The 2015 AutoNation Cure Bowl will host San Jose State, one of the few 5-7 teams to make a bowl game this year, and Georgia State, who were only one game better at 6-6. What makes this game unique is that it'll be Georgia State's first postseason game of the program's history, as the football team wasn't founded until 2010. For all the info you need including the live stream site, betting lines, TV schedule, a preview and prediction are below.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Channel: CBSSN
Live Stream: CBS All Access (free one-week subscription)
Location: Citrus Bowl Stadium, Orlando, Fla.
Betting Lines: -2.5 San Jose; 56 O/U
San Jose State:
Explosive senior running back Tyler Ervin leads the way for the offense. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound back 1,515 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. Those are some fantastic numbers, especially when you factor in that he's second on the team in receptions. A major part of the passing game, Ervin has 44 catches for 337 yards and another two touchdowns. He's accounted for over 1,800 yards and 15 scores all by his lonesome, and he really is their offense.
Defensively, there's not much to write home about. Their sack leader only has three of them on the year, and it's clear that they can't rush the passer nor stop the run. The Spartans have given up over 215 yards per game at a 5.2 YPC average and 29 touchdowns. The inability to stop the run or pressure the quarterback are two of the biggest problems with this team.
Georgia State:
As mentioned, the Panthers are entering their first bowl game at 6-6 -- so at least they earned this invitation by winning that important sixth game. They got to this point behind their staunch passing attack.
Over 4,100 yards passing this year for senior quarterback Nick Arbuckle. Add to that 26 touchdown passes, six more on the ground, and only 11 interceptions, and you're looking at an extremely productive year for that man.
On the ground, four guys have at least 250 yards, but no more than 351. Suffice to say, the running game can't be counted on.
Defensively, this is another team that simply can't get after the quarterback. Their only saving grace is the back end, which have 14 interceptions and only 18 scores given up threw the air. The Panthers can be had by a good rushing attack, though, which will give San Jose State a chance at least.
Prediction:
The Panthers have made their first bowl game and drawn a significantly lesser opponent. Consider them a shoo-in for a 1-0 start.
Final Score: Georgia State 31, San Jose State 23
