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Appalachian State and Miami (Ohio) Set to Play in the 2023 Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl

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Alan Gooch, Orlando Sports Foundation CEO and Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl Executive Director, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Sunday, December 3, 2023. J Willie David, III / Florida National News

ORLANDO, FL – ESPN Events and the Orlando Sports Foundation (OSF) announced on Sunday that the 2023 Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl will be between Appalachian State and Miami (Ohio) at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Kickoff in Orlando, Florida, for the ninth-annual contest and is set for Saturday, Dec. 16, at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC with a simulcast on ESPN+.

 

“On behalf of the Orlando Sports Foundation, we are honored to welcome Appalachian State and Miami (Ohio) to the Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl,” said Alan Gooch, Orlando Sports Foundation CEO and Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl Executive Director. “Gameday is going to be special as college football fans, cancer survivors and supporters, both team’s bands and the Orlando Community come together for the Owens Corning March 2Cure before heading to FBC Mortgage Stadium to watch the Mountaineers compete against RedHawks.”

 

Miami (Ohio) (11-2, 7-1 Mid-American) is making its 15th bowl appearance, while Appalachian State (8-5, 6-2 Sun Belt) is heading to its eighth bowl game.

“The Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl’s mission has always been about bringing teams together to find a cure for cancer,” said Orlando Sports Foundation President Alan Hair. “Appalachian State and Miami (Ohio) will carry on our tradition of raising awareness for cancer research.”

 

The Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl, one of 17 college football bowl games owned and operated by ESPN Events, is one of many fundraising events hosted by the Orlando Sports Foundation that supports the cancer research. Over $4.1 million has been raised since 2015. Local Orlando researcher Dr. Annette Khaled at the UCF College of Medicine has received $1.6 million from the funds donated.

Tickets start at $35 and are currently on sale at CureBowl.com.

 

The Owens Corning March 2 Cure is a pregame block party starting at 1:00 p.m. at Burger U. The event will be highlighted by a cancer tribute march featuring the team bands, dignitaries, cancer survivors, cancer supporters and the Orlando community walking together to FBC Mortgage Stadium.

 

APPALACHIAN STATE MOUNTAINEERS (8-5, 6-2 SUN BELT)

  • Appalachian State captured the Sun Belt East Division with 6-2 league mark, but fell in the Sun Belt Championship game to Troy, 49-23, on Dec 2.
  • The Mountaineers’ signature win this season came on Nov. 18, upsetting No. 18 James Madison, 26-23 OT, with the program’s first victory against an opponent with a 10-0 or better record. It was the third ranked win for the Mountaineers under the guidance of head coach Shawn Clark – No. 6 Texas A&M (17-14, 2022) and No. 14 Coastal Carolina (30-27, 2021).
  • Quarterback Joey Aguilar, Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year, leads the high-powered Appalachian State offense by going 275-of-428 for 3,546 yards, ranking ninth nationally, and 33 touchdowns, ranking third nationally. The receiving tandem of Kaedin Robinson (10) and Christian Horn (6) have hauled in 16 touchdowns, while accumulating 787 yards and 544 yards, respectively.
  • The ground game is led by Nate Noel with 834 yards and five touchdowns. Kanye Roberts has added 648 yards on the ground and seven touchdowns.
  • The Mountaineers’ defense is paced by Andrew Parker Jr and Nick Ross with 108 and 95 tackles, respectively. A team-best 7.5 sacks have been recorded by Nate Johnson, while four interceptions each have been caught by Tyrek Funderburk and Jordan Favos.
  • Head coach Shawn Clark is in his fourth season guiding the Mountaineers

“Orlando is a great destination for the App State football team and our passionate Mountaineer fan base. Thank you to Alan Gooch and his team for the invitation. We are thrilled to represent Appalachian State University and the Sun Belt Conference in the Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl.”

– Doug Gillin, Appalachian State Director of Athletics

“We are excited play in the Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl against Miami, Ohio. Our team kept digging all season. We have battled through adversity and won the Sun Belt East division. We will be proud to travel to Orlando and represent our university and one of the best conferences in America.”

