UCF to play Arkansas State in the Cure Bowl

UCF fans won't have to go far to support the Knights in their bowl game.

The AutoNation Cure Bowl, played at Orlando's Camping World Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 17, will pit UCF vs. Arkansas State of the Sun Belt Conference. The game will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with television coverage from CBS Sports Network.

Sources confirmed the matchup on Saturday night. The Cure Bowl made the official announcement at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Given the options - Miami Beach Bowl, St. Petersburg Bowl, Boca Raton Bowl and Bahamas Bowl were also in play - UCF officials preferred to play in the Cure Bowl, which helps support cancer research and also would provide the best opportunity for strong fan support. The director of the bowl is Alan Gooch, a UCF Hall of Famer who is a former player and coach.

Getting the Knights is also a boon to the Cure Bowl, which struggled to sell tickets last year with a matchup of Georgia State and San Jose State.

Arkansas State, the champions of the Sun Belt, have won their league in five of the past six seasons. The Red Wolves (7-5, 7-1 SBC) are coached by Blake Anderson.

Stay tuned to UCF's official site, UCFKnights.com, for information on how to obtain tickets.