The 10th annual Cure Bowl has become an annual tradition in Orlando, Florida as they host the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (9-4) and the Ohio Bobcats (10-3) on Friday. The Bobcats are champions of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) while JSU won Conference USA (CUSA ) in their second year of membership. As these two champions battle, it’s cancer research that wins as they raise awareness and funds for this game with a cause.

Ohio Quarterback Parker Navarro’s return to Orlando is another homecoming in the local news. While UCF Knights fans are currently buzzing about the re-hiring of head coach Scott Frost, the Ohio transfer played for his freshman year at UCF under previous head coach Gus Malzahn. He now enters “The City Beautiful” to lead an offense that averages over 29 points a game with the MAC’s highest yards per attempt in rushing (6.4) and passing (8.1) while also having the most rushing touchdowns in the conference (15). Navarro finished 2024 completing 176 of his 267 passes for nearly 66% for 2,169 yards passing while throwing 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as well as running for 935 yards on 145 carries.

His running back, Anthony “Tre” Tyus III also takes the field as someone tied to the game’s cause having recently lost his sister to cancer. “You never know if someone has cancer or if they know someone who is going through that. We have a lot of bowls, but this one — it’s a great cause for the people who struggle on a day-to-day basis . . .” His chance to add to his conference-leading 1,111 yards on the ground so far this season on 211 carries in her honor is a unique opportunity for him to pay tribute.

The Bobcats also have an all-conference wide receiver Coleman Owen who has hauled in 67 catches with 1,105 yards.

While Navarro’s passing numbers indicate a passer who could turn the ball over if pressured, Jackson State’s ability to apply that pressure will be reduced with defensive end Reginald Hughes hitting the transfer portal. As a transfer out of Ole Miss, Hughes turned in 82 total tackles in 2024 at JSU as the team’s third-highest while posting 10 for a loss tying for the team lead as well as posting a team-high 4.5 sacks.

Gamecocks interim head coach Rod Smith (stepping in for Rich Rodriguez who took a head coaching job with the Big 12 conference’s West Virginia Mountaineers) addressed Hughes by demonstrating confidence in his guys. “We’ve had a long-standing rule per se on our team that we only talk about the players that are with us. [Hughes] decided to move on and I wish him the best of luck and hope he gets to all of his endeavors fulfilled, but at the same time to me, I want to honor the kids that are here, that are with us. Guys like [linebacker] Laletia Hale and [defensive end] Curly Young, those guys will step up and be ready to play in his place.”

The other edge rusher, J-Rock Swain, has 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, with a forced fumble on the year to provide some additional punch as well as Hale who leads the CUSA in forced fumbles with three. In support, the secondary features cornerback Jabari Mack who leads the conference in passes defended with 11 with two other defensive backs (cornerback Zechariah Poyser and Geimere Latimer) who each have three interceptions.

But even if JSU’s 75th-ranked defense in points allowed should falter, there’s a saying that sometimes the best defense is a good offense. That’s where their 12th-ranked offense in the nation in scoring may even things up.

They have the CUSA Player of the Year, Tyler Huff at quarterback. Like Navaro, Huff has posted his conference’s best yards per attempt passing (8.4) and rushing (6.2) but also boasts the conference’s best yards per catch (13.9). He’s completed 157 of his 259 passes for 60% for 2,179 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions as well as 1,343 ground yards on 215 carries and a conference-high 23 rushing touchdowns. He’s supported by the conference’s best rusher Tre Stewart who posted 1,604 yards on 264 carries.

Bobcats interim head coach Brian Smith (filling in for Tim Aldin who accepted a job with the Charlotte 49ers of the American Athletic Conference) praises the Gamecocks offense, “Definitely one of the more dynamic. I know their quarterback is extremely special and makes a lot of things go for them. They’re very explosive, they can play at a high tempo and create some problems but absolutely a very formidable opponent and a very talented group”

However, Ohio’s defense is 11th in the nation in points allowed led by First Team All-MAC defensive end Bradley Weaver who posted 14 tackles for loss with eight sacks andwill put up quite a challenge up front. Linebacker Shay Taylor has stats all over the field with three sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and an interception returned for a touchdown.

The Bobcat secondary features cornerback Tanks Wilson who has recorded four interceptions and six passes defended while cornerback Roman Parodie has a team-leading 10 passes defended with a pick.

Whether it’s Jackson State becoming the first program to win both of its bowl games in its first two years of eligibility or Ohio winning its six consecutive bowl, this game is about more than football — it’s about battling cancer. Together — we can tackle this!!!!

This article is written in memory of “Doctor” Jerome Griffin and James Kristian Nash.