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StaffDNA Cure Bowl 2024: A Historic Matchup for a Worthy Cause
Dec
The 2024 StaffDNA Cure Bowl promises to be one of college football’s most exciting and impactful events, combining exhilarating athletic rivalry with a life-changing mission: generating funds for cancer research. This year’s version, which will be held on Friday, December 20, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, will pit the CUSA Champion Jacksonville State Gamecocks against the Mid-American Conference Champion Ohio Bobcats in a historic battle. Kickoff is set for 12:00 ET and will be carried live on ESPN.
A Special 10th Anniversary Celebration
This year’s StaffDNA Cure Bowl commemorates a significant milestone: its tenth year. Over the last decade, the game has grown into a major event that not only honors the sport of college football but also acts as a platform for cancer research awareness and fundraising efforts. The 2024 game will be only the second time in the event’s history that two conference champions will face off on the field; the first was in 2022, when No. 24 Troy faced No. 25 UTSA.
Alan Gooch, CEO of the Orlando Sports Foundation (OSF), expressed his enthusiasm at this milestone, stating:
“We are honored to welcome Ohio and Jacksonville State to the StaffDNA Cure Bowl. Gameday is going to be special as college football fans, cancer survivors, and supporters unite for the Owens Corning March 2Cure before entering the stadium to watch the Bobcats compete against the Gamecocks.”
This year, fans will be treated not just to top-tier football, but also to an incredible day of community spirit, as supporters of all ages and backgrounds come together for an important cause.
The Game: Jacksonville State vs. Ohio
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks and the Ohio Bobcats earned their spots in this prestigious event by winning their respective conference championships, making for an exciting matchup. Both clubs have strong resumes, and despite having never played each other before, fans can expect a highly contested game.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks (9-4, 7-1 C-USA)
The Gamecocks are making only their second-ever bowl appearance after a remarkable season in which they captured their first C-USA Championship with a dominant 52-12 victory over Western Kentucky. Jacksonville State’s high-powered offense, led by Quarterback Tyler Huff, averaged a play every 22.9 seconds—the 8th fastest in the nation.
Key players to watch for the Gamecocks include:
- Tyler Huff: The dynamic quarterback totaled over 1,300 yards rushing and 2,179 yards passing on the season.
- Tre Stewart: One of the top running backs in the nation, Stewart finished with 1,403 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.
- The Gamecocks also feature a formidable defense, ranking 30th nationally in turnovers forced.
Jacksonville State is led by Head Coach Rich Rodriguez, who has proven his prowess with a 27-10 record since joining the program, and is one of the most experienced coaches in college football.
Ohio Bobcats (10-3, 7-1 MAC)
Ohio enters the contest off a historic season in which they won their first MAC championship since 1968. The Bobcats secured their spot in Orlando with a dominant 38-3 victory over Miami (Ohio) and will try to build on their outstanding bowl game performances. Ohio has had double-digit wins in each of the last three seasons, demonstrating their consistency and durability.
Important players to watch for Ohio:
- Parker Navarro: A dual-threat quarterback who has thrown for 1,934 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for 876 yards and 13 touchdowns.
- Anthony Tyus II: Ohio’s leading rusher, with 960 yards and 9 touchdowns on the season.
- The Bobcats defense is also a strength, ranking 7th nationally in rushing defense and 13th in total defense.
The Bobcats are coached by Tim Albin, who was named MAC Coach of the Year after leading Ohio to another championship game appearance.
More Than Just a Game: The Fight Against Cancer
The StaffDNA Cure Bowl is special in that it extends beyond the action on the field. The event has a strong philanthropic mission: to raise essential cash for cancer research. Over the years, the event has raised more than $4.14 million to support cancer research efforts. A substantial percentage of the monies raised have gone to local Orlando researcher Dr. Annette Khaled of the UCF College of Medicine, who has earned $1.63 million to continue her revolutionary cancer study.
Furthermore to the game, the Owens Corning March 2Cure will be held on game day beginning at 8 a.m. The free block party will include a Fan Fest hosted by Tomb Slayer Radio and a cancer tribute march. The march, which will include team bands, dignitaries, cancer survivors, and supporters, is a heartfelt tribute to those afflicted by cancer as well as a reminder of the community’s efforts to find a cure.
How We Can Get Involved
Fans looking to attend this year’s StaffDNA Cure Bowl can purchase tickets starting at $39. Tickets are available for purchase through the official Cure Bowl website. By attending, you’re not just supporting your team—you’re also contributing to the fight against cancer.
You can also donate directly to the Orlando Sports Foundation to support the mission of cancer research. Every dollar raised helps fuel the efforts of researchers working tirelessly to find a cure.
For more information about the StaffDNA Cure Bowl, tickets, and ways to contribute, visit the official website. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enjoy an exciting college football game while making a lasting impact on the fight against cancer.
