What gives me great confidence in the Bobcats in this game is their ability to rally around each other and play as one. They've removed the interim tag from the coach taking over in this bowl game and didn't lose much, if any in the portal. This is a team that's embracing the bowl game and that'll show on the field.

Best to hold off until closer to gametime to see if the hook disappears, seeing as how -3 is preferable. For now, Ohio is the play. The Bobcats know their way around bowls, having won five in a row straight up. They are unbeaten this year as a money line favorite and stand 9-4 ATS. The departure of both head coaches shrouds the matchup in a degree of uncertainty, but the changes at the top should not affect the Bobcats' stellar rush defense (ranked fifth in fewest yards allowed, 10th per carry). It is equipped to slow down Jax State's second-ranked run offense. If one side suffers from an interim head coach taking over, it could be Jax State without its imposing overlord, Rich Rodriguez.

Winners of the MAC Championship Game, Ohio has won and covered in six straight games. The school has also won five straight bowl games, though long time coach Tim Albin left for Charlotte prior to this contest. During their current winning streak, the Bobcats have averaged 38 points per game. They also have the fifth best rushing defense in the country (95.8 yards per game). Jacksonville State had a heck of a season under Rich Rodriguez (off to West Virginia) but I think they're no match for the red hot Bobcats in this one. Ohio 35, Jacksonville State 20.