The Panthers football program played the San Jose State Spartans in the inaugural Cure Bowl in only six years after the team played its first season.
The atmosphere stood with the most hostile Georgia State crowds of the season, as Panther fans made the six and a half hour drive from the Georgia Dome to Orlando, Florida.
The first half appeared as if both schools were shaking off the anxiety of the big game. The Spartans threatened to strike the first touchdown of the game before being held to a field goal. Shortly after that score, with 8:55 to go in the half, Spartan star running back Tyler Ervin returned a punt for 84-yard touchdown to give San Jose State a 10-0 lead.