The Spartans finished with a 5-7 record, but it doesn't look like that is going to prevent them from playing one more game this year. As mentioned in the recap in San Jose's regular season loss to Boise State, which sealed their fate at 5-7, it was mentioned that even though it wasn't likely, there would still be a chance that the Spartans can make it to a bowl game with a plethora of bowls in today's college football. It looks like that the Spartans have lucked out, as they were chose for the Cure Bowl against Georgia State.
Here is the information you need to know for the Cure Bowl:
Date: Saturday, December 19th.
Time: 12 p.m. EST
TV: CBS Sports Network
Location: Orlando, FL
Stadium: Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium
San Jose State Season Recap: 5-7 (4-4)
It was a rocky season from the start for the Spartans. For the beginning portion of the season, head coach Ron Caragher seemed to have a difficult time of choosing either senior Joe Gray or junior Kenny Potter. Potter would eventually get the starts to finish out the season. A very bright side for the offense was senior running back Tyler Ervin. Ervin was quietly one of the best running backs not only in the MWC, but in the nation. He rushed for 1,469 yards and had 13 rushing touchdowns to go along with 337 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. Much like the regular season, Ervin is going to be an integral part of the offense for the bowl game.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Spartans boasted one of the best passing defenses in the conference. Senior Jimmy Pruitt lead the team and was 9th in the conference in interceptions (3). The passing defense was so good that they only allowed 153.6 yards per game. The run defense, however, is a liability, as they rank 8th in the conference and have allowed 215 yards per game on the ground. This part of the defense is going to need to be really addressed in the weeks leading up to the bowl game.
The las time the Spartans were in a bowl game was back in 2012 when they faced off against Bowling Green in the Military Bowl, winning 29-20. This is Ron Caragher's first bowl game as a head coach.
Georgia State Season Recap: 6-6 (5-3)
Like Ron Caragher, this is Georgia State's head coach Trent Miles first bowl game as a head coach. In fact, this is the first bowl appearance ever for Georgia State.
Georgia State boasts a strong defense, as their total defense is ranked 5th in the Sun Belt Conference. Senior linebacker Joseph Peterson was second in the conference in tackles with 106 (63 of those being solo tackles).
The offense is equally as worrisome as the defense, as their passing offense is first in the Sun Belt. Lead by senior quarterback Nick Arbuckle, the QB passed for 4,160 yards and 26 touchdowns on the season. He lead the Sun Belt in passing. It should go to no surprise that the three receivers leading the conference in receiving yards are both Georgia State players. Freshman Perry Hart, junior Robert Davis, and senior Donovan Harden have a combined 2,736 yards and 18 touchdowns on the season.
With the Spartans boasting a stout passing defense and the Panthers having one of the most prolific passing offenses, this matchup is going to be a battle of titans and going to be quite exciting to watch.