College football bowling games hit every now and then and this seems to be the case for this year’s Cure Bowl, which ends a series of three bowling games on Saturday with a big fight. This season’s Cure Bowl features number 12, Coastal Carolina and Liberty, which are having years of break from commodity coaches.
The Chanticleers are trying to end an undefeated season that once featured a Sun Belt co-championship with Louisiana, since the game was canceled due to COVID-19. They also beat Louisiana early in the 30-27 season. Coastal also played in one of the most fun games of the 2020 season – a last-minute scheduling deal with BYU, which won dramatically by 22-17. For his efforts, coach Jamey Chadwell attracted some interest from the Power Five in this training cycle, but chose to stay with Coastal Carolina.
Liberty is also enjoying its best season since joining FBS, and this will be the show’s second bowl trip. Like Chadwell, Liberty coach Hugh Freeze has been a focal point for some SEC vacancies in this training cycle, but he remains with Flames. The interest is understandable. Liberty’s attack is in the top 20 in points per game and yards per game. Quarterback Malik Willis, a transfer from Auburn, has been one of the most electrifying game makers in the country.
This is a fun match with potential for many points. So take care of your post-natal college football needs with this Orlando showdown. See how to watch the game and the following stories.
Storylines
Coastal Carolina: The attack by the Chanticleers received greater prominence this year because of the team’s success. Although freshman redshirt quarterback Grayson McCall is the biggest name – he will end the year as the best passer in the Sun Belt – the amount of options and disoriented looks this group shows is what makes it so difficult to defend. Coastal is among the top 10 in the country, with 29 running touchdowns. Only Georgia Southern ran the ball more effectively outside the Solar Belt in the regular season. Four players, including McCall, have averaged at least seven attempts per game. The decision to beat the clock against BYU was a big reason why she managed to win. But there are also weapons in the pass game. Receiver Jaivon Heiligh leads all pass pickers with 820 yards and 10 touchdowns. Tight end Isaiah It is probably a name to watch, too, especially as an NFL candidate.
Freedom: As mentioned above, Willis is an ace for Flames’ attack. He is just out of the top 10 nationally in total yards per game (316.3) and is expected to exceed 3,000 total yards for the season. What Freeze did to him in one season after being out in 2019 due to the NCAA transfer rules was remarkable. Flames are good at spreading the ball, and in doing so, there is a remarkable amount of efficiency and explosiveness – Liberty is tied with Clemson in 14th place nationally in yards per move and ninth in plays of at least 30 yards.
View information
Games: Cure bowl
Meeting: Saturday, December 26 | Time: 7:30 pm ET
Location: Camping World Stadium – Orlando, Florida
TV: ESPN | Live broadcast: fuboTV (try for free)
Cure Bowl prediction, choices
Most recent odds:
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers -7
With so much love about these two offenses, it would be easy to think about hitting the 59.5 over. This may pay off, but Coastal’s approach to defeating BYU may also appear here. Liberty has an explosive attack and the best way to keep it aside is to slow down the game. Chanticleers have been great at controlling the scrimmage line and this gives them a direct advantage. But Willis and some important moves can keep this thing within a touchdown and a two-point conversion. Choose: Liberty +7.5 | Coastal Carolina 31, Liberty 27