The 2024 StaffDNA Cure Bowl: A Celebration of Champions and a Fight Against Cancer
ORLANDO, Fla. – The 2024 StaffDNA Cure Bowl, set to take place on Friday, December 20th, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, promises to be an exciting matchup between two conference champions. The Jacksonville State Gamecocks (CUSA Champion) and the Ohio Bobcats (MAC Champion) will face off in what is expected to be a thrilling contest. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the prestigious bowl game, a celebration that brings together college football fans and a shared commitment to the fight against cancer.
A Historic Matchup
The 2024 Cure Bowl will be a significant milestone, as it is only the second time in the game’s history that two conference champions will meet on the field. The first instance occurred in 2022, when No. 24 Troy narrowly defeated No. 25 UTSA 18-12. This year, Jacksonville State (9-4, 7-1 C-USA) and Ohio (10-3, 7-1 MAC) will compete for the ultimate victory, marking the first-ever meeting between the two teams.
The StaffDNA Cure Bowl is not just about football—it’s about making a difference in the world. Over the past decade, the event has raised millions for cancer research, bringing together athletes, fans, and cancer survivors in support of a common cause.
Cancer Awareness: The Heart of the Event
“The StaffDNA Cure Bowl’s mission has always been about bringing teams together to find a cure for cancer,” said Jordan Edwards, president of the Orlando Sports Foundation (OSF). The Cure Bowl is an important platform that raises awareness and funds for cancer research, with over $4.14 million raised since 2015. The funds directly benefit cancer research initiatives, including work by Dr. Annette Khaled at the UCF College of Medicine, who has received $1.63 million to support her work.
Owens Corning® March 2Cure: A Celebration of Hope
Before the game kicks off, fans will participate in the Owens Corning® March 2Cure, a free block party and cancer tribute march. The event begins at 8 AM with the Fan Fest presented by Tomb Slayer Radio, leading up to a heartfelt march featuring the team bands, cancer survivors, supporters, and local dignitaries. This moving tribute culminates as the crowd enters Camping World Stadium, ready to witness an epic showdown on the gridiron.
“We are incredibly honored to accept an invitation to the 10th annual Cure Bowl in Orlando. We are excited to compete on a national stage and proud to support the Cure Bowl’s meaningful mission in the fight against cancer.”
– Greg Seitz, Vice President for Athletics, Jacksonville State
Jacksonville State Gamecocks: A Rising Power
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks, in only their second season in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), have already made a significant impression. Under Rich Rodriguez’s leadership, the Gamecocks won their first C-USA Championship with a decisive 52-12 victory over Western Kentucky.
Key players to watch include quarterback Tyler Huff, who was named C-USA Championship MVP after throwing for 176 yards and rushing for 167 yards. The Gamecocks’ offense moves quickly, with a play every 22.9 seconds—the eighth-fastest in the NCAA. Tre Stewart leads their second-ranked rushing offense (averaging 267.3 yards per game), which is in the top ten nationally in both rushing and total touchdowns.
Key Players for Jacksonville State:
- Tyler Huff – 2,179 passing yards, 13 TDs
- Tre Stewart – 1,604 rushing yards, 23 TDs
- Fred Perry – 97 tackles, 3 forced fumbles
- Antonio Carter II – 103 tackles
Ohio Bobcats: Dominant on Both Sides of the Ball
The Ohio Bobcats have been consistently successful, winning their first MAC Championship since 1968 with a 38-3 victory over Miami (Ohio). Under Head Coach Tim Albin, the Bobcats have won 10 games in each of the previous three seasons, thanks to a phenomenal Top-10 running defense that allows only 97 yards per game. Ohio’s defense is renowned for its domination, ranking 13th nationally in total defense.
On the field, the Bobcats rely on a strong rushing offense, ranking 14th in the nation with 209.1 yards per game. Anthony Tyus II leads the team’s rushing attack with 960 yards and 9 touchdowns. Quarterback Parker Navarro is also a dual threat, with 1,934 throwing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns.
Key Players for Ohio:
- Parker Navarro – 1,934 passing yards, 10 TDs
- Anthony Tyus II – 960 rushing yards, 9 TDs
- Coleman Owen – 1,000+ receiving yards, First-Team All-MAC
- Bradley Weaver – 12.5 TFL, 8 sacks
Get Your Tickets for the 2024 Cure Bowl
Tickets for the 2024 StaffDNA Cure Bowl are available starting at $39. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this incredible event that brings together two champion teams for a great cause. Purchase your tickets here.
Game Details:
- Date: Friday, December 20th, 2024
- Time: Noon ET
- Venue: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
- Broadcast: ESPN
FAQs:
What is the StaffDNA Cure Bowl?
The StaffDNA Cure Bowl is an annual college football bowl game focused on raising funds and awareness for cancer research. Since its inception in 2015, the event has raised over $4.14 million to support cancer research organizations such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
How can I support cancer research through the Cure Bowl?
There are several ways you can get involved:
- Purchase tickets for the event and attend the game.
- Donate to cancer research initiatives via the Orlando Sports Foundation.
- Participate in the Owens Corning® March 2Cure event on gameday.
For more information on how to contribute, visit the Cure Bowl website.
Where can I watch the game?
The 2024 StaffDNA Cure Bowl will be broadcast live on ESPN. Check your local listings for broadcast details.
