the Charlotte 49ers, the Bobcats are preparing to usher in just their third head coach since 2004. First, though, they have one last game to close out the 2024 season.
- at Jacksonville State: 56.4%
Jacksonville State’s Winning Probability
Rich Rodriguez may be donning the colors of the West Virginia Mountaineers once again, but his impact during his time with the Gamecocks remains undeniable.
In just two seasons, Jacksonville State posted back-to-back 8-4 regular seasons and capped it off with a CUSA championship in only their second year at the FBS level. The challenge ahead is to sustain that momentum, but with the foundation Rodriguez laid, the Gamecocks seem well-positioned for continued success.
- vs. Ohio: 43.6%
Prediction for Ohio vs. Jacksonville State
The Gamecocks capped off their dream season with a commanding 42-12 victory over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the CUSA Championship Game. But with Rodriguez gone, how much fuel is left in the tank?
The Bobcats find themselves in a strikingly similar position. After steamrolling the Miami RedHawks 38-3 to claim their first-ever MAC title, the program now faces a cloud of uncertainty with Albin no longer at the helm.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season With CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
Fortunately, neither team has been gutted by the transfer portal, preserving their depth charts and schemes for the remainder of the season. So, how do these two stack up?
Both squads lean heavily on the run, ranking in the top 10 for rush rate (Jacksonville State at 67.3%, fourth; Ohio at 60.8%, 10th). However, only one has shown the ability to stifle opposing ground games: the Bobcats.
- Defensive EPA per rush: Ohio 58th; Jacksonville State 93rd
- Defensive rush success rate: Ohio 27th; Jacksonville State 91st
- Defensive net points per drive: Ohio 11th; Jacksonville State 54th
Prediction: Ohio 34, Jacksonville State 20
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