AutoNation Cure Bowl 2017 Preview: Western Kentucky vs. Georgia State
The first series of postseason games will be anything but boring. Let’s take a look at the bowl game between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the Georgia State Panthers.
Let’s face facts, Georgia State hasn’t exactly been setting the college football world afire in its first few seasons in the FBS. This year, the Panthers, under the aegis of new coach Trent Miles, have finished the 2017 season 6-5 in the Sun Belt Conference, and will be facing the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday in a game that should be a great deal of fun, if nothing else.
No, this game won’t be an explosive matchup of defenses like an SEC battle, nor will you see the snappy offenses that the ACC has. This game will still have a great deal to offer fans of both teams.
Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s 2017 AutoNation Cure Bowl:
Date: Saturday, Dec. 16
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Orlando, Fla.
Venue: Camping World Stadium
TV: CBS
Live Stream: CBSSports
Keys to Victory
Both teams have great passing games, so it will be up to the defenses on both teams to pull off a win here. The Hilltoppers have the better defense and the Panthers have trouble putting pressure on their opponents. Western Kentucky quarterback Mike White has a lethal arm and can really get the ball moving.
This season, White has thrown 3,826 yards, gained 24 touchdowns, and threw for 300 yards or more in the last seven games. The problem that WKU might have is that their running game is nonexistent. Conner Manning, the gunslinger for the Panthers, has a heck of an arm, also.
In addition, Manning has human bullet train Penny Hart as a receiver. Manning will have to watch the errors, but the Panthers and the Hilltoppers can both move the ball in the air. This will be a battle of defenses, and both teams are young and have the energy to make this a great game.
Next: Predicting all 41 bowl games and CFB Playoff
Prediction
Look, if you are looking for brutal, NFL-style offenses and brick wall defensive fronts, you will have to wait for Ohio State and Alabama to play later this season. But if you are like me and just want to get as much football in before the season finishes in January, this game should be a fun one. Expect this game to go down to the final minutes, but I think that WKU will eke out a victory.
Final Score: Western Kentucky 28, Georgia State 20
The first series of postseason games will be anything but boring. Let’s take a look at the bowl game between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the Georgia State Panthers.
Let’s face facts, Georgia State hasn’t exactly been setting the college football world afire in its first few seasons in the FBS. This year, the Panthers, under the aegis of new coach Trent Miles, have finished the 2017 season 6-5 in the Sun Belt Conference, and will be facing the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday in a game that should be a great deal of fun, if nothing else.