– Shawn Clark, Appalachian State Head Coach

MIAMI (OHIO) REDHAWKS (11-2, 7-1 MID-AMERICAN)

  • Miami (Ohio) captured the MAC Championship Game with a 23-14 victory over No. 23 Toledo on Dec. 2. Rashad Amos rushed for two touchdowns and 74 yards, while quarterback Aveon Smith totaled 99 yards on the ground and 109 yards through the air.
  • The RedHawks are appearing in a bowl game for the seventh time in the last eight seasons.
  • This is the first time Miami (Ohio) has won 11 games in a season, since NFL Future Hall of Fame Quarter back Ben Roethlisberger took snaps for Maimi (Ohio) in 2003 (13-1).
  • Miami and James Madison are the only schools in the country with six road wins this season. The RedHawks are 6-1 on the road this year with their only loss coming in week one at Miami (Fla.).
  • Matt Salopek was named MAC Defensive Player of the Year and Graham Nicholson came away with MAC Special Teams Player of the Year honors. Salopek is the first RedHawks player to earn Defensive Player of the Year, since Quinten Rollins did so in 2014. Nicholson, a Lou Groza Award finalist, is 26-of-27 on field goals this season.
  • Running back Rashad Amos leads the RedHawks with 895 yards and 12 touchdowns, while quarterback Aveon Smith has gone 48-for-96 for 638 yards and two touchdowns.
  • The RedHawks leading receiver is Gage Larvadain with 643 yards and six touchdowns.
  • The pair of Matt Salopek and Ty Wise pace the Miami (Ohio) defense with 134 and 110 tackles, respectively. A team-best 9.5 sacks has been tallied 9.5 sacks, while Yahsyn McKee has grabbed three interceptions.
  • Head coach Chuck Martin is in his 10th season guiding the RedHawks.

“We are honored to be selected to play in the Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl. This is a great reward for our players and coaches who have put in so much work and effort during this incredible MAC Championship season.”

– David Sayler, Miami (Ohio) Director of Athletics

“I want to thank the Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl for the invite and look forward to competing against a strong program in Appalachian State. The Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl is the perfect way to celebrate everything we have accomplished in 2023.”

– Chuck Martin, Miami (Ohio) Head Coach

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Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Announce $20 Tickets, $2–$7 Concessions for Home Games

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New affordability options include ticket offers, merchandise deals and select concessions at Kia Center.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic announced new affordability options Wednesday, including $20 ticket offers, select concessions priced from $2 to $7 and merchandise starting at $15, aimed at making home games more accessible to fans.

The initiative includes monthly ticket promotions, community ticket programs, designated concession value menus and retail deals at Kia Center.

“Making Magic games accessible to every fan has always been a priority for our organization, and this season we worked closely with the DeVos family to build on that commitment,” said Charlie Freeman, the Magic’s president of business operations.

$20 Ticket Offers and Community Programs

The Magic’s Monthly Steals Program will offer $20 ticket options for every home game, with offers released on the first of each month.

The team also will offer group ticket options, including complimentary tickets through the Jr. Magic and Honor Roll programs. Discounted tickets will be available to Orange County Public Schools staff and through OneBlood donations.

Fans can find more information at OrlandoMagic.com/MonthlySteals or by calling 407-89-MAGIC.

Concession Value Menu Features Items From $2 to $7

The Fan Favorites Value Menu will be available at Slam Dunk in Section 115 and Flavors of Orlando in Section 218.

Select food and beverage items will cost between $2 and $7. Options include hot dogs, pretzel bites, popcorn, nachos, cookies, chips, bottled water, soda and beer.

“From affordable ticket and concession options to retail merchandise deals, we want to make sure a Magic game remains within reach for families across our community,” Freeman said.

Merchandise Deals Start at $15

The Magic will offer an item of the game at every home game, with merchandise starting at $15.

Weekly deals at the Magic Authentics team shop at Kia Center also will feature a $15 hat or T-shirt. The team’s Eighty9 Collection, an affordable private-label merchandise line, will be available in the shop at each game.

SunRail Partnership Supports Game-Day Transportation

The Magic said they will continue working with SunRail to ensure trains operate after weeknight home games, allowing fans to ride free with a game ticket.

According to the announcement, SunRail serves 17 stations across Central Florida, including locations in DeLand and DeBary, and provides access near Kia Center.

Keeping Games Within Reach for Fans

Freeman said the affordability initiative reflects the ownership group’s commitment to maintaining access as the team grows.

“The DeVos family ownership has been clear that growth on the court should go hand-in-hand with keeping this experience affordable for the fans who support us every night,” he said.

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Central Florida News

Buccaneers’ Todd Bowles Backs Jalon Daniels Ahead of First NFL Start Against Packers

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Todd Bowles wears a red Buccaneers cap and dark team shirt while speaking into an NFL microphone against a red Buccaneers and Raymond James backdrop.

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles expressed confidence in quarterback Jalon Daniels after Wednesday’s practice, emphasizing preparation, improved pass protection and accountability as the team seeks its first victory of the season against the Green Bay Packers.

