Cure Bowl 2016: UCF vs. Arkansas State TV Schedule, Time and Odds
At first glance, a matchup between the Central Florida Knights (6-6) and Arkansas State Red Wolves (7-5) in the 2016 Cure Bowl doesn't seem like the most appetizing on a day that features five bowl games.
The first glance couldn't be more wrong.
Saturday's contest not only features two of the best defenders the nation has to offer, but it also tells the tale of a UCF program that has scratched and crawled its way out of the abyss right into bowl relevancy.
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While the encounter between two rising programs won't feature as much scoring as, say, Appalachian State vs. Toledo, it will offer much in the way of entertainment for other reasons—and even more for those who love hard-nosed defensive contests in the cold.
Here's a look at everything you need to know about the underrated contest.
Cure Bowl 2016
Date: Saturday, Dec. 17
Time (ET): 5:30 p.m.
Location: Camping World Stadium, Florida
Watch: CBS Sports Network
Live Stream: CBSSports.com
Tickets: ScoreBig.com
Over/Under: 49.5
Spread: UCF (-6)
Team Injury Reports
| Tyler Hudanick | OL | Out |
| Chase Robison | DE | Probable |
| Devin Mondie | OL | Probable |
| Waylon Roberson | DL | Questionable |
| Trent Ellis | LB | Questionable |
| Armond Weh-Weh | RB | Out |
Back from the Brink
Remember the Knights?
Probably not—the team didn't win a game in 2015.
Under the guidance of new head coach Scott Frost in 2016, though, the Knights won six games and played bigger programs such as Maryland and Houston close.
Leading the way for the incredible turnaround is linebacker Shaquem Griffin, the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. In his first year at the position after playing in the secondary, Griffin recorded 11 sacks and keyed a strong defense at critical moments.
His journey, as SportsCenter captured, is one worth appreciating:
It might sound like Griffin can do it all on his own, but his offense will need to have a complementary game for the program to end the comeback season on a high note.
True freshman quarterback McKenzie Milton threw for 1,808 yards and nine touchdowns with seven interceptions on the season, while fellow true freshman running back Jawon Hamilton ran for 481 yards and four touchdowns.
The Knights have the recipe in place for a win, with a cherry on top—the bowl is essentially a home game in Orlando, Florida.
Riding the Strength
Arkansas State has been more consistent, which isn't hard to do while being compared to a team that didn't win a game a year ago.
Still, that shouldn't undercut the fact that the Red Wolves have won at least seven games in every season since 2011.
The Red Wolves boast a powerhouse of their own in the form of defensive end Ja'Von Rolland-Jones, who shocked many by winning the Sun Belt Player of the Year award.
Arkansas State's official Twitter account congratulated Rolland-Jones while detailing his ridiculous numbers:
"I think any time a defensive player is picked as Player of the Year, it's a little bit surprising," Red Wolves head coach Blake Anderson said, according to Stats LLC (via ESPN.com). "It doesn't happen that often."
None of this is meant to suggest the Red Wolves are inept offensively. Quarterback Justice Hansen threw 16 touchdowns with eight interceptions in a run-based attack. Warren Wand led the way on a stout 4.7 yards per carry for 867 yards on the ground and seven touchdowns.
Equipped with plenty of big-game experience, led by Rolland-Jones, Arkansas State is built for a bowl game in hostile territory.
Prediction
What gives a bigger advantage in a contest like this: experience in bowl games or a friendly crowd?
It's hard to say with certainty, but it's worth noting three of Arkansas State's losses came on the road this year. The team has to travel for Saturday's game, brave the elements and overcome an outstanding defense,—which is enough for Las Vegas to favor UFC by 6.5 points, according to OddsShark.
It's hard to argue. UCF has all of the momentum in the world after rebounding from a winless season, and the home crowd will push the advantage just enough for the Knights to steal a win.
Prediction: UCF 23, Arkansas State 20
Statistics courtesy of ESPN.com unless otherwise specified. All betting information courtesy of OddsShark.
Follow Chris Roling (@Chris_Roling) on Twitter.
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