Ohio Bobcats vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks – Who Won the Cure Bowl?
The Ohio Bobcats and Jacksonville State Gamecocks faced off in the highly anticipated StaffDNA Cure Bowl on December 20, 2024, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. This exciting postseason matchup brought together two conference champions and marked a defining moment for both programs as they aimed to close out the season with a prestigious bowl victory.
With both teams led by interim head coaches, the game carried an extra layer of intrigue. Fans of college football were treated to an intense battle as the Mid-American Conference (MAC) champion Ohio Bobcats faced off against the Conference USA (C-USA) champion Jacksonville State Gamecocks.
This comprehensive review provides the latest updates, match analysis, standout performances, and a recap of the entire game.
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Pre-Game Hype and Background
The 2024 StaffDNA Cure Bowl is one of the most exciting college football postseason games, primarily because both teams entered as conference champions. Here’s a quick breakdown of the teams’ journey to this stage:
Ohio Bobcats – Mid-American Conference (MAC) Champions
- Record: 10-3 overall, 7-1 in MAC play
- Season Highlights: The Bobcats secured the MAC Championship with a dominant 38-3 victory over Miami (OH).
- Key Players: Ohio’s strength lies in its well-balanced offense and suffocating defense. Players like QB CJ Harris and RB Sieh Bangura have been pivotal to the team’s success.
- Coaching Update: After former head coach Tim Albin left for Charlotte, Ohio appointed Brian Smith as interim head coach. His performance in this game will likely be seen as a litmus test for his future at the helm.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks – Conference USA (C-USA) Champions
- Record: 9-4 overall, 7-1 in C-USA play
- Season Highlights: Jacksonville State captured the C-USA Championship with an emphatic 52-12 win over Western Kentucky.
- Key Players: The Gamecocks rely on a potent offensive attack led by QB Zion Webb and a strong defensive unit capable of stifling high-powered offenses.
- Coaching Update: Former head coach Rich Rodriguez left to become the head coach at West Virginia, placing interim head coach Rod Smith in charge for this bowl game. Like Ohio’s Smith, Rod Smith is being evaluated for a potential full-time coaching role.
Game Recap – Key Moments and Major Plays
The stage was set, and the anticipation was high. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the game unfolded, with a focus on crucial plays, standout performances, and game-defining moments.
First Quarter – Defensive Battle Begins
The game kicked off at 12:00 p.m. EST, with both teams playing conservatively in the early minutes. The first quarter saw both sides testing each other’s defenses, leading to multiple punts and minimal offensive yardage.
Key Highlights:
- Ohio’s Defensive Dominance: The Bobcats’ defense made it clear early on that Jacksonville State would have to fight for every yard. They pressured QB Zion Webb consistently, forcing early three-and-outs.
- Turnover Alert: A pivotal interception by Ohio’s CB Torrie Cox Jr. gave the Bobcats prime field position, setting up their first scoring opportunity.
Score at the End of Q1:
- Ohio 7 – Jacksonville State 3
Second Quarter – Momentum Shifts
The second quarter saw a shift in momentum as Jacksonville State began to find its rhythm offensively. QB Zion Webb completed a crucial 35-yard pass to WR Perry Carter, setting up a short rushing touchdown.
Key Highlights:
- Jacksonville State Takes the Lead: With a powerful drive led by RB Ron Wiggins, the Gamecocks scored their first touchdown to take a 10-7 lead.
- Ohio Responds: The Bobcats answered with a 48-yard field goal by K Nathanial Vakos, tying the score at 10-10.
- Game-Changing Play: A blocked punt by Ohio’s special teams unit swung momentum back in favor of the Bobcats, giving them the ball in scoring position.
Score at Halftime:
- Ohio 17 – Jacksonville State 10
Third Quarter – Offensive Fireworks
The third quarter saw both teams pick up the pace. The Gamecocks came out of the locker room with a sense of urgency, while Ohio leaned on their run game to dominate possession.
Key Highlights:
- Explosive Run by Sieh Bangura: Ohio’s RB Sieh Bangura broke free for a 54-yard touchdown run, extending the Bobcats’ lead to 24-10.
- Jacksonville State Fights Back: A 67-yard bomb from QB Zion Webb to WR Malik Jackson stunned Ohio’s secondary, cutting the lead to 24-17.
- QB Duel: Ohio’s QB CJ Harris displayed his dual-threat capabilities, rushing for 27 yards and completing crucial third-down passes.
Score at the End of Q3:
- Ohio 27 – Jacksonville State 20
Fourth Quarter – High-Stakes Drama
The final quarter was filled with tension as both teams made their final push for the win. Jacksonville State’s offense ran a hurry-up system, hoping to catch Ohio’s defense off-guard.
Key Highlights:
- Clutch Fourth-Down Conversion: Jacksonville State’s Zion Webb converted a critical 4th-and-2, keeping their hopes alive with 4 minutes left on the clock.
- Last-Minute Turnover: With Jacksonville State driving to tie the game, Ohio’s LB Keye Thompson forced a fumble, which was recovered by DT Bryce Houston. This effectively sealed the win for the Bobcats.
- Final Kneel-Down: Ohio’s offense ran out the clock, bringing the game to a close.
Final Score:
- Ohio 30 – Jacksonville State 20
Key Player Performances
Ohio Bobcats Standouts
- RB Sieh Bangura – 134 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
- QB CJ Harris – 220 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 56 rushing yards
- LB Keye Thompson – 8 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Jacksonville State Gamecocks Standouts
- QB Zion Webb – 267 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
- WR Malik Jackson – 122 receiving yards, 1 touchdown
- LB Nicario Harper – 12 tackles, 1 sack
Post-Game Analysis
Ohio’s win over Jacksonville State in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl was a statement victory. The Bobcats leaned on their defense, the running game of Sieh Bangura, and the clutch play of QB CJ Harris to secure the win. Interim coach Brian Smith made his case for becoming the full-time head coach.
For Jacksonville State, the performance of QB Zion Webb and WR Malik Jackson was a bright spot. However, the Gamecocks’ inability to protect the football in the fourth quarter proved costly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Ohio vs. Jacksonville State match?
Ohio defeated Jacksonville State with a final score of 30-20 in the 2024 StaffDNA Cure Bowl.
Who was the MVP of the game?
Sieh Bangura of Ohio was named MVP, thanks to his 134 rushing yards and a game-changing touchdown.
What was the turning point of the game?
The fourth-quarter fumble forced by LB Keye Thompson was the game’s defining moment, sealing Ohio’s victory.
Who were the coaches for the game?
Brian Smith served as interim head coach for Ohio, while Rod Smith served as interim head coach for Jacksonville State.
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