Arkansas State vs. Central Florida

CURE BOWL - One of the most amazing stats in the Bowl season revolves around this Central Florida team. Since 2002, no team has gone from winless to a Bowl game, except Central Florida. Not only that, they have done it twice. It has been a tremendous turnaround for the Knights. They also have been rewarded by playing this one in their home stadium. Arkansas State certainly looked like an unlikely Bowl candidate themselves, starting the season 0-4 both SU and ATS. The biggest reason why Central Florida is here is their defense that went from allowing an unthinkable 37.1 points per game last season to 24.1 ppg this year. They struggled against the huge offenses or power-5 conferences they faced, allowing 215 points in five games vs. Maryland, Michigan, Houston, Tulsa, and South Florida, or 43 pg. Against more reasonable competition, more like what they will see here, they allowed a stingy 94 points in seven games, or 13.4 ppg. Arkansas State allowed just 96 total points in their last seven games, or 13.8 ppg. These teams can play solid "D" against the type of competition that is not elite on offense. Play this one to finish UNDER.