Daniels is preparing for his first NFL start, with Tampa Bay trying to avoid an 0-4 start. Bowles said the quarterback’s responsibility is to execute the offense while his teammates and coaches fulfill their own assignments.

“For us, it’s just trying to get a win,” Bowles said. “Everybody has to do their job.”

Daniels’ preparation and decision-making take priority

Bowles said film study and mental preparation will be central to Daniels’ readiness. He encouraged the quarterback to trust his experience and avoid trying to do too much.

The coaching staff is evaluating which elements of the game plan Daniels handles most comfortably. Bowles said veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield’s experience allows him to manage more checks, audibles and offensive adjustments.

“We’ve just got to make sure Jalon is comfortable with the things we give him,” Bowles said.

Although Daniels can extend plays outside the pocket, Bowles said his intelligence and pocket performance earned him a place on the roster.

“His intelligence and his pocket play is what got him on the team,” he said.

Bowles also dismissed the suggestion that entering the season with Daniels as the backup quarterback was a risk.

“He earned it, and he beat [the others] out fair and square,” Bowles said.

Pass protection needs improvement

Bowles said correcting pass protection requires contributions from both the offensive line and running backs. He identified communication, fundamentals and footwork as areas needing attention.

“The communication has got to be better,” he said.

Bowles confirmed that the team has adjusted aspects of its practice routine but declined to explain the changes.

He also said the coaching staff has discussed increasing running back Sean Tucker’s involvement.

“He definitely needs to run the ball a little bit more,” Bowles said.

Diaby, Bain among injury concerns

Bowles expressed optimism about outside linebacker Yaya Diaby, who is dealing with a calf injury, while saying outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr.’s status remains uncertain.

“Yaya, we think, will be okay,” Bowles said. “Rueben, we’re still trying to decide, and we’ll see at the end of the week where he is.”

Bowles said Bain’s shoulder remains a concern.

Defensive lineman Rakeem Nuñez-Roches sustained a foot injury during stretching before putting on his uniform, according to Bowles.

Linebacker Josiah Trotter participated fully in Wednesday’s practice. Bowles said he would have a better assessment after Thursday’s practice in shoulder pads.

Packers present an explosive offensive challenge

Bowles praised Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love’s accuracy and command of the offense. He also highlighted tight end Tucker Kraft and the speed of receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden.

“Then, [Love] puts the ball on a dime,” Bowles said. “He knows how to get rid of it, and he understands the offense very well.”

Potential changes along Green Bay’s offensive line will require adjustments, Bowles said, but Tampa Bay’s defenders must remain focused on their assignments and technique.

Defense shows progress

Bowles said Tampa Bay’s defense performed significantly better against Minnesota than it did during the first two weeks.

He praised defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson’s leadership, energy and tenacity, and said linebacker Alex Anzalone played well against the Vikings.

Outside linebacker David Walker has earned additional defensive snaps, Bowles said. The coaching staff also is working to expand safety Antoine Winfield Jr.’s role.

“We haven’t put in everything to access all his talents, and we’re working on that right now,” Bowles said.

Veteran leadership essential to a turnaround

Bowles described Sunday’s game as critical and said overcoming a difficult start requires mental toughness, veteran leadership and unity.

“You have some veterans that step up, and you stay the course and you stay together and you don’t point fingers,” he said. “Those are the teams that come out of it.”

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Central Florida News

USF Saves Its Best Work for the Fourth in 14-6 Win Over Bowling Green

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The Bulls erase a six-point deficit and leave Ohio 4-0 for the first time since 2018.

The Bulls erase a six-point deficit and leave Ohio 4-0 for the first time since 2018.

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (FNN SPORTS) — The first three quarters belonged to a low-scoring game. The fourth belonged to South Florida.

Bowling Green entered the final quarter ahead 6-0, but USF’s defense had kept the margin small enough for one possession to change the direction of the game. Three quiet quarters did not decide this one. The final quarter did.

That opportunity came after a fourth-down stop near midfield.

USF Head Coach Brian Hartline reviewing play. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News.

D.J. Crowther helped move the Bulls downfield, and Luke Kromenhoek finished the possession with a two-yard touchdown run to put USF ahead 7-6.

Crowther was back at the center of the next scoring drive, ending a 72-yard possession with a one-yard touchdown. He finished the afternoon with 143 rushing yards on 23 carries.

Bowling Green’s final drive reached USF territory, but Asani Redwood recorded a late sack before the Falcons came up two yards short on fourth-and-16.

USF walked away with the 14-6 win and its first 4-0 start since 2018